Uploads from Holdfast Alaska

Currently Playing: Stocking Up for Alaska's Long Winter

The last run of salmon has reached the fish wheel, and it's time to put up as much food for winter as we can before the season comes to an end. We saddled the horses and packed down to the river, where we processed our morning catch and cooked breakfast over an open fire. On the ride home, the forest was suddenly alive with mushrooms. It was time to gather those for winter too, and before long we had pounds of Hawks Wing, boletes, and puffballs to bring home for drying. Back at the homestead, the smoker was running once again. This batch of salmon was brined with our homemade birch syrup from this spring before being smoked and pressure canned for the pantry. We saved the roe and rich salmon bellies for jerky, while the carcasses were set out to dry for the dogs—making use of every part of the harvest. For dinner, we enjoyed a slow-simmered moose roast cooked in homemade caribou bone broth with fresh garden herbs, served alongside wild mushrooms and garden greens. Lena and I also made a homemade fermented fireweed soda using flowers gathered from around the homestead. By the end of the season, the fish wheel had provided us with a couple hundred salmon. About half were shared with others, leaving us grateful for the harvest, though it still isn't enough to carry us through the entire winter. With salmon season behind us, our focus now turns to the next essential task: a successful moose hunt! Thank you for following our life on the last frontier! -Dennis, Amy & Lena End Music By: @HawkenHorse, who wrote us "Holdfast". Frontier music and history. Become a Channel Member for exclusive videos, sneak peaks, and behind the scenes. Get in Touch with Us: Westerlind Family P.O Box 906, Slana, AK 99586 We are also on Instagram @holdfastalaska Help support the homestead if you wish: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6B2249KCY6STE