Uploads from Holdfast Alaska

Currently Playing: Living Off The Land in Alaska's Copper River Basin

Happy 4th of July- and Happy 250th Independence Day! The salmon are running, the fish wheel is turning, and the first wild mushrooms are beginning to emerge. Alaska's stocking-up season is short, so every day counts. We pulled a nice haul of salmon from the fish wheel to put away for winter, then headed into the woods in search of one of our favorite seasonal harvests—morel mushrooms. Their season is brief, so we gathered everything we could, ending the day with nearly 40 pounds (four 5-gallon buckets) to dry and store for the months ahead. Arnica is also in bloom, another homestead favorite. We use these bright yellow flowers to make infused oils and salves for bumps, bruises, sore muscles, and everyday aches. We gathered a good supply and will share how we make our potent arnica remedies in a future video! Back at the homestead, we fired up the smoker for a batch of birch- and spruce tip syrup-brined Chinook salmon. We also made fresh king salmon caviar—one of our favorite treats, served on sourdough crackers with homemade goat cheese. After spending a little time working with the pack horses, we headed back to the cabin just ahead of a thunderstorm. Dinner was king salmon and roe patties topped with goat cheese, alongside morels sautéed with fresh herbs from the garden. The garden finally went in too—planted at midnight after long days working on the new fish wheel. We'll share more of that project in an upcoming video! Til next week, -Dennis, Amy & Lena End Music By: @HawkenHorse, who wrote us "Holdfast". Frontier music and history. Become a Channel Member for homestead happenings: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdYB30EoOdp-syCtLF_mTgw/join Get in Touch with Us: Westerlind Family P.O Box 906, Slana, AK 99586 We are also on Instagram & FaceBook @holdfastalaska Support the Homestead if you wish | https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6B2249KCY6STE If you wish to be notified via email for future book releases, merch, or events shoot us a message at: holdfastfarmstead@gmail.com