1
00:00:01,667 --> 00:00:04,300
This is the highest
homestead we've ever rescued.
2
00:00:04,467 --> 00:00:07,868
And the homesteader
is afraid of heights.
3
00:00:08,033 --> 00:00:09,167
The rest of the work is
up there.
4
00:00:10,400 --> 00:00:11,467
I hate heights.
5
00:00:11,634 --> 00:00:12,567
I climb a ladder,
6
00:00:13,567 --> 00:00:14,567
I get real shaky.
7
00:00:16,200 --> 00:00:18,901
That's the most fear
I have right now.
8
00:00:21,367 --> 00:00:23,968
He has the choice
to either face that fear
9
00:00:24,133 --> 00:00:26,901
or let it destroy his dream.
10
00:00:27,067 --> 00:00:28,868
Want a hand, or you got it?
11
00:00:31,367 --> 00:00:34,567
I look up, and the bear starts
walking towards me.
12
00:00:34,734 --> 00:00:36,367
What kind of food is
on the homestead?
13
00:00:36,534 --> 00:00:38,567
Right now, there is next
to nothing.
14
00:00:38,734 --> 00:00:40,467
Oh, my God.
15
00:00:40,634 --> 00:00:42,367
Special delivery!
16
00:00:42,534 --> 00:00:43,400
In a month from now,
17
00:00:43,567 --> 00:00:46,567
they'll be in the throes
of winter.
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00:00:46,734 --> 00:00:48,367
Done, let's go.
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00:00:48,534 --> 00:00:50,100
It's perfect!
Brace it!
20
00:00:50,267 --> 00:00:51,767
We're trying to keep
them from...
21
00:00:51,934 --> 00:00:53,200
Timber!
22
00:00:53,367 --> 00:00:54,767
Everybody get out of the way!
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00:00:57,067 --> 00:00:59,300
...the death throes of winter.
24
00:01:16,968 --> 00:01:18,667
Colorado.
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We're on a road to a homestead
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00:01:20,834 --> 00:01:24,701
at 10,300-foot elevation.
27
00:01:25,701 --> 00:01:28,667
That is an extreme height.
28
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Working's harder,
breathing's harder,
29
00:01:31,334 --> 00:01:34,167
everything you do is
kind of taxing on your body,
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00:01:34,334 --> 00:01:37,400
and winter's right
around the corner.
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00:01:37,567 --> 00:01:44,467
- Who was Henry John
Deutschendorf Jr.?
- No idea.
32
00:01:46,067 --> 00:01:49,868
He came to Colorado,
and inspired by the beauty,
33
00:01:50,033 --> 00:01:54,367
changed his name
to John Denver.
34
00:01:54,534 --> 00:01:56,667
Dude, if my last name
was Deutschendorf,
35
00:01:56,834 --> 00:01:59,100
I would change
my name to Denver, too.
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00:01:59,267 --> 00:02:02,100
Here we go.
37
00:02:03,601 --> 00:02:06,601
In the southernmost sub-range
of the Rocky Mountains,
38
00:02:06,767 --> 00:02:10,200
the Raneys heed
an SOS nearly two miles high.
39
00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:16,267
In the 1820s, settlers
overcame the steep terrain
40
00:02:16,434 --> 00:02:19,100
and predatory wildlife
to turn the region
41
00:02:19,267 --> 00:02:22,801
into a fur trading hub that
supported the expansion West.
42
00:02:23,868 --> 00:02:27,567
Today, only the most
ambitious off-gridders brave
43
00:02:27,734 --> 00:02:31,167
the extreme altitude
and unpredictable weather,
44
00:02:31,334 --> 00:02:34,100
and the unprepared
quickly find out
45
00:02:34,267 --> 00:02:38,067
how unforgiving this
environment can be.
46
00:02:38,234 --> 00:02:40,901
Attempting to realize
their homesteading dream
47
00:02:41,067 --> 00:02:45,200
high above the clouds is
a novice off-grid family
48
00:02:45,367 --> 00:02:47,634
on the edge of survival.
49
00:02:50,100 --> 00:02:52,367
- I'm Joshua Webb.
- And I'm Elizabeth Webb.
50
00:02:52,534 --> 00:02:54,667
And we live two miles high
in the Sangre de Cristo
51
00:02:54,834 --> 00:02:58,200
mountain range in south central
Colorado with our two boys.
52
00:02:58,367 --> 00:03:02,400
The moment my feet hit
the ground on this 10-acre plot,
53
00:03:02,567 --> 00:03:07,400
I knew I was home.
The view is 100% what sold us.
54
00:03:07,567 --> 00:03:10,200
It made us feel like we were
part of this landscape.
55
00:03:10,367 --> 00:03:12,200
But it's extremely inclined.
56
00:03:12,367 --> 00:03:15,467
And so every piece that is flat
has come from blood,
57
00:03:15,634 --> 00:03:18,000
sweat, or dollars in diesel.
58
00:03:18,167 --> 00:03:20,901
We fight for every square inch
to make it livable.
59
00:03:22,367 --> 00:03:25,100
After two years
of struggling to establish
60
00:03:25,267 --> 00:03:27,901
critical essentials
like food, water,
61
00:03:28,067 --> 00:03:32,501
and reliable access in the thin
air at extreme elevation,
62
00:03:32,667 --> 00:03:37,200
Joshua and Elizabeth have
reached a breaking point.
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00:03:37,367 --> 00:03:39,767
We didn't realize
how much effect the elevation
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00:03:39,934 --> 00:03:41,701
was really gonna have.
65
00:03:44,167 --> 00:03:46,601
Right at the beginning
of October, we get snow,
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00:03:46,767 --> 00:03:51,100
and it often doesn't melt.
And it piles on and on and on.
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00:03:51,267 --> 00:03:52,667
And we get snowed in
in the winter.
68
00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:57,267
Our first winter was
really hard.
69
00:03:57,434 --> 00:03:59,267
We were relying
on grocery stores.
70
00:03:59,434 --> 00:04:03,000
And so I started canning
because food is at a premium.
71
00:04:03,167 --> 00:04:05,767
I was concerned
with our preparedness.
72
00:04:05,934 --> 00:04:08,000
But we always needed more.
73
00:04:08,167 --> 00:04:09,567
And I would tell myself,
"It's OK.
74
00:04:09,734 --> 00:04:11,868
"It's just my first time.
I didn't know.
75
00:04:12,033 --> 00:04:13,567
I'm just gonna learn stuff."
76
00:04:13,734 --> 00:04:14,868
And then the next winter,
77
00:04:15,033 --> 00:04:18,000
the problems we had were
more severe.
78
00:04:18,167 --> 00:04:20,267
We struggle
to have enough food.
79
00:04:20,434 --> 00:04:22,901
So we got chickens,
but the lack of oxygen,
80
00:04:23,067 --> 00:04:26,467
it makes it difficult for us
to be able to hatch chicks
81
00:04:26,634 --> 00:04:29,100
because there's not enough
oxygen to penetrate their shell
82
00:04:29,267 --> 00:04:30,367
as they're developing.
83
00:04:32,167 --> 00:04:34,501
The nearest well to us
on the registry is over
84
00:04:34,667 --> 00:04:36,267
a thousand feet down.
85
00:04:36,434 --> 00:04:38,868
And with the price
of drilling per foot,
86
00:04:39,033 --> 00:04:41,701
that makes it just
out of our ability.
87
00:04:41,868 --> 00:04:44,467
So every drop of water that
we have on this homestead,
88
00:04:44,634 --> 00:04:47,601
I bring up with our truck
and trailer.
89
00:04:47,767 --> 00:04:50,868
Hauling water is expensive,
time-consuming,
90
00:04:51,033 --> 00:04:52,667
and not reliable.
91
00:04:52,834 --> 00:04:54,767
When we're up here
and our cisterns are full,
92
00:04:54,934 --> 00:04:57,100
everything's fine,
but when the snow hits and I can
93
00:04:57,267 --> 00:05:00,100
no longer drag that amount
of weight up the mountain,
94
00:05:00,267 --> 00:05:02,267
the water we have is
the water we have.
95
00:05:02,434 --> 00:05:05,667
I've had to go out
with pots, digging up snow,
96
00:05:05,834 --> 00:05:08,400
bringing it inside, setting
it on top of our fireplace
97
00:05:08,567 --> 00:05:09,901
just to get enough water.
98
00:05:11,067 --> 00:05:14,067
With winter less
than five weeks away,
99
00:05:14,234 --> 00:05:16,000
the Webb family
finds themselves
100
00:05:16,167 --> 00:05:19,167
in a do-or-die predicament.
101
00:05:19,334 --> 00:05:23,467
We are not in a position
to go through another winter
102
00:05:23,634 --> 00:05:25,667
with the problems
we've been having.
103
00:05:25,834 --> 00:05:29,100
Leaving the property would
mean everything we've invested
104
00:05:29,267 --> 00:05:32,901
over the last two years
would be lost.
105
00:05:33,067 --> 00:05:34,300
I don't even know
what we would do.
106
00:05:35,467 --> 00:05:37,167
Raneys, we desperately
need your help.
107
00:05:41,167 --> 00:05:42,300
- Hello.
- Hello.
108
00:05:42,467 --> 00:05:45,067
- How you guys doing?
- I'm Joshua.
109
00:05:45,234 --> 00:05:46,501
- Joshua.
- Elizabeth.
110
00:05:46,667 --> 00:05:47,801
- Elizabeth.
- Josh.
111
00:05:47,968 --> 00:05:48,968
- Josh?
- Yeah.
112
00:05:49,133 --> 00:05:50,066
- And?
- Ronnie.
113
00:05:50,067 --> 00:05:51,767
Ronnie,
nice to meet you all.
114
00:05:51,934 --> 00:05:55,667
- You've picked a tough
place to homestead.
- Right.
115
00:05:55,834 --> 00:05:57,200
How many acres is
this property?
116
00:05:57,367 --> 00:06:00,167
- It's a ten-acre property.
- Ten acres, all right.
117
00:06:00,334 --> 00:06:02,667
- So how's it been going?
- Rough.
118
00:06:02,834 --> 00:06:05,167
- And why?
- You try to prepare,
119
00:06:05,334 --> 00:06:08,367
but it's just been problem
after problem.
120
00:06:10,000 --> 00:06:12,167
We moved out here
about two years ago.
121
00:06:12,334 --> 00:06:13,901
We lived in Houston, Texas.
122
00:06:14,067 --> 00:06:17,567
I was a community
developer coaching people
123
00:06:17,734 --> 00:06:19,267
on how to start businesses.
124
00:06:19,434 --> 00:06:21,067
I was teaching
harp students,
125
00:06:21,234 --> 00:06:22,968
playing for weddings and events.
126
00:06:23,133 --> 00:06:24,667
So I was just constantly
in the car
127
00:06:25,667 --> 00:06:27,868
in that Houston traffic.
128
00:06:28,033 --> 00:06:30,667
And I didn't like it at all,
but I felt trapped.
129
00:06:30,834 --> 00:06:34,467
We decided to leave Houston
when I had just recently lost
130
00:06:34,634 --> 00:06:37,567
an entire business that
I had formed.
131
00:06:37,734 --> 00:06:41,367
When that happened,
I had a change in me
132
00:06:41,534 --> 00:06:44,200
about what life was
supposed to be.
133
00:06:44,367 --> 00:06:46,667
And it became less
about quantity
134
00:06:46,834 --> 00:06:48,000
and more about quality.
135
00:06:48,167 --> 00:06:49,767
And that brought me
to homesteading.
136
00:06:51,067 --> 00:06:54,200
Six months ago,
the young family experienced
137
00:06:54,367 --> 00:06:57,100
another big life change
with a welcomed,
138
00:06:57,267 --> 00:06:59,267
though unexpected, addition.
139
00:06:59,434 --> 00:07:01,467
We met a young boy named Josh.
140
00:07:01,634 --> 00:07:03,400
He was living with
his grandmother here
141
00:07:03,567 --> 00:07:04,767
in the Valley.
142
00:07:04,934 --> 00:07:07,367
And we began
to grow closer to him.
143
00:07:07,534 --> 00:07:10,567
And when we found out his life
experiences haven't all been
144
00:07:11,567 --> 00:07:12,868
what they should have been.
145
00:07:13,033 --> 00:07:16,601
It became very clear to us
that he needed our help
146
00:07:16,767 --> 00:07:20,467
and so we asked if he could
come stay with us full-time.
147
00:07:20,634 --> 00:07:22,801
This summer,
we got legal guardianship of him
148
00:07:22,968 --> 00:07:25,100
so that we can raise him
and have him be part
149
00:07:25,267 --> 00:07:26,868
of our family.
150
00:07:27,033 --> 00:07:31,100
I always wanted to be a mom,
but after 13 years of marriage,
151
00:07:31,267 --> 00:07:33,567
trying to get pregnant
unsuccessfully,
152
00:07:33,734 --> 00:07:38,267
it wasn't in the cards,
and that was always really hard.
153
00:07:39,400 --> 00:07:42,000
And so that fills
a hole in my heart
154
00:07:42,167 --> 00:07:44,300
that I've had for a long time.
155
00:07:44,467 --> 00:07:47,501
It wasn't too long after
Josh came to us that
156
00:07:47,667 --> 00:07:51,200
his brother Ronnie visited
and found himself
157
00:07:51,367 --> 00:07:52,767
really liking being up here.
158
00:07:52,934 --> 00:07:54,667
And so he stayed with us
159
00:07:54,834 --> 00:07:57,567
and now we've become
this family of four.
160
00:07:57,734 --> 00:08:01,267
Since Ronnie came out here,
it gives us the opportunity
161
00:08:01,434 --> 00:08:03,467
to unite because we're family,
162
00:08:03,634 --> 00:08:06,167
but we haven't been
there for each other.
163
00:08:06,334 --> 00:08:09,567
And that's all I could
ever ask for.
164
00:08:09,734 --> 00:08:12,767
I want these boys to feel
protected, and safe,
165
00:08:12,934 --> 00:08:14,667
and secure, and loved.
166
00:08:14,834 --> 00:08:17,701
And so that makes it
even more important for me,
167
00:08:17,868 --> 00:08:21,300
for my wife, to create something
that isn't just for us,
168
00:08:21,467 --> 00:08:25,567
but it's generational.
Our roots are deep already.
169
00:08:25,734 --> 00:08:27,567
This is our home.
170
00:08:27,734 --> 00:08:30,100
But when all of the tries fail,
171
00:08:30,267 --> 00:08:32,901
it just leaves
you feeling desperate.
172
00:08:35,367 --> 00:08:36,567
What do you call this area?
173
00:08:36,734 --> 00:08:37,901
We call it the household.
174
00:08:38,067 --> 00:08:40,567
This is where we plan
to build our forever home
175
00:08:40,734 --> 00:08:41,901
here on the mountainside.
176
00:08:42,067 --> 00:08:45,367
We've dug it out 75 feet wide
by 50 feet deep.
177
00:08:45,534 --> 00:08:49,267
The whole idea is building
a solid wall of tires around
178
00:08:49,434 --> 00:08:52,200
the periphery of this area
and then erect a metal
179
00:08:52,367 --> 00:08:53,567
structure on the inside.
180
00:08:54,601 --> 00:08:57,400
We joke that we're
on a 15-year build plan.
181
00:08:57,567 --> 00:08:58,767
- I think it's romantic.
- Mm-hmm.
182
00:08:59,767 --> 00:09:03,601
But I'm thinking I could come
here 20 years from now
183
00:09:03,767 --> 00:09:05,167
and not see that building.
184
00:09:06,400 --> 00:09:09,767
These homesteaders
are living in camp trailers,
185
00:09:09,934 --> 00:09:13,367
but their dream is to build
a house out of tires.
186
00:09:13,534 --> 00:09:16,701
The bad news is that
could take a long time.
187
00:09:16,868 --> 00:09:20,667
I'm not sure these homesteaders
fully appreciate the natural
188
00:09:20,834 --> 00:09:25,167
building products that exist
on the homestead today.
189
00:09:25,334 --> 00:09:27,567
When we got here,
it was all about infrastructure,
190
00:09:27,734 --> 00:09:30,968
propane, septic, water.
- Where is the water?
191
00:09:32,868 --> 00:09:34,767
The source
of the water is our cisterns,
192
00:09:34,934 --> 00:09:36,767
all the way up the top
of this hill.
193
00:09:36,934 --> 00:09:37,999
Show me, please.
194
00:09:38,000 --> 00:09:39,667
And we gravity feed
down into the RVs,
195
00:09:39,834 --> 00:09:42,100
to the animals, to pretty
much everything we do.
196
00:09:43,467 --> 00:09:45,501
Oh, boy...
197
00:09:46,767 --> 00:09:50,000
- This is always a rough hill.
- 10,300 feet.
198
00:09:50,167 --> 00:09:51,667
Yep.
Lack of oxygen.
199
00:09:53,200 --> 00:09:55,067
Here they are.
200
00:09:55,234 --> 00:09:57,000
We're hauling the water
from town.
201
00:09:57,167 --> 00:09:59,567
And we drive up with the truck
and trailer right here.
202
00:09:59,734 --> 00:10:01,467
- On the main road.
- On the main road.
203
00:10:01,634 --> 00:10:03,667
We have a two-inch gas
water pump.
204
00:10:03,834 --> 00:10:05,167
And we pump into this.
205
00:10:05,334 --> 00:10:07,701
So how many gallons is
this tank right here?
206
00:10:07,868 --> 00:10:09,467
They're both 1,700 gallons.
207
00:10:09,634 --> 00:10:11,100
3,400 gallons.
208
00:10:11,267 --> 00:10:12,567
- That's good.
- Yeah.
209
00:10:12,734 --> 00:10:14,367
How much water is in here now?
210
00:10:14,534 --> 00:10:16,267
Right now, there is next
to nothing.
211
00:10:17,367 --> 00:10:19,400
- Maybe a few hundred gallons.
- Why? It's-- it's--
212
00:10:19,567 --> 00:10:22,667
The big why is because
our truck transmission is down,
213
00:10:22,834 --> 00:10:24,367
and so we can't haul anything.
214
00:10:24,534 --> 00:10:25,601
So...
215
00:10:25,767 --> 00:10:28,567
let's just say it does snow.
216
00:10:28,734 --> 00:10:30,367
What's the plan to get water?
217
00:10:30,534 --> 00:10:34,000
- from about
December till mid-May,
218
00:10:34,167 --> 00:10:37,467
the roads are not possible
to take that much weight
219
00:10:37,634 --> 00:10:41,000
on a trailer and a truck
up and down the mountain.
220
00:10:41,167 --> 00:10:43,767
So pretty much what
we can get by November,
221
00:10:43,934 --> 00:10:45,267
that has to last us till May.
222
00:10:46,367 --> 00:10:47,667
They're doing their best.
223
00:10:47,834 --> 00:10:50,701
But I'm seeing a long list
of challenges.
224
00:10:51,767 --> 00:10:53,367
They are in trouble.
225
00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:58,167
What is this?
226
00:10:58,334 --> 00:11:01,200
These are tires that
we have been collecting for,
227
00:11:01,367 --> 00:11:04,167
like, retaining walls
to build some kind of a home.
228
00:11:04,334 --> 00:11:05,601
OK.
229
00:11:05,767 --> 00:11:07,467
What kind of food is
on the homestead?
230
00:11:07,634 --> 00:11:10,167
We've got eggs and a little
bit of meat that we're raising,
231
00:11:10,334 --> 00:11:13,567
but we really haven't done
anything with plants yet.
- OK.
232
00:11:13,734 --> 00:11:16,367
Just because of the weather,
because of the soil,
233
00:11:16,534 --> 00:11:19,267
and honestly, I grew up
in the Arizona desert.
234
00:11:19,434 --> 00:11:22,467
I've never been around
anyone who had a garden.
235
00:11:22,634 --> 00:11:24,167
I don't really know
very much about it.
236
00:11:24,334 --> 00:11:27,167
OK, and egg production slows
down in the wintertime, right?
237
00:11:27,334 --> 00:11:29,968
- Yeah.
- So you're coming into a time
238
00:11:30,133 --> 00:11:33,267
where you're getting really
close to having zero food.
239
00:11:34,267 --> 00:11:35,467
Yeah.
240
00:11:35,634 --> 00:11:37,300
How much snow do you get here?
241
00:11:37,467 --> 00:11:39,868
I mean, it-- it piles up
several feet.
242
00:11:40,033 --> 00:11:43,167
One time we had snow
for like 48 hours straight,
243
00:11:43,334 --> 00:11:45,767
and we had like four
or five feet of snow.
- Oh, wow.
244
00:11:45,934 --> 00:11:47,601
- Oh, like a blizzard.
- Yeah.
245
00:11:47,767 --> 00:11:49,300
- Snowed in, trapped.
- Yeah.
246
00:11:49,467 --> 00:11:51,767
- Have you been trapped here?
- Multiple times.
247
00:11:51,934 --> 00:11:54,767
- For how long?
- One time it was a week.
248
00:11:54,934 --> 00:11:56,868
What do you do about food?
249
00:11:57,033 --> 00:11:59,100
We started canning for winter,
250
00:11:59,267 --> 00:12:02,767
but keeping those from freezing
has been hard.
251
00:12:02,934 --> 00:12:06,367
I'd love to be able to get
to a place where we tackle
252
00:12:06,534 --> 00:12:09,501
your food situation as a whole,
especially when you're getting
253
00:12:09,667 --> 00:12:11,901
stranded for weeks at a time.
- Yeah.
254
00:12:12,067 --> 00:12:13,968
Everything at this elevation,
255
00:12:14,133 --> 00:12:16,701
when it comes to weather,
is intensified.
256
00:12:16,868 --> 00:12:18,801
Higher winds,
colder temperatures,
257
00:12:18,968 --> 00:12:21,467
earlier freezes and frosts.
258
00:12:21,634 --> 00:12:25,167
Trying to put in a garden
and have plants survive
259
00:12:25,334 --> 00:12:27,767
in these types
of temperature swings,
260
00:12:27,934 --> 00:12:29,801
it's next to impossible.
261
00:12:34,067 --> 00:12:35,567
What do you got here?
262
00:12:35,734 --> 00:12:37,300
We have our chickens
and rabbits.
263
00:12:38,567 --> 00:12:41,167
This is the chicken coop
where they go in,
264
00:12:41,334 --> 00:12:44,100
do all their nesting
and everything, laying the eggs.
265
00:12:44,267 --> 00:12:47,767
That is our meat supply, just
in case if we get snowed in,
266
00:12:47,934 --> 00:12:50,501
we'll have a source of food.
- This is great.
267
00:12:50,667 --> 00:12:52,367
It looks like
the chickens are happy.
268
00:12:52,534 --> 00:12:54,000
Are you breeding the rabbits?
269
00:12:54,167 --> 00:12:56,901
Yes, we got the mama
rabbit right there, actually.
270
00:12:57,067 --> 00:12:58,400
These are all her babies.
271
00:12:58,567 --> 00:13:01,000
As far as this structure
being predator-proof,
272
00:13:01,167 --> 00:13:04,267
I actually like this because
it doesn't seem like anything's
273
00:13:04,434 --> 00:13:06,467
gonna be able to get inside.
- No, sir.
274
00:13:09,934 --> 00:13:11,501
These-- these are our two pigs.
275
00:13:11,667 --> 00:13:14,567
Do you have any plans
for the winter for these pigs?
276
00:13:14,734 --> 00:13:17,200
They have that for their winter.
277
00:13:17,367 --> 00:13:18,667
That little doghouse?
278
00:13:18,834 --> 00:13:20,099
- Yeah.
- Oh, man.
279
00:13:20,100 --> 00:13:22,567
We tried putting hay
and stuff in there, bedding.
280
00:13:22,734 --> 00:13:23,868
They just ripped it up.
281
00:13:24,033 --> 00:13:24,999
Pigs are pretty hardy,
282
00:13:25,000 --> 00:13:27,601
but the weather is
gonna get pretty cold.
283
00:13:27,767 --> 00:13:30,467
At the very least, these pigs
are gonna need something
284
00:13:30,634 --> 00:13:32,267
to keep them out of the wind.
285
00:13:32,434 --> 00:13:33,601
And this is definitely
not predator-proof.
286
00:13:33,767 --> 00:13:36,200
It-- it-- this is
definitely not.
287
00:13:36,367 --> 00:13:39,200
Right away, when
I saw those two little pigs,
288
00:13:39,367 --> 00:13:42,501
I knew they were
not predator-proofed
289
00:13:42,667 --> 00:13:45,300
and they were not
winter-proofed.
290
00:13:45,467 --> 00:13:47,467
Have you had encounters
with predators?
291
00:13:47,634 --> 00:13:49,801
Yes-- anytime we go outside
during night,
292
00:13:49,968 --> 00:13:51,601
you always bring a gun with you.
- Yeah.
293
00:13:51,767 --> 00:13:54,501
I came outside,
and all I hear is grunting.
294
00:13:54,667 --> 00:13:58,100
I look up, and the bear starts
walking towards me.
295
00:13:58,267 --> 00:13:59,399
Oh, my God!
296
00:13:59,400 --> 00:14:02,567
I was actually about maybe
ten foot from the bear.
297
00:14:02,734 --> 00:14:06,267
He starts creeping towards me,
head down, doing the sway.
298
00:14:06,434 --> 00:14:08,100
- You could hear the grunting.
- Really?
299
00:14:08,267 --> 00:14:10,601
So he was about
to be aggressive.
300
00:14:10,767 --> 00:14:13,100
I grabbed the 12 gauge.
He keeps coming.
301
00:14:13,267 --> 00:14:15,968
Fired off the shot.
He ran, shot him again.
302
00:14:16,133 --> 00:14:17,067
He rolled down the mountain.
303
00:14:18,367 --> 00:14:20,467
I took the action
that I felt needed.
304
00:14:20,634 --> 00:14:23,000
- How big was the bear?
- Uh, he was massive.
305
00:14:23,167 --> 00:14:25,267
- He was at least 500 pounds.
- What?
306
00:14:25,434 --> 00:14:27,367
He-- he was round.
307
00:14:27,534 --> 00:14:30,801
- Man, that's wild.
- Very scary.
308
00:14:30,968 --> 00:14:34,701
Winter is about to hit,
and this is when bears are
309
00:14:34,868 --> 00:14:36,167
about to go hibernate.
310
00:14:36,334 --> 00:14:37,968
So I'm worried
about these little pigs,
311
00:14:38,133 --> 00:14:40,267
and I'm worried
about these homesteaders losing
312
00:14:40,434 --> 00:14:42,300
an important food source.
313
00:14:42,467 --> 00:14:45,300
So we need to protect
the animals from predators
314
00:14:45,467 --> 00:14:46,400
and the elements.
315
00:14:52,000 --> 00:14:55,467
Is it just me
or can you feel the altitude?
316
00:14:55,634 --> 00:14:57,000
It's not just you.
317
00:14:57,167 --> 00:14:59,267
What are we gonna do
about heading
318
00:14:59,434 --> 00:15:02,400
into full-blown wintertime
with homesteaders
319
00:15:02,567 --> 00:15:05,767
that have been trapped and
stranded for days at a time?
320
00:15:05,934 --> 00:15:08,267
'Cause when it comes to food,
water, and shelter,
321
00:15:08,434 --> 00:15:09,601
it's not here.
322
00:15:09,767 --> 00:15:12,267
And when you try
to garden at 10,300 feet,
323
00:15:12,434 --> 00:15:13,868
it's never gonna happen.
324
00:15:14,033 --> 00:15:18,400
They have livestock that is
actually doing pretty good,
325
00:15:18,567 --> 00:15:22,067
but the pigs,
they're just in a little pen
326
00:15:22,234 --> 00:15:23,767
with a fence this high,
327
00:15:23,934 --> 00:15:27,267
and anything can get
in there and get these pigs.
328
00:15:27,434 --> 00:15:30,667
And so they need a place
to survive through the winter.
329
00:15:30,834 --> 00:15:33,200
- Yeah.
- They don't have a house.
330
00:15:33,367 --> 00:15:35,901
They don't have
any means of hauling water.
331
00:15:36,067 --> 00:15:37,366
The truck's broke down.
332
00:15:37,367 --> 00:15:42,868
We've got one week to prepare
them for six months of winter.
333
00:15:43,033 --> 00:15:45,167
But right now, the deck,
334
00:15:45,334 --> 00:15:47,567
the weather, the elements,
all of it...
335
00:15:48,567 --> 00:15:50,167
is stacked against us.
336
00:15:57,567 --> 00:15:59,367
All right, guys.
337
00:15:59,534 --> 00:16:01,701
- What happened?
- Yeah.
338
00:16:01,868 --> 00:16:03,167
The weather here
changes rapidly.
339
00:16:03,334 --> 00:16:05,000
Let's just cut
right to the chase.
340
00:16:06,100 --> 00:16:08,501
The fact that we're looking
at two strapping, not boys,
341
00:16:08,667 --> 00:16:12,667
but young men, is really good
because a lot of work that's
342
00:16:12,834 --> 00:16:14,367
got to get done here...
- Yeah.
343
00:16:14,534 --> 00:16:17,968
...in a week is gonna be
a significant workload.
- Yeah.
344
00:16:18,133 --> 00:16:21,300
That said, we know only
one family that succeeded
345
00:16:21,467 --> 00:16:24,000
at the tire-home house.
- Yeah.
346
00:16:24,167 --> 00:16:27,067
I've never seen anything
like this before, ever.
347
00:16:27,234 --> 00:16:29,167
It's thermal mass.
This is our insulation.
348
00:16:30,467 --> 00:16:32,267
Do you know how many
tires they use to build
349
00:16:32,434 --> 00:16:33,901
an earth house?
- I don't.
350
00:16:34,067 --> 00:16:35,267
30,000.
351
00:16:35,434 --> 00:16:41,000
You guys are about, uh,
29,000 tires short.
352
00:16:42,567 --> 00:16:44,467
So we might have
a further discussion about
353
00:16:44,634 --> 00:16:48,467
what we could do to help you
on this earth house.
354
00:16:48,634 --> 00:16:49,534
- See you in the morning.
- OK.
355
00:16:49,701 --> 00:16:51,267
- I'm bringing a coat tomorrow.
- Yes.
356
00:16:58,367 --> 00:16:59,767
2
357
00:17:02,067 --> 00:17:03,300
Come on over, please.
358
00:17:04,868 --> 00:17:09,100
It's late fall at the Webb
family's 10,300-foot-high
359
00:17:09,267 --> 00:17:10,868
Colorado homestead.
360
00:17:11,033 --> 00:17:13,601
Let's talk about
permanent structures.
361
00:17:13,767 --> 00:17:17,000
And as the first full day
of the rescue begins,
362
00:17:17,167 --> 00:17:20,000
the family's Earthship plans
get a major blow.
363
00:17:21,267 --> 00:17:25,067
I take no joy in sharing
bad news with anyone,
364
00:17:25,234 --> 00:17:27,467
but we just found out...
365
00:17:29,100 --> 00:17:31,901
that...
it's illegal...
366
00:17:33,667 --> 00:17:37,868
to build an Earthship-style
home out of tires
367
00:17:38,033 --> 00:17:39,868
on this mountain
and in this county.
368
00:17:41,801 --> 00:17:43,367
Ever heard that expression,
369
00:17:43,534 --> 00:17:45,968
where the rubber
meets the road?
370
00:17:46,133 --> 00:17:51,000
I just learned you cannot
build a home out of tires
371
00:17:51,167 --> 00:17:53,267
in these beautiful mountains.
372
00:17:53,434 --> 00:17:57,367
The dream of Elizabeth
and Joshua is deflating.
373
00:17:57,534 --> 00:17:59,400
Pretty insane.
374
00:17:59,567 --> 00:18:01,601
That dream is over
as of this second.
375
00:18:03,100 --> 00:18:04,868
So it ain't happening.
376
00:18:05,033 --> 00:18:08,400
So this morning, Marty had
to deliver some news to us
377
00:18:08,567 --> 00:18:11,000
that wasn't fantastic,
probably added a little bit
378
00:18:11,167 --> 00:18:12,667
to my anxiety today.
379
00:18:12,834 --> 00:18:15,000
And you know, it got me
a little freaked out
380
00:18:15,167 --> 00:18:20,267
having to do something else
that's kind of a big thing.
381
00:18:20,434 --> 00:18:22,167
Concrete is legal.
382
00:18:23,267 --> 00:18:26,567
- Building out of wood is legal.
- OK.
383
00:18:26,734 --> 00:18:29,100
And that's what we're gonna do.
OK.
384
00:18:29,267 --> 00:18:34,267
How do you feel about some
type of post-and-beam structure
385
00:18:34,434 --> 00:18:39,667
built out of logs so big
that you could park vehicles
386
00:18:39,834 --> 00:18:41,801
and tools right in it?
387
00:18:41,968 --> 00:18:45,400
It'd be protected by
the elements with a roof system
388
00:18:45,567 --> 00:18:49,601
that could collect water,
a carport,
389
00:18:49,767 --> 00:18:53,267
but a carport so skookum
that it could be converted
390
00:18:53,434 --> 00:18:55,567
into a home.
- Right.
391
00:18:55,734 --> 00:18:56,767
So what do you think?
392
00:18:59,100 --> 00:19:02,367
A homesteader's life is
adapting,
393
00:19:02,534 --> 00:19:04,100
so... it's time to adapt.
394
00:19:06,367 --> 00:19:09,100
On the footprint cleared
for the family's cabin,
395
00:19:09,267 --> 00:19:13,367
Marty and Joshua will erect
a 20-by-50-foot all-purpose
396
00:19:13,534 --> 00:19:16,701
carport complete with a metal
roof catchment system
397
00:19:16,868 --> 00:19:19,801
to protect their vehicles
and tools from the elements
398
00:19:19,968 --> 00:19:23,067
and provide a supplemental
water source.
399
00:19:23,234 --> 00:19:26,167
The structure will be
the framework of a cozy cabin
400
00:19:26,334 --> 00:19:27,868
that will stand
the test of time
401
00:19:28,033 --> 00:19:29,601
once the Webbs close it in.
402
00:19:31,267 --> 00:19:33,200
I'm excited about it,
just the thought of...
403
00:19:34,300 --> 00:19:37,267
the movement forward.
I just want stability.
404
00:19:37,434 --> 00:19:39,000
Honestly, that's all
I'm looking for.
405
00:19:39,167 --> 00:19:40,968
Good answer.
406
00:19:41,133 --> 00:19:43,667
I got a little sad
because we had to switch gears,
407
00:19:43,834 --> 00:19:46,868
but Marty had a solution,
so there was an upswing.
408
00:19:47,033 --> 00:19:49,501
Building with the trees
that we have on property,
409
00:19:49,667 --> 00:19:52,801
it's not only bringing hope,
but it's offering direction.
410
00:19:52,968 --> 00:19:54,968
It will help us get ready
for winter.
411
00:19:55,133 --> 00:19:56,868
- We're losing
time right now.
- Right.
412
00:19:57,033 --> 00:19:58,000
- Not kidding.
- Let's go
413
00:20:01,267 --> 00:20:03,167
OK, it's getting cold, man.
414
00:20:03,334 --> 00:20:05,200
It's only supposed
to get colder tonight.
415
00:20:05,367 --> 00:20:06,399
- Really?
- Yeah.
416
00:20:06,400 --> 00:20:08,100
Well, what's the plan
for these pigs?
417
00:20:08,267 --> 00:20:11,100
Is there anywhere that you can
put the pigs just temporarily?
418
00:20:11,267 --> 00:20:14,767
We have a back area
we can put them in for now.
419
00:20:14,934 --> 00:20:16,801
As we speak,
the weather is shutting down.
420
00:20:16,968 --> 00:20:18,968
It's gonna hail.
It might snow.
421
00:20:19,133 --> 00:20:20,501
I'm worried about
these little pigs.
422
00:20:20,667 --> 00:20:25,400
And I wanna see what Ronnie
would do to keep the pigs alive
423
00:20:25,567 --> 00:20:27,167
before we actually build
something permanent
424
00:20:27,334 --> 00:20:28,601
they can survive
through the winter.
425
00:20:28,767 --> 00:20:31,100
- So this is the tool shed?
- Yes, sir.
426
00:20:31,267 --> 00:20:33,100
And you just throw them--
just throw them in there?
427
00:20:33,267 --> 00:20:34,067
Yeah that's one.
428
00:20:38,467 --> 00:20:39,467
Oh, man.
429
00:20:43,334 --> 00:20:44,767
And there they are.
430
00:20:44,934 --> 00:20:47,801
So this is a perfect
place for now,
431
00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:50,968
but you can't raise
a pig in the winter
432
00:20:51,133 --> 00:20:52,366
in your tool shed.
- Yeah, no.
433
00:20:52,367 --> 00:20:54,601
We got to figure out something
that's gonna be long-term,
434
00:20:54,767 --> 00:20:56,601
not just for two little pigs,
435
00:20:56,767 --> 00:21:00,801
but if you wanna get bigger
livestock more pigs
436
00:21:00,968 --> 00:21:02,868
and you wanna keep them
through the wintertime,
437
00:21:03,033 --> 00:21:04,267
you're gonna need
a lot bigger space
438
00:21:04,434 --> 00:21:05,300
and this isn't gonna cut it.
439
00:21:08,868 --> 00:21:10,267
Now that we have
those two pigs
440
00:21:10,434 --> 00:21:12,901
in a nice, warm,
temporary space,
441
00:21:13,067 --> 00:21:14,968
we need to scout around
the property,
442
00:21:15,133 --> 00:21:17,367
find a place where the pigs
can run around,
443
00:21:17,534 --> 00:21:20,667
be fenced in, but also
have a proper barn
444
00:21:20,834 --> 00:21:23,000
that can keep them warm
throughout the winter.
445
00:21:23,167 --> 00:21:26,000
OK, what I like about this
space is you already kinda
446
00:21:26,167 --> 00:21:30,000
have this walled-in area,
and I like to source materials
447
00:21:30,167 --> 00:21:31,868
right from the homestead.
448
00:21:32,033 --> 00:21:34,167
You have plenty
of trees that'll be easy
449
00:21:34,334 --> 00:21:35,567
to cut into boards.
450
00:21:35,734 --> 00:21:38,300
I think we have the perfect
spot to put the bigger barn
451
00:21:38,467 --> 00:21:39,566
for these pigs.
452
00:21:39,567 --> 00:21:41,100
It'll be a permanent thing
that'll keep the pigs
453
00:21:41,267 --> 00:21:42,701
warm year-round.
What do you think?
454
00:21:42,868 --> 00:21:45,367
- Yes, sir, I think it'll work.
- OK, let's go.
455
00:21:46,767 --> 00:21:50,701
Matt and Ronnie will construct
an 8-by-16-foot barn
456
00:21:50,868 --> 00:21:54,267
200 feet from the campers
that will protect the pigs
457
00:21:54,434 --> 00:21:58,100
from predators and the elements
while keeping the livestock
458
00:21:58,267 --> 00:22:01,701
centrally located
for easier care.
459
00:22:01,868 --> 00:22:04,000
OK, let's move some stuff
in and start getting to work.
460
00:22:05,667 --> 00:22:07,367
Came up here for a fresh start.
461
00:22:07,534 --> 00:22:11,000
My goal for this homestead
is to learn about myself
462
00:22:11,167 --> 00:22:13,100
and have a close
relationship with Josh.
463
00:22:14,167 --> 00:22:16,501
I'm getting that, and all
I wanna do now is just work.
464
00:22:17,601 --> 00:22:19,200
That's it.
Just work, work, work.
465
00:22:24,400 --> 00:22:26,701
40 miles away
from the Webb homestead.
466
00:22:28,000 --> 00:22:29,267
OK, here we go.
467
00:22:29,434 --> 00:22:32,567
Misty, Elizabeth,
and Josh begin their day
468
00:22:32,734 --> 00:22:36,267
on a field trip to gain some
extreme weather gardening
469
00:22:36,434 --> 00:22:39,167
knowledge from a familiar
Colorado homestead.
470
00:22:41,167 --> 00:22:43,467
- Whoo-hoo!
- Hey!
471
00:22:43,634 --> 00:22:44,868
- How's it going, Drew?
- Hey, family!
472
00:22:45,033 --> 00:22:48,400
- How's it going?
- Good to see you, Drew.
473
00:22:48,567 --> 00:22:50,367
I wanna introduce you
to some new homesteaders
474
00:22:50,534 --> 00:22:52,467
we're trying to rescue.
This is Elizabeth.
475
00:22:52,634 --> 00:22:54,400
- Nice to meet you.
- And this is Josh.
476
00:22:54,567 --> 00:22:55,800
Nice to meet you.
477
00:22:55,801 --> 00:22:58,100
The Bankeys is one
of my all-time favorite builds
478
00:22:58,267 --> 00:23:00,167
because we took something
that was such a problem,
479
00:23:00,334 --> 00:23:02,467
the tumbleweeds,
and turned it into
480
00:23:02,634 --> 00:23:03,767
an underground
ground greenhouse.
481
00:23:03,934 --> 00:23:05,868
Look at this space!
482
00:23:06,033 --> 00:23:07,701
We put the tumbleweeds to use.
483
00:23:07,868 --> 00:23:09,367
We created these
tumbleweed bales.
484
00:23:09,534 --> 00:23:12,868
And this garden bed isn't only
out of the wind, but it's warm.
485
00:23:13,033 --> 00:23:15,501
You can close the lids
and just call it a day.
486
00:23:15,667 --> 00:23:17,367
So it works in both seasons.
487
00:23:18,801 --> 00:23:21,267
We would love to see
how your garden's doing
488
00:23:21,434 --> 00:23:24,567
and just any advice you can
give to your neighbor, uh,
489
00:23:24,734 --> 00:23:26,868
when it comes to gardening
in this climate.
490
00:23:27,033 --> 00:23:28,701
- Yeah, let's go.
- OK, let's go.
491
00:23:28,868 --> 00:23:31,767
I think it's important to bring
Elizabeth to the Bankeys
492
00:23:31,934 --> 00:23:33,567
and show her
what happened there,
493
00:23:33,734 --> 00:23:35,467
because what happened there
494
00:23:35,634 --> 00:23:38,167
is exactly what
their own homestead needs.
495
00:23:38,334 --> 00:23:40,167
How's the--
how's the little greenhouse?
496
00:23:40,334 --> 00:23:42,968
This plant right here
in the window is one big, tall
497
00:23:43,133 --> 00:23:46,200
tomato plant that's over a year
old and it's still producing.
498
00:23:46,367 --> 00:23:48,567
I think it's one of the first
plants that you planted.
499
00:23:52,701 --> 00:23:53,901
- Yeah!
- Yeah, look at this.
500
00:23:54,067 --> 00:23:55,167
I love this.
501
00:23:55,334 --> 00:23:58,667
So you ended up putting
just a better roof system
502
00:23:58,834 --> 00:24:01,367
on these tumbleweed bales.
- Yeah.
503
00:24:01,534 --> 00:24:03,000
If you want to garden
in the desert,
504
00:24:03,167 --> 00:24:05,567
you have to have some
type of greenhouse.
505
00:24:05,734 --> 00:24:08,267
I would definitely, you know,
look for a Walipini
506
00:24:08,434 --> 00:24:10,267
to get the best results out
here 'cause it's gonna
507
00:24:10,434 --> 00:24:13,767
extend your growing period,
you know, a month on each end.
- Yeah.
508
00:24:13,934 --> 00:24:17,100
Which you need out here
because it doesn't have much.
509
00:24:17,267 --> 00:24:19,100
Elizabeth, look at
the difference of the plants
510
00:24:19,267 --> 00:24:22,367
outside versus
inside underground.
511
00:24:22,534 --> 00:24:25,367
It's so epic being here
because you go to
512
00:24:25,534 --> 00:24:28,467
the underground greenhouse,
the Walipini, and plants are
513
00:24:28,634 --> 00:24:31,667
ten times bigger than
anything above ground.
514
00:24:31,834 --> 00:24:34,000
So clearly, these things work.
515
00:24:35,100 --> 00:24:36,467
This is totally amazing.
516
00:24:36,634 --> 00:24:38,901
I can't believe
how well you're doing.
517
00:24:39,067 --> 00:24:41,901
This is really, really cool.
518
00:24:42,067 --> 00:24:43,801
Today's been a really big day.
519
00:24:43,968 --> 00:24:45,701
I feel like I'm finally
starting to get
520
00:24:45,868 --> 00:24:48,367
an understanding of what
Misty's planning for us.
521
00:24:56,100 --> 00:24:58,667
Watch out, everybody.
I'm coming right here.
522
00:24:58,834 --> 00:25:00,367
Back at the Webb homestead...
523
00:25:00,534 --> 00:25:01,767
We'll just stand back.
524
00:25:01,934 --> 00:25:03,901
...Matt and Marty begin felling
525
00:25:04,067 --> 00:25:07,100
hazardous dead trees
that loom over the property.
526
00:25:08,567 --> 00:25:10,667
What I don't want it to do is
bust off the bottom
527
00:25:10,834 --> 00:25:12,501
and come back this way.
528
00:25:12,667 --> 00:25:15,000
I got a lot of pressure
on that thing.
529
00:25:15,167 --> 00:25:16,000
OK.
530
00:25:23,567 --> 00:25:24,501
Keep the pressure on it.
531
00:25:28,501 --> 00:25:30,100
Does it look like
it's leaning back?
532
00:25:31,267 --> 00:25:32,567
No.
533
00:25:33,467 --> 00:25:37,367
My dad's cut through as far as
you would possibly wanna cut,
534
00:25:37,534 --> 00:25:40,667
and it should be
falling down right now,
535
00:25:40,834 --> 00:25:43,100
but something is holding it up.
536
00:25:43,267 --> 00:25:46,567
My dad is kind of scratching
his head, trying to figure out
537
00:25:46,734 --> 00:25:49,300
why it's not going down,
and I'm kind of thinking this
538
00:25:49,467 --> 00:25:53,100
tree could come down in any
direction at any moment.
539
00:25:53,267 --> 00:25:56,000
- Is it gonna go?
- Let me work
on it a little bit.
540
00:25:59,467 --> 00:26:01,000
When you're logging,
541
00:26:01,167 --> 00:26:04,567
anything can happen
at any second.
542
00:26:04,734 --> 00:26:08,567
My dad's developed such
a skill to fell trees,
543
00:26:08,734 --> 00:26:11,300
so it never seems
like it's dangerous.
544
00:26:11,467 --> 00:26:14,601
But when you're chopping
big trees down,
545
00:26:14,767 --> 00:26:16,467
it can get very unpredictable.
546
00:26:19,968 --> 00:26:21,667
Timber!
547
00:26:22,767 --> 00:26:24,000
Everybody get out of the way!
548
00:26:31,000 --> 00:26:33,000
2
549
00:26:39,300 --> 00:26:40,300
Timber!
550
00:26:42,167 --> 00:26:43,767
Everybody get out of the way!
551
00:26:54,968 --> 00:26:55,968
You OK?
552
00:26:59,567 --> 00:27:00,567
Are you OK?
553
00:27:01,801 --> 00:27:02,868
Good job.
554
00:27:04,100 --> 00:27:06,667
no, good job to you.
555
00:27:06,834 --> 00:27:07,968
Oh, my gosh.
556
00:27:08,133 --> 00:27:10,400
Dad, I mean, look at that thing.
557
00:27:10,567 --> 00:27:12,801
I think this is a good sign,
558
00:27:12,968 --> 00:27:15,868
there's very valuable
building materials
559
00:27:16,033 --> 00:27:17,601
right here on the property.
560
00:27:17,767 --> 00:27:20,100
- Yep.
- Where's that kid?
561
00:27:21,167 --> 00:27:23,067
Next one you're doing,
get over here.
562
00:27:24,100 --> 00:27:25,501
We've got trees to cut down.
563
00:27:25,667 --> 00:27:28,200
I can risk my life
and cut them all down,
564
00:27:28,367 --> 00:27:31,467
but there's strapping young men
on this property.
565
00:27:31,634 --> 00:27:33,000
Can they cut them down?
566
00:27:33,167 --> 00:27:35,100
We're gonna find out.
Fire it up!
567
00:27:40,601 --> 00:27:43,767
These young men are
the future of this homestead,
568
00:27:43,934 --> 00:27:47,868
and sourcing materials
is essential for success.
569
00:27:48,033 --> 00:27:51,367
Before I leave Colorado,
I'm gonna make sure
570
00:27:51,534 --> 00:27:54,400
they have the skills to thrive.
571
00:27:54,567 --> 00:27:56,067
I think you're
on the right track.
572
00:27:57,367 --> 00:28:00,200
I'm not sure you need me,
573
00:28:00,367 --> 00:28:02,367
but when-- where are you gonna
stand when you cut it down?
574
00:28:02,534 --> 00:28:04,767
Show me where
you're gonna stand.
575
00:28:04,934 --> 00:28:06,300
Show me where
the saw's gonna be.
576
00:28:06,467 --> 00:28:07,367
The saw's going right here.
577
00:28:07,534 --> 00:28:09,400
OK, and what's
the tree gonna do?
578
00:28:09,567 --> 00:28:11,367
The tree's gonna lean
that way.
579
00:28:11,534 --> 00:28:14,367
So we would cut that side first,
and then we work our way around.
580
00:28:14,534 --> 00:28:16,367
If it starts to go,
we'll let it go.
581
00:28:16,534 --> 00:28:17,667
This wood will hold it,
582
00:28:17,834 --> 00:28:20,267
and it'll actually
swing it away.
- OK.
583
00:28:20,434 --> 00:28:21,667
So let's try that method.
584
00:28:29,067 --> 00:28:30,467
Coming, hey, hey, hey.
Back up.
585
00:28:35,801 --> 00:28:37,701
- Money.
- Next.
586
00:28:40,667 --> 00:28:43,567
You know the saying,
"You can give a man a fish
587
00:28:43,734 --> 00:28:45,000
feed him for a day."
588
00:28:45,167 --> 00:28:46,667
I'm not even gonna
say the rest.
589
00:28:46,834 --> 00:28:49,167
We need materials,
and this is how you get them.
590
00:28:49,334 --> 00:28:51,300
- That's good.
- Whoa, look out!
591
00:28:52,868 --> 00:28:57,300
And I'm confident this young
man is smart, hardworking.
592
00:28:57,467 --> 00:29:00,100
I'm completely impressed.
593
00:29:10,868 --> 00:29:12,701
Back from their field trip...
594
00:29:12,868 --> 00:29:15,100
All right, guys,
let's talk about some plans.
595
00:29:15,267 --> 00:29:17,667
...Misty uses the spark
of inspiration
596
00:29:17,834 --> 00:29:21,567
from the Bankey homestead
to ignite a plan of her own.
597
00:29:21,734 --> 00:29:24,501
I brought you to Drew
and Ela's house for a reason.
598
00:29:24,667 --> 00:29:28,167
I think when it comes
to this elevation, 10,300 feet,
599
00:29:28,334 --> 00:29:30,400
the only way you're
gardening this time of year
600
00:29:30,567 --> 00:29:32,367
is if you go underground.
- Yeah.
601
00:29:32,534 --> 00:29:35,100
At the Bankey homestead,
it is flat as a pancake.
602
00:29:35,267 --> 00:29:38,100
Digging down, putting
in the underground greenhouse
603
00:29:38,267 --> 00:29:41,601
square, retaining those
walls was very standard,
604
00:29:41,767 --> 00:29:45,000
but the Webb homestead
is super steep terrain
605
00:29:45,167 --> 00:29:46,501
on the side of a mountain,
606
00:29:46,667 --> 00:29:49,267
so we need
a different technique.
607
00:29:49,434 --> 00:29:52,167
The first thing we're gonna do
is stack these tires so that
608
00:29:52,334 --> 00:29:55,067
we have this tire
foundation underground,
609
00:29:55,234 --> 00:29:57,200
and that'll be
the base of our structure,
610
00:29:57,367 --> 00:29:59,000
and then we'll go from there.
611
00:29:59,167 --> 00:30:01,167
So let's figure out
where this is gonna go.
612
00:30:01,334 --> 00:30:02,767
Here we go.
613
00:30:02,934 --> 00:30:06,667
It is illegal in this county
to build your home out of tires,
614
00:30:06,834 --> 00:30:09,868
but it's encouraged to use
them for any outbuildings.
615
00:30:10,033 --> 00:30:12,567
So now that we know all
of these tires are up for grabs,
616
00:30:12,734 --> 00:30:15,000
we're gonna use them
to retain all of this dirt,
617
00:30:15,167 --> 00:30:16,968
the whole mountainside,
and we're building
618
00:30:17,133 --> 00:30:18,067
a tire greenhouse.
619
00:30:19,267 --> 00:30:20,501
What is this?
620
00:30:20,667 --> 00:30:23,567
So this is one
of our frostless water hydrants.
621
00:30:23,734 --> 00:30:26,968
It is plumbed into our cisterns
way up on the top of the hill.
622
00:30:27,133 --> 00:30:28,267
- OK, does it work?
- Yeah.
623
00:30:28,434 --> 00:30:30,100
- Turn it on.
- Gravity fed.
624
00:30:30,267 --> 00:30:31,701
And there it goes.
625
00:30:31,868 --> 00:30:33,367
- This is usable space.
- Yes.
626
00:30:33,534 --> 00:30:35,567
Yeah, and the fact that
there's water here is
627
00:30:35,734 --> 00:30:37,868
pretty amazing.
So let's pull the tape.
628
00:30:39,267 --> 00:30:40,267
So what is that,
629
00:30:40,434 --> 00:30:42,100
'cause already it looks
kind of small?
630
00:30:42,267 --> 00:30:44,100
When you're
high-altitude gardening,
631
00:30:44,267 --> 00:30:46,100
the average greenhouse
isn't gonna cut it,
632
00:30:46,267 --> 00:30:48,000
and winter is almost here.
633
00:30:48,167 --> 00:30:49,399
Are you to the puppy?
634
00:30:49,400 --> 00:30:51,901
The only way this family is
gonna have a fighting chance
635
00:30:52,067 --> 00:30:55,167
at being successful gardeners
is if you carve out
636
00:30:55,334 --> 00:30:57,267
a greenhouse
in the side of this bank,
637
00:30:57,434 --> 00:31:00,667
retaining sun and heat all day
and releasing it at night.
638
00:31:00,834 --> 00:31:03,367
It will extend that season
in the fall,
639
00:31:03,534 --> 00:31:05,767
give them a jump-start
come spring,
640
00:31:05,934 --> 00:31:09,767
and that way they can
actually be successful.
641
00:31:09,934 --> 00:31:13,767
Misty and Elizabeth will dig
into the side of the mountain
642
00:31:13,934 --> 00:31:18,067
and build a 27-by-12-foot
underground greenhouse,
643
00:31:18,234 --> 00:31:21,567
complete with an irrigation
system to protect crops
644
00:31:21,734 --> 00:31:24,868
from the volatile
high-altitude weather swings
645
00:31:25,033 --> 00:31:28,400
and provide the family
with a year-round food source.
646
00:31:30,868 --> 00:31:32,467
So we're not gonna dig by hand.
647
00:31:32,634 --> 00:31:34,868
We're gonna dig
with this bad boy.
648
00:31:35,033 --> 00:31:36,767
We're keeping the earth
close, right?
649
00:31:36,934 --> 00:31:38,901
All the ground and all the fill.
650
00:31:39,067 --> 00:31:41,501
'Cause guess what's going
inside the tires?
651
00:31:41,667 --> 00:31:43,167
That.
652
00:31:43,334 --> 00:31:45,167
- Are you excited?
- Oh, yeah, so much.
653
00:31:46,801 --> 00:31:48,701
We don't have
tumbleweed bales.
654
00:31:48,868 --> 00:31:50,567
We don't have any
large boulders.
655
00:31:50,734 --> 00:31:52,367
The material just isn't here,
656
00:31:52,534 --> 00:31:55,367
but we have this
massive stack of tires.
657
00:31:55,534 --> 00:31:57,767
We've got more tires-- whoo!
658
00:31:57,934 --> 00:32:00,167
And if you set them in place
and you stack them correctly
659
00:32:00,334 --> 00:32:02,968
and fill them all up with dirt
and compact them,
660
00:32:03,133 --> 00:32:05,267
they're perfect
for retaining walls.
661
00:32:05,434 --> 00:32:06,334
Sweet!
662
00:32:07,267 --> 00:32:10,300
This is what
10,300 feet looks like.
663
00:32:10,467 --> 00:32:11,667
I can barely talk.
664
00:32:18,868 --> 00:32:22,701
Let's go!
Here it comes.
665
00:32:25,167 --> 00:32:28,701
With the surrounding area
cleared of dangerous trees...
666
00:32:28,868 --> 00:32:31,267
Get in here, we're working.
667
00:32:31,434 --> 00:32:35,467
...Marty begins foundational
work on an all-purpose carport
668
00:32:35,634 --> 00:32:38,367
to provide the Webb family
with dry storage,
669
00:32:38,534 --> 00:32:42,300
water catchment, and a head
start on a future cabin.
670
00:32:42,467 --> 00:32:44,868
We want to fill all six
of these up.
671
00:32:45,033 --> 00:32:47,467
So we're pouring six
concrete footers
672
00:32:47,634 --> 00:32:52,300
that each hold up
3,000 pounds per square inch.
673
00:32:52,467 --> 00:32:54,267
These are over four feet
down into the ground
674
00:32:54,434 --> 00:32:56,667
on virgin ground,
you can see this bank.
675
00:32:56,834 --> 00:32:58,267
This is what they're sitting on.
676
00:32:58,434 --> 00:33:00,100
But it's not
as strong as you think
677
00:33:00,267 --> 00:33:02,767
until you put in rebar.
678
00:33:02,934 --> 00:33:04,667
I need rebar
at all of them, Clint.
679
00:33:05,801 --> 00:33:09,000
Steel reinforcement
that holds it together.
680
00:33:09,167 --> 00:33:10,200
I want a four inches
from the top,
681
00:33:10,367 --> 00:33:12,000
so rust can't get to it.
682
00:33:12,167 --> 00:33:16,267
This is our first step
in building a carport
683
00:33:16,434 --> 00:33:21,167
that can catch water and that
they can convert to a home.
684
00:33:21,334 --> 00:33:24,000
Quick, quick, quick!
And another bucket, Clint.
685
00:33:25,367 --> 00:33:27,234
We've got work to do.
686
00:33:29,667 --> 00:33:32,667
At the future site
of the new pig barn...
687
00:33:32,834 --> 00:33:35,200
OK, clap that up here.
688
00:33:35,367 --> 00:33:39,167
...Matt shares a homestead hack
with Ronnie to utilize
689
00:33:39,334 --> 00:33:42,400
the property's trees
as building materials.
690
00:33:42,567 --> 00:33:45,467
I saw you working with my dad
with the chainsaw.
691
00:33:45,634 --> 00:33:47,200
Do you have a lot
of chainsaw experience?
692
00:33:47,367 --> 00:33:48,868
- Yes.
- Tree felling?
693
00:33:49,033 --> 00:33:51,767
Yes, sir.
At a lumber mill back in Texas.
694
00:33:51,934 --> 00:33:54,467
It was a neighbor
family-friend, so...
695
00:33:54,634 --> 00:33:56,367
How long did you work
at that sawmill for?
696
00:33:56,534 --> 00:33:58,567
- Six months.
- How old were you?
697
00:33:58,734 --> 00:34:00,267
About 14.
698
00:34:00,434 --> 00:34:02,467
You were working on a sawmill
when you were 14.
699
00:34:02,634 --> 00:34:03,666
That's crazy.
700
00:34:03,667 --> 00:34:06,000
Have you ever used
a chainsaw to mill lumber?
701
00:34:06,167 --> 00:34:07,801
- I have not.
- OK.
702
00:34:07,968 --> 00:34:10,901
What I wanna do is
I wanna make a very
703
00:34:11,067 --> 00:34:13,501
simple chainsaw mill.
- OK.
704
00:34:13,667 --> 00:34:15,667
Chainsaw mills are
extremely versatile.
705
00:34:15,834 --> 00:34:19,100
You can cut logs,
but then you can also just
706
00:34:20,267 --> 00:34:21,767
use it as a saw.
- Yeah.
707
00:34:21,934 --> 00:34:23,667
All right?
So let's get to work.
708
00:34:25,000 --> 00:34:28,667
The thing I love about Ronnie
is, is he's got a lot of drive.
709
00:34:28,834 --> 00:34:30,100
He loves to work,
710
00:34:30,267 --> 00:34:33,267
but I'm showing him stuff
that he's never seen before.
711
00:34:33,434 --> 00:34:34,701
First thing we got to do,
712
00:34:34,868 --> 00:34:36,767
we got to drill holes
through this bar.
713
00:34:36,934 --> 00:34:40,601
These are like skills that
I took for granted as a kid,
714
00:34:40,767 --> 00:34:42,400
but now that
I'm showing them to Ronnie,
715
00:34:42,567 --> 00:34:43,868
I think that
he's learning skills
716
00:34:44,033 --> 00:34:45,868
that aren't just gonna
benefit the homestead,
717
00:34:46,033 --> 00:34:48,767
but benefit him
for the rest of his life.
718
00:34:48,934 --> 00:34:52,400
A person like you, a young man
out in these woods,
719
00:34:52,567 --> 00:34:54,901
learning how to make
your own chainsaw mill,
720
00:34:55,067 --> 00:34:57,601
it's kind of a necessity.
Okie-dokie.
721
00:34:57,767 --> 00:34:59,667
- You familiar with all-thread?
- Yes, sir.
722
00:34:59,834 --> 00:35:01,767
Put it through
on this side first.
723
00:35:01,934 --> 00:35:04,000
Working with Matt's
been an honor.
724
00:35:04,167 --> 00:35:05,467
He's a really cool guy.
725
00:35:05,634 --> 00:35:08,801
For him to be able to give me
insight on his experience,
726
00:35:08,968 --> 00:35:10,767
it's really cool.
727
00:35:10,934 --> 00:35:13,601
I know this might look
a little bit crazy,
728
00:35:13,767 --> 00:35:16,000
but it's all gonna make
sense very soon.
729
00:35:17,000 --> 00:35:20,100
Not a lot of people attach
things to their chainsaws,
730
00:35:20,267 --> 00:35:23,968
but we're building a jig
that allows us to cut lumber.
731
00:35:24,133 --> 00:35:26,367
So you don't have to keep
measuring the width of a board,
732
00:35:26,534 --> 00:35:28,567
you don't have to keep
measuring the length.
733
00:35:28,734 --> 00:35:31,467
If you set up a jig
with your saw,
734
00:35:31,634 --> 00:35:34,267
you can cut the same thing
over and over again.
735
00:35:34,434 --> 00:35:36,100
You'll save yourself
a ton of time,
736
00:35:36,267 --> 00:35:38,901
and you're gonna make
that tool scream fast.
737
00:35:42,901 --> 00:35:45,367
Cutting pretty good!
That's cutting really good!
738
00:35:45,534 --> 00:35:46,767
I'm-- I'm actually blown away.
739
00:35:46,934 --> 00:35:48,501
We're going the full length
of this board.
740
00:35:50,300 --> 00:35:52,267
I'm impressed
with the lumber mill.
741
00:35:52,434 --> 00:35:53,666
It's awesome!
742
00:35:53,667 --> 00:35:55,868
I didn't think you could make
a portable chainsaw mill,
743
00:35:56,033 --> 00:35:59,300
and Matt proved me wrong.
- Take off this top board.
744
00:35:59,467 --> 00:36:00,400
See how the cut looks.
745
00:36:03,234 --> 00:36:05,400
Okie-dokie.
It's a little bit rough sawing,
746
00:36:05,567 --> 00:36:07,501
but that's part
of the charm, man.
747
00:36:07,667 --> 00:36:09,901
- What do you think?
- It's awesome, did the job.
748
00:36:11,667 --> 00:36:13,501
We're gonna be making
lumber for days,
749
00:36:13,667 --> 00:36:15,000
and then we're gonna
help those pigs.
750
00:36:15,167 --> 00:36:16,567
But we've got
a lot of milling ahead of us.
751
00:36:16,734 --> 00:36:17,667
- Let's keep going.
- Yes, sir.
752
00:36:31,567 --> 00:36:32,567
2
753
00:36:35,801 --> 00:36:37,400
The next morning,
754
00:36:37,567 --> 00:36:40,567
while the concrete sets
at the carport...
755
00:36:40,734 --> 00:36:42,701
All right,
so correct me if I'm wrong,
756
00:36:42,868 --> 00:36:45,467
but you're pretty much
out of water?
- Yeah.
757
00:36:45,634 --> 00:36:47,167
...Marty shifts his focus
758
00:36:47,334 --> 00:36:50,100
to the family's problematic
water situation.
759
00:36:51,467 --> 00:36:54,100
So when it runs out,
what do you do?
760
00:36:54,267 --> 00:36:55,400
We would hook up
to our trailer
761
00:36:55,567 --> 00:36:58,300
with three totes in it
and move about 1,100 gallons
762
00:36:58,467 --> 00:37:01,767
at a time from Fort Garland
all the way up to the cisterns,
763
00:37:01,934 --> 00:37:05,167
and if we have enough time,
make a round trip second time.
764
00:37:05,334 --> 00:37:06,466
Oh, wow!
What's it cost?
765
00:37:06,467 --> 00:37:09,367
- 10 cents a gallon.
- So 100 bucks.
766
00:37:09,534 --> 00:37:10,601
- Yeah.
- Sounds high.
767
00:37:10,767 --> 00:37:12,801
- It is high.
- Where's the trailer?
768
00:37:12,968 --> 00:37:15,167
It's down below
at the lower pad.
769
00:37:15,334 --> 00:37:18,467
Let's take my truck
and we'll get water that way.
770
00:37:18,634 --> 00:37:20,534
- Is that OK?
- That's fine.
771
00:37:23,000 --> 00:37:24,968
Winter's right
around the corner.
772
00:37:25,133 --> 00:37:26,399
Done, let's go.
773
00:37:26,400 --> 00:37:29,801
We got about one month to get
the water to this homestead.
774
00:37:29,968 --> 00:37:31,968
And then after that,
the road's impassable
775
00:37:32,133 --> 00:37:33,901
when it comes to hauling
water on a trailer.
776
00:37:36,100 --> 00:37:37,667
Is it like this every time
you get water
777
00:37:37,834 --> 00:37:39,267
at the last minute?
- Pretty much.
778
00:37:39,434 --> 00:37:41,000
Do you normally just
do it by yourself?
779
00:37:41,167 --> 00:37:43,167
Uh, no, I normally have
one of the boys
780
00:37:43,334 --> 00:37:45,767
or Elizabeth will
help me get everything set.
781
00:37:45,934 --> 00:37:47,300
This is really taking
a lot of time.
782
00:37:47,467 --> 00:37:49,267
Yeah.
783
00:37:49,434 --> 00:37:52,267
- Where am I going?
- You're still going straight.
784
00:37:52,434 --> 00:37:53,667
Miles and miles of nothing.
785
00:38:01,100 --> 00:38:02,934
- How you doing?
- How you doing?
786
00:38:05,400 --> 00:38:06,667
All right.
Show me how you do it.
787
00:38:12,868 --> 00:38:15,400
So here's what I've learned
in the first couple of hours
788
00:38:15,567 --> 00:38:18,868
of this process--
we hook up the trailer.
789
00:38:19,033 --> 00:38:21,767
We head to town.
We fill up with water.
790
00:38:21,934 --> 00:38:23,100
It does cost money.
791
00:38:24,367 --> 00:38:26,300
Then you gotta haul
792
00:38:26,467 --> 00:38:30,567
thousands of pounds of water
to the very top of this mountain
793
00:38:30,734 --> 00:38:34,868
and then make multiple
trips till everything is full.
794
00:38:35,033 --> 00:38:38,767
So how I would run it is
I'd go two trips today
795
00:38:38,934 --> 00:38:41,200
and then one or two trips
on Thursday, depending.
796
00:38:42,367 --> 00:38:47,167
I saw firsthand how long
it takes on one trip to town.
797
00:38:47,334 --> 00:38:49,734
That said,
we're still not done.
798
00:38:52,200 --> 00:38:53,667
- We made it!
- Yep.
799
00:38:53,834 --> 00:38:54,868
That was steep!
800
00:38:56,200 --> 00:38:58,467
...All right,
what's the next step?
801
00:38:58,634 --> 00:38:59,767
Well, once
we get this pump out,
802
00:38:59,934 --> 00:39:01,968
I'm gonna roll this
red hose down the hill,
803
00:39:02,133 --> 00:39:03,300
and you're gonna have
to slide down there
804
00:39:03,467 --> 00:39:04,901
and hold it on the cistern.
805
00:39:05,067 --> 00:39:07,167
Fair enough, I can do
the red hose right now.
806
00:39:11,300 --> 00:39:12,968
- That reaches.
- All right.
807
00:39:15,400 --> 00:39:16,400
OK, here we go!
808
00:39:25,367 --> 00:39:26,868
Come on, baby!
809
00:39:27,033 --> 00:39:28,767
Now the water pump's
not gonna start.
810
00:39:28,934 --> 00:39:30,067
Come on!
811
00:39:30,234 --> 00:39:31,567
I hear him up
there cranking on it.
812
00:39:35,267 --> 00:39:37,467
All right, I've seen enough.
813
00:39:37,634 --> 00:39:42,367
So after experiencing the hours
that it's taken just to keep
814
00:39:42,534 --> 00:39:46,000
looking at a dry hose,
this isn't gonna work.
815
00:39:47,100 --> 00:39:51,167
It does kind of compel me
to take a look at the property
816
00:39:51,334 --> 00:39:54,000
'cause there might be
a chance of finding water.
817
00:39:55,100 --> 00:39:56,767
I'm not sure we'll find it,
818
00:39:56,934 --> 00:40:00,667
but we're gonna have
to look for it before we leave.
819
00:40:02,601 --> 00:40:04,400
Come on!
820
00:40:10,467 --> 00:40:11,801
This whole thing's coming off.
821
00:40:13,167 --> 00:40:17,868
At the future pig barn site,
Matt and Ronnie mill the last
822
00:40:18,033 --> 00:40:21,267
of the lumber sourced
directly from the property.
823
00:40:21,434 --> 00:40:24,767
It's taken us a little
extra time to mill this lumber
824
00:40:24,934 --> 00:40:28,767
with a chainsaw 'cause every
thousand feet that you go up
825
00:40:28,934 --> 00:40:34,200
in elevation, you lose about
1.5% of a chainsaw's power
826
00:40:34,367 --> 00:40:36,667
since the air is a lot thinner.
827
00:40:36,834 --> 00:40:40,100
So up at 10,000 feet,
our chainsaws are literally
828
00:40:40,267 --> 00:40:42,400
cut 15% in power.
829
00:40:42,567 --> 00:40:43,968
Over here.
830
00:40:44,133 --> 00:40:45,567
OK.
831
00:40:45,734 --> 00:40:48,067
And at the new
underground greenhouse...
832
00:40:48,234 --> 00:40:50,367
Do you think you really know
what you got into when
833
00:40:50,534 --> 00:40:53,000
you started gathering
this many tires?
834
00:40:53,167 --> 00:40:55,167
No, we just knew
that they were free
835
00:40:55,334 --> 00:40:57,167
and that they would be
useful at some point.
836
00:40:57,334 --> 00:40:58,400
OK.
837
00:40:58,567 --> 00:41:01,367
Misty sets to use
another abundant resource
838
00:41:01,534 --> 00:41:03,701
to build a retaining wall.
839
00:41:03,868 --> 00:41:08,067
It is the most labor-intensive
material you can build with.
840
00:41:08,234 --> 00:41:11,868
Absolutely, hands down, one
by one, you're filling them full
841
00:41:12,033 --> 00:41:13,467
of dirt and you're compacting
them, right?
842
00:41:13,634 --> 00:41:14,868
And you're gonna be
shoveling and compacting
843
00:41:15,033 --> 00:41:15,968
with a sledgehammer.
Are you ready?
844
00:41:17,767 --> 00:41:19,968
I love the idea
of repurposing tires.
845
00:41:20,133 --> 00:41:21,801
They're gonna last forever.
846
00:41:21,968 --> 00:41:24,601
The problem is,
is it's really labor-intensive,
847
00:41:24,767 --> 00:41:27,300
especially at this
high elevation.
848
00:41:27,467 --> 00:41:29,601
Any retaining wall has
to set back, right?
849
00:41:30,868 --> 00:41:33,567
So whether it's like
block or rock,
850
00:41:33,734 --> 00:41:36,267
you want it to have
a lean into the bank.
851
00:41:36,434 --> 00:41:38,901
- So it doesn't tip or push out.
- Yeah.
852
00:41:39,067 --> 00:41:42,167
So each course, so it's gonna
be set back like an inch,
853
00:41:42,334 --> 00:41:43,400
inch and a half.
854
00:41:43,567 --> 00:41:47,000
Let's block the bottom,
with a little cardboard.
855
00:41:47,167 --> 00:41:48,868
It's helping
kind of hold the dirt in
856
00:41:49,033 --> 00:41:50,467
so it doesn't spill out,
857
00:41:50,634 --> 00:41:52,300
'cause there are a little
bit of cracks.
858
00:41:52,467 --> 00:41:54,868
- All right.
- Whoo!
859
00:41:55,033 --> 00:41:56,467
Who's out of breath?
860
00:41:56,634 --> 00:41:58,400
Only me?
861
00:41:58,567 --> 00:42:00,067
First of all,
this for compaction,
862
00:42:00,234 --> 00:42:02,968
like it's damp,
it's sandy, it's rocky.
863
00:42:03,133 --> 00:42:05,200
This is like the perfect...
864
00:42:05,367 --> 00:42:06,534
- Awesome
- ...ground.
865
00:42:07,567 --> 00:42:11,267
Each layer that you fill
with dirt has to be compacted,
866
00:42:11,434 --> 00:42:13,667
and you have to get inside
the tire as well.
867
00:42:13,834 --> 00:42:15,567
And then the test is when
you're walking on it,
868
00:42:15,734 --> 00:42:17,367
see the squish?
- Yep.
869
00:42:17,534 --> 00:42:19,167
- Squish is bad.
- Yeah.
870
00:42:19,334 --> 00:42:21,901
You've created
kind of like a brick,
871
00:42:22,067 --> 00:42:25,267
if you will, like a mold
for compacted earth.
872
00:42:25,434 --> 00:42:27,968
So getting them set
and in place compacted
873
00:42:28,133 --> 00:42:30,667
can be a little bit challenging,
but hopefully in the next
874
00:42:30,834 --> 00:42:33,100
couple days we have
the retaining wall in
875
00:42:33,267 --> 00:42:34,968
and we can start
on the greenhouse.
876
00:42:35,133 --> 00:42:37,467
- That's the outer edge, right?
- OK.
877
00:42:37,634 --> 00:42:40,000
And then this is kind
of where the tire sits.
878
00:42:41,367 --> 00:42:42,801
So inch,
879
00:42:42,968 --> 00:42:45,701
inch and a half step-back each
time, just a little bit.
880
00:42:45,868 --> 00:42:47,300
Now it's time to fill, ready?
881
00:42:47,467 --> 00:42:49,167
- All right.
- And it's a whole thing, folks.
882
00:42:50,300 --> 00:42:52,467
You know, we didn't choose
homesteading 'cause we wanted
883
00:42:52,634 --> 00:42:55,100
an easy life, so...
not afraid of hard work.
884
00:42:55,267 --> 00:42:57,267
We're either gonna be best
friends after this week
885
00:42:57,434 --> 00:42:59,667
or sworn enemies.
- All right.
886
00:42:59,834 --> 00:43:01,400
This is the day I've been
looking forward to,
887
00:43:01,567 --> 00:43:03,667
when we actually get
to start doing work
888
00:43:03,834 --> 00:43:06,100
and get our hands
literally into the dirt.
889
00:43:06,267 --> 00:43:08,367
I've had my hands
in the dirt all day,
890
00:43:08,534 --> 00:43:10,701
and that's been
really rewarding.
891
00:43:10,868 --> 00:43:14,167
I feel like every layer
of tires, I'm learning more.
892
00:43:14,334 --> 00:43:15,601
I'm understanding.
893
00:43:15,767 --> 00:43:17,400
She's showing me
how to pack it in.
894
00:43:17,567 --> 00:43:20,267
Just so many little tricks that
I never would have known
895
00:43:20,434 --> 00:43:22,667
if we were trying to do it
on our own.
896
00:43:22,834 --> 00:43:24,167
How you feeling?
You liking this build?
897
00:43:24,334 --> 00:43:25,234
- I love it.
- You happy?
898
00:43:25,400 --> 00:43:27,167
I love it.
I'm so happy.
899
00:43:27,334 --> 00:43:30,567
Are you happy to finally
have-- start a greenhouse?
900
00:43:30,734 --> 00:43:32,400
Yes.
901
00:43:32,567 --> 00:43:35,100
I think homesteading
is all about innovation,
902
00:43:35,267 --> 00:43:36,868
trying something,
and then tweaking it
903
00:43:37,033 --> 00:43:38,400
until you figure out
what's gonna work.
904
00:43:38,567 --> 00:43:40,868
'Cause you can't just run
to the store and buy it.
905
00:43:41,033 --> 00:43:42,000
You have to figure it out.
906
00:43:47,000 --> 00:43:49,000
2
907
00:43:50,267 --> 00:43:54,100
It's late afternoon on day
three in the Southern Rockies.
908
00:43:54,267 --> 00:43:55,767
Clint, get over here
and scratch my back, quick.
909
00:43:55,934 --> 00:43:56,968
I got a bug.
910
00:43:58,200 --> 00:44:00,901
- Racing the sun, Marty...
- Thank you.
911
00:44:01,067 --> 00:44:04,100
...Joshua, and neighborly
help begin construction
912
00:44:04,267 --> 00:44:07,667
of the homestead's new
20-by-50-foot carport.
913
00:44:09,167 --> 00:44:11,000
We're about to build
a post-and-beam structure
914
00:44:12,100 --> 00:44:15,968
out of the best building
material in North America,
915
00:44:16,133 --> 00:44:17,300
the Douglas fir tree.
916
00:44:18,400 --> 00:44:21,167
Stronger than pine,
stronger than spruce,
917
00:44:21,334 --> 00:44:23,367
and this property's
covered with them.
918
00:44:25,067 --> 00:44:27,701
Douglas fir trees,
an abundant resource
919
00:44:27,868 --> 00:44:30,367
in Colorado,
grow in elevation
920
00:44:30,534 --> 00:44:33,868
and can live for up
to 500 years.
921
00:44:34,033 --> 00:44:36,400
The strong and durable
lumber it produces
922
00:44:36,567 --> 00:44:39,601
is ideal for construction,
while its lighter weight
923
00:44:39,767 --> 00:44:42,400
and malleability make it
a popular choice
924
00:44:42,567 --> 00:44:45,367
for woodworking projects
like furniture making.
925
00:44:49,267 --> 00:44:50,267
So you see that?
926
00:44:50,434 --> 00:44:52,701
That's
a three-quarter-inch rebar.
927
00:44:52,868 --> 00:44:54,501
It's coming out
of the concrete.
928
00:44:54,667 --> 00:44:57,000
We're gonna drill
the undersized hole
929
00:44:57,167 --> 00:44:59,501
in the bottom of all
of these Douglas fir trees.
930
00:45:01,434 --> 00:45:03,167
Get that drill in his hand.
931
00:45:03,334 --> 00:45:04,567
Get a pencil mark
on the center.
932
00:45:04,734 --> 00:45:06,701
If you're not paying attention,
933
00:45:06,868 --> 00:45:09,100
the drill will take
you out, guaranteed.
- Yeah.
934
00:45:09,267 --> 00:45:11,100
All right, you know what to do?
Here we go
935
00:45:15,367 --> 00:45:16,868
Good job.
936
00:45:17,033 --> 00:45:18,000
Clint, you know what to do.
937
00:45:19,501 --> 00:45:22,267
The plan is to take
those big trees,
938
00:45:22,434 --> 00:45:24,767
set them down on the hole,
and the gravity,
939
00:45:24,934 --> 00:45:30,300
the weight of those heavy trees
will drive that spruce tree down
940
00:45:30,467 --> 00:45:32,300
until it's solid
on the concrete.
941
00:45:32,467 --> 00:45:35,367
But we still will brace it
because these are big logs,
942
00:45:35,534 --> 00:45:37,567
and if something goes wrong,
they'll kill somebody.
943
00:45:37,734 --> 00:45:40,467
Ready?
Don't be shy.
944
00:45:40,634 --> 00:45:41,868
It's perfect.
Brace it.
945
00:45:44,467 --> 00:45:45,968
When we lived in Houston,
946
00:45:46,133 --> 00:45:50,000
I was working in a business
partnership until one day
947
00:45:50,167 --> 00:45:53,400
they decided that
they didn't need me anymore.
948
00:45:53,567 --> 00:45:56,100
It was difficult for me.
949
00:45:56,267 --> 00:45:58,300
We're gonna unhook the chain
and head for the other one.
950
00:46:03,200 --> 00:46:06,100
It took a few years
before we understood
951
00:46:06,267 --> 00:46:10,467
why it was kind of a good thing,
because maybe I would still be
952
00:46:10,634 --> 00:46:13,701
there living a life
that I-- I hated.
953
00:46:13,868 --> 00:46:17,167
But now I'm living the life
that I want here,
954
00:46:17,334 --> 00:46:19,868
building our legacy
on the side of this mountain.
955
00:46:20,033 --> 00:46:21,367
Come down, Clint!
Come on!
956
00:46:21,534 --> 00:46:22,467
Come on, bud!
957
00:46:23,868 --> 00:46:25,000
All right,
that's the last one.
958
00:46:25,167 --> 00:46:29,367
So that would be six logs.
Who had the logs?
959
00:46:29,534 --> 00:46:31,167
- We did.
- Yeah.
960
00:46:31,334 --> 00:46:34,367
Tighter than a frog's rear
in a bucket of water.
961
00:46:48,000 --> 00:46:49,701
As day four begins...
962
00:46:49,868 --> 00:46:53,801
Yoo-hoo!
I see people, I see people!
963
00:46:53,968 --> 00:46:57,000
...more friendly hands arrive
to help with the heavy lifting.
964
00:46:58,200 --> 00:46:59,601
Good morning, Joshua.
How are you?
965
00:46:59,767 --> 00:47:00,868
I'm doing well.
How are you doing, Misty?
966
00:47:01,033 --> 00:47:02,667
Are you doing good?
Who's all this?
967
00:47:02,834 --> 00:47:04,601
Well, we've got a ton of help.
968
00:47:04,767 --> 00:47:06,067
Are you guys here to work?
969
00:47:06,234 --> 00:47:08,868
- Yeah, let's do it!
- OK, so follow me.
970
00:47:09,033 --> 00:47:11,200
Just hop up and grab a tire.
971
00:47:11,367 --> 00:47:14,100
Yeah, guys-- whoo-hoo!
972
00:47:14,267 --> 00:47:16,601
I'm so blessed that so many
of our friends and our neighbors
973
00:47:16,767 --> 00:47:19,667
here in the community have
chosen to show up and help us.
974
00:47:19,834 --> 00:47:22,100
It's not easy work
packing this tires.
975
00:47:22,267 --> 00:47:24,300
Ooh, pretty good,
pretty good.
976
00:47:24,467 --> 00:47:26,000
A little bit more.
977
00:47:26,167 --> 00:47:28,767
The fact that they're giving
up their free time to come
978
00:47:28,934 --> 00:47:32,367
and do this very hard manual
labor is just amazing,
979
00:47:32,534 --> 00:47:34,567
and I'm so,
so grateful for their help.
980
00:47:34,734 --> 00:47:35,868
It's gonna really speed
things up.
981
00:47:37,000 --> 00:47:37,968
What do you think, Joshua?
982
00:47:38,133 --> 00:47:39,567
Are you like,
"We're all crazy?"
983
00:47:39,734 --> 00:47:41,667
- No, I mean...
- You-- you into it?
984
00:47:41,834 --> 00:47:43,601
I can't say that
you're all crazy.
985
00:47:43,767 --> 00:47:45,901
This was like-- the idea
behind the tires,
986
00:47:46,067 --> 00:47:48,167
so I have to stand
ground with you.
987
00:47:50,033 --> 00:47:52,100
Keep traveling, keep packing.
988
00:47:52,267 --> 00:47:54,167
When it comes
to this tire-earth greenhouse,
989
00:47:54,334 --> 00:47:57,367
the idea is to fill up
these tires full of dirt.
990
00:47:57,534 --> 00:47:59,767
Slowly but surely,
you're compacting that earth.
991
00:47:59,934 --> 00:48:02,667
The tire is anywhere
from 300 to 500 pounds.
992
00:48:02,834 --> 00:48:06,267
Each tire, you stagger
your seams, stack them in place,
993
00:48:06,434 --> 00:48:10,300
and you have a solid retaining
wall that will last forever.
994
00:48:12,767 --> 00:48:16,501
All right, final course is
the tires that my dad gifted us
995
00:48:16,667 --> 00:48:17,667
with the concrete in them.
996
00:48:18,801 --> 00:48:20,467
Gosh, it's heavier than...
997
00:48:20,634 --> 00:48:22,567
It's-- I've never felt
a tire this heavy.
998
00:48:22,734 --> 00:48:23,767
Three, two, one!
999
00:48:24,868 --> 00:48:27,067
OK, next one.
We'll get them level as we go.
1000
00:48:27,234 --> 00:48:30,968
I wanted something that
we could fasten a roof system
1001
00:48:31,133 --> 00:48:34,067
into, so last row,
we're almost there.
1002
00:48:34,234 --> 00:48:36,868
Whoo! Up, straight up!
1003
00:48:37,868 --> 00:48:41,000
Nobody fall off the wall!
Yeah.
1004
00:48:41,167 --> 00:48:44,367
Done! Done!
1005
00:48:44,534 --> 00:48:46,167
Done! Whoo-hoo!
1006
00:48:48,167 --> 00:48:49,167
Perfection!
1007
00:48:52,501 --> 00:48:54,167
Across the homestead...
1008
00:48:54,334 --> 00:48:55,267
We'll go eight feet out.
1009
00:48:56,300 --> 00:48:58,167
Eight feet's right here.
1010
00:48:58,334 --> 00:49:00,267
...Matt and Ronnie
begin the framework
1011
00:49:00,434 --> 00:49:01,801
of the new pig barn.
1012
00:49:01,968 --> 00:49:06,567
We'll get it just about six
feet high from the dirt floor.
1013
00:49:06,734 --> 00:49:11,601
Our pig barn is gonna be
an eight-by-16 small barn,
1014
00:49:11,767 --> 00:49:13,767
perfect for two pigs.
1015
00:49:13,934 --> 00:49:14,968
And we're gonna start out
1016
00:49:15,133 --> 00:49:16,901
with a post-and-beam
construction
1017
00:49:17,067 --> 00:49:19,801
that we milled
with our chainsaw mill.
1018
00:49:19,968 --> 00:49:23,400
Store lumber that you get
from the big box store--
1019
00:49:23,567 --> 00:49:27,000
all those measurements
of a two by four, four by four,
1020
00:49:27,167 --> 00:49:31,300
two by six, all that stuff, it's
not actually two inches thick.
1021
00:49:31,467 --> 00:49:34,367
It's not four inches wide.
You plane it down.
1022
00:49:34,534 --> 00:49:37,767
So these four by fours
are better
1023
00:49:37,934 --> 00:49:39,601
than the four by fours
you get from the store
1024
00:49:39,767 --> 00:49:43,467
'cause they're bigger,
more structurally stout,
1025
00:49:43,634 --> 00:49:44,901
and I can't wait to put 'em up.
1026
00:49:49,300 --> 00:49:50,868
That's ,
screw it in.
1027
00:49:53,267 --> 00:49:54,601
You ever done anything
like this before?
1028
00:49:54,767 --> 00:49:55,801
I have not.
1029
00:49:55,968 --> 00:49:58,267
Ronnie's really
gonna see the true value
1030
00:49:58,434 --> 00:50:00,767
of building a building
from scratch,
1031
00:50:00,934 --> 00:50:03,767
from materials right
from your home.
1032
00:50:03,934 --> 00:50:05,267
Now let's slap in this last beam
1033
00:50:05,434 --> 00:50:07,100
and we'll start
rolling the rafters.
1034
00:50:07,267 --> 00:50:09,167
I think the pigs
are gonna be happy.
1035
00:50:09,334 --> 00:50:10,100
I think they're
gonna like it.
1036
00:50:14,467 --> 00:50:16,567
Ready?
Let's lay them out.
1037
00:50:16,734 --> 00:50:19,000
With the structure's posts
and beams in place,
1038
00:50:20,367 --> 00:50:22,567
Marty and Joshua
begin construction
1039
00:50:22,734 --> 00:50:24,968
on a 1,000 square-foot roof,
1040
00:50:25,133 --> 00:50:27,567
capable of catching
more than 10,000 gallons
1041
00:50:27,734 --> 00:50:29,100
of water per year,
1042
00:50:29,267 --> 00:50:32,367
while also protecting
the family's vehicles and tools
1043
00:50:32,534 --> 00:50:34,634
until they can
build their cabin.
1044
00:50:37,100 --> 00:50:39,067
Good job.
Keep them coming.
1045
00:50:39,234 --> 00:50:40,801
We started out
with round trees,
1046
00:50:40,968 --> 00:50:45,067
and now we're connecting them
to precise dimensional lumber
1047
00:50:45,234 --> 00:50:49,200
in the way of rafters
and then sheeting
1048
00:50:50,767 --> 00:50:52,100
in the way of plywood.
1049
00:50:53,167 --> 00:50:55,100
This is the first layer
of protection
1050
00:50:55,267 --> 00:50:56,367
on our roof system.
1051
00:50:58,067 --> 00:50:59,267
Done!
1052
00:51:03,067 --> 00:51:07,100
It's a span of about 20 feet,
and we also have it on a rake.
1053
00:51:07,267 --> 00:51:09,601
So we've done everything
we can to build this
1054
00:51:09,767 --> 00:51:13,200
roof system strong enough
to take snow,
1055
00:51:13,367 --> 00:51:16,367
but steep enough so once
it gets a lot of snow,
1056
00:51:16,534 --> 00:51:19,567
the weight of that snow
will shed off the back
1057
00:51:19,734 --> 00:51:20,933
like an avalanche.
1058
00:51:20,934 --> 00:51:23,701
- OK, let's talk about
a couple things.
- OK
1059
00:51:23,868 --> 00:51:28,267
We're at a stage where
you go from planet Earth
1060
00:51:28,434 --> 00:51:30,200
into outer space.
- Outer space.
1061
00:51:30,367 --> 00:51:32,567
- You afraid of heights?
- A little bit, yes.
1062
00:51:32,734 --> 00:51:34,033
A lot-- a lot a bit, yes.
1063
00:51:35,100 --> 00:51:39,567
The roof is going on tomorrow,
and I am not a heights person.
1064
00:51:39,734 --> 00:51:41,868
I climb a ladder,
I get real shaky.
1065
00:51:42,033 --> 00:51:45,100
That's the most fear
I have right now.
1066
00:51:45,267 --> 00:51:46,667
Listen,
1067
00:51:46,834 --> 00:51:49,667
many a person
has told me they, you know,
1068
00:51:49,834 --> 00:51:51,467
have a little fear of heights.
1069
00:51:51,634 --> 00:51:53,701
But pretty much
from now on,
1070
00:51:53,868 --> 00:51:55,968
as far as
this building goes,
1071
00:51:56,133 --> 00:51:58,100
it's gonna be, if you can get
past your fear of heights,
1072
00:51:58,267 --> 00:52:00,067
'cause the rest
of the work is up there.
1073
00:52:01,667 --> 00:52:02,567
You decide.
1074
00:52:08,100 --> 00:52:09,367
2
1075
00:52:14,968 --> 00:52:18,367
The roof is going on,
and I hate heights.
1076
00:52:18,534 --> 00:52:20,667
I hate being high
for really any reason.
1077
00:52:20,834 --> 00:52:23,667
I climb a ladder,
I get real shaky.
1078
00:52:23,834 --> 00:52:27,100
That's the most fear
I have right now.
1079
00:52:27,267 --> 00:52:29,367
But I have to try.
1080
00:52:29,534 --> 00:52:31,868
All right, so you told
me you were afraid of heights.
1081
00:52:32,033 --> 00:52:33,066
Yep.
1082
00:52:33,067 --> 00:52:34,367
The rest of the work
on this project
1083
00:52:34,534 --> 00:52:36,100
is all high work.
1084
00:52:36,267 --> 00:52:37,500
- You ever been this high before?
- No.
1085
00:52:37,501 --> 00:52:40,267
All right, so I'm not gonna
force anyone to do something
1086
00:52:40,434 --> 00:52:42,000
they don't wanna do.
1087
00:52:44,467 --> 00:52:45,968
- Wanna try it?
- Yeah.
1088
00:52:46,133 --> 00:52:47,000
- You do?
- Yep.
1089
00:52:47,167 --> 00:52:48,400
OK, JC, fire it up, please.
1090
00:52:59,367 --> 00:53:00,367
- You're all right?
- Yeah.
1091
00:53:00,534 --> 00:53:01,467
OK.
1092
00:53:02,567 --> 00:53:04,100
Here's some irony.
1093
00:53:04,267 --> 00:53:09,667
Joshua chose to live
10,300 feet above sea level,
1094
00:53:09,834 --> 00:53:14,300
a long ways up there,
and he's afraid of heights,
1095
00:53:14,467 --> 00:53:17,767
but if he's able
to overcome his fear,
1096
00:53:17,934 --> 00:53:20,400
he might realize that he can
do anything.
1097
00:53:20,567 --> 00:53:23,868
That works.
Hold that, please, OK.
1098
00:53:25,100 --> 00:53:27,467
So you've stapled
this product down.
1099
00:53:27,634 --> 00:53:28,667
- Yep.
- It's very stable.
1100
00:53:28,834 --> 00:53:30,300
It's very stable.
1101
00:53:32,000 --> 00:53:33,567
You want a hand or you got it?
1102
00:53:33,734 --> 00:53:35,100
Uh, I got it.
1103
00:53:37,367 --> 00:53:38,300
- You sure?
- Yeah.
1104
00:53:38,467 --> 00:53:39,400
All right, come on up here.
1105
00:53:43,267 --> 00:53:45,300
All right, how close to that
edge do you wanna get?
1106
00:53:45,467 --> 00:53:49,701
All right, this it's about as
close as I wanna get.
1107
00:53:52,167 --> 00:53:54,467
I wanna see the toe
of your cowboy boot
1108
00:53:54,634 --> 00:53:55,567
over the edge.
- Mm-hmm.
1109
00:53:58,000 --> 00:53:59,067
You can do it, try it.
1110
00:54:03,667 --> 00:54:05,367
Done.
1111
00:54:05,534 --> 00:54:07,200
Good job.
I like that.
1112
00:54:07,367 --> 00:54:09,767
- You're gonna be fine.
- A little scary.
1113
00:54:09,934 --> 00:54:10,968
That's fine.
1114
00:54:11,133 --> 00:54:12,567
For you to have
a fear of heights,
1115
00:54:12,734 --> 00:54:14,601
come up here and do that,
1116
00:54:14,767 --> 00:54:17,367
I'm really impressed.
I truly am.
1117
00:54:17,534 --> 00:54:19,367
Good job, now--
1118
00:54:19,534 --> 00:54:22,000
whether you have a fear
of heights or not,
1119
00:54:22,167 --> 00:54:24,267
the mission is we're gonna start
putting the metal roofing on.
1120
00:54:24,434 --> 00:54:26,567
- Understood.
- We'll take a sheet, please.
1121
00:54:30,501 --> 00:54:31,634
Come on!
We're going for it.
1122
00:54:33,901 --> 00:54:37,467
Marty has taught me that
even though I still think
1123
00:54:37,634 --> 00:54:39,901
and know I'm afraid
of heights, uh,
1124
00:54:40,067 --> 00:54:42,767
that when the need sets in,
1125
00:54:42,934 --> 00:54:45,567
I can surpass that.
It's the big step forward.
1126
00:54:47,667 --> 00:54:50,067
OK.
Let's get another one, please.
1127
00:54:52,501 --> 00:54:53,601
Good.
1128
00:54:56,100 --> 00:54:57,167
Good job.
1129
00:54:59,167 --> 00:55:00,767
Tell me what we just
did, please.
1130
00:55:00,934 --> 00:55:03,767
We squared the roofing
material with the building.
1131
00:55:03,934 --> 00:55:07,367
Yes, right now, we have a really
good start to have a really
1132
00:55:07,534 --> 00:55:10,300
straight overhang on each side.
1133
00:55:10,467 --> 00:55:13,801
Grab a screw gun, and let's
put a screw in this top all
1134
00:55:13,968 --> 00:55:16,167
the way, please,
in one in each panel.
1135
00:55:16,334 --> 00:55:17,434
OK.
1136
00:55:18,701 --> 00:55:20,567
- This is
your roof, right?
- Yep.
1137
00:55:20,734 --> 00:55:22,200
- You want it to leak?
- Nope.
1138
00:55:22,367 --> 00:55:23,300
Good answer.
1139
00:55:24,501 --> 00:55:26,901
Excellent!
I like the way that sounded.
1140
00:55:27,067 --> 00:55:29,100
Now we'll just pull them up,
pin them.
1141
00:55:29,267 --> 00:55:30,667
- Pull them up and pin them, go.
- OK.
1142
00:55:30,834 --> 00:55:32,567
Tell these guys what you need.
You're in charge.
1143
00:55:32,734 --> 00:55:33,868
Tell them.
What do we need?
1144
00:55:34,033 --> 00:55:34,901
- More metal!
- Go get them!
1145
00:55:35,067 --> 00:55:36,300
Go get them!
Quick, quick, quick!
1146
00:55:36,467 --> 00:55:37,367
Thank you, thank you.
1147
00:55:37,534 --> 00:55:38,801
Tell them, tell them.
1148
00:55:38,968 --> 00:55:40,467
Can I get a sheet?
1149
00:55:42,300 --> 00:55:47,601
Joshua actually had his hands
on every step of the process.
1150
00:55:47,767 --> 00:55:49,901
What that means to me is this--
1151
00:55:50,067 --> 00:55:55,367
I'm this close to leaving this
homestead and leaving Joshua
1152
00:55:55,534 --> 00:55:57,767
to take it from where
we leave off
1153
00:55:57,934 --> 00:56:01,267
to whatever future he can
envision, not just for himself,
1154
00:56:01,434 --> 00:56:02,567
but for the family.
1155
00:56:02,734 --> 00:56:03,667
You're doing excellent.
1156
00:56:08,000 --> 00:56:09,000
Perfection!
1157
00:56:14,501 --> 00:56:16,067
OK, ready everybody?
1158
00:56:17,467 --> 00:56:19,868
On the other side
of the homestead...
1159
00:56:20,033 --> 00:56:22,167
- Oh, I'm so glad you're back.
- I'm back.
1160
00:56:22,334 --> 00:56:23,901
Come on in.
1161
00:56:24,067 --> 00:56:25,400
- Here you go.
- Oh, good.
1162
00:56:27,567 --> 00:56:30,801
...Drew Bankey arrives to help
Misty and Elizabeth frame
1163
00:56:30,968 --> 00:56:32,400
the underground greenhouse.
1164
00:56:33,400 --> 00:56:35,000
I know we're up against it.
1165
00:56:35,167 --> 00:56:36,968
Like, all of us are behind,
1166
00:56:37,133 --> 00:56:39,300
and so having someone
like Drew here,
1167
00:56:39,467 --> 00:56:41,868
having someone
with that kind of experience
1168
00:56:42,033 --> 00:56:43,501
and that kinda
out-of-the-box thinking
1169
00:56:43,667 --> 00:56:45,801
is exactly what we need
in this moment.
1170
00:56:45,968 --> 00:56:47,100
Looking pretty good.
1171
00:56:48,567 --> 00:56:50,601
All right, we're setting
the concrete tires in place.
1172
00:56:50,767 --> 00:56:52,167
We're getting
them nice and level
1173
00:56:52,334 --> 00:56:54,567
because we're ready
to start our structure.
1174
00:56:54,734 --> 00:56:57,667
And it starts
with a massive log
1175
00:56:57,834 --> 00:57:00,100
spanning the tire
retaining wall.
1176
00:57:02,567 --> 00:57:03,601
That looks really good.
1177
00:57:06,868 --> 00:57:08,667
Whoo!
That's in.
1178
00:57:08,834 --> 00:57:11,467
We're gonna put these
massive beams overhead,
1179
00:57:11,634 --> 00:57:15,367
making that span from retaining
wall to retaining wall.
1180
00:57:15,534 --> 00:57:17,100
Well, it's long enough.
That's good.
1181
00:57:18,567 --> 00:57:21,100
Once it's in place,
we can roll some rafters,
1182
00:57:21,267 --> 00:57:23,467
frame a wall, figure out
the design and layout,
1183
00:57:23,634 --> 00:57:26,267
move some dirt in,
build a door, done!
1184
00:57:26,434 --> 00:57:28,200
Hopefully we can do that
in the next couple of days
1185
00:57:28,367 --> 00:57:32,300
because we need a little time
at the end to figure out water.
1186
00:57:33,567 --> 00:57:34,601
Whoo!
1187
00:57:34,767 --> 00:57:38,968
It's long enough.
Now is it level enough?
1188
00:57:39,133 --> 00:57:40,968
It looks good.
1189
00:57:41,133 --> 00:57:42,167
It's perfect!
1190
00:57:43,267 --> 00:57:45,467
When you work
with unconventional materials
1191
00:57:45,634 --> 00:57:47,367
like dirt-filled tires and logs,
1192
00:57:47,534 --> 00:57:51,868
it is so hard to get
level or plumb.
1193
00:57:52,033 --> 00:57:55,901
Miraculously, the level is
level, and we're ready to roll
1194
00:57:56,067 --> 00:57:58,367
some rafters and to start
framing our front wall.
1195
00:58:02,067 --> 00:58:04,567
I'm really excited
with the progress we have.
1196
00:58:04,734 --> 00:58:07,367
I love the fact that
I'm getting to be part of this.
1197
00:58:07,534 --> 00:58:09,167
I'm not just watching it happen.
1198
00:58:09,334 --> 00:58:11,167
All right, let's call
that good, Elizabeth.
1199
00:58:11,334 --> 00:58:12,267
All right, awesome.
1200
00:58:13,667 --> 00:58:14,733
I'm the mom,
1201
00:58:14,734 --> 00:58:18,067
so my highest priority
to keep these boys safe,
1202
00:58:18,234 --> 00:58:20,667
loved, well-fed,
with all their needs met,
1203
00:58:20,834 --> 00:58:23,000
because they haven't
always had that in their life,
1204
00:58:23,167 --> 00:58:24,234
and they deserve that.
1205
00:58:25,367 --> 00:58:27,968
There's not a lot of room
for dirt work, folks.
1206
00:58:28,133 --> 00:58:31,501
It's a whole other
level of responsibility,
1207
00:58:31,667 --> 00:58:34,968
and I'm finally starting to feel
the security of knowing
1208
00:58:35,133 --> 00:58:38,100
that my family is gonna be
in a safe place,
1209
00:58:38,267 --> 00:58:39,367
and we're gonna make it.
1210
00:58:39,534 --> 00:58:41,300
Special delivery!
1211
00:58:43,767 --> 00:58:45,767
Each one of these logs
is gonna be the garden bed
1212
00:58:45,934 --> 00:58:47,200
inside the greenhouse.
1213
00:58:47,367 --> 00:58:49,400
We're actually starting
from the inside out.
1214
00:58:49,567 --> 00:58:52,100
We're gonna construct
all these garden beds,
1215
00:58:52,267 --> 00:58:53,366
fill them up with soil.
1216
00:58:53,367 --> 00:58:56,167
That way, we're not shoveling
a bunch of topsoil
1217
00:58:56,334 --> 00:58:58,100
into a small space.
1218
00:58:58,267 --> 00:59:00,567
OK, it's time to roll rafters
and build a wall.
1219
00:59:00,734 --> 00:59:01,868
- OK.
- This will go fast,
1220
00:59:02,033 --> 00:59:03,267
because once you
have your template,
1221
00:59:03,434 --> 00:59:04,467
it's easy to get
the rest of them.
1222
00:59:04,634 --> 00:59:05,567
- Ready?
- All right.
1223
00:59:05,734 --> 00:59:06,667
OK, let's do it.
1224
00:59:08,601 --> 00:59:10,000
This is gonna be amazing.
1225
00:59:15,267 --> 00:59:17,534
2
1226
00:59:20,000 --> 00:59:23,367
As day five winds down
on the Webb homestead...
1227
00:59:23,534 --> 00:59:24,766
Let's put it up there.
1228
00:59:24,767 --> 00:59:27,000
...the shell of the pig barn
is nearly finished.
1229
00:59:29,701 --> 00:59:32,067
- I saw we put some hay in here,
- Yeah.
1230
00:59:32,234 --> 00:59:34,567
and then,
we'll move those pigs in.
1231
00:59:34,734 --> 00:59:37,067
- Sounds like a plan.
- Let's do it.
1232
00:59:37,234 --> 00:59:39,267
And Matt has a plan
to re-purpose
1233
00:59:39,434 --> 00:59:41,667
the homestead's
smelliest byproduct.
1234
00:59:42,767 --> 00:59:46,200
I've always been
amazed by the insulation
1235
00:59:46,367 --> 00:59:48,767
that is produced by compost.
1236
00:59:49,901 --> 00:59:53,868
I propose that we try to start
1237
00:59:54,033 --> 00:59:57,767
a compost pile inside
the pig barn
1238
00:59:57,934 --> 01:00:01,701
and make an area for those
pigs with your straw that would
1239
01:00:01,868 --> 01:00:05,100
actually be warmer on those
really, really cold nights.
1240
01:00:05,267 --> 01:00:06,567
All right, piggy.
1241
01:00:10,601 --> 01:00:11,701
OK.
1242
01:00:12,467 --> 01:00:15,267
Our next move is I want to
bring in the big guns
1243
01:00:15,434 --> 01:00:17,367
to see if we can scratch out
this stuff.
1244
01:00:22,133 --> 01:00:25,767
We have the world's largest
excavator trying to go
1245
01:00:25,934 --> 01:00:28,167
into a very small space.
1246
01:00:29,767 --> 01:00:31,467
Ha, is this extreme for you?
1247
01:00:33,000 --> 01:00:34,968
- Am I going in?
- Yeah.
1248
01:00:38,100 --> 01:00:39,501
I got to be able
to get it out.
1249
01:00:48,434 --> 01:00:50,267
Am I smashing?
1250
01:00:50,434 --> 01:00:51,767
It's a rotten board.
I'm not worried about it.
1251
01:00:54,033 --> 01:00:56,367
The good thing about using
the compost is during
1252
01:00:56,534 --> 01:00:59,067
the winter, it'll generate
some heat for the pigs,
1253
01:00:59,234 --> 01:01:01,000
therefore, keeping them warm.
1254
01:01:01,167 --> 01:01:04,100
So that's gonna play a big
factor during the winter days.
1255
01:01:05,567 --> 01:01:10,467
That waste from the barn
is the magic ingredient,
1256
01:01:10,634 --> 01:01:13,167
but you have to get it out
in the open air.
1257
01:01:13,334 --> 01:01:16,767
You gotta cover it for a long
time, make sure it stays damp,
1258
01:01:16,934 --> 01:01:21,667
and that's when it'll actually
start turning into compost.
1259
01:01:21,834 --> 01:01:24,167
We did it, man.
Good job.
1260
01:01:24,334 --> 01:01:27,968
Sometimes the dirty jobs are
the ones that pay off the most.
1261
01:01:39,868 --> 01:01:41,501
Grab a shovel.
1262
01:01:41,667 --> 01:01:42,601
The next morning...
1263
01:01:42,767 --> 01:01:44,100
Come on in, Clint.
1264
01:01:45,267 --> 01:01:47,467
...Misty and Elizabeth's
all-weather
1265
01:01:47,634 --> 01:01:50,801
underground greenhouse
begins to take shape.
1266
01:01:50,968 --> 01:01:53,767
- Can you see this tire?
- Yeah, a little bit.
1267
01:01:53,934 --> 01:01:56,200
When you stand back
and look at this greenhouse,
1268
01:01:56,367 --> 01:01:58,367
it's so beautiful,
it's so awesome,
1269
01:01:58,534 --> 01:01:59,601
it's so functional.
1270
01:01:59,767 --> 01:02:01,067
OK, up.
1271
01:02:01,234 --> 01:02:03,267
OK, try to get dirt
under there.
1272
01:02:03,434 --> 01:02:07,100
But we have a ton of work
to do in two days,
1273
01:02:07,267 --> 01:02:10,567
so hopefully we can pull it
together and things get done.
1274
01:02:10,734 --> 01:02:12,467
That looks pretty good.
OK, let's see.
1275
01:02:12,634 --> 01:02:14,200
Are we in the bubble?
1276
01:02:14,367 --> 01:02:15,968
Oh, that's perfect!
1277
01:02:16,133 --> 01:02:19,267
OK, so the reason why
we have the concrete-filled
1278
01:02:19,434 --> 01:02:23,000
tires is 'cause we needed
to anchor into something
1279
01:02:23,167 --> 01:02:24,901
that wasn't dirt.
- Yeah.
1280
01:02:25,067 --> 01:02:26,167
So we're gonna take
the two-by-six
1281
01:02:26,334 --> 01:02:28,968
and redhead right
into the concrete tires.
1282
01:02:29,133 --> 01:02:31,801
That will be the bottom plate
that will roll the rafters on.
1283
01:02:31,968 --> 01:02:33,267
- Perfect!
- Yew!
1284
01:02:35,868 --> 01:02:37,200
As it starts
to come together,
1285
01:02:37,367 --> 01:02:40,100
and I can really start to see
what this greenhouse
1286
01:02:40,267 --> 01:02:42,968
and this Walipini is gonna
look like, I'm so excited.
1287
01:02:43,133 --> 01:02:47,167
Winter could be here any day,
but I feel so much more hopeful
1288
01:02:47,334 --> 01:02:48,767
that we're gonna have
a good winter
1289
01:02:48,934 --> 01:02:51,300
and feel stable
and successful and safe.
1290
01:02:52,400 --> 01:02:53,868
Pry up on this thing.
It's not going anywhere.
1291
01:02:54,033 --> 01:02:56,968
It's nice and fastened.
We're gonna call that good.
1292
01:02:57,133 --> 01:02:58,067
Ah-yoo!
1293
01:03:01,868 --> 01:03:03,467
So here we are.
1294
01:03:03,634 --> 01:03:07,501
With their all-purpose carport
nearly complete and time
1295
01:03:07,667 --> 01:03:11,501
running out, Marty shifts
his focus toward an urgent,
1296
01:03:11,667 --> 01:03:15,501
permanent solution
to the Webb family's
water woes.
1297
01:03:15,667 --> 01:03:18,501
We're going into winter,
and we've built them some
1298
01:03:18,667 --> 01:03:23,200
protection from the elements,
but this homestead is still
1299
01:03:23,367 --> 01:03:26,467
without sufficient water.
1300
01:03:26,634 --> 01:03:29,567
If we're gonna look for water,
we've got to look for it
1301
01:03:29,734 --> 01:03:31,467
in the confines
of your property line.
1302
01:03:31,634 --> 01:03:33,300
- Correct.
- Do you have a map
of it?
1303
01:03:33,467 --> 01:03:34,601
I do.
1304
01:03:34,767 --> 01:03:36,767
You can see right there
1305
01:03:36,934 --> 01:03:38,667
that line that goes
all the way across,
1306
01:03:38,834 --> 01:03:41,601
and then that bottom
whole section is us.
1307
01:03:41,767 --> 01:03:44,100
Oh, goodness.
That's a lot of land.
1308
01:03:44,267 --> 01:03:47,367
But the fact that this swale
is on your property...
1309
01:03:47,534 --> 01:03:49,267
- Right.
- ...is a ray of hope.
1310
01:03:49,434 --> 01:03:50,701
OK.
1311
01:03:50,868 --> 01:03:54,367
Natural swales are shallow,
marshy channels
1312
01:03:54,534 --> 01:03:58,267
filled with vegetation
that collects and moves water.
1313
01:03:58,434 --> 01:04:00,868
While a swale's presence
does not guarantee
1314
01:04:01,033 --> 01:04:04,367
an underground water table,
it can be a sign
1315
01:04:04,534 --> 01:04:06,868
that groundwater
might be nearby.
1316
01:04:07,033 --> 01:04:09,000
I'm gonna walk from here
to the top
1317
01:04:09,167 --> 01:04:10,267
and I'll come out
on your property?
1318
01:04:10,434 --> 01:04:11,666
- Yes, you will.
- Up there?
1319
01:04:11,667 --> 01:04:13,868
- Yes.
- OK-- if you don't mind,
I'll meet you there,
1320
01:04:14,033 --> 01:04:16,601
and you can drive the truck.
- OK.
1321
01:04:16,767 --> 01:04:18,801
- And I'll do the walking.
- Sounds good.
1322
01:04:21,267 --> 01:04:25,167
Joshua is hauling water
from town, but it takes time,
1323
01:04:25,334 --> 01:04:28,467
and it's not enough to get
him prepared for winter.
1324
01:04:28,634 --> 01:04:32,501
So I'm gonna look around,
and if we see anything that
1325
01:04:32,667 --> 01:04:35,367
looks promising,
we're gonna start digging.
1326
01:04:39,367 --> 01:04:40,367
I'm not an expert...
1327
01:04:41,767 --> 01:04:45,167
on the flora and fauna
of Colorado.
1328
01:04:46,801 --> 01:04:50,701
Normally I'd be looking
for some ferns.
1329
01:04:53,167 --> 01:04:55,400
Usually, I would be
in the lowest spot of the gully,
1330
01:04:55,567 --> 01:04:56,601
which is right here.
1331
01:05:06,100 --> 01:05:07,467
Oh, look at this.
1332
01:05:08,767 --> 01:05:13,601
This area right here is
obviously very, very green.
1333
01:05:13,767 --> 01:05:17,701
This plant probably needs more
water to survive out here,
1334
01:05:17,868 --> 01:05:20,501
and it's finding that water
in this low spot.
1335
01:05:20,667 --> 01:05:23,901
But is it just runoff
from the snow that melted
1336
01:05:24,067 --> 01:05:28,167
and went to the low spot?
Most likely.
1337
01:05:28,334 --> 01:05:29,267
Let's keep looking.
1338
01:05:34,501 --> 01:05:37,367
We've got some old tracks here,
probably elk.
1339
01:05:37,534 --> 01:05:39,567
They have to drink
every single day, right?
1340
01:05:41,400 --> 01:05:42,400
Where's the water?
1341
01:05:47,367 --> 01:05:50,968
We've walked
from the bottom to the top
1342
01:05:51,133 --> 01:05:54,167
of an ever so slight gully.
1343
01:05:54,334 --> 01:05:57,067
There's some vegetation
that's certainly green.
1344
01:05:58,100 --> 01:06:01,567
Is it green enough to make me
bring an excavator down here
1345
01:06:01,734 --> 01:06:03,467
and look for water?
No.
1346
01:06:04,868 --> 01:06:06,667
Winter's coming.
1347
01:06:06,834 --> 01:06:09,267
And these guys need water.
They're desperate.
1348
01:06:16,200 --> 01:06:18,267
2
1349
01:06:23,567 --> 01:06:26,467
All right.
We're almost there.
1350
01:06:26,634 --> 01:06:29,467
With a day and a half
remaining in the rescue...
1351
01:06:29,634 --> 01:06:31,667
Keeping water
off of the structure.
1352
01:06:31,834 --> 01:06:34,467
It's the most important thing
as far as I'm concerned.
1353
01:06:34,634 --> 01:06:38,367
...Misty devises a creative
system to collect water
1354
01:06:38,534 --> 01:06:40,801
and protect the greenhouse
from erosion.
1355
01:06:42,467 --> 01:06:45,567
- Let's make a French drain.
So go ahead that way.
- OK.
1356
01:06:47,267 --> 01:06:49,167
It doesn't rain much
in this part of Colorado,
1357
01:06:49,334 --> 01:06:50,667
but when it does, it pours.
1358
01:06:50,834 --> 01:06:54,167
And there's signs of erosion
all over this homestead
1359
01:06:54,334 --> 01:06:55,567
across the mountainside.
1360
01:06:55,734 --> 01:06:58,767
For me, it's concerning
when it comes to protecting
1361
01:06:58,934 --> 01:07:01,067
this greenhouse
and these earth-filled tires.
1362
01:07:01,234 --> 01:07:04,601
Not one drop of water
can touch this structure.
1363
01:07:06,167 --> 01:07:08,801
All right, so we're gonna
create this French drain, right?
1364
01:07:08,968 --> 01:07:15,000
So the worst thing we wanna
do is have water falling off
1365
01:07:15,167 --> 01:07:18,400
the roof and collecting on
the backside of the structure.
1366
01:07:18,567 --> 01:07:21,868
You also live on
the mountainside where all
1367
01:07:22,033 --> 01:07:25,767
the runoff from the whole
mountainside is running right
1368
01:07:25,934 --> 01:07:26,868
to this structure.
- Yeah.
1369
01:07:27,033 --> 01:07:28,200
So we're gonna collect both.
1370
01:07:28,367 --> 01:07:30,767
Every drop that comes off
the roof and every drop that
1371
01:07:30,934 --> 01:07:32,667
comes off the mountainside
is gonna collect
1372
01:07:32,834 --> 01:07:34,100
in our French drain.
1373
01:07:34,267 --> 01:07:37,667
And every time it rains,
I want it to rain
1374
01:07:37,834 --> 01:07:39,200
inside the greenhouse.
- All right.
1375
01:07:43,133 --> 01:07:44,567
OK.
1376
01:07:44,734 --> 01:07:47,100
I love Misty's idea
for the French drain.
1377
01:07:47,267 --> 01:07:49,868
It actually was pretty
simple and straightforward.
1378
01:07:50,033 --> 01:07:50,868
I love it.
1379
01:07:53,400 --> 01:07:56,100
All right, so we're
running off of the French drain
1380
01:07:56,267 --> 01:07:57,901
to the bucket drain
to the PVC pipe,
1381
01:07:58,067 --> 01:07:59,567
and then our elbow,
1382
01:07:59,734 --> 01:08:03,567
and literally just putting
a hose fitting so that you can
1383
01:08:03,734 --> 01:08:06,367
attach a hose, a drip line,
whatever, inside the garden.
1384
01:08:06,534 --> 01:08:08,067
We just gotta keep working.
1385
01:08:10,200 --> 01:08:11,367
Really feeling the pressure now
1386
01:08:11,534 --> 01:08:13,767
because we are almost
out of time,
1387
01:08:13,934 --> 01:08:15,667
and I feel like there's
still quite a few things left
1388
01:08:15,834 --> 01:08:17,567
to do on this walipini.
1389
01:08:17,734 --> 01:08:20,868
We've still gotta put
the sheeting on the top,
1390
01:08:21,033 --> 01:08:22,868
and we haven't quite
figured out what we're doing
1391
01:08:23,033 --> 01:08:24,100
on the front yet.
1392
01:08:24,267 --> 01:08:26,367
So there's still just
a lot of things that have
1393
01:08:26,534 --> 01:08:28,200
to happen in a really
short amount of time.
1394
01:08:28,367 --> 01:08:30,667
So I'm just hoping
that we can pull it off.
1395
01:08:30,834 --> 01:08:32,467
Push and turn, yep.
1396
01:08:32,634 --> 01:08:34,667
Phew, straighten it out.
1397
01:08:34,834 --> 01:08:37,801
You can, yeah...!
1398
01:08:37,968 --> 01:08:38,868
So good.
1399
01:08:50,100 --> 01:08:51,167
This is always the fun part.
1400
01:08:55,667 --> 01:08:57,467
We built
a predator-proof barn
1401
01:08:57,634 --> 01:08:58,701
for the pigs,
1402
01:08:58,868 --> 01:09:01,667
which will keep them secure
from predators.
1403
01:09:01,834 --> 01:09:04,367
And when they insulate
this building,
1404
01:09:04,534 --> 01:09:06,267
they'll be warm
during the winter,
1405
01:09:06,434 --> 01:09:08,300
and they can get
as big as they want
1406
01:09:08,467 --> 01:09:11,100
because this barn has more than
enough space for the two of 'em.
1407
01:09:13,167 --> 01:09:14,334
Hey, piggies!
1408
01:09:15,167 --> 01:09:18,100
These pigs look really happy,
and more importantly,
1409
01:09:18,267 --> 01:09:19,767
they're gonna be safe.
- Oh, yeah.
1410
01:09:19,934 --> 01:09:22,400
And they have
a predator-proof barn.
1411
01:09:22,567 --> 01:09:24,667
- Yep.
- And they're gonna be warm.
1412
01:09:24,834 --> 01:09:28,100
You could fill this whole thing
up a foot deep with straw
1413
01:09:28,267 --> 01:09:31,567
and just change that out
or turn it around.
- Yeah.
1414
01:09:31,734 --> 01:09:34,067
And this could be turned
into compost as well.
1415
01:09:34,234 --> 01:09:36,100
That compost pile is gonna
get bigger and bigger,
1416
01:09:36,267 --> 01:09:38,467
especially after this winter
because the more straw
1417
01:09:38,634 --> 01:09:40,601
you put in here, uh,
1418
01:09:40,767 --> 01:09:42,467
the more you keep
these shutters closed at night,
1419
01:09:42,634 --> 01:09:44,100
the warmer the pigs will be.
1420
01:09:44,267 --> 01:09:46,801
I feel good about leaving these
pigs now because I know they're
1421
01:09:46,968 --> 01:09:49,667
in the best hands and they're
in the best place they can be.
1422
01:09:49,834 --> 01:09:52,367
They already look happy.
- They really do.
1423
01:09:53,901 --> 01:09:56,901
One week ago,
the homestead's pigs were
1424
01:09:57,067 --> 01:10:01,067
housed in a shoddy shelter that
exposed them to the elements
1425
01:10:01,234 --> 01:10:04,567
and made them an easy meal
for predators.
1426
01:10:04,734 --> 01:10:08,567
Now, they have a secure barn
that will keep them warm
1427
01:10:08,734 --> 01:10:11,868
and safe throughout
the high altitude winter.
1428
01:10:12,033 --> 01:10:14,901
Building this barn is really
important for the pigs,
1429
01:10:15,067 --> 01:10:19,067
but I think it's more important
for you because now you can see
1430
01:10:19,234 --> 01:10:21,767
what you can do
with a chainsaw mill.
1431
01:10:21,934 --> 01:10:25,300
Oh, I am gonna go forth
and create some more stuff.
1432
01:10:25,467 --> 01:10:29,868
Old McRonnie built
a barn with a chainsaw.
1433
01:10:31,467 --> 01:10:33,767
The fact that I was able to pass
on my knowledge of milling
1434
01:10:33,934 --> 01:10:37,367
with a chainsaw to Ronnie,
I think is really the most
1435
01:10:37,534 --> 01:10:40,367
amazing thing that might have
happened on this homestead.
1436
01:10:40,534 --> 01:10:43,567
Because if you can mill
your own trees,
1437
01:10:43,734 --> 01:10:46,667
there is nothing you can't
build for the homestead.
1438
01:10:46,834 --> 01:10:53,467
OK, so I'm leaving you a big
pile of logs and this chainsaw.
1439
01:10:53,634 --> 01:10:54,766
Oh, nice.
1440
01:10:54,767 --> 01:10:57,400
A guy like you,
you're crafty, you're smart.
1441
01:10:57,567 --> 01:11:00,267
Just start dreaming up
a crazy idea.
1442
01:11:00,434 --> 01:11:02,467
Use this chainsaw to mill
this lumber a lot quicker.
1443
01:11:02,634 --> 01:11:05,300
- I know you can do it.
- Yes, sir.
1444
01:11:05,467 --> 01:11:08,667
- So this is
my gift to you.
- It's really cool.
1445
01:11:08,834 --> 01:11:10,467
Really glad the Raneys came.
1446
01:11:10,634 --> 01:11:12,667
They've given me
a lot of experience
1447
01:11:12,834 --> 01:11:15,267
and a lot of stuff that they've
learned over the years,
1448
01:11:15,434 --> 01:11:16,868
they've passed on to me.
1449
01:11:17,033 --> 01:11:19,767
And I will take that
and go forth with it.
1450
01:11:19,934 --> 01:11:21,968
Hopefully this comes in handy
in the future, man.
1451
01:11:22,133 --> 01:11:23,868
And honestly,
it's been a pleasure.
1452
01:11:24,033 --> 01:11:24,901
Yes, sir-- thank you.
1453
01:11:33,367 --> 01:11:34,868
You probably wondering why
1454
01:11:35,033 --> 01:11:37,067
I drug you to the top
of the hill one more time.
1455
01:11:37,234 --> 01:11:38,367
Yeah.
1456
01:11:38,534 --> 01:11:39,667
After coming up dry
1457
01:11:39,834 --> 01:11:42,467
in the search
for a local water source...
1458
01:11:42,634 --> 01:11:43,901
She'll be coming around
the mountain when
1459
01:11:44,067 --> 01:11:45,467
she comes, buddy.
1460
01:11:45,634 --> 01:11:48,367
...Marty calls
in an 11th-hour Hail Mary.
1461
01:11:50,167 --> 01:11:51,067
Holy crap!
1462
01:11:52,968 --> 01:11:54,000
It looks like water!
1463
01:11:58,701 --> 01:12:00,667
Thank you, guys.
Trinidad, that's a bit of a haul
1464
01:12:00,834 --> 01:12:02,033
to bring this water up here.
1465
01:12:02,200 --> 01:12:04,567
I really appreciate that.
It makes a difference for us.
1466
01:12:04,734 --> 01:12:05,934
This will get us
through the winter.
1467
01:12:06,100 --> 01:12:08,968
The 800 gallons that's in there
was almost a day's worth
1468
01:12:09,133 --> 01:12:12,467
of work for Marty and I.
So this means a lot.
1469
01:12:12,634 --> 01:12:13,766
- I'm glad to be here.
- Yeah.
1470
01:12:13,767 --> 01:12:16,467
- I'm glad to help out.
- I'm glad to be part of it.
1471
01:12:16,634 --> 01:12:19,567
We traveled all the way
from Alaska to help this family.
1472
01:12:19,734 --> 01:12:23,701
And I hadn't had an answer
for the lack of water yet.
1473
01:12:23,868 --> 01:12:25,601
It was a generous gift
1474
01:12:25,767 --> 01:12:29,100
from a complete stranger
that not only helped Joshua,
1475
01:12:29,267 --> 01:12:31,868
Elizabeth, and the boys,
but that person helped me.
1476
01:12:32,033 --> 01:12:33,367
They didn't even know it.
1477
01:12:33,534 --> 01:12:35,100
- You ready?
- Yes, sir.
1478
01:12:35,267 --> 01:12:36,167
I was concerned.
1479
01:12:36,334 --> 01:12:38,167
We don't have
enough water here,
1480
01:12:38,334 --> 01:12:41,667
and hauling it is becoming
difficult or impossible,
1481
01:12:41,834 --> 01:12:46,000
not only for the winter,
but going forward.
1482
01:12:46,167 --> 01:12:48,567
They came all the way
here to bring us water
1483
01:12:48,734 --> 01:12:51,000
to fill up our cisterns,
that...
1484
01:12:51,167 --> 01:12:52,200
is huge for us.
1485
01:12:52,367 --> 01:12:53,767
That is a weight off
of our shoulders
1486
01:12:53,934 --> 01:12:55,667
when we know that
there's water in there,
1487
01:12:55,834 --> 01:12:57,467
and we're good to go
for months.
1488
01:12:57,634 --> 01:13:00,501
We can use it for our animals
and for ourselves,
1489
01:13:00,667 --> 01:13:03,901
so they really came
through for us.
1490
01:13:04,067 --> 01:13:07,000
This is similar
to what Josh and I wanted to do
1491
01:13:07,167 --> 01:13:08,968
on a homestead level.
1492
01:13:09,133 --> 01:13:11,567
We didn't have this big,
beautiful 2,000-gallon tank.
1493
01:13:11,734 --> 01:13:15,367
We had a few 250-gallon tanks,
and we had a pump.
1494
01:13:16,367 --> 01:13:19,601
This is the same principle.
This is the system.
1495
01:13:19,767 --> 01:13:21,801
Bring it up
in whatever container,
1496
01:13:21,968 --> 01:13:23,801
pump it out into your cistern,
1497
01:13:23,968 --> 01:13:27,100
and that is the way
this homestead survives.
1498
01:13:34,000 --> 01:13:35,000
2
1499
01:13:37,267 --> 01:13:39,100
Unh, unh, unh.
1500
01:13:39,267 --> 01:13:40,601
Somebody got me
the word up above.
1501
01:13:40,767 --> 01:13:42,267
- You needed a sledge.
- Yeah.
1502
01:13:42,434 --> 01:13:44,000
Wait till you see this.
1503
01:13:44,167 --> 01:13:45,166
Wow!
1504
01:13:45,167 --> 01:13:46,767
This guy's brother's
a blacksmith.
1505
01:13:46,934 --> 01:13:48,601
I just met a builder.
1506
01:13:48,767 --> 01:13:52,200
He's this tall,
he's that wide, he's big,
1507
01:13:52,367 --> 01:13:54,100
and he's got a hammer.
1508
01:13:54,267 --> 01:13:57,267
- These things are going
for $150 a piece.
- Amazing.
1509
01:13:57,434 --> 01:14:00,367
All right, if you can beat
my daughter in an arm wrestle,
1510
01:14:00,534 --> 01:14:02,968
we'll give you the $150.
Come here, man.
1511
01:14:03,133 --> 01:14:05,000
- What the heck?
- That goes over here.
1512
01:14:07,167 --> 01:14:08,367
- Hey, that's incentive.
- No, we're definitely...
1513
01:14:08,534 --> 01:14:09,968
You can't lose.
1514
01:14:10,133 --> 01:14:11,767
That was terrifying.
1515
01:14:11,934 --> 01:14:13,267
Set, go.
1516
01:14:14,601 --> 01:14:17,501
I saw my whole life
flash before my eyes.
1517
01:14:17,667 --> 01:14:20,100
He's taking me
down, taking me down!
1518
01:14:20,267 --> 01:14:22,367
I don't wanna go
the other way, though.
1519
01:14:24,067 --> 01:14:27,267
OK, here you go.
I'll cough up the 150.
1520
01:14:27,434 --> 01:14:29,667
- It's worth it, thank you.
- Yeah, thanks.
1521
01:14:29,834 --> 01:14:30,767
That was my all.
1522
01:14:35,734 --> 01:14:37,734
2
1523
01:14:39,167 --> 01:14:41,100
With less than a day remaining
1524
01:14:41,267 --> 01:14:44,667
on the Webb's two-mile-high
Colorado homestead...
1525
01:14:44,834 --> 01:14:46,300
All right, super pumped!
1526
01:14:46,467 --> 01:14:48,267
...Misty puts
the finishing touches
1527
01:14:48,434 --> 01:14:50,467
on the underground
greenhouse...
1528
01:14:50,634 --> 01:14:51,767
We were able to fasten
1529
01:14:51,934 --> 01:14:54,467
our whole roof system
into place.
1530
01:14:54,634 --> 01:14:56,300
We got to get cracking.
Let's go!
1531
01:14:56,467 --> 01:14:59,300
...while Marty reinforces
the family's carport
1532
01:14:59,467 --> 01:15:01,567
to withstand heavy winter
snow loads.
1533
01:15:03,434 --> 01:15:06,100
The structure we built
might look pretty rough,
1534
01:15:06,267 --> 01:15:08,667
but here's the cool thing,
they could convert this
1535
01:15:08,834 --> 01:15:10,200
into a home in the future.
1536
01:15:17,834 --> 01:15:21,167
- Oh man,
guys, you tired?
- Yes.
1537
01:15:21,334 --> 01:15:23,367
- It's been a long week.
- That's how I feel.
1538
01:15:23,534 --> 01:15:28,000
But come on!
This thing is 27 feet long.
1539
01:15:28,167 --> 01:15:30,000
- That's pretty awesome.
- Like, it's massive.
1540
01:15:30,167 --> 01:15:33,767
I think we've come a long ways
from filling tires full of dirt.
1541
01:15:33,934 --> 01:15:34,767
So let's go inside.
1542
01:15:38,100 --> 01:15:40,367
- Feel how warm it is in here?
- Oh, yeah.
1543
01:15:40,534 --> 01:15:42,667
- Right?
- That's awesome!
1544
01:15:42,834 --> 01:15:43,667
Come on!
Come on, Diego.
1545
01:15:45,267 --> 01:15:47,000
Do you think plants will
be able to survive in here?
1546
01:15:47,167 --> 01:15:49,868
I feel like if we have a shot,
this is how.
1547
01:15:51,000 --> 01:15:53,200
It's amazing just walking
in that greenhouse,
1548
01:15:53,367 --> 01:15:55,667
feeling the warmth,
the temperature difference,
1549
01:15:55,834 --> 01:15:57,734
and just seeing
that come to life
1550
01:15:57,901 --> 01:16:00,467
is just a dream come true.
1551
01:16:00,634 --> 01:16:02,767
So there's one thing
that is really exciting
1552
01:16:02,934 --> 01:16:05,200
that we haven't
seen in action yet.
1553
01:16:05,367 --> 01:16:06,667
And it's this soaker hose.
1554
01:16:06,834 --> 01:16:10,100
You can literally just weave it
in and out of the plants.
1555
01:16:10,267 --> 01:16:13,000
And every time it rains,
water is being diverted
1556
01:16:13,167 --> 01:16:16,100
away from the structure
and watering the greenhouse.
1557
01:16:16,267 --> 01:16:17,367
Oh, that's amazing!
1558
01:16:18,767 --> 01:16:21,167
Seven days ago,
the Webb family
1559
01:16:21,334 --> 01:16:24,167
had no gardening knowledge
and lacked a place
1560
01:16:24,334 --> 01:16:26,567
to grow crucial
year-round crops.
1561
01:16:27,868 --> 01:16:32,167
Now, they have a greenhouse
carved into a mountainside,
1562
01:16:32,334 --> 01:16:36,400
and Elizabeth has the ability
to grow crops for any season.
1563
01:16:36,567 --> 01:16:40,367
Can we start planting now,
being that it is September?
1564
01:16:40,534 --> 01:16:43,300
I would do things
that can reach maturity
1565
01:16:43,467 --> 01:16:44,600
in short little windows.
1566
01:16:44,601 --> 01:16:47,901
All types of lettuces,
garlic, kale, root veggies,
1567
01:16:48,067 --> 01:16:50,000
and things that like
cold temperatures.
1568
01:16:50,167 --> 01:16:51,501
- Get some plants and go for it!
- Yeah.
1569
01:16:51,667 --> 01:16:54,868
I promise, with this structure
and the water,
1570
01:16:55,033 --> 01:16:56,601
you're-- you're gonna be set.
1571
01:16:56,767 --> 01:17:01,501
To watch that greenhouse
grow from just a normal
1572
01:17:01,667 --> 01:17:05,167
side of a mountain
to a greenhouse in a week,
1573
01:17:05,334 --> 01:17:07,801
I mean, that's like
two years for us.
1574
01:17:07,968 --> 01:17:08,968
I mean, it's incredible!
1575
01:17:09,133 --> 01:17:11,367
...it's been
a lot of work,
1576
01:17:11,534 --> 01:17:12,767
but I feel like
I've learned so much.
1577
01:17:12,934 --> 01:17:14,767
Thank you so, so much!
1578
01:17:14,934 --> 01:17:18,467
And I'm gonna think about you
every time we come down here
1579
01:17:18,634 --> 01:17:21,000
to this greenhouse
and all the vegetables
1580
01:17:21,167 --> 01:17:22,734
we pull out, and...
1581
01:17:22,901 --> 01:17:25,801
Before the Raneys came,
I was feeling really uncertain.
1582
01:17:25,968 --> 01:17:28,968
I wasn't sure how we were gonna
get things ready for winter,
1583
01:17:29,133 --> 01:17:31,868
and I didn't wanna go
into another winter
1584
01:17:32,033 --> 01:17:33,300
like the last one.
1585
01:17:33,467 --> 01:17:36,467
But I feel for the first time
in our two years here that
1586
01:17:36,634 --> 01:17:38,200
we are ready for winter.
1587
01:17:46,567 --> 01:17:47,868
OK.
1588
01:17:48,033 --> 01:17:49,801
- What do you think?
- I love it.
1589
01:17:49,968 --> 01:17:52,267
It's out of trees from our land.
1590
01:17:52,434 --> 01:17:53,601
Awesome, it exists.
1591
01:17:53,767 --> 01:17:55,467
It's not an idea,
it's not a concept,
1592
01:17:55,634 --> 01:17:57,868
it's not a someday
when we have money and time.
1593
01:17:58,033 --> 01:17:59,167
It's right there.
1594
01:17:59,334 --> 01:18:01,267
Does it look like
it's strong enough?
1595
01:18:01,434 --> 01:18:02,467
Oh, yeah.
1596
01:18:02,634 --> 01:18:04,601
And whether
it's in the cisterns
1597
01:18:04,767 --> 01:18:08,467
or catching all the water
you want off that roof,
1598
01:18:08,634 --> 01:18:11,200
you're in a much better
place when it comes to water.
1599
01:18:13,100 --> 01:18:14,734
You're not gonna carry me
over the doorstep?
1600
01:18:14,901 --> 01:18:16,066
No.
1601
01:18:16,067 --> 01:18:18,067
- How's it feel?
- It's beautiful.
1602
01:18:18,234 --> 01:18:20,100
- Is it big enough?
- Yeah.
1603
01:18:20,267 --> 01:18:21,868
I mean,
we've been living in an RV.
1604
01:18:22,033 --> 01:18:26,868
So anything is bigger
than that...
1605
01:18:27,033 --> 01:18:30,367
We've built this
homestead, one of the biggest,
1606
01:18:30,534 --> 01:18:34,801
baddest carports that
could be turned into a home.
1607
01:18:34,968 --> 01:18:39,100
And I've seen Joshua
overcome his fear of heights.
1608
01:18:39,267 --> 01:18:41,734
So if they wanna
catch water off that thing,
1609
01:18:41,901 --> 01:18:44,367
Joshua can put
his own gutters on.
1610
01:18:44,534 --> 01:18:47,667
There's work to be done.
Now it's up to them.
1611
01:18:47,834 --> 01:18:52,400
The next step is close it in,
finish it and make it a home.
1612
01:18:52,567 --> 01:18:54,801
Yeah, this definitely is
headed towards
1613
01:18:54,968 --> 01:18:56,501
being a home for us.
1614
01:18:57,767 --> 01:19:01,000
One week ago, Joshua
and Elizabeth's homestead
1615
01:19:01,167 --> 01:19:03,734
was out of water,
and they were set to spend
1616
01:19:03,901 --> 01:19:06,767
the winter with minimal defense
against Mother Nature.
1617
01:19:08,200 --> 01:19:12,100
Now, their water storage
system is filled to the brim,
1618
01:19:12,267 --> 01:19:15,601
and their all-purpose carport
will offer increased protection
1619
01:19:15,767 --> 01:19:18,300
from the elements as
they work to transform it
1620
01:19:18,467 --> 01:19:20,367
into their permanent home.
1621
01:19:20,534 --> 01:19:23,167
The Raneys have set us up not
only for this winter,
1622
01:19:23,334 --> 01:19:26,400
but also for all of our steps
going forward.
1623
01:19:26,567 --> 01:19:28,467
What kind of a layout would
you have in here?
1624
01:19:28,634 --> 01:19:30,868
We think Elizabeth's
harp studio will be over
1625
01:19:31,033 --> 01:19:32,567
on that side.
- Do you have a harp out here?
1626
01:19:32,734 --> 01:19:34,968
- I do.
- Would you mind getting it?
1627
01:19:35,133 --> 01:19:36,033
Sure.
1628
01:19:36,200 --> 01:19:38,767
I no longer feel
on the brink of disaster
1629
01:19:39,734 --> 01:19:41,968
as I felt before
the Raneys arrived.
1630
01:19:42,133 --> 01:19:43,300
This is the only chairs I have.
1631
01:19:43,467 --> 01:19:45,167
- Does this work?
- Yeah.
1632
01:19:45,334 --> 01:19:46,433
We're energetic,
1633
01:19:46,434 --> 01:19:48,400
and even though winter's
right around the corner,
1634
01:19:48,567 --> 01:19:51,767
to say we're excited for it
sounds weird, but we are.
1635
01:19:53,267 --> 01:19:54,968
Have you composed,
written music?
1636
01:19:55,133 --> 01:19:56,501
I have, yeah.
1637
01:19:56,667 --> 01:19:58,567
That's what I would like
to hear, if you don't mind.
1638
01:19:58,734 --> 01:20:01,801
Sure-- I will play something
that I wrote that was inspired
1639
01:20:01,968 --> 01:20:03,667
by the view that we have here.
1640
01:20:19,501 --> 01:20:21,801
I'm so impressed
with Joshua and Elizabeth
1641
01:20:21,968 --> 01:20:24,467
because homesteading
is not for everyone,
1642
01:20:25,734 --> 01:20:30,567
but I can see
that it inspires them.
1643
01:20:30,734 --> 01:20:33,400
Now they have all
the resources to enjoy
1644
01:20:33,567 --> 01:20:37,567
and reap the benefits
of living their dream.
1645
01:20:41,200 --> 01:20:43,067
Oh, man.
1646
01:20:43,234 --> 01:20:44,767
That was...
1647
01:20:44,934 --> 01:20:47,000
- That is a beautiful
piece of music.
- Thank you.
1648
01:20:47,167 --> 01:20:49,467
You're a very talented
young lady.
1649
01:20:49,634 --> 01:20:51,467
- Thank you.
- Inspired
by these mountains.
1650
01:20:52,601 --> 01:20:53,567
That's beautiful.
1651
01:21:00,100 --> 01:21:04,000
Well, that was some
pretty crazy days.
1652
01:21:05,467 --> 01:21:06,968
The amount of things that were
accomplished,
1653
01:21:07,133 --> 01:21:09,300
we wouldn't have
even probably tried
1654
01:21:09,467 --> 01:21:13,300
and succeeded to finish one,
let alone three.
1655
01:21:13,467 --> 01:21:16,734
OK, so before we leave here,
1656
01:21:16,901 --> 01:21:19,367
there's a statistic
I heard a couple days ago,
1657
01:21:19,534 --> 01:21:20,868
that concern me.
1658
01:21:21,033 --> 01:21:25,667
The people that come
to this elevation and not just,
1659
01:21:25,834 --> 01:21:28,300
you know, barely make it,
but actually thrive...
1660
01:21:29,467 --> 01:21:32,000
is 1%.
- Oh.
1661
01:21:32,167 --> 01:21:33,300
You've been here two winters.
1662
01:21:35,400 --> 01:21:37,100
Are you guys
the one-percenters?
1663
01:21:38,167 --> 01:21:39,901
- Yes.
- Yeah.
1664
01:21:40,067 --> 01:21:43,100
A year from now, you guys
just will still be here?
1665
01:21:43,267 --> 01:21:45,000
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, we will.
1666
01:21:45,167 --> 01:21:46,868
Ten years from now,
we'll still be here.
1667
01:21:47,033 --> 01:21:48,033
That's all I had to hear.
1668
01:21:49,267 --> 01:21:50,601
- Thanks for having us.
- Thank you.
1669
01:21:50,767 --> 01:21:51,868
- Thank you
- Thank you, young lady.
1670
01:21:52,033 --> 01:21:54,400
We came up this mountain,
1671
01:21:54,567 --> 01:21:58,667
nearly two miles above sea
level, only to find homesteaders
1672
01:21:58,834 --> 01:22:02,000
that could not check
one homesteading box.
1673
01:22:02,167 --> 01:22:05,968
A week or so later,
these homesteaders can check
1674
01:22:06,133 --> 01:22:09,901
at least three boxes--
food, shelter, and water,
1675
01:22:10,067 --> 01:22:11,100
the important ones.
1676
01:22:12,367 --> 01:22:15,567
Will the Webbs
be one-percenters?
1677
01:22:15,734 --> 01:22:20,200
I venture to say right now that
anyone that can live in those
1678
01:22:20,367 --> 01:22:26,100
mountains at that elevation are
indeed the true one-percenters
1679
01:22:26,267 --> 01:22:31,100
and perhaps the richest
people in the world.
1680
01:22:37,367 --> 01:22:39,801
Since the Raneys left,
things have been night
1681
01:22:39,968 --> 01:22:41,167
and day different.
1682
01:22:41,334 --> 01:22:43,367
We haven't turned
the carport into a house yet,
1683
01:22:43,534 --> 01:22:46,200
but we've been using it
to park our vehicles.
1684
01:22:46,367 --> 01:22:47,901
We definitely
are looking forward
1685
01:22:48,067 --> 01:22:50,000
to those thawing temperatures
coming soon,
1686
01:22:50,167 --> 01:22:52,467
so that we can start
collecting water.
1687
01:22:52,634 --> 01:22:55,300
We purchased some seed starter
kits and kind of planned out
1688
01:22:55,467 --> 01:22:57,400
what we're gonna put
in our greenhouse.
1689
01:22:57,567 --> 01:22:59,267
When I come in here,
I can feel the heat,
1690
01:22:59,434 --> 01:23:01,968
and so I know it's gonna do
exactly what we need.
1691
01:23:02,133 --> 01:23:03,901
The pigs love their new home.
1692
01:23:04,067 --> 01:23:08,267
It's made a huge difference
on keeping them warm and happy.
1693
01:23:08,434 --> 01:23:10,767
Having all the things
that the Raneys built for us
1694
01:23:10,934 --> 01:23:12,167
has really helped
Josh and Ronnie.
1695
01:23:12,334 --> 01:23:13,868
They're able to go
do things together,
1696
01:23:14,033 --> 01:23:16,801
like taking care of the animals,
using the sawmill.
1697
01:23:16,968 --> 01:23:19,868
And it's given them a place
and a way to bond as brothers,
1698
01:23:20,033 --> 01:23:21,667
which I'm really happy to see.
1699
01:23:21,834 --> 01:23:24,367
I know that we're better off
and we're more prepared
1700
01:23:24,534 --> 01:23:27,901
to withstand both this winter
and future winters.
1701
01:23:28,067 --> 01:23:29,000
Thank you, Raneys!