Building Alaska

Hunting and fishing guide Bob May is building a new cabin on a remote island in southern Alaska. But, before he begins construction, he needs to tear down the old, abandoned cabin. Easier said than done! You won't believe how he accomplishes this and - no - you won't find a demolition like this anywhere in the lower 48.

On a nearly deserted island of Alaska, Bob is forced to adapt with inferior lumber, changing weather conditions, and an 11-foot brown bear all causing havoc on the build site. Despite these challenges, Bob and team are able to get the foundation dug in and set.

We learn how things are built differently in a state which experiences 100 earthquakes a day. Though the framing is completed and the rough wiring and plumbing get underway, the grind of the 5-month project starts to wear Bob down.

A sub-contractor fails to show up at the jobsite for weeks pushing Bob further behind schedule. Meanwhile, Bob and his brother Rick contend with some furry troublemakers of the job site that are chewing through hoses, cables, and grocery bags.

When you live this far off the grid, you need to be self-sufficient, whether it is using recycled oil, fishing for dinner, or installing hydro and wind energy systems. The insulation delays continue as Bob waits for a delinquent subcontractor.

It's a sprint to the finish as Bob gets the cabin completed before his first paying customers arrive. Furniture and other items are installed at the last moment. He works 16-hour days, goes over budget, but ends up with the cabin of his dreams.