With winter coming to an early close, the Kilchers spring into action preparing the homestead. Eivin and August struggle to resupply the head of the bay. Jane and Eve embark on a ptarmigan hunt. Atz Sr. and Atz Lee build a weather station on Perl Island.
Otto surveys the condition of his rusting barge after a winter in drydock, while Eivin and Eve use explosives to clear land for a new root cellar. And later, Jane builds an innovative dogsled for Atz Lee.
In preparation for the spring cattle drive, Atz Lee, Otto and August survey the homestead for signs of bear and employ modern surveillance to track their movement. Eivin and Eve take the kids on a kelp-harvesting expedition and Atz Sr. goes bow hunting for bear.
While collecting coal on the beach after a storm, Eivin and Eve discover a capsized boat and immediately begin searching for survivors. Otto, Charlotte and August construct a mobile shelter for their calves, and Jane brings the family together with a new spring tradition.