Port Protection

Port Protection is a captivating television series produced and broadcast by National Geographic in 2015. This reality-based series opens our eyes to a fascinating lifestyle, off the grid, that stretches the definition of resiliency and self-sufficiency to new dimensions. Set in the remote wilderness of Alaska, the series is named after the secluded town where it takes place - Port Protection.

Located in Southeast Alaska, Port Protection is nestled right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, providing breathtaking views mixed with the harsh reality of Alaskan weather. With no road access, residents depend upon boats, seaplanes, and their skills and wit to support their daily survival and seize the primary resources available to them like timber and fish.

Port Protection focuses on the life and experiences of the tiny community of residents who have chosen this extreme lifestyle and the untamed wilderness of Alaska over the conventional, modern world's material comfort and conveniences. With fewer than 100 inhabitants, the collective will and spirit of this community, in the face of massive challenges, is strikingly exceptional, which you will notice as you accompany them on their fascinating journey throughout the show.

The series offers viewers an exclusive look at the various residents who have decided to go off the grid and become one with nature in order to survive. The show is designed in documentary style, that is, through the personal lens of the individuals who have chosen to call Port Protection their home, you'll come across unique and diverse personalities. From the young and enthusiastic seeking adventure to the older, seasoned residents who have been a pillar of the place for decades, each one has a tale to tell that contributes to the overall narrative of the show.

Also, the professions and hobbies you will encounter have a unique Alaskan twist. From independent fishermen who venture into treacherous waters brimming with powerful, unpredictable Alaskan King salmon to hunters traversing mist-covered forests for deer, bear, or gathering wild berries. You will encounter woodsmen using age-old techniques to fell immense trees for lumber or fuels, and crafters turning natural materials into functional as well as ornamental pieces. Each episode reflects the intricate relationship between people and nature and underscores the value of sustainable living and resourcefulness.

Throughout the series, viewers bear witness to Alaskan life's harsh realities and challenges, which are neither romanticized nor glossed over. Episodes deal with safety issues, including dealing with fearsome wildlife like bears, wolves, and the elements of weather like unexpected storms or the scarcity opportunities during winter period. Also, inherent mundane troubles with machinery breakdowns or medical emergencies assuming life-threatening dimensions due to the remoteness of the location, are often showcased. It puts in perspective how much we take for granted in our modern life and gives viewers a healthy respect for the fortitude of Port Protection's residents.

Beyond the hardship and precarious balance for survival, Port Protection presents a variety of heartwarming moments. Strong bonds in the community, mutual cooperation, and the common spirit to thrive against all odds are frequent themes found in the episodes. The residents are depicted not only as rugged survivalists, but also as neighbors willing to support each other in this daunting lifestyle.

National Geographic's unique storytelling style and high-quality visuals elevate the series, capturing the arresting, breathtaking, and sometimes menacing beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. The intricate interactions of the inhabitants with the wilderness have been presented with honesty, sensitivity, and regard for the natural world.

Port Protection offers more than just a behind-the-scenes look at a remote lifestyle; it presents an exploration of humankind's grit, adaptability, and the real essence of living harmoniously with nature. It is at once a fascinating anthropological study, a testament to the human spirit, and a mesmerizing journey into one of the world’s most rugged, captivating frontiers.