Andy discovers the river isn't going to freeze solid in front of his homestead. He must cut a trail through dense forest to cross the river safely and get to his hunting grounds. Sue needs 4,000 gallons of fuel delivered to see her through to next spring, and a storm is threatening to hit before deliveries can get in. Erik needs his bad trapping season to turn around, as the furs he collects are vital to his income. Chip and Agnes are behind on their meat stockpiling ahead of dark winter.