Otto is trampled by a cow during a severe snowstorm and must be rescued before he succumbs to his life-threatening injuries.

After his brush with death, Otto has a long, painful road of recovery ahead. Eivin and August bear the burden of their father's injury.

Otto considers leaving cattle ranching behind and Atz Sr. mobilises a group of veterans to bring water to a local homesteader.

Eivin considers expanding the Kilchers' reach by becoming a bush pilot; Tela takes Alysse dipnetting; Jane's cousin Kate comes to visit from Texas.

August must make some hard choices about his future; to help him clear his mind, Eivin brings his brother on a trip to Red Mountain; Jane and her cousin take Charlotte off the homestead for the first time since Otto's injury.

Before leaving for college, Etienne endures a homestead right of passage in the wilderness and August finally knows what he wants to do with his future.