Winter Blackout - Saving Our Solar Batteries from Ruin! | S2 Ep50

[@AlmostOffGridGrandmacre-zs5eu]

I'm glad all worked out well and to me this video really showcases not only the joy and gratitude you both felt but also the hardships that are involved in homesteading ❤Keeping it real doesn't give others a false delusion of the work and effort involved and required to make it happen 👍 Great 2nd season and I wish you both some much deserved rest, God bless 🙏

[@mywildholm]

Thank you so much for acknowledging that! Right from the start, we promised to remain authentic, even if it may not cast us in the most favorable light. However, we are hoping someone may learn from our trials. Goodness knows WE sure are! Thank you for watching! -Ryan

[@shelleymarshall5192]

Wow..glad you're safe Ryan 😮

[@mywildholm]

Thank you so much!

[@roseannsinclair5592]

I was on the edge of my seat watching you on that lake in the pitch darkness. Scary! Perhaps place a wee post with solar lights at the landing bays. This may be a life saver going forward. If they can withstand the cold temperatures. Stay safe all. 👍

[@mywildholm]

The irony is that we do run solar lights when we are staying on the island. Such a fluke that the blackout coincided with us leaving! Thank you for your well wishes and support! -Ryan

[@leigh7776]

I say if you ever have todo that again sleep in your truck until morning!! 🥰

[@mywildholm]

I am too tall to sleep in the truck, so IF it ever happens again, I will certainly be better equipped: paddles, GPS, 12v spotlight, night vision goggles, life vest. I will never take a risk like this again. -Ryan

[@jeanettewhite2144]

Wow you are very brave Ryan. Now relax at home till next year ❤

[@mywildholm]

Brave? Stupid? Reckless? They are all cards in the same hat. Thank you for picking the nice one. -Ryan

[@tiahill832]

😳😲Oh my gosh, so very glad you made it thru that. Wow..... 🫂😘❤

[@mywildholm]

As are we. Thank you for your support! -Ryan

[@vikkibyington3066]

😰 This certainly a nail biter!! I was scared to pieces that you were going to get hurt again, Ryan, or worse!! I can’t imagine Melodi watching this. The only way I got through it was knowing you had made it. I hope you never find yourself in a place all alone. And facing such danger. ⚠️ I’m so thankful you are both safe and warm now. Hoping you can get some rest. Thanking the Lord for sparing your life again, Ryan. Bless you both. 🙏🏻 🩵

[@mywildholm]

You and me both! I am so thankful... This was a reality check for me. Comfortably resting now and thanking the Lord for new each day of life! -Ryan

[@mywildholm]

@vikkibyington3066 thank you so much for your kind words. Some of the footage was definitely eye-opening for sure. Much of it was a 'video diary' type format that he was sending back to me so when there were gaps, so I was definitely worried, when I wasn't getting updates. Hoping this kind of thing never happens again 💚

[@karenbrest187]

Hello 🤗 glad you're safe. & Heading home for the winter ❄️ enjoy your time off from building 😉 Take care 🙏,☃️

[@mywildholm]

Yes, we made it safe and sound. So grateful that ordeal ended without injury, or worse. Thank you for watching. -Ryan

[@rettesvanlife]

Each year you will learn what needs to be done and how to do it, the learning however appears very tension filled, that boat trip was something else!!

[@mywildholm]

Yes indeed. I would have to say though... this one of the biggest life-lessons I have learned so far and I hope I never have occasion to top it. Thank you for watching! -Ryan

[@MonaDidWhat]

Great idea, hope it keeps everything going all winter

[@mywildholm]

Unfortunately, we had to resort to Plan B and instead of adding more solar panels and batteries, we just grabbed the batteries and headed back to the home-base. I didn't want to risk losing the batteries over the winter. Once they freeze, they become very expensive paper-weights! -Ryan

[@ElaineMargaret-h4o]

Wow, what a finale! I could not believe ALL the obstacles you both had to work through in order to close Bird Island for S2! That boat ride Ryan had me soo fearful for you. Thank the dear Lord & your Angels; as they definitely were watching over you that night! Thank you to both of you for sharing your visions & adventures again this Season. Wishing you & all your Family & all the Holmies a wonderful Christmas Season. ❤🙏🎄🌟👍

[@mywildholm]

Yes, words cannot express my gratitude for making it to the island safely. That was a tough night for sure! Thank you for the well wishes, and we both wish you a safe and happy Christmas season as well. -Ryan

[@leigh7776]

OH MY!!!!! 😳 I was soooo stressed!!!!! I can’t even imagine how stressed you were😲

[@mywildholm]

Yes, it was a "tiny bit" stressful if I'm being honest... never appreciated the cabin as much as I did that night! -Ryan

[@MickieDoty]

I knew it was too late to pray for you BUT I had to anyway. Just knowing we saw you on live stream, sure made it easier to watch tonight. ❤️🙏🏼❤️🤷‍♀️

[@mywildholm]

Lol, you are very kind and caring. Thank you for your concern! -Ryan

[@CliveWebb-wm7zs]

Have a great rest, I feel exhausted watching you getting exhausted and I get a thrill along the way , you are like a pioneer ❤

[@mywildholm]

Thank you for your comment! Yes, we do feel like pioneers... and that is the lifestyle we were looking for too! -Ryan

[@Bush_Edge_Homesteading_Aus]

😳😳😳😳 Wowsas! That was quite a second ending to the season!

[@mywildholm]

At least the only thing that "ended" was the second season... Phew! -Ryan

[@CoffeeWalksandWhatever]

Wow this was quite a process lol. 😂 You might have to think about leaving a bit earlier next year. When it gets cold it doesn't take long to freeze up. Glad you got out of there. 🇨🇦☕️🇨🇦☕️

[@mywildholm]

Actually, we are looking forward to the time when we will not have to leave at all. Thanks so much for stopping by! -Ryan

[@BryanGray-zn8ri]

We never miss a show and we love every second. We have to say that we couldn't predict exactly how this would end but it was worth the watch. We share your channel to all friends and family thanks for the great wholesome entertainment. You guys are the real deal, we think it's amazing you are doing this on your own. That alone is a huge job. Keep up the great work

[@mywildholm]

Thank you so much for your support! We really appreciate it! We start Season 3 next week! See you there! 💚

[@rushingwindmountain]

All is well that ends well but do be careful as we want no more accidents, Ryan.

[@mywildholm]

You and me both... I'd say I am done with accidents now. Thank you for the support! -Ryan

[@tammymurphy2707]

Oh my, what an adventure!😟

[@mywildholm]

Yes, one I would rather not repeat. Ever. Thanks for watching! -Ryan

[@LifeisLoveLily]

We are so grateful you made it thru that nightmare Ryan, my heart was pounding during that voyage both on the water and the land 😬 Seeing the obstacle course you have to navigate on that logging road with fallen/half fallen trees, never mind the cliff you have to drive along. ❤ and 🙏🏼 from Lily and me

[@mywildholm]

Seeing it on video calls to mind how foolish that lake crossing actually was. I should not have attempted that and feel that without Divine protection things would have turned out much differently. I will not be so careless or presumptuous to ever try something like that again. This was a valuable lesson learned. Thank you for your concern. -Ryan

[@LAZYDAYZAHEAD]

Well guys, All I can say is that was a very tense video. It was an awesome close to a second season. We are so proud of the accomplishments made these last 2 years. Looking forward to Season 3 and maybe even getting to visit with you guys once again this winter. Love Y'all!❤

[@mywildholm]

Yes, it was easily the sketchiest moment in my life for sure... there will never be a second act in that play. We are hoping to get down your way and yes, a visit would be terrific! Merry Christmas to you and your lovely wife. Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season. -Ryan

[@jaynewarriner7214]

Love your hat! What a cutie 😊 I hate it that you guys have to leave the island behind . This is the first winter. I’m going to stick it out in my tiny house with my DIY insulation and small woodstove. It was 19° this morning! Yikes!🙏

[@mywildholm]

Well done and good for you! We too plan on making the cabin our 'forever home' one day, and staying on over the winter... we just need to keep building! - Ryan

[@Cindi-From-Sunny-South-Florida]

Such an anxiety filled adventure! So glad I saw you both on the live last night and knew you were ok. Such dedication to your journey of your island Holm. ❤❤

[@mywildholm]

Your support and kindness is always so appreciated! Thank you. -Ryan

[@corlissnilsen7048]

I am so glad I have read the back of the book and we talked to you last night.

[@mywildholm]

Lol, that's funny. Nice to see you here in the comments! -Ryan

[@sarahprice1375]

Wow! It's so vast and different from UK 🇬🇧 and it's fascinating to see thank you. Please take care Ryan. You work so hard x❤

[@mywildholm]

Oh yes, it really is very different. This island is a dream come true, we hardly see it as work 😆 Thank you for watching!

[@isabellindlind]

Ryan: My hair's falling out, doc!😮 Doctor: Are you winterizing a home in the wilderness?👨‍⚕ Thank you Melodi & Ryan and Opal. I am so glad you're all safe & sound. (And no one stole your chain)!!! Thank you very much for taking the time to film this episode. 🏝🐕👫💓You're a very good girl, Opal, sweetheart!

[@mywildholm]

Thank you for your amazing support! Yes, Opal is a little sweetheart (when she wants to be). -Ryan

[@tomgensel4134]

Safe travels. Sitting at home that boat ride was awful. 👍

[@mywildholm]

@tomgensel4134 hey there!! Welcome to our channel - sorry for putting you through that 😆 all is safe and sound now... thankfully 💚

[@brettwilliams8706]

😮wow … lost for words here. I will say this I just love watching your videos ❤

[@mywildholm]

Hey thanks! We enjoy our lifestyle and feel privileged to be able to share it with our "Holmies". Thanks so much for watching! -Ryan

[@brettwilliams8706]

lol at this point I can’t not watch I feel like I have to see what’s next. I love seeing the progress from week to week

[@mywildholm]

😉Oh ya... sorry about that! It really is a lot more fun for us to have such a great group of supporters cheering us on too so we really thank you!

[@SimplyJanHomestead]

Fantastic video Ryan and Melodi! 💖👏💖

[@mywildholm]

Thank you so much for watching Jan! It's a joy to have you stop in - have a wonderful rest of your weekend! 🇨🇦

[@jaynewarriner7214]

Wow, ya’ll😳 your risked a lot, even though I knew you would be OK because I’m watching the video after the fact I still found myself wanting to pray for you to get there safely. You were right when you said thank you Jesus. Luck had nothing to do with it. Glad you saved the batteries and made it back. It made for a great video. But don’t do it again, you know what I mean.!?😊

[@mywildholm]

Absolutely. I won't. I promise... to you, my wife, myself my dog, and everybody else! Let's just say that experience acquainted me with my mortality! -Ryan

[@jenniferoceanhomestead]

🤦🏼‍♀️I couldn’t do it lol driving a boat at night in the water… I probably would have ended up somewhere in the arctic or Japan by the time the sun came up! Thank God you made it back safe! Amazing how clear that lake is 💕 aren’t you excited for this coming summer!!!

[@isabellindlind]

LOL! Somewhere in the arctic or Japan! 😀Good thing for Ryan or you'd have been paddling your way w/a broom while holding your finger over the hole.

[@mywildholm]

You bet, we ARE excited! We can't wait!! Thankfully that lake has no outlet to the ocean. For the batteries, I have a solution to protect them from the harshest cold - even if the sun leaves the sky.

[@debrasnipes7431]

Oh my, I had so many knots in my stomach when you were lost in the dark on the lake, Ryan, I nearly threw up! I was petrified for you and feeling so anxious for Melodie, as well, hoping and praying she wasn’t going to get a bad phone call! Thank goodness the Lord was with you every step of the way! Let’s not do that again, okay? Melodie, I know you were SO glad when he finally made it back home! Trying to catch up on so many episodes I have missed. Having a problem with the retina splitting (retinoschisis) in my right eye and just can’t binge watch like I used to. Hope you guys enjoy your down time and get some much needed rest. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, prosperous, and SAFE New Year!! Love you both from NC, Me 🎄⭐️👑❤️

[@mywildholm]

Yes, it was a bit of an adventure, to say the least! Thank you for your concern and kind words. We hope that you too can enjoy a wonderfully happy and safe holiday season. Merry Christmas! -Ryan

[@kathleensauerbrei5199]

I am looking so forward to your next season. This is so much fun. But it doesn’t look like this last video was so much fun for you, but all I have to say is well done my boy you did good ,

[@mywildholm]

True story... it was not fun at all. So relieved, so grateful to be alive. So much wiser today. -Ryan

[@davidasimkosr4641]

Wow, what a video!!! Sure glad I live in Florida!!!!😊😊😊

[@mywildholm]

We love it up here. The only real danger it seems is the kind I make for myself! So, I won't be doing that again. We've had so many wonderful suggestions, advice and proper admonishments from viewers... we appreciate this community so much. Thank you for watching! -Ryan

[@gracecrane254]

Love your videos! Thanks you for sharing!

[@mywildholm]

We really appreciate you watching- thank you for your kind comment! 💚

[@tammiehunter5117]

Wow! That was frightening, so glad you made it home to VI in good health.

[@mywildholm]

I am pretty sure no-one is as glad as me! -Ryan

[@Bush_Edge_Homesteading_Aus]

As we are watching, we were just talking about your barge and it being able to be left in the water. We don't get ice like that here, so we were wondering how when the water ices over, it doesn't crush the barge as it expands?

[@mywildholm]

The draft of the barge is super shallow, like 6-8 inches when empty. That means only 6-8 inches of barge is actually beneath the surface of the water. So really, the barge is kind of lifted up as the lake freezes. The ice forms under the barge and thickens over the winter, so it more or less sits on top of the ice, with very little of the hull trapped within the ice itself. Think of a 2-4 foot thick block of ice with a 6 inch barge shaped recess cut into the top surface. The part that is contained by the ice is well reinforced with girders running the entire width from port to starboard, and welded all along the flat bottom hull plate. It is very strong laterally. Furthermore, the ice in the bay is static. It is not blown around by the wind and therefore not subjected to pressure ridging. Once the ice in that cove freezes and "sets", it doesn't move, thereby actually protecting the hull to a degree. That is the theory anyways... so far, so good. 🤞 -Ryan

[@Bush_Edge_Homesteading_Aus]

@mywildholm thanks Ryan. That's really interesting to understand how it all works. So fortunately your barge design works so well with the ice formation like that 😀

[@mywildholm]

Yes, it really is the perfect solution for our island. Thank goodness it has all worked out (so far).

[@farrellsoileau718]

Hello myfriend at MyWild Holm sorry that you allhave to go through all that trouble. I pray all goes well with you all and nothing goes bad .From a Cajun frend from Louisiana.

[@mywildholm]

Thank you so much for your kind words - we appreciate you so much! 🙏

[@saraharellano9399]

The Lord sure has His hand on you Ryan ❤️🙏🏼 I cant believe that boat motor actually started😂 What a way to wrap up the season!

[@mywildholm]

I know right?! After skidding down the highway I really was not sure it was going to start at all. So grateful... 🙏 -Ryan

[@staggerinstanton56]

I highly recommend you get a Garmin in reach. It will allow you satellite when cell service isn't available. You might want to look into offline maps for your phone. Your phone should keep GPS signal, allowing you to know your position on the lake in the dark.

[@mywildholm]

Yes, I'll be outfitting our little boat with a "go bag" that has a portable spot light and a hand-held GPS so that if I ever find myself facing the same situation, I will be 100% safe and able to make it across confidently. Thank you for the advice! -Ryan

[@wblk7734]

Need to look into Night Vision Goggles !!

[@mywildholm]

Yep. Got 'em. Too bad I didn't have 'em... but I do now! Thanks for the suggestion. -Ryan

[@user-rx3ew9fq5r]

I can't believe you didn't put the boat motor in the back of the truck this time! That was scary Ryon, out there by yourself...

[@mywildholm]

Yes, I was scared alright... and as for the motor, hindsight is indeed 20-20... I have a new way of safety tying the motor to the trailer, and I'll be through-bolting the motor mount to the transom. That should take care of it! -Ryan

[@MonaDidWhat]

Oh no, bad day, bad week

[@mywildholm]

Phew... you've got that right. A bit of a harsh time. So grateful to be through it all 🙏

[@lorilarkin827]

Oh my👀 so glad this is was older video, VERY SCARY SITUATION😮

[@lorilarkin827]

Be safe out there 🙏🙏🙏

[@mywildholm]

Thank you so much! This is actually a brand new video but it was the last of the Season (maybe that's what you mean). We start our new Season this coming week 💚 Thank you so much for watching!

[@geraldstoddard8215]

When you get your main house built, are you planning on staying there year-round? It seems to me you could get a couple of snowmobiles and make trips across the lake if you needed to ... if the lake completely freezes over in the winter ... or maybe even drive your truck to the island.

[@mywildholm]

Absolutely! This is our forever home and we plan on building a cabin made from wood sourced at the island. We even have a mill, and it has sat at our home-base for 2 years now! No room for it yet... ugh. Doing this work all on our own is rewarding, but s-l-o-w. We have so many half-finished and not-even-started-yet projects that at times it seems a little overwhelming. But... one thing we have learned is that we just need to be patient and keep working. Seem there is no shortage of that! -Ryan

[@wenknight8586]

Well that was the longest 51 minutes I've experienced for a long time! My son you might need to get night vision goggles. That was just way too scary.

[@mywildholm]

Yes indeed. I got them for Christmas and I am tossing them into my "go-bag" that I will take with me on all my late-day boat trips going forward. It will have everything I need to keep me safe at night. Thank you for watching! -Ryan

[@jackiegaudette6225]

Great use of old wood ! Sure saves lots of money !

[@mywildholm]

Thank you - this is temporary but it was a good use of it for a temporary measure to cover in under the array for storage :)

[@jackiegaudette6225]

@ all the more reason to re use old wood !

[@mywildholm]

Absolutely!!

[@GaryBrasco-g8z]

Did some research on keeping snow off of solar panels and most of the solutions require a human present to brush off the snow. Heating the panels seems impractical. The most practical solution I read about would be to increase the angle when leaving for the winter. This would both shed the snow easier and account for the sun not rising as high on the horizon which would potentially increase the amount of electricity generated. It also occurred to be that the size of battery backup you had should have compensated for the days that it would have taken for the snow to melt enough to let gravity do its thing and clear off the panels given the current angle and southerly exposure. Perhaps the fact that you needed to replace the inverters so late in the season would not have given enough time to fully recharge the batteries before leaving for the season? Is there a way to give your batteries a "top up" from the generator befor you leave? I wouldn't have expected the needed power requirement was too high (star link, router, and a small heater). Thanks for the episode! Must have been really tough to edit and relive those moments....

[@mywildholm]

All good stuff, thank you Gary. Welcome to the channel! Yes, you are correct. Unattended panels should be mounted at 90deg (vertical) in the winter. If I had both battery banks commissioned and the panels vertically mounted then I doubt there would have been a problem. BUT... there still might have been -- a possible wind storm could disable solar production, thus depleting the batteries and leaving them exposed to the elements - not good. Essentially, I need is a fool-proof way of protecting the batteries in a worst-case scenario. That means keeping them alive in an above-zero environment no matter what the temperature is outside. I have a plan that will protect the batteries in the winter during a complete system failure - thereby eliminating the need to ever pack up these batteries for transport to warm winter storage again. Thank you so much for your comment. Stay tuned! -Ryan

[@stevewalters4565]

Hang a reflector on a tree. If you travel at night or snow you have a chance to see it. Check trail apps too.

[@mywildholm]

At this point, I'll try ANYTHING that will give me better odds of being safe in the dark. Thank you for the suggestion! -Ryan

[@thomasmcghee2994]

Think a GPS IS ON THE CARDs for next year

[@mywildholm]

Yes. Absolutely necessary. It's on my Christmas wish-list. Thank you for watching! -Ryan

[@MonaDidWhat]

Oh no, i hope you get batteries fixed

[@mywildholm]

No cause for concern, they are now safe and warm for the winter. -Ryan

[@floydgibson2983]

get some night vision goggles

[@mywildholm]

I got them for Christmas! I'll be sure to put them into my go-bag. Thanks for watching, and welcome to the channel! -Ryan

[@BroncoRS1]

Proper Hand held spot light ,and Compass would be on the short list .

[@mywildholm]

Welcome to the channel! Yes, a 12V spotlight and GPS are on my Christmas list! Thank you for your comment! -Ryan

[@jhart7451]

I know how scary that is trying to navigate in the dark. I got lost in a fog once and had to spend the night in my canoe. Thank God that it wasn't cold and freezing like you had to deal with. I had wondered about snow covering those solar panels. Perhaps you could add electric heat tape to keep them defrosted next year. Maybe even thermostatically controlled sun lamps to keep them warm enough to prevent snow from sticking to them.

[@mywildholm]

There are many theories circulating out there that are well-intentioned, but not good. There is also practical advice to be had that IS actually pretty good. What I am going to try is mounting them vertically for the winter, and closing them up in behind and insulating that space. Not sure yet... that is just a thought. Because the panels are bi-facial, I can apply white paint to the insulated back wall and insulate floor behind the panels, which will reflect the solar radiation back and add up to 25% more efficiency in terms of electrical generation. Your ideas are good ones, and I should also be able to install thermostatically controlled heaters to help the panels stay clear. This is only half the problem though, I also need to ensure a fail-safe protocol for the batteries in the event solar power production is interrupted without the possibility of self-recovery. I have a plan for that, and it will be an interesting project for sure. Thank you @jhart, you are a wonderful support and we always look forward to your knowledgeable commentary. -Ryan

[@bobwinne3740]

👍💥💥💥

[@mywildholm]

Thank you for watching 💚

[@prus3887]

I hope you are never in that nerve racking situation again where you can’t get your bearings. Would you be able to get a gps and map your way to the Island for future trips with poor visibility?

[@mywildholm]

Thank you for your comment! Yes, thanks to all the wonderful advice from our "Holmies", I have decided to put a "go bag" together for the boat, and stock it with everything I would need to stay safe in a calm-water night crossing. Things like a hand-held GPS, a 12V spotlight, night vision goggles, safety blanket, candy bars... etc. I'll make sure to always have a life jacket and paddle on board as well! I will never be so reckless or presumptuous again. Thank you for watching! -Ryan

[@rougefox9233]

I definitely would sleep in your truck until daylight next time..😳 Not worth the risk. Glad you finally made it to shore & to your cabin. Please don't do that again..

[@mywildholm]

100% agree... that can't happen 💚 Just never worth the risk...

[@darellsunderlin4670]

Why did you not wait till day light ? You surely knew the solar panels were covered with snow, and it wasn't cold enough to harm the batteries that night and no paddles ! You were very lucky.

[@mywildholm]

That seems to be a recurring theme here with the comments... I realize I was very lucky. I didn't want to spend a night in the truck and regretted the decision soon after the shore with the truck disappeared from view. Had this been an ocean, there is no way I would have attempted a night crossing like this. I underestimated a great many things that night and learned a valuable lesson. Thank you for your concern. -Ryan

[@rondierckens6618]

You need to pull boat motor out of water get the water out of cooling lines There is a very bright flashlight out it's literally so bright it can light a fire with it you 2 need it for the boats

[@mywildholm]

The barge motor is out of the water, and so is the boat motor... so we should be good there. Thank you for the suggestion! As for the light, we have recently found a flashlight with 12,000 lumens! Once we test it out we will let you all know what we think. Thank you for watching! -Ryan

[@rondierckens6618]

@mywildholm might want to ask your boat motor guys about blowing out ony left in motor water ..I'm only saying this cause it can crack some boat motors

[@mywildholm]

@rondierckens6618 Will do... better to be safe han sorry. Thank you! -Ryan

[@rondierckens6618]

@mywildholm please don't take it I'm a troll .. Just worried the water in motor may not be all drained .. an we know what can happen then..

[@mywildholm]

Ohhh noo, we never felt any of that attitude with you, you're a genuine guy, we can tell that for sure. Thank you for watching! 💚

[@mitchranseth1310]

Why would you ever boat across at night. Very unsafe

[@mywildholm]

If I have a 12V spotlight, GPS, night visions googles, a paddle, an electric backup motor and a life jacket... I'd probably be okay. It really is not that far -- when you can see where you're going, that is. Thank you for your support and concern! -Ryan

[@MamaStyles]

Do you guys live on the Island or mainland? I’m from Comox (now in Ontario) and shocked you have this much snow already

[@mywildholm]

Our island is 12 1/2 hours north of Vancouver in the wilderness of Northern BC

[@elizabethslater8175]

I'm just curious. You never answered any of the comments about sleeping in your truck until daybreak and then going to the island. What was the reason you didn't wait?

[@mywildholm]

Hello there, I didn't want to sleep in the truck and I grossly underestimated how difficult it was going to be to get to the island in the dark. Call it over-tired, call it being so close I just wanted to get there. The lake isn't very wide, and I didn't think it was going to be... wait a minute -- that's the answer there... I just didn't think. Suffice it to say, I was scared out of my wits enough to never EVER attempt that again. -Ryan

[@FreezyAbitKT7A]

Lonely? I could record my collection of BTO, Spin Doctors and Brian Adams on Karaoke, to listen to on long solo trips. Is some of this out of sequence? Why did you go back to the island after 25:58?

[@mywildholm]

No, this is not out of sequence. We went to our home-base and then Ryan had to return for a bit of an emergency to our island... the rest of the video tells the whole story. 💚

[@FreezyAbitKT7A]

@@mywildholm Compass?

[@mywildholm]

In the cabin... 😑

[@FreezyAbitKT7A]

@@mywildholm oops

[@rickiemax7756]

Don’t you think that you need a side by side for all your transportation around the island!!!,

[@mywildholm]

For sure!! That's on our list of things to get - it'll come in handy - especially as more of the island becomes accessible 😁

[@debrapolenz2928]

I don’t understand why you are taking chances and why are you not out of there already?

[@mywildholm]

We actually had left for the season, but then I was immediately called back to rescue the batteries. I misjudged the ability of the panels to clear themselves of snow and as a result the batteries were not being adequately charged and were approaching depletion. When that happens in that climate, you might as well throw then in the bin. The cold weather would 100% ruin them. So I had no choice but to return and assess the situation. What I DID have a choice about was "to go or not to go" out into the blackness of the night on the water in an ill-equipped boat. That was a dumb move that will never be repeated. Hope that answers your questions. We welcome all comments and appreciate the time you take to send them in! Thank you for watching... -Ryan

[@agnetaorum4616]

We are grateful on your behalf that all went well after the tough circumstances BUT honestly that boat trip was very unsafe and beyond irresponsible‼️ Lots of bad issues like being alone, snow so of course cold in air & water, pitch black so no idea of where you are or depth for motor but the worst was no oars in case motor gave out (knowing you lost engine on the road) and NO life jacket‼️ Neither of you have been using your life jackets for a long time….Not the slightest impressed‼️ Nothing on the island that you needed to do would be worth your life in case you had an engine failure and lost on the lake overnight nor if you lost your footing in the boat and fell overboard‼️ No consideration to your loved ones❣️

[@RichardBaker-r6o]

Not impressed with your decisions!

[@mywildholm]

Properly chastised. Reality check in place. Lesson learned... As you so effectively pointed out, this was so wrong... in EVERY way! Being cold, way over-tired, hungry... is clearly no place from where to make sound decisions. Thank you for your concern. As far as life jackets go, we have talked about that between ourselves and have just become complacent. No excuse really. We need to be better examples. -Ryan

[@agnetaorum4616]

@ 😃 Sorry for being so harsh but honestly you got away easy! You were more than normally lucky 🍀 in that endeavour thank goodness‼️I grew up sailing just north of Stockholm 🇸🇪 and you gotta have respect for any type of water but especially in the fall, winter and early spring both in 🇸🇪& 🇨🇦‼️Never understood the life jacket requirement in boats in 🇨🇦 as 99% of the time you would never have the time to grab it in an accident/emergency‼️So please take our initial comments as pure care and concern over you safety then and going forward for both of you❣️We enjoy most of your show and want to continue to enjoy it with you in it❣️PS! We think you should get Melodi a tripod for Christmas so she can help you more and still film at the same time‼️

[@mywildholm]

@@agnetaorum4616 Oh I didn't think you were being harsh, I thought you were being real. So please, no worries at all. Besides, I deserved everything I got (and more) in terms of scolding from the community. Melodi helps out a lot actually. She has had 4 spine surgeries so we are very protective of her back. I have seen how terribly debilitating it is to have a spine injury and I only want her to be safe. -Ryan

[@mywildholm]

@@RichardBaker-r6o In retrospect, neither am I. I am putting together a "go bag" -- a safety kit for the boat that will remove any chance of being unsafe on the water on calm nights. -Ryan

[@patriciafisher2838]

That was a very dangerous trip to have taken alone. Please don't ever do that again. I've chewed all my nails....

[@mywildholm]

Sorry about that. I won't do that again. I have a plan to remove all risk for any future night crossings. Thank you for your concern, and thanks for watching! -Ryan

[@sherrilee230]

Tell you what the boat ride was scary I had to stop watching then come back again. Please don't do that again.

[@mywildholm]

I won't. I promise. That was reckless and dumb. -Ryan

[@debrapolenz2928]

So you, risked your LIFE by navigating in the dark in a snow storm, in a boat ( ocean or lake you can die in either) freezing temps, no light nor visibility to do what you needed to do after daylight???? You made it sound as if you had to deal with it immediately! I hope for your wife’s sake you have life insurance! And I’ve never heard of a person losing a motor off the boat once no less twice? There must be a locking mechanism to keep it on??? I don’t worry so much as shake my head in wonder of what the heck you could be thinking! And when your wife talks of the chances you take you just grin in pride like an idiot of the stupid chances you take! Grrr grow up and take responsibility for your safety! Sorry but someone has to say it! I like your channel but common already!

[@mywildholm]

Thank your for your comment. I do appreciate your candor. That "idiotic prideful grin" you mention was not pride at all... it was born more of embarrassment, shame and regret for making such a stupid and reckless decision. I could blame my poor judgement that night on sheer mental and physical exhaustion coupled with misguided bravado, but instead I will just own it. I was not a good example that night - plain and simple. I imperiled not only my life but the lifestyle of my wife as well. When I say I became acquainted with my mortality that night - I meant it. It literally scared me straight and into the harshest reality check imaginable. So going forward, I have committed to slowing down, assessing risk and making personal safety my first priority. Rest assured my cowboy days are over. -Ryan