Written by As I have mentioned before, I have come across a TV show that I just can’t get enough of. I have found, and thoroughly enjoy, The Last Alaskans. One review I read on this show used a word to describe this show, that I would also use, intoxicating. Completely intoxicating.
The show is now in its’ second season and I can still honestly say, I can sit down and feel myself relax when I hear the opening music to the show, Heimo Korth narrates the opening behind the pictures, and I wait to see what these characters will reveal this week. The blend of music, amazing scenes, the reverence of the participants to their way of life, the hard work seen, and unseen, the stories, their histories, it’s so real. There is no flash. There is real life. It’s so compelling.
This show continues to feel and to watch differently than any other show I have ever seen. Sons of Winter came close. It comes across like these Alaskans’ lives are carrying on as they would at any other time, in any other era. It also seems that these Alaskans welcome the company of the crew for conversation purposes, but not for any disruptions they may cause, whatsoever. Their way of life needs not the intruders, nor their technology. I am just so happy that I get to look through this window, into their day-to-day world.
Bob Harte fishing ~ (c) Discovery Channel
This season, and really, from day one, I have been captivated by Bob Harte. I have written about him before, in my post called, In Plain Sight. The story tells us that Bob has been through a lot in his life. His words tell the story, and the way in which he delivers them, well that just speaks volumes. I imagine that when Bob poses rhetorical questions, or answers questions on camera, or even explains how now came to be, that he speaks from magnitudes of reflection. And, somewhere behind those experienced eyes, there is a personal movie running, that only he sees, and the wisdom gained from those visual occurrences factor into the words he chooses to speak. And in each blink of an eye, as Bob pauses on this word, or that, I wait in anticipation for the most believable answer to any question or scenario he chooses to address. I have never seen anything else like it, so real, so honest, ever on television. You just know, or at least sense, that every word he chooses to speak, has been fully endorsed by countless hours of living, learning, and reflection. Truly awesome to watch and to listen to.
There is pain ~ (c) Discovery Channel
I feel for Bob. I feel for his past, and now, the situation he finds himself in. I puff up with joy for him when his every fiber so obviously is thrilled to be back on the river, and back at camp. I try to relate to the regrets he shares, as I have my own, and I know how I speak internally on certain subjects, as I am sure Bob does too. I also appreciate his honesty, and all the mistakes and pain it took for him to arrive at peace with the things he cannot do over again. Oh, to be in those shoes, he has to have thought deeply for so many years, and let the sorrows and snares of his own contributions gush over and around him to emerge as he has.
Bob talked about his daughter and how stubborn she is, “… She doesn’t want to be considered helpless. She’s stubborn like that. She’s like her dad (laughing). Poor kid.”
Bob talking about Talicia ~ (c) Discovery Channel
“… It’s invaluable. Someone caring for you. Someone loving you. It’s invaluable. I wouldn’t be; I wouldn’t want to live without that.” ~ Bob Harte. Oh, did you see the joy in Nancy’s (Bob’s ex-wife) face and eyes as she watched Bob react to the food she brought out to camp for their dinner together? Their past might be complicated, but that scene was simple…pure love.
God only knows how much time Bob has left on this earth, but it certainly is evident that he is close to the end. In this frame of mind, the pain found in his words, or the emotion heard in his voice, and the sadness that collects in the tears on his face, he longs for the simple things we all crave. Companionship. Love. Affection. Bob speaks about the present, “… I’m happy. But I still would love to have someone close, to share moments with. To talk to. To hug. To kiss. I miss that.”
Bob Harte ~ (c) Discovery Channel
In this season’s episode “Alone”, Bob speaks, almost in tears, maybe even justifying the value of what he’s giving, talking about the gift he left with his daughter, Talicia. “… Ruger loved the hell out of her. And he protected her. I want the perfect dog for her to have. I want to leave her with that. That dog. You can’t do better than that. There’s no way you can do better than that. No way. That’s why it’s her dog now.” His sidekick, best friend, partner, Ruger, his dog, is the gift that Bob packed on the bush plane with his daughter as she left camp to return to town. It was an emotional scene, and it tugged at every heartstring to understand what he gave up in Ruger, for the benefit of his daughter. That is a father’s love. A father who likely has second guessed himself, from the peace and tranquility of the river camp, for years and years. He gave her the very best he could give.
Bob is honest, brutally so, it seems. Bob is living, simply living. But, Bob, in his camp, he is honestly living.
Bob and Ruger ~ (c) Discovery Channel
(all photos pulled from Discovery Channel, and are property of Discovery Channel)
Update:
I met Bob’s ex Nancy about two weeks ago, while on an Alaskan Vacation. She was at an Indian camp just outside of Fairbanks. She told me that Bob’s health was much improved and he was hoping to go north again. She said he worries about the show and his privacy. I told her I sure understand that and that I hope he can continue. She was very down to earth and real pleasant to talk to. Certainly one of the highlights of my trip to Alaska.
That’s pretty cool. Thank you for sharing, and for checking out this site. I am glad to hear that Bob is doing better. That’s great news. Thanks again.
I am so glad to hear about Bob, what a wonderful man. I hope he gets to fulfill all his dreams.
Thank you for checking in here.
I always find serenity when Bob speaks. He gets a message across without screaming or acting foolish. Just lots and lots of good old fashioned common sense and love. Thank you, Bob
Agreed. Thank you.
So glad to know that Bob is doing better. My husband and I love the show and all of the families but especially Bob. He seems to be such a sweet man. We loved the show when his ex Nancy brought the food to him and they enjoyed a really good dinner. It was also one of the saddest shows. Thank you for posting info on Bob and so glad I am a member of this group allowing me to keep up with the families and see all of the beautiful scenery.
Thank you very much for stopping by. It became a favorite show instantaneously.
God bless you Bob. Miss seeing you. Your words are so inspirational.
Thank you.
I love this show, I can’t imagine how it would be living the way they do. I’ve prayed for Bob, you could tell he wasn’t right. Can’t wait for new season.
Thank you for checking in Chuck. We’re all looking forward to it.
God Bless you Bob where ever your path leads you. Sure miss seeing you. Don’t spoil that grandbaby too much.
Does he ever get his airplane repaired this would be so great for him as he really needs itit I would be willing to become a pilot just to become his private pilot and ft him around wherever he needs to go
In Bob we trust
Such a beautiful write up; THANKYOU
I watched the shows you refer to in the past few days and was so shocked having heard the adorable Bob talk about Ruger and how much strong love he felt for his companion so when he put Ruger on the plane with Talicia, I welled up (I NEVER do that over anything but Bob truly tugs my heartstrings). To hear him excited over the radio message he received from the wonderful Nancy, I could tell he still loves her and when she arrived with her box of food goodies, he lit up, both inside and outside. He has such a beautiful kind soul, I sort of fell for him quite a bit (well for what I ‘know’ of him if you know what I mean). When they sat chatting together and Bob said he felt like he was fading, I felt such sadness but also relief that Nancy was there for him and she has such a kind heart that she would be there for Bob after all their years apart (and please correct me if I’m wrong) I believe I read they separated because she didn’t want the lifestyle out there any longer, which if true is understandable when raising two children miles away from civilisation. When he was packing to leave his cabin I quietly sobbed and when he spoke of places he had yet to visit like Las Vegas and Key West and so many other places. In his voice I could hear his frailty but also an excitement that he has so much more life to live and wasn’t leaving ANWR to put on his slippers and vegetate. When the plane took off, the tears were rolling down my face.
I’ve seen lots of video clips of Heimo and Edna and read the book about Heimo by his cousin but hadn’t really ‘discovered’ Bob Harte until last week and now he’s gone. I read that he’s living with Talicia who has had a baby so I just hope that Ruger is still with her, it must be a big difference in Fairbanks compared to being with Bob in the reserve.
Big Love, Thanks again
Thank you so much for checking this out, and for your feedback. Great thoughts.
Bob was a very deep soul, you could tell he wanted companionship and love. He is missed so bad. Loved him
and his ex and daughter. RIP BOB.
Bob Harte, Talicia Harte.
We’ve enjoyed the TV series, & were saddened when we heard of Bob’s demise. We were wondering how his daughter, grand-daughter, ex-wife, son(s)? & Ruger were doing, & where are they all now? We were hopeful that all are doing well. Ruger reminds me so much of a husky I used to have; I hope he is happy & with the family. Any updates, or directions on where to find more info would be appreciated
The best information I have seen is through the Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/379382158936708/.
I ❤️ love the tv program especially bob. I live in Alaska The best program s. What ever happened to Bobs airplane ✈️?? It was old but still beautiful.
The Last Alaskans has bee n one of the most honest and awe inspiring programs ever in the history of “reality tv”.
Bob Harte and his family were one of the most caring and loving people I have found in this “non caring” world we live in today. As are the others that have chosen to share theirlives with us.
I was devistated at the loss of Bob, but also that they stopped the show. That would be terrible. All the others like Heimo & Edna, & even the young Jago, all have mentioned Bob Harte and how he influenced their lives. Like something he showe Heimo about trapping. It would be a shame not to carry on with the show. It’s the ONLY place on tv to see true caring for each other, the ecology and the respect they show for the animals. Something humanity has lost, and this show makes us try to regain that loss in our small ways . Inspired by watching the “Last Alaskans” and those who are living it.
Thank you Discovery for the oppertunity to continue watching the legacy of Bob Harte’s influence and teachings thru the Korths and the other Last Alaskans.
Thank you for sharing those words. Inspiring without a doubt. All the best.