The life of Richard “Dick” Proenneke is my new inspiration
Do you know the story of Richard “Dick” Proenneke? At age 52 Dick left the civilization of the lower 48 behind and headed into the wilds of Alaska.
He built a cabin by himself using only hand tools, and hunted and gathered for the majority of his food. He thrived in the complete isolation of Twin Lakes, Alaska for the majority of 30 years.
Dick documented the building of his cabin and his journey through the seasons at Twin Lakes on film. Alone in the Wilderness is the title of this autobiographical documentary, and you must seek it out.
Watching this man craft his cabin retreat out of white spruce using a hand saw and axe is fascinating. The man made carpentry look like art.
I have a strong desire to follow his lead and head for the wilderness myself. If I had half his courage and abilities I’d leave tomorrow.
Here’s a clip of Dick turning timber into a cabin by the lake. This clip comes from “Alone in the Wilderness“ produced by Bob Swerer. For more information on “Alone in the Wilderness“ check out www.dickproenneke.com.
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Posted in Woods
August 10th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
that is my life long dream .he started when he was 50 iam 35 so i will have a few extra years.once i find my spot i wont come back
October 30th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
[...] La historia la encontré buscando documentales en youtube, luego fue fácil encontrar otras fuentes, aunque en castellano no hay absolutamente nada siempre nos queda la wikipedia y otras fuentes como ésta y ésta. [...]
March 28th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
I have heard the story for years and have finally seen the film and read the books about this great person who only wanted to be on his own in the paradise state of Alaska. I must salute him for his presence on earth. We are so much better for his treasured passage here. It is truely an honor and privilage to have come across this grand person who we only know as Dick. You are truely to be inspired and studied by us as a whole. Life’s true rewards are really very simple if you just take a moment to touch it!! It really was my pleasure to have known Dick if only from pages of a book. I will always treasure this knowledge forever.
Sincerely, Glenn P. Prejean
April 14th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Ditigitalnut,
I’m doing the same here in Alaska. I’m not far from his cabin. Before I leave society, I want to visit his legendary cabin.
Lisa
April 14th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
I have ordered his DVDs, I can’t wait until they get here.