You think you’re tough? You’re not. You know who’s tough? THIS GUY:
Richard Proenneke lived alone until he was 82 years old, in the high mountains of Alaska…in a log cabin he built by hand.
I recently caught a PBS special about his process and was blown away.
The first part (and it looks like the second part) is on youtube, but it wasn’t until a little later that things got mind-blowing.
Alone in the Wilderness documents the entire building process. Proenneke builds every part of the cabin with natural materials (save for a sheet of plastic on the roof), and no power tools of any kind. Even hinges are made of wooden fittings. He whittles his own utensils and bowls, puts together a stone fireplace…eats what he catches and gathers (with the very occasional simple grocery shipment).
This man is so intensely efficient that it’s almost comical to the modern day technology-saturated member of society. I found myself laughing in astonishment as he built a wall by noon, then went off to clear two acres of moss for the roof. He carried almost everything on his back, too.
Proenneke’s work and life are a true testament to unadorned human capabilities. I highly encourage you to watch this intriguing look at one natural, self-sufficient life.
SheWalksSoftly 
11 responses to “Richard Proenneke: Alone in the Wilderness”
That was one of the coolest documentaries I’ve ever seen. His techniques are important, should we revert back to his technology level to survive. Incredible to think all those pioneers and settlers must have lived in that world. Need a spoon? (carve carve carve) here it is!
I know! Despite our amazing technology, we were far more self-sufficient in other ways long ago.
I’ve watched this program every time PBS had it on over the years … he is amazing!
I want to order it or catch it again myself. It’s so awe-inspiring.
Buck Lake Live & 65 ⦠that is 65 years in the making.Buck Lake Live proudly presents International Recording Artist and Evangelist, Nod Arvefel, Saturday evening, August 25th at 7 pm at Historic Buck Lake Ranch, Angola, Indiana.Nod Arvefel is an International Recording Artist whose original songs and music ride the radio airwaves in more than 50 countries of the world. His Contemporary Christian music sound includes genres of Folk, Rock, Blues, Jazz and more. Nod is no ordinary artist. With musical storytellerâs ability, Nod captures both your heart and attention as he sings you through Bible Story songs, Bible verse put to music, message songs, and worship and praise. You will both laugh and cry because Nod sings from deep in his heart. Nod always sings to glorify the Lord. Be sure to stop by and become a part of a fun, moving, heartfelt experience. You will find his music both captivating and exhilarating, like an anointed breath of fresh air. Admission and parking are free and there is always a new program with new people every Saturday night.Mark your calendars, August 25th at 7 pm, for Nod Arvefel LIVE at Historic Buck Lake Ranch, 2705 West Buck Lake Road, Angola, Indiana.See you there!
Four score and seven minutes ago, I read a sweet article. Lol thanks
Envy! 🙂
Love it! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Ever since I caught this on PBS I have been mesmerised by what he did. A dream for most, but he really did it. More isn’t better – it’s just more. The Tiny House movment is another branch off of this tree. Scale down and simplify. Sounds like Heaven to me. Thanks for this post.
You’re very welcome. There are whole sites dedicated to the tiny house movement: http://tinyhouseblog.com/
What this man was able to accomplish by himself is a work of art in itself haw many could accomplish this today , myself I have lived off grid for many years now and I too try to be self sufficient in everything , well water is good and growing your own food is wonderful watching it grow every day and waiting to harvest it’s a good life and it’s what you make of it God is my helper and without him it would be empossible to do and Dick Proenneke also shows this in his life , thank you Mr.Proenneke for what you have shown to everyone .