A Book I Read.

A.W · Post by **A.W** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 11:28 am

I recently bought a book called " One Man's Widerness". First printed in 1973.

I was flicking through the TV one night and they were showing the video on PBS. I didn't get to see the whole video but it did get my attention. I decided to order the book. I would like to get the DVD called Alone in the Wilderness.

It's about a guy by the name of Dick Proenneke who kinda had enough with city life and decided to try something different. He went to Alaska. His initial idea was to stay for about a year and a half but ended up staying for about 30 + years.

The book is basically a daily diary.

Although he had a friend fly in provisions every now and again he still had to hunt and fish and live somewhat off the land. He photographed and took movies of the area as well as keeping a log of various things such as weather conditions, amounts of snow fall, daily temperatures, thickness of ice, earthquakes and many more.

If he didn't have to kill an animal then he wouldn't. One day he watched some hunters (spotting scope on tripod) that had flown in farther south. They we hunting Dall Sheep.

These hunters managed to get a sheep and basically all they took was the horns. Dick paddled his canoe, climbed the mountain and retrieved the sheep for his food supply. He also cleaned up the mess that these hunters left behind.

I found myself getting caught up in this book and had some problems puting it down. Started it on Saturday night and finished it Sunday morning.

Anyway, I thought that some of you may enjoy the read.

Alaspan · Post by **Alaspan** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 6:35 pm

I would have to agree with you. I caught a TV special on it with my father, and we both said what an incredible man/journey. I'll have to read those diaries. He had some excellent video footage. The cabin he built was incredible.

BryanOney · Post by **BryanOney** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 6:49 pm

My dad got that book for x-mas. He and I have both read it twice. It is a really good read.

bushmaster · Post by **bushmaster** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 7:18 pm

The TV show is often used as a feature for fundraising on PBS. I've seen it many times...he was an amazing guy. The cabin he built was unreal

caucious clay · Post by **caucious clay** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:22 pm

If anyone want's to order this movie or book here is the adress and number BOB SWERER PRODUCTIONS 2440 S. COLLEGE AVENUE FORT COLLINS, COLORADO 80525 1-800-737-0239 what amazed me is that this man was 51 years old when he started on this journey. He's one tough dude. Excellent movie.

Maritimer · Post by **Maritimer** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:41 pm

I watched the show with my wife and we really enjoyed it and about a week later it was on so I recorded it. He sure did a nice job building that cabin of his and what a beautifull place also everything was done by hand quite a carpender.

Hipwader · Post by **Hipwader** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 8:09 am

A.W. I too have just recently purchased the book after seeing the PBS special. I had the same problem as most others, Read it in a couple of nights and find myself going over chapters again and again.
Hipwader