I happened to wake up early this morning and flipped through to PBS where I came across this video, Alone in the Wilderness, the story of Dick Proenneke. Dick Proenneke retired at age 50 in 1967 and decided to build his own cabin on the shore of Twin Lakes. The first summer he scouted for the best cabin site, and cut and peeled the logs he would use for lumber for his cabin. Dick Proenneke returned the next summer to finish the cabin where he lived for over 30 years.
This is just a quick video, but shows some spectacular craftsmanship for a man, working alone, in 1967, in the middle of Alaska. He builds his log cabin, from timber he fell on his own, a moss roof, doors, hinges, and a stone chimney all while gathering all of his food from the land.
If you haven’t had a chance to catch the video on PBS, you can purchase a number of the different videos produced by Bob Swerer Productions here www.dickproenneke.com.
I have seen the series on PBS, its usually on when they are begging for money beyond what I have given them through my taxes.
Bug YES – They guys does some amazing work with limited resources. He didn’t bring tool handles (too much weight) because he could easily just fashion one to his desired specifications.
Makes me long for a much simpler life sometimes.
Thanks for the post.
Handyguy Brian
“Makes me long for a much simpler life sometimes.” – Well said Brian!
It makes me want to quit my day job, move to the wilderness, and start crafting my own cabin. Great find!
Craft a whole cabin, or just a few hours a weekend to split wood for the fireplace would work for me!