Frontiers 194: Dick Proenneke - At Home in the Wilderness

[@joelsolotv7960]

If Mr. Proenneke thought 1967 was a crazy time. Imagine what he would think of today.

[@toddmathis7484]

Bless those who voluntarily take care of the cabin and preserve Dick's legacy.

[@thomaswayneward]

Another man or family should have been allowed to own and live in the cabin, isn't that what Dick did?

[@thomaswayneward]

@@mr.joshuah1412 What?

[@mountainman615]

I’m glad to know that his cabin is part of the national park and will be protected for generations.

[@bolo2393]

The sad part is that most of all the things he handcrafted will slowly be replaced with lower and lower quality replicas, eventually being some 3d printed plastic pieces. He was unique in his time a generation ago.

[@artm1973]

It's nice but at the same time it's sad a his house is now a museum and no one else can live the life he did there.

[@Alamyst2011]

@@bolo2393 There are still some woodman left. I may not have the skillset this man had, but I do well. I also try to pass what I know to the next generation.

[@lonewolftech]

@@Alamyst2011 we cannot live how he did though our governments won’t allow it.

[@Alamyst2011]

@@lonewolftech I agree for the most part. I own some old growth land, if not for the taxes i might wander into the woods and never come back.

[@amythomas1124]

Dick Proenneke was a family friend of my family. My Dad was born and raised one mile down the road from Dick and his family in Primrose, Iowa. My Dad’s older brother, my Uncle Harold and Dick Proenneke were best friends. My Dad is still alive, at 86 years old. Dad still tells his stories of how one year for Christmas, Dick made him something hand carved! This was before Dick entered the United States Navy after Pearl Harbor was attacked. I grew up in Lee County Iowa as well. Not far from Primrose. My parents built a home in rural Donnellson, Iowa in the Fall of 1968. I’ve lost my Mom in late 2018, but my Dad still resides there.

[@amythomas1124]

@@stefantwotimes He still had his friends who visited on occasion. His choice he never married. I’ve had family members who never married. Not everyone is marriage material. Dick was one of the most nicest guys you would ever meet. If you would have shown up to his cabin door, he wouldn’t turn anyone away. The hospitality he would give you, would be probably more than most people would show. Mr. Proenneke was a very smart man, knowledgeable beyond his years!

[@grizzbane6091]

Very cool story. My condolences for your mother.

[@lessforloans]

Family friend would suffice.

[@amythomas1124]

@@lessforloans reason I said what I said, is I NEVER met the guy. My Dad knew him well, my Dad’s immediate family. I did not know him, so he wasn’t my friend! 🙄

[@equalizertime188]

GREAT LITTLE STORY BLESSINGS ON YOUR FAMILY

[@nwtraveler5266]

The man is a legend.

[@schmithjagen7228]

Indeed he is

[@AnnaLVajda]

Yes as a little girl I loved all those Laura Wilder little house books and went to visit pioneer villages and thought it a really remarkable lifestyle and think it was just over a hundred years ago people just grew up with those skills you had to know hunting and carpentry and such to survive it was just normal.

[@ryans.4715]

This man is pure walking testosterone

[@sherryllynnjones7077]

Living simply, sustainably, & lovingly. "Simple Living Alaska" YT!!!

[@Twobarpsi]

Yes.

[@precbsfender]

Dick almost lost his vision, he vowed to enjoy the beauty of the wilderness for life.❤

[@pattybrown2100]

Like a story John Muir told as well of temporarily being blinded from an industrial accident and upon recovery being motivated to get out of the city and live with beautiful nature. From the bad came great good!

[@Mr.T-BAGGIN-UR-MOM]

This man was truly a national treasure. You get the feeling he could do about anything, and the fact he went out there at 50+ is truly inspiring.

[@ivanwesley8182]

One truly amazing man. I can’t imagine the mind of the miserable souls that gave this video a thumbs down

[@opfor325]

I made a pilgrimage with my son to the cabin. We met Monroe and K. and spent time talking to them about Dick. Like so many I was amazed at the detail to the handy work of all of Dick's projects and builds. They told me that Dick was a pilot himself and actually survived a plane crash. Truly an amazing man. Many of the off grid folks today aspire to live a simple self sufficient life like Dick. For many, he inspired the off gird movement.

[@jameslubin5100]

Cool trip...and one yur son will NEVER forget...i remember EVERYTHING i did with my Dad😀

[@BENJIR2D2]

He's become one of my heroes. We should all try to leave everything better than we found it.

[@ignacioprado]

It’s it ok to shed a tear after watching this masterpiece?

[@Lotus1111]

I sure hope so

[@northernbettygirl]

Absolutely😢

[@Razorhead19]

Yes. Yes it is.

[@MaineOffGrid.]

What a great video. I’m happy this came across my page. What a life he lived!

[@williamlattanziobill2475]

Dick Proenneke’s story, his philosophy...should be required learning in our schools.

[@toddmathis7484]

It's great that the cabin is so remote. If it was in any other place easily accessible by humans, it would be vandalized by some a hole.

[@SkinE-Vadee-Veechee]

It's on my Bucket List to see Dicks cabin one day. I think his Legend will live on for many years. He deserves a spot it History and I am very greatful to have ever even heard of him. Thanks kind soul Dick. You're a man of Valor.

[@jamming8519]

It always amazes me how one person can inspire so many others! Dick was one of those people! I hope where ever he is in the universe I will someday get to meet him and thank him for allowing me to see the beauty of our world through his eyes!

[@shantispliff9284]

It only ever takes 1 to start

[@davidperry970]

I'm thankful that someone has saved artifacts from his homestead .

[@wheelz23]

You can even go there and see his cabin.

[@erikpeterson25]

I graduated high school in 1971....a member of the faculty gave me a book that was written by Mr. Proenneke about building his cabin and starting his life in Alaska. I had not seen the book since then and still remember the picture of him in the window of his cabin. good man and quite the job

[@jacquelinepettit2962]

He is my hero, I live part-time off the grid in VT hoping to be full time someday soon. Keep his legacy alive always.

[@northernpines]

Vermont is beautiful. I envy you!

[@equalizertime188]

That's Awesome come out to New Mexico I'll show you around you would love it here

[@plainsimple442]

John Branson from Windham, Maine. His older brother Robert was one of my best friends., and I remember John before he went to Alaska. Regards, Rick Hayden

[@mattnevins8733]

The call of the wild, independence, and solitude is a hard call to ignore later in life.

[@edwardburks5895]

I remember seeing this on PBS when I was young and I was blown away by his survival skills.

[@jasonadair9849]

It's weird my mother's father introduced me to Dicks story but he reminded me of my father's father. He was a jack of all trades that could make things out of junk like you could never believe. Im 43 now and both of my grandfather's are gone but I can watch Dicks documentaries and be reminded of both. Thanks for making this. Ive learned a few things I didn't know about him from yalls video.

[@mH8675309]

Better a Jack of many trades than a master of one

[@awindey]

I guess you're maybe 44 now, but just remember that's not old at all. It's a good almost 10 years before Dick even moved to Alaska. You're a young buck 😉

[@Bobcatdaddy49]

They were the greatest of generations! Will be dearly missed by all who knew them.

[@tylerofviolence]

RIP Dick Proenneke the true pioneer and homesteader. Hope one day to live out his dream and find the peace that he did in his life.

[@robertclark8332]

Truly an amazing story. One of my heroes for sure.

[@equalizertime188]

HE DEFINITELY IS A REAL HERO

[@necifenpikit8713]

Such an inspiring story..to live in a place like these, is very relaxing!

[@bobchauncey63]

Dick Proenneke was a pioneer, a talented carpenter and master craftsman with hand made tools. I never tire of watching his videos and reading his book. Thanks for this video.

[@TanaCorporonlaw]

Wow, was looking for some fun conspiracy theories to watch or politics, and just happened upon a little blurb from Joe Rogan who mentioned this man who lived out in the wilderness by himself for 31 years, feeding birds from his hands and crafting everything and anything he found - I had to look him up! I found this program and, as I wipe the tears from my face (have NO idea why I'm so emotional watching this), I am SO happy that God directed me here. Wow, just to SEE someone not caught up in all the craziness of the world (can you imagine how he would feel and/or think of our country today? Oy Vey!), not care about anything but self-love, self-care, and preservation for future generations; to here his words of realizing the waste of killing big game just to feed one man's hungry belly. I am totally in awe of this man, and as I watched the red KZbin bar getting closer to the end, I got anxious because I just wanted MORE - more simplicity, more honesty, more of the feeling he gave off, at least to me, that we CAN manage on less, be ok alone, be with oneself...in your thoughts about life, adventure, the beauty of God's creations. RIP Mr Dick Proenneke, and thank you for touching my heart ❤

[@rooseveltmauro7000]

Sinto mesmo sentimento q vc , me emociono cada vez q assisto.

[@jeffmcgrath6108]

I live about 14 miles from where Dick grew up. I found out about Dick from hearinf stories his sister would tell my wife about him. Quite a guy.

[@gregorymalchuk272]

You should have your wife write down all the assorted stories told her!

[@jeffmcgrath6108]

@@gregorymalchuk272 I should ask her.

[@Randyman4126]

​@@jeffmcgrath6108You live way out there??That's impressive if you do!!

[@BlackArtBMX]

He grew up in Iowa if I recall correctly :)@@Randyman4126

[@charlesfredrick4789]

But I promised him I would rake the beach, so I do it. Something so simple and profound at the same time.

[@toeey1]

I never heard of this man till a few days ago. A random youtube recommendation has led me down a rabbit hole of video after video about this man. His carpentry and conservation skills were absolutely amazing

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

He really was a national treasure for showing us what you can do if you can learn from someone like him.

[@SparksofOhio]

I never knew anything about Dick Proenneke until I discovered Shawn James and his My Self Reliance channel on the YouToober, so glad I did. He reminds me of my relatives that live in the hollers of Eastern Kentucky, many of whom still live this lifestyle and can survive on what the land provides. Peace and love to all that share Dick’s philosophy. ❤️✌️😎

[@RussellMcCollom]

This was excellent. I have watched all that I can on KZbin about him. I have lost count of the number I have watched. This was a different angle of the man and is life.

[@kenalls3518]

Read his journals, they give much more detail

[@cyberhype5495]

Go watch the Full Movie "Alone in the Wilderness" on BitChute.... Its got DP and its banned on YT

[@molpolkristine]

the good old days when you could go into the wilderness and build your own cabin now its all locked up so you pay to go see it. then its back to the 9 to 5 for you

[@thiefonthecross7552]

We let them do that to us.

[@herelieskittythomas3726]

You are both right and my heart aches because of it.

[@wadeparker8695]

You nailed it!!

[@lonewolftech]

But if we all started living like this again what could they really do to stop us? We out number then ten fold..

[@jaw3895]

Just think as how a guy would do it nowadays. What can YOU do to sever the ties of the “world” ? Figure something out if it’s really in your heart. If not, it just sounds like an excuse

[@laylow8648]

I long for my 3 season cabin in Far Northwestern, Wisconsin. The silence is only broken by the water lapping the shore, the wind rushing through the trees and the fluttering wings of a visiting chickadee. This story brings me to my peaceful place on this earth. Thank You, Jesus for your gift.

[@Castor561]

yes , nature is good calming ,,,

[@cray-z7404]

I'm 43 year old farm boy from NC & just now stumbled upon this incredible man & story & its definitely inspiring to say the least...

[@dubehigh]

When I was a kid I seen a documentary on pbs and I would love to find this again to watch, I fell in love with his life. The real American dream in my opinion.

[@donniewoodley8604]

I love this guy. I've always wanted to do and believe in what he did. I don't look up to a lot of people but this guy I do and never met him. Thank you to all that keep his spirit going.

[@russellwood678]

I am so glad they didn't turn the cabin down and people can go look at it awesome.

[@coolbuffdad]

Thank you for posting this for everyone to watch

[@BodyUnderConstruction]

I’m 43 grew up in the country in Alabama and considered myself an outdoorsman until I came upon this legend WOW . Thank you for showing this and thank God for creating this human may his life be a teaching to us .

[@austinclarke2514]

He's one of a kind,never be forgotten.

[@thomaswayneward]

One of a kind? Millions of men like him settled the US. Their children are still here and they survive in many different ways; they are no less talented than the first settlers.

[@fourwheelcamper5491]

I watched his film on PBS and was in amazement what he accomplished.

[@WATCH-IT-BUSTER]

2:20 "with no help from anyone"... he had people flying in supplies every 6 months 😮

[@oldpolak5203]

This is my favorite film of all time . As I get older the more I appreciate the man .

[@ksav4330]

I feel that Dick's life and message is more relevant now than ever

[@averyjoycelynbarakudablock4139]

Years ago I watched the PBS special. So soulful, so moving. It came to mind now, having just watched the construction of a survival hut in the woods. It's wonderful to see the dedication of these Alaskans. At the show's conclusion, the gravel raking...Ah, that took me out..🌿🍃🌱

[@12345674309]

The floor of Dick's cabin was not wooden, but was earth covered with gravel which he had brought in from his beach. Every Spring, at least when I knew him he would take all that gravel off the floor and spread it on his beach where it would clean itself. He would than haul it back into the cabin and spread it on the floor again.

[@northernpines]

This was fantastic - so many pictures of Dick I've never seen before, details about his life in the Alaskan bush and the interviews were so insightful. Great piece and thanks for posting it!

[@Twobarpsi]

First heard of him in the early 90s on PBS. This video, 30 years later, really shows everything in a great HD perspective. I really appreciate this video!

[@outdoorliving4724]

Although I don't consider anyone who admires, studies or even loves Dick Proenneke today as a "cult like following" everything else is one man's positive way of living his life. The only sad side for us living today is how difficult government is making it for any American who wants to live the offgrid/homestead lifestyle with laws and fines. Example, if a person owns two acres of land in rural state like Montana and has a year around stream that is never disturbed by the landowner but does use rain barrels to catch free falling rain is now illegal in many states. Also a man was put in jail for keeping his 15ft pole with a residential mini wind turbine to add power to his solar battery bank. It's almost as government wants us all living & working in very strict controlled A.I. cities where the beauty of privacy will be erased from the minds of our very young. So, here is to Dick Proenneke, may his wisdom and experience help me and all those who want to live and thrive in nature, Jan 4th 2023.

[@jessicadubois9945]

Such a humble and remarkable man.

[@renacasey8163]

As a teenager I watched his documentary of him making the cabin and I was amazed by how much he could create out of natural materials. His story was the only one we had as a reference to for living off grid and building a cabin. Today we have KZbin tutorials that I watch on a regular basis but it was Dick who created that thirst for off grid living I enjoy today. Let's get back to Nature!

[@keithdockery2358]

I've watched his video/s several times. Some has addressed Dick as a hero and a GREAT inspiration. I once had the same dream for most years of my life but alas have grown too old and incapable of pursuing such n adventure.

[@thomaskoshinsky7768]

He step back in time even for being in 1968.not to many people can say they could do that.All hand tools cutting wood.walking every were.No motorized anything.He still to this day is a legend.god bless his soul.Thank you sir for all the memories and films of you wonderfull life.god bless.

[@hanumanvaya]

None of these people that visited got *it* or ever will. Thank God for that. Otherwise everyone would do it and destroy it. Thanks, Dick. Your words were simple but an inspiration. They felt as though a sage had returned from a true and isolated experience to share a basic knowledge that not many will or can ever conceive of. I'm glad I personally carry it everyday.

[@robr1656]

This man has been an inspiration ever since I learned of him. Early 1990's What a great life.

[@Twobarpsi]

Early 1990s for me too.

[@cortewita4075]

He was definitely most definitely ahead of his time. 💪🏾💪🏾💯💯❤️❤️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

[@efslaman6291]

A wonderful comment on self-reliance, a mid-century, American man with a backwoods skill set and a matter of fact outlook a snapshot in time that will never be repeated

[@jdevilist]

A truly great man!

[@YOsefFM]

~ The Face of Alaska, Mr. Richard “Dick” Louis Proenneke. ~ LEGEND

[@alphatruckhouse8223]

Beautiful - thank you for sharing all of this and keeping this great legend alive ~peace~

[@alleycat2100]

Well done! Thank you.

[@edmccaffrey1]

Ah the middle of nowhere! Indeed there is places that are in the middle of nowhere. Been there many times and almost always by myself as that is the best way to see and enjoy it. A loner needs to be alone.

[@lindabaldwin6716]

Excellent video about his life.

[@Gordonseries385]

Good for him he touched others lived a clean and close live with nature!

[@IronDogger]

I had always planned on retirement in a cabin out in remote Alaska working for the Forestry.

[@Lue_Jonin]

I had to chuckle when it was mentioned he had to sand paper his feet calluses down from all the hiking .... I've been doing the same thing for years due to my own high mileage in Nature. If I don't sand them down the calluses feel like rocks in my shoes and they actually bruise my feet bottoms.😀 👣 LOL I never heard of him before I watched this video....but I'm positive he would've been an enormous influence and inspiration on my life.❤ ✌ "Between every two trees is a doorway into another world" - John Muir

[@RandalSpady]

Beautiful cabin on the lake very peaceful place to live.

[@Kimbeattie]

Thank you for this great video about Dick Proenneke, really makes you think about what is important in life and how important wilderness is to future generations (they are not making anymore of it) :)

[@Ronald-hx6zn]

Looks good from the screen. The grit and determination to adapt to this existence isn't for the "faint" of heart.😊

[@talkingbird7529]

Great show thank you.

[@JohnShields-xx1yk]

There aren't many who could do that and even fewer who could live in harmony with the surroundings, showing respect to all living things. He lived my dream.

[@33Duce]

This is a wonderfully made and curated look at an amazing man.

[@blueduck9409]

What a great story!

[@williammeek765]

I seen this on PBS..A unique man .. He is a Legend.. His cabin is a protected site..

[@joemfk1]

Dick is the man! I think it was early-mid 90s the first time I saw anything about him. I will always carry what I have learned from him.

[@spectrumstudios4848]

Oh I miss Alaska. You guys still bridge that life to me. Someday I’ll return.

[@alaskanken2132]

Do it.

[@mrsjkehoe]

I agree with Alaskan Ken!

[@spectrumstudios4848]

I will soon.

[@charliebelle6693]

Wow, a true frontiersman and icon!

[@bradr2142]

Wonderful docu. Thank you. 11 news gets great big thanks.

[@macCloud2021]

Why is this idea of living becoming so exciting to me? I want to try this lifestyle. Dam the sheer peace and quiet.

[@stevethecountrycook1227]

Would have loved to have met the man, and shared a bowl of beans with him! I would have brought some ham hocks and bacon grease with me! I'am sure he would have loved that! RIP Richard!

[@PhantomDrums917]

I've been craving to go visit his cabin since I first saw the special on PBS years ago. I've watched it countless times since. Then I worked in Alaska on a cruise ship and obviously never got close enough to get there being that we traveled solely the Inside Passage. This is a wonderful video and a brilliant follow up to the two DVD's that were released. Looking forward to finding as many of his journals as that friend of his is willing to publish for public reading. Bring em! And thanks for a wonderful program!

[@afshinzand220]

We all have a Dick Proenneke in our souls and hearts, but our fears and cowardice have detained him in our boring and soulless lives.

[@esmeraldamartinez2000]

Love it, I watch it over and over again, he was so special ❤️

[@Socializedbyantisocials]

Excellent work 👍, thank you.

[@kerrywynn1949]

Thank you Craig. Great meditation. 🦋🙏

[@kaiserman6667]

A lovely piece about a truly remarkable human. My hope is sometime in the years remaining I can visit this amazing place. Thank you for this.

[@rmlaporte57]

Modern day Jesus. I loved his book and tapes from Public tv.And videos like this and others that show how his legacy has extended to involve thousands by his heart and knowledge.Thank you for sharing.It has made me reevaluate my passion for freedom and care for all life.

[@Riceblox2000]

I’m glad they published his journals. I have all of them and have been reading them for years. I’m a slow reader lol. But there’s a lot to read.

[@TheNeeenha]

You might like to follow ..My Self Reliance..and Shawn James...he's a big fan of Dick's and living that kind of life in Canada

[@blackmonday738]

He ever talk about bears trying to get into his cabin, run into them closer than he wanted or ever had to kill one?? Boy he probably shake his head at all the Bear attacks today, and the Bear Spray they sell.

[@Riceblox2000]

@@blackmonday738 I think I’ve read through half his journals and he hasn’t killed a bear. There was actually a time he was out without a gun and a grizzly found him. He tried to lay low but it could smell him easily. So the bear charged him and he was waving his arms and yelling trying to scare it while he walked backwards. He fell backwards and when the bear got close it changed direction and ran away. He didn’t understand why it didn’t kill him but swore he’d never leave without a gun again lol. Other times a bear has found his cabin and snooped around. He would fire warning shots to scare it and try and teach it not to come back, but he would never kill it. He only kills what he would eat. A lot of his diet is flown in and some grown. It’s interesting because he really loves all the animals. The only animal he will kill would be the porcupine for chewing on his cabin. And he would eat it. And ofcourse fish. But a lot of his journals he’s out trying to photograph the bears or an owl nest or rams. He seems like a really kind but extremely tough man. One time he found a young caribou on its own and tried to raise it. But his powdered milk and stuff just didn’t work. So it died, and he made use of it after. Usually those things don’t go together. But he could somehow have the biggest heart yet tough as hell. Now I feel like picking up and reading more lol. I haven’t read in over a year. I still have probably 10-15 of journals to read through.

[@Michael-h8c]

I think its great you still rake the beach , you are a very nice person who keeps her word to Dick !!

[@spharion7988]

This was fantastic.. Im mesmerized ! WOW!

[@cameronmcalpine3550]

Thanks for posting, a great story.

[@nickialaskanyogi]

What a man! Love his film.

[@dominiccarpin5651]

You put together a really nice piece.

[@wewokakid3379]

Abundant admiration for this Self Reliant Giant among men...He was so down to earth and good and kind to all of his wildlife neighbors... And what a One Man Caretaking Army for the preservation of Twin Lakes for generation after generation...

[@johnwillard6198]

His true legacy is the spirit he enlivens in people to as you say “find your own Fronteir and live out your dreams” Thanks Good sir .

[@jritter1]

This was very good and very informal. Good job whoever put this together.

[@kenyork1107]

I never met this man , but I watch and read everything I can find on him and his life in Alaska . This film was awesome , thank you . I consider myself a huge fan and admirer of this remarkable man . I hope someday I can visit his cabin and home and become a gentle person like Dick Prenicki .

[@bastaki66]

RIP Dick Proenneke you did what you liked I wish we can do that now with our crazy time 2024.