Frontiers 194: Dick Proenneke - At Home in the Wilderness

By Rhonda McBride, KTVA.
I remember the first time I heard Dick Proenneke’s name, I said, “Dick, what?”
The name Proenneke, pronounced “preh’-neck-key,” sounded so odd.
My colleague Will Mader, our main Frontiers photojournalist, brought it up. He’s a big fan of Proenneke’s.
Will had devoured Proenneke’s journals and watched all his films. He had even made the pilgrimage to Dick’s cabin at Lake Clark National Park and Wilderness Preserve and talked with me about doing a show on efforts to preserve his log house.
Why? Alaska has lots of log cabins. Why this one?
Will convinced me this was an important story to tell.
Since Proenneke’s death in 2003, his fame has continued to grow. But curiously, he’s better known outside of our state than he is here, because his film, Alone is the Wilderness, is often featured in public broadcasting fundraisers across the country.
The more I learned, the more intrigued I became.
Proenneke, at the age of 52, went to Twin Lakes to reinvent himself, after a welding accident almost blinded him.
His mission: to find out if he had what it took to survive in the wilderness. He started by cutting down logs and used them to build a cabin, fashioned completely with hand tools - some that he made himself. Proenneke went on to live in his homemade house for more than 30 years -- and through his journals and films became a famous wilderness advocate.
Will and I began our journey towards this week’s show more than two years ago, with a trip to Twin Lakes, where we had a chance to meet people who knew Dick Proenneke. It turned out to be what I call a Chinese box story, when you open one box, only to find another and another. There were plenty of surprises in those boxes - and we were left with an interesting collection.
Who was the real Dick Proenneke?
First and foremost, he aimed to leave his mark by treading lightly on the land, to have as little impact as possible on the wilderness he called home.
Although the country was remote, he discovered how fragile it was. He often spent his days picking up trash that hunters and pilots left behind.
Another facet of Dick Proenneke: he was a recycler extraordinaire, before the term was even widely used.
He would take discarded gas cans and turn them into cookware. He would salvage parts from airplane wrecks and fashion tools. He also made very user-friendly furniture, shaped to the curves of the body.
Dick Proenneke, we discovered, was many things to many people. That’s why we decided to create a special one-hour version of the show.
Here are some of the highlights:
• Dick Proenneke's personal frontier: The story of how Dick Proenneke became a wilderness icon.
• Handmade home: Efforts to restore Dick Proenneke’s cabin at Twin Lakes.
• Keepers of the legacy, the journals: John Branson, a National Park Service historian based at Lake Clark talks about editing more than 90 pounds of Proenneke notebooks.
• Keepers of the legacy, the archive: Katie Myers, a curator for the National Park Service shows us the Dick Proenneke collection at the NPS archives in downtown Anchorage.
• Friends and neighbors: With help from the NPS and the Alaska Moving Image Preservation Association, a look at friendships Dick had with his nearest neighbors -- Jay and Bella Hammond and the Alsworth Family.
• Wilderness princess: Former NPS ranger Patty Brown talks about her friendship with Dick Proenneke, who made her feel like "royalty." How she came to hop off a float plane at Twin Lakes, wearing a black evening gown.
• Friends of Dick Proenneke and Lake Clark National Park: Fred Hirschmann shares his memories of Dick and talks about the need to protect and preserve the Proenneke homestead.
We have many, many people to thank for their help: John Branson and Katie Myers at the National Park Service, the Alsworth's Lake Clark Air, the Hammond family, the Alaska Moving Image Preservation Association, Fred Hirschmann and the Friends of Dick Proenneke and Lake Clark National Park, and Bob Swerer Productions.
Perhaps the biggest joy of a project like this is all the friends you meet. We hope this show raises awareness about a great Alaskan, who is not well known in his own state. So here’s our attempt to change that.

[@joelsolotv7960]

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

[@williamlattanziobill2475]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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😀

[@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

[@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.

[@BENJIR2D2]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@davidperry970]

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

[@wheelz23]

You can even go there and see his cabin.

[@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

[@charlesfredrick4789]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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 😉

[@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.

[@randyleonard4126]

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

[@BlackArtBMX]

He grew up in Iowa if I recall correctly :)@@randyleonard4126

[@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.

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

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

[@MaineOffGrid.]

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

[@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.

[@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 ,,,

[@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

[@necifenpikit8713]

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

[@robertclark8332]

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

[@equalizertime188]

HE DEFINITELY IS A REAL HERO

[@ksav4330]

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

[@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. ❤️✌️😎

[@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.

[@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.

[@AnnaLVajda]

"Not wanting solitude not understanding solitude They will attempt to destroy anything that differs from themselves" Bukowski.

[@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...

[@fourwheelcamper5491]

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

[@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.

[@Jon-jk8vd]

Before building the cabin, Proenneke packed in the tool heads and made his own handles; he packed in as little as possible. Like the saying goes, "art is the imitation of nature, and necessity is the mother of invention" (source?). His strategy was to build from ground up by need and not to be distracted by the tactics of modern day, for the EXCEPTION of the poly sheeting of his roof. Like that rake he made, or the snow shovel, it was designed by his needs and made to be serviceable. Guaranteed, if he brought in a store bought rake, it wouldn't even last a few years.

[@Jon-jk8vd]

It is a way of thinking to not be distracted by tactics. There are so many ways to do a job, but there will be a best way in terms of a real-time, real-life world of survival. For thirty years, he even bucked his firewood by hand, because "there is no need for a power saw to ruin the silence as there is no shortage of time out here."

[@Jon-jk8vd]

"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory, but tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat". Sun Tzu.

[@wadeparker8695]

He just wanted to be left alone. It’s funny to see all these people visiting his cabin multiple planes on the lake and this lady talking about his story like it’s something to be marketed. What a horrible species we are. People say we are social creatures but in the end we just wanna be left alone. A man alone will advance his character his spirit his soul. Socializing with other people our soul is lost in a sea of egos and minds competing with one another. I want nothing to do with anyone. Dicks example is one of independence equals peace. I imagine at some point they’ll be a line from the shore to the cabin of consumers wanting to take the Dick Preneke Experience Ride and visit the gift shop for a nifty key chain souvenir. They’ll sell tickets and put in a zip line! When is the roller coaster coming in??

[@winnerscreed6767]

Tourism and the promotion of it has raped, strangled and killed the true Alaskan freedom and dream.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@jessicadubois9945]

Such a humble and remarkable man.

[@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

[@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

[@Gordonseries385]

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

[@edysinsimon8646]

I watched Dick build his cabin from start...A very inspiring saga...

[@northernwoodsman]

Where did you get the dvd's?

[@edysinsimon8646]

@@northernwoodsman I watched the entire series on PBS some 10 years ago...It was edited down to a 2 hour program but still showed his previous winter prepping the area the summer before...Falling the timber...Preping the foundation..All in all, quite a extensive and beautifully shot series by Dick himself!

[@arnenelson4495]

There's a really nice book about his build and his life there written by Sam.....cant- recall his last name but written back then with great photos. Must be some copies around.

[@pierredessein5568]

@@arnenelson4495 got that one from my school's library and read it in about 2 days. It was pretty awesome

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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!

[@boskocam4854]

"he asked that we rake his beach" heart breaking

[@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.

[@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.

[@oldpolak5203]

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

[@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.

[@coolbuffdad]

Thank you for posting this for everyone to watch

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@russellwood678]

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

[@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!

[@bastaki66]

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

[@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.

[@jackbrown7341]

I can fully understand Dick; and, the want, need, and desires to live alone in the wilderness of Alaska. I live in the mountains of Colorado; in, the south part of the state. I've lived here alone for going on six years; I, go to town twice a month for supplies, it use to be once a month; however, T4 bladder cancer came calling so I had to change my eating habits, so no more process foods, and more vegetables, the cost of eating doubled. I'll die here on my land; I, won't leave it unless ordered by God to do so. I love trees; however, there's none here. I don't live totally as Dick lived; however, I do live mostly on solar power and generator, and propane fuel for heat. I live in a 8 foot by 21 foot camper that has been my home for fore years now. I have to pay for 90% of the work that gets done here, but fighting cancer and a spine that can be cut by my bones makes it hard to do much out here. Like Dick; I, have some great friends that God has sent to me, and we help one another out. This summer I have a young lady coming out; to, help me grow my garden, and medicine for the next year. I didn't take the cancer doctors up on their offer to put me through; chemotherapy, radiation treatments and a 8 - 10 hour surgery to fight this disease called cancer. So far the doctors are wondering why I'm still alive. I understand the kind of spirit Dick had; I've, known what he has done for years. I've always wanted to live in the mountains; and, The Heavenly Father gave me this land here, and I'm Very grateful to have it. Thanks Dick for the inspiration, to do things mostly the old fashioned way of life, as well as a man doesn't have to be married to be successful in life. 😃😎😇

[@williammeek765]

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

[@lindabaldwin6716]

Excellent video about his life.

[@jdevilist]

A truly great man!

[@nawwk79]

Was already 52 years old when he build the cabin with his bare hands. He was still moving like a 20 year old despite his age, I guess people are build different in the past.

[@joeyank2451]

Ya They Were Healthier Plain And Simple

[@charliebelle6693]

Wow, a true frontiersman and icon!

[@IronDogger]

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

[@alphatruckhouse8223]

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

[@robertlaporte2998]

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.

[@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) :)

[@mcloud2021]

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

[@Ronald-hx6zn]

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

[@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...

[@alleycat2100]

Well done! Thank you.

[@mrsjkehoe]

I moved to Alaska after seeing "Alone In the Woods " and visiting. It is truly a way of life out here. Stewards of the land. Not every Alaska feels this way, but many I have spoken to talks about Alaska "calling" to you. It truly does. I call myself fortunate to live in such a beautiful place.

[@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 .

[@rennieseerattan6125]

Truely an amazing man RIP Sir

[@keenanvaughn8453]

You people just don't understand that some of us just want to be left alone.

[@esmeraldamartinez2000]

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

[@nancylong886]

I just found out about Dick Proenneke through a very good friend of mine. Absolutely love these video's

[@nickialaskanyogi]

What a man! Love his film.

[@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!

[@kerrywynn1949]

Thank you Craig. Great meditation. 🦋🙏

[@spharion7988]

This was fantastic.. Im mesmerized ! WOW!

[@dwaynethompson6756]

The wilderness will intrigue young and old alike, no matter your age, if you go you will be intrigued by something fascinating, God gave us this wild, beautiful place to live. May we respect it, and be good stewards of it, cause...ya know...good planets are hard to find!!! Let us be coherent enough as a species to acknowledge what we have and love it. I'm in Georgia, fortunate enough to lease 1200 acres to fish, hunt...to steward and be appreciative of it enough that it's my duty to pass it on to my family, friends and wildlife I enjoy here. Lest we never abuse what we have been bestowed.

[@blueduck9409]

What a great story!

[@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.

[@XOX74]

Greetings from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 I just learned about this man. What a wonderful, inspiring human he was, I'm so happy he lived his dream and blossomed there for 30 years. Such a heart warming story.

[@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.

[@Socializedbyantisocials]

Excellent work 👍, thank you.

[@janemann3045]

He escape the city and people.He lived a good life.Love to visit his cabin one day

[@johnparkin58]

This guy lived his life on his own terms, doing what many can only dream about. He found his inner peace fairly late on his life. I wonder what the impact on his life would have been if he moved to Twin Lakes when he was 25 ?. His ethos of hard work served him well throughout his time there , where he was at peace with himself.