Wild hermit books

**wildWoman** · 03-11-2008, 05:53 PM

Has anyone read books other than "Alone in the wilderness" about/by somebody living out in the woods that they particularly liked?

I've read a few but the only one I'd really recommend is "Diary of a wilderness dweller" by Chris Czajkowski. One tough woman; did the I-build-my-cabin-in-the-woods thing by herself in a fly-in location when she was already pushing 40.
What I like so much about the book is she writes how it is, at least IMHO. She talks about the difficulty of getting the land in the first place, the monumental shopping trips that are an inevitable part of living out in the woods, chainsaws acting up, scrounging for money to finance the dream etc
I think that book would not only inspire people (if a lone woman in her 40s can do it!) but also give a very realistic perspective on things.
She also has a website (she by now turned 60 and got herself a retirement home that's a mere 5km walk to the closest road): www.nuktessli.ca
Living proof it can be done.

**Rick** · 03-11-2008, 05:57 PM

Great link, WW. She has a nice site!

**crashdive123** · 03-11-2008, 06:39 PM

Thanks WW.

**GVan** · 03-12-2008, 01:24 AM

Sounds interesting I think I give it a read.

**Sourdough** · 03-12-2008, 02:56 AM

All books should be burned, anything you need to know your government will tell you. Books Bad. Internet FORM GOOD, say anything, no calling names.

**crashdive123** · 03-12-2008, 06:05 AM

Wow - A Fahrenheit 911 kind of moment.

**bulrush** · 03-12-2008, 08:19 AM

Hi WW,
I didn't read "Alone in the Wilderness", I got the DVD. You actually learn quite a few things by watching it, like how he made his cabin. I watch it again every year.

It's about a guy in his 50s who goes to Twin Lakes in Alaska to build a cabin by himself. He hunts wild game for meat, and grows his garden. The growing season is all but 3 minutes long up there.

**Beo** · 03-12-2008, 08:54 AM

Yeah got it and his three dvds they're grat, here's a link to his site.
http://www.dickproenneke.com/

**Sourdough** · 03-12-2008, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by crashdive123

Wow - A Fahrenheit 911 kind of moment.

This is a "FORM" I can say anything, but no name calling. So I say burn books. Sure hope you find this information helpful.

**Beo** · 03-12-2008, 09:06 AM

Oh my gawd Hopeak... lol... your killing me... lol...

**wareagle69** · 03-12-2008, 09:06 AM

what is this now footloose burn the books ha i'm goona dance anyway you can't stop me...

**wildWoman** · 03-12-2008, 05:45 PM

Actually there's another book that I think is really good: "Descent into madness" by Vernon Frolick. It's about Sheslay Mike, a guy who lived out in the bush in northwestern BC in the early 80s. This is THE book for everybody wanting to do the bush life without money. This guy managed to survive for over 10 years way out in the bush, alone, in sort of a hunting-gathering lifestyle. He had schizophrenia and was basically running scared the whole time because he kept hearing voices. The book is based on his diaries. It is quite a story and will give you goosebumps.

**Beo** · 03-12-2008, 06:32 PM

Gonna have to look that one up.

**canid** · 03-12-2008, 06:39 PM

haha, strangely enough, that one sounds inspiring.

**wareagle69** · 03-12-2008, 06:43 PM

i would like les stroud to write of his experiences when he and sue went to the bush for a year they did a video called snow shoes and solitude but i like books also other than that i don't know who else would write a bio about living wild..would make great reading for people like us only bad thing is publishers want a tragic ending hense tim treadwell or other similar stories..

**2pinesacres** · 03-12-2008, 09:50 PM

WildWoman: Chris Czajkowski's books are great! One independent, feisty lady and one that I admire!!! I would recommend her reads to anyone!!! Plus she's a Canuck!!!!!
Donna

**wildWoman** · 03-12-2008, 09:59 PM

Yeah, I agree Donna, she's my heroine too! Don't know too many people who'd consider a place that's a 5km bushwhack from the closest road, never mind village, a great retirement home! Chris rocks

**Sarge47** · 03-12-2008, 11:01 PM

Since you're talking about tough women surviving in Alaska, here's a book I found out about in J. Wayne Fears "The Complete Book Of Outdoor Survival".
It's "Hey, I'm Alive!" by Helen Klaben. Here's a summery by Mr. fears:

"There are rare occasions, however, when you may need to move some distance from the aircraft, such as if it is down under the trees and cannot be seen from the air,as in the classic case of Helen Klaben and Wayne Flores in 1963. The pair left Whitehorse, Yukon, heading for San Francisco in a small private airplane. Over the Yukon-British Columbia border, they ran into a blinding snowstorm which caused them to crash.

For over a month, search-&- Rescue aircraft flew over the area looking for the downed plane, but the thick trees in which Helen & Ralph had crashed hid their plane from view.

Both Helen & Ralph were injured in the crash, but they managed to set up a survival camp at the aircraft. They had very little Survival gear on the plane:
matches, a little food, some vitamin pills, two tubes of toothpaste, a hammer, cold chisel, hunting knife, books, canvas motor cover, & extra clothing. For a
blanket they tore the carpet from the plane floor and insulation from the walls
& ceiling. Seat & back cushions were used for beds. Firewood was cut with the chisel & hammer. During their ordeal temperatures dropped to -40o F.

Their food ran out the 1st week. From then on, it was only water, which they got by melting snow in a can. Their drinking cup was made from a light reflector from the plane. They made several attempts to kill rabbits that came near their camp, but nothing worked.

For 33 days they stayed with the aircraft, but after hearing 40 to 50 aircraft pass nearby, they decided they must move if they were to be found. On snowshoes made from branches and a toboggan made from aircraft parts, they moved their meager supplies through deep snow to an opening in the forest. Since they were very weak, this 3/4-mile journey was quite tough. Here they used the engine cover Tarpaulin to make a tent. Ralph then moved to another clearing 2 miles distant & tramped SOS in the snow, as well as an arrow aimed in Helen's direction. Also they placed in the snow a fragment of their plane which showed the plane's identification number.

This new camp & signals resulted in their being found. A bush pilot flying supplies to trappers spotted the SOS and the arrow, & then Helen & Ralph. They were rescued 49 days after crashing into the frozen Wilderness."

It's an interesting story and, although my library didn't have it they ordered a copy for me to borrow from another library. I highly recommend it as it shows the strength, fortitude, and attitude needed for Survival.

**Sarge47** · 03-12-2008, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by hopeak

All books should be burned, anything you need to know your government will tell you. Books Bad. Internet FORM GOOD, say anything, no calling names.

Hopeak, in the past you made some great contributions to this site, but as of late you're beginning to act like a spoiled child who didn't get his way. I'm growing weary of your whining nonsense and am asking you to either get it together, or not bother the rest of us with this crap! Thank you. Please notice that I, too, have refrained from name-calling.