Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Alaska "One Man's Widerness"

Hey guys,
I've read the book ALOT but just last night got to watch the documentary. Anyways,I got a glimpse of his rifle which looked to be a sporterized Springfield w/a peep sight on it. I'm wondering what cartridge it's chambered for and what has happened to the rifle. Anyone know? Just curious. To me the book has got to be one of the most relaxing reads there is.

I believe he left his gun(s) in the cabin and the NPS has them. They may be on display in the Lake Clark park h.q. I've read the book a few times and have seen the video on P.B.S. several times also. Here's someting I just found at the end of last week:

http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/lacl/proenneke.pdf

Should provide several evenings of reading sitting next to the fire at camp.

THANKS for the info and the link,bv! I'll DEFINITELY read it.

Is this the same as "alone in the wilderness"?

I honestly don't know,Bf?

Boots-

Alone In The Wilderness is the video of Dick Proenneke at Twin Lakes.

One Man's Wilderness is the book version.

One does nor follow the other, although they are they same "story". They are more complimentary to each other.

Thanks,ib. I didn't get to see the first 1/2hr of the PBS show so I just took for granted that the title was the same as the book.

Not a problem EZEARL. I have both and really enjoy them.

I am very sure that I read somewhere(possibly in the document that bluffview linked) that Mr. Proenneke's battery consisted of a .357 revolver and a 30-06 and that he gave both to friends when he left Alaska.

As I recall from the book, the rifle was an -06. I didn't recall him mentioning a handgun, but it's been some time since I read the book.

If you want to read some more of the story:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=More+readings+from+one+mans+wilderness&x=15&y=24

Anyone seen the "sequel" Frozen North?

Wook

It is pretty good, not as fascinating as watching him build that cabin, but more his hiking around and filming and narrating the wildlife and nature in his area throughout the year.

In the "Frozen North" he wears a handgun most of the time. I don't know my revolvers, but it looks blued, 6" barrel, in a long leather holster under his left arm, as to cross drawl with his right.

He has his 06 above the fireplace but looks to spend more time out with his revolver..

You can catch a glimpse of both firearms in this clip. I would guess a Ruger, but far from an educated guess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7jxFbscIJY&feature=related

Utterance of a grumpy southerner.

His craftmanshp was impressive, he made cool stuff.

His craftmanshp was impressive, he made cool stuff.

He had a lot of construction talent for sure. Does anyone know what his occupation was before he "retired" to Twin lakes? Some of the skills he used were typical of a wooden ship builder but he stagged his Bone Drys off like a west coast logger. The tree butts he used for his door hinges were selected the same way we used to get wood for the skids on diamond drill rigs. They generally came from trees growing on a steep slope although you would occasionally find one on a tree that grew out from under a windfall. Never miss a chance to watch the film.

As I recall from the book he was a diesel mechanic. Remember that was back in the day when many folks were a Jack of all trades, and it wasn't meant as an insult. The times when folks didn't complain that a task wasn't their job, they just picked up the tools and did what needed to get done.

Proenneke served in the United States Navy as a carpenter during World War II. It was during this service that he contracted rheumatic fever and was bedridden for nearly six months. According to Sam Keith, a life-long friend from Duxbury, Massachusetts, this illness was very revealing for Proenneke, who decided to devote the rest of his life to the strength and health of his body.

Following his discharge from the Navy, Proenneke went to school to become a diesel mechanic. The combination of his high intelligence, unique adaptability, and strong work ethic turned him into a very skilled mechanic. Though quite adept at his trade, Proenneke succumbed to the call of nature within him and moved to Oregon to work at a sheep ranch. He moved to Shuyak Island, Alaska in 1950.

For several years he worked as a heavy equipment operator and repairman on the naval base at Kodiak. Proenneke spent the next several years working throughout the state of Alaska as both a salmon fisherman and diesel mechanic. He worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service at King Salmon on the Alaska Peninsula. His skills as a mechanic were well-known and extremely sought after, and he was able to put away a modest nest egg for retirement. Proenneke retired to Twin Lakes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Proenneke

My wife was amazed at the wooden spoons he made by hand in the movie. But the guy seemed to have a gas-can fetish. I was told by an old timer here, who knew him, that living by himself a good bit of the time was probably a good thing, apparently he was pretty set in his ways and pretty intolerant of most everyone else. I enjoyed the book and the movies, pretty amazing life he led. I seem to recall he got his pilot's license when he was way up in years....crashed a Cub and nearly bit the weenie but managed to live through it. Gave up flying then.. smart guy!