No Most Memorable Hermits list would be complete without Dick Proenneke (1916-2003) whose hermit life can frequently be viewed during PBS pledge-drives. “Alone in the Wilderness” tells Proenneke’s story of life alone in Alaska, relying on simple hand tools and his own physical labor to build his cabin and sustain himself with little outside assistance – no small feat in Alaska’s unforgiving climate. But one of Proenneke’s most amazing accomplishments was his disciplined and detailed, pre-digital documentation of the adventure. The subsequent editorial work (and additional footage) by Bob Swerer Productions also deserves applause. DVD’s of the adventure are available at Bob Swerer Productions.
Proenneke lived in his cabin at Twin Lakes until he was 82 years old. He donated his cabin to the U.S. Park Service and it is now maintained as part of the Lake Clark National Park.
Proenneke retired to the Alaskan wilderness at age 51 in 1968. He documented the building of his cabin and his life alone through written journals and 3000 ft. of 8 mm film. The first-person narration on the DVDs is based on Preonneke’s journals, but there seems to be some confusion (credit-wise) as to whose voice we are actually hearing - either one of the Swerers or Dick Proenneke’s nephew, Ray Proenneke, Jr. Whoever is speaking, the voice quality and simple narration are so perfect to the task that once engaged, the voice easily becomes Dick Proenneke’s to the viewer.
Proenneke spent the last several years of his life with his brother in California and lived long enough to view the edited film.
Even if you don’t consider yourself an outdoor person, don’t miss the opportunity to view “Alone in the Wilderness” at least once in its entirety. Footage of the Alaskan landscape and wildlife are great, but Proenneke’s reflections and explanations of his projects have a peaceful, spiritual quality that ups the fascination factor. If you have kids, watch it with them. Very few films so startlingly remind us of the difference between needs and wants.
I’ve not seen “Alone in the Wilderness,” but I will. What a beautiful story, and while my logs aren’t the same at Mr. Proenneke’s, hopefully my life’s notches will be just as perfect. Thanks for sharing.