In the winter of 2012-2013, I read a book that changed the course of my life. Dick Proenneke’s journals, recounted in One Man’s Wilderness, created a desire to leave the suburbs of Chicago and live among the wilds of Alaska. The following summer, I took the NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) Semester in Alaska, spending 75 days sea kayaking, glacial mountaineering and backpacking within Prince William Sound and Wrangell-St. Elias N.P. That experience only cemented my newfound vision. Not long thereafter, I moved to Arctic Alaska, working and living as a tour guide within the expansive Brooks Range. After finding my footing, I moved further north, to a 1930s 12 x 12 off grid cabin in the tiny community of Wiseman to pursue a subsistence lifestyle. After a few years in the Brooks Range, loneliness and a desire for more drove me south to Fairbanks, where I currently live in a self-built home with my beautiful wife Alana and our daughter Enedina (‘Din). This blog contains many of my outdoor adventures, Alaskan lifestyle and musings.
If you are interested in learning more, much of this is discussed in this podcast interview with my friend Tyler.
I hope you enjoy reading,
I sometimes make videos on my channel on YouTube
God bless you, Jack! Wishing you a safe but challenging trek which fills you with joy and peace by bringing you closer to Our Creator. “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” We’ll be thinking of you and praying for you every day so know that on the discouraging days, your team at home is sending you love and encouragement and asking the Lord to give you what you need. Can’t wait to read your posts. Love the photo above — you look so handsome with that beard trim and haircut! Yes, I know you’ll get all shaggy but keep this look in mind for when you return to civilization! Love you, Aunt MaryClare