Dick Proenneke in Alone in the Wilderness
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN recommends it often and warmly, as an inspiring and peaceful view of self-reliance and handcraft, in threads on cabins, solitude and woodworking.
What it is
A condensed film of Dick Proenneke's footage of building a cabin and living alone in the Alaskan wilderness, using hand tools and local materials. It draws on the 8mm films he shot himself.
Recommended by 10 HN commenters across 8 different months, 2012 to 2023.
What Hacker News said
Strong rec js2 · 2012-11 · on “Photos of Cabins”
I think HN would really appreciate the story of Dick Proenneke, the cabin he built, and the simple life he lived there: [LINK] There are several documentaries made from footage he filmed, later edited and narrated by a friend of his from his journals. Clip: [this video] More info and links to buy the videos: [LINK] (Sadly, I was unable to legally find them available digitally, so you have to order and wait for the DVD.)
Strong rec eth0up · 2016-11 · on “Beginning Woodworking”
I was surprised to not see any comments here referencing ol' Dick Proenneke, whose creative, improvisational woodwork will, in my opinion, remain legendary for the duration of humanity. For most, his work won't be practical or directly applicable, but only for the most indifferent will it fail to be inspirational. [LINK] [this video] Alone In The Wilderness, Part I
Strong rec influx · 2017-08 · on “There Have Always Existed People Who’ve Simply Wanted to Be Alone”
Your sample size is one. Let me double it for you, I highly recommend Dick Proenneke's story, Alone in the Wilderness. [this video]
Strong rec samcheng · 2017-11 · on “An Island to Oneself”
This reminds me of some awesome documentary footage of a man who built a cabin in the Alaskan wilderness: [this video] Alone in the Wilderness - Dick Proenneke The same dry commentary made riveting by insightful and sometimes whimsical observations, the same hardship usually effortlessly overcome, and of course the same solitary strength of a middle-aged man. Both stories make me a bit envious, and inspire me to create a little more with my hands.
Strong rec xbryanx · 2018-04 · on “How to build a house alone [video]”
Dick Proenneke's Alone in the Wilderness is a wonderful TV show to watch if you're into this sort of DIY building joy. He starts with only a few tools and builds himself a little cabin in Alaska, narrating and filming the whole thing. Quite peaceful and inspiring. [this video]
Recommends dot · 2013-09 · on “Thoreau 2.0 ”
if you're inspired by Thoreau, I recommend you check out Dick Proenneke's little film "Alone in the Wilderness". First 10 minutes here: [this video]
Recommends ctime · 2018-04 · on “How to build a house alone [video]”
Richard Proenneke built a home in the middle of no where Alaska in the 50's, using only hand tools, check out: [LINK] Alone in the Wilderness - YouTube [this video]
Recommends chrissnell · 2018-04 · on “Make your own sourdough”
I had a starter for several years that was descended from the one kept by Dick Proenekke [1]. He lived alone in a cabin that he built himself--by hand--deep in the Alaskan bush. He made sourdough pancakes daily and his original starter came from a friend of his back in town. Someone related to this person sells the starter (on a wooden spoon) that you can buy [2] and use to create your own descendant. There's a fascinating PBS documentary on him that you can watch on YouTube, if you're interested: [3] [1] [LINK] [2] [LINK] [3] [this video]