Dick Proenneke made many of the tools for his construction project, such as a mallet he crafted from one of the spruce trees. Using his mechanical skills, he fashioned each tool with precision. Spreading a gravel base across a 15’x10’ space to provide a foundation for his log cabin, Proenneke continued hewing the long logs one at a time with exactness so they would inter-lock as they were stacked one on top of the other (imagine full size Lincoln Logs). Dick kept working steady and true to fulfill his goal. He took great care in crafting the logs for his home saying he didn’t want them to “look like a boy scout was turned loose on them with a dull hatchet.”
Patiently, Proenneke continued building his dream. He saw that nature around him had a sensible time table for all that it created, and knew that he could not rush this work either. By the time Dick finished his cabin it had windows, a Dutch door, fireplace, and a moss-covered roof making it waterproof. He also built a cache to keep his food storage out of animals’ reach. Brave bush pilots flew in food items and other supplies that he could not produce himself.
It became clear that Dick was conscientious about the land and nature, wanting to preserve all that he saw around him. His reputation grew in the Alaska travel community. Soon he found himself a naturalist and guide to Alaska’s backcountry around Twin Lakes.
By recording his amazing life story through detailed journals, film, and video, Dick Proenneke has left the world a unique gift. His experiences, observations and knowledge of Alaska’s Twin Lakes, wildlife, flora, fauna, trees, migratory animals and the seasons that make up Alaska’s climate are compelling.
To live in a pristine land unchanged by man…
To roam a wilderness through which few other men have passed…
To choose an idyllic site, cut trees and build a cabin…
To be a self-sufficient craftsman, making what is needed from materials available…
To be not at odds with the world, but be content with one’s own thoughts and company…Dick Proenneke