swererbob
10 HN recommenders · recommended in 11 months, 2012–2023
9:34 · 14M views · Jan 27, 2009
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.
HN recommends it often and warmly, as an inspiring and peaceful view of self-reliance and handcraft, in threads on cabins, solitude and woodworking.
13 comments from Hacker News
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.
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.)
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
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
Your sample size is one. Let me double it for you, I highly recommend Dick Proenneke's story, Alone in the Wilderness. this video