Cory, this piece spoke straight to my wanderer’s heart. You captured what so many miss about self-sufficiency — that it’s never really about isolation, it’s about equilibrium. Nigel and I live that tension daily as we slow-travel: the pull toward independence, the need for connection, the gratitude for those who “drop supplies” in their own way.
I love how you wove Helen White into Proenneke’s story — the quiet anchor behind the myth. Here’s to finding our own Alsworths and Helens out there. -Kelly
Kelly, thank you for reading this piece and gleaning those insights! Dick Proenneke’s is one of my favorite adventure stories. I’da love to see someone curate his 100 pounds of journals!
You’re exactly right. Self-sufficiency is about finding a balance. We’re discovering this among the sailing community, too. It’s odd, because my favorite places are in the middle of nowhere all alone. But I’m also someone who loves a busy city & an energetic anchorage! Knowing when is the right time for both, that’s part of the key.
Awesome, Cabin Dude! I couldn't write about cabins without thinking about you. Dick Proenneke is incredible. This was my attempt to explain why he resonated so much with me, and I hope others find him as inspiring as I did.
Thanks, Rick! This means a lot. One of my main goals with Radical Paths is to describe my own adventure AND share stories about people who provide me endless inspiration. I'm getting the impression most people are subscribing to me ONLY because they want to read about my sailing adventure, but that sounds so boring, self-obsessed, and unsustainable for me. I'm still figuring out how to balance both of these goals in a single publication, so your encouragement means the world!
Cory, this piece spoke straight to my wanderer’s heart. You captured what so many miss about self-sufficiency — that it’s never really about isolation, it’s about equilibrium. Nigel and I live that tension daily as we slow-travel: the pull toward independence, the need for connection, the gratitude for those who “drop supplies” in their own way.
I love how you wove Helen White into Proenneke’s story — the quiet anchor behind the myth. Here’s to finding our own Alsworths and Helens out there. -Kelly
Kelly, thank you for reading this piece and gleaning those insights! Dick Proenneke’s is one of my favorite adventure stories. I’da love to see someone curate his 100 pounds of journals!
You’re exactly right. Self-sufficiency is about finding a balance. We’re discovering this among the sailing community, too. It’s odd, because my favorite places are in the middle of nowhere all alone. But I’m also someone who loves a busy city & an energetic anchorage! Knowing when is the right time for both, that’s part of the key.
The guy was a legend for sure! This post keeps his legacy alive. Great read, Cory.
Thanks for reading, Daniel! Isn’t he awesome?! I’m so honored that you enjoyed it and shared it. I’m hoping to do Dick Proenneke proud 🥹
Absolutely! Im sure it was the kind of post Dick would’ve wanted.
I hope so too!!
Thanks for sharing this Cory!
Thanks for reading, Matt! I had a lot of fun with this one.
I’m reading his book now 🌲
Awesome, Cabin Dude! I couldn't write about cabins without thinking about you. Dick Proenneke is incredible. This was my attempt to explain why he resonated so much with me, and I hope others find him as inspiring as I did.
He truly was! His story is fascinating and I think we could all learn a little bit from him about his vitality for life
Love these stories, keep sharing them!
Thanks, Rick! This means a lot. One of my main goals with Radical Paths is to describe my own adventure AND share stories about people who provide me endless inspiration. I'm getting the impression most people are subscribing to me ONLY because they want to read about my sailing adventure, but that sounds so boring, self-obsessed, and unsustainable for me. I'm still figuring out how to balance both of these goals in a single publication, so your encouragement means the world!
I would be guided by what most interests you… I think you want that to shape your audience and not vice versa.
And in my limited experience, it gets hard to sustain writing over a long time just about your own personal experience. Plus, it can be boring!
I agree! Thanks again, Rick. That’s great advice