To live in a pristine land unchanged by man...to roam a wilderness through which few other humans have passed... to choose an idyllic site, cut trees and build a log cabin... to be a self-sufficient craftsman, making what is needed from materials available... to be not at odds with the world, but content with one's own thoughts and company... Thousands have had such a dream, but Richard Proenneke lived them. He found a place, built a cabin, and stayed to become part of the country. This is a simple account of the day-to-day explorations and activities he carried out alone, and the constant chain of nature's events that kept him company.