Log cabins: A Return to Self-awareness & Nature’s Disequilibrium Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Log cabins are deeply rooted in regional folklore and history from around the world, evoking memories of an idyllic lifestyle and the intrigue of a forgotten past. Although, associated with rustic images of American frontier life, historically, log building has its roots in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Indeed, it is widely accepted that the Finns and the Swedes brought with them, the most developed knowledge of wood construction, as the majority of these immigrants settled along the banks of the Delaware River between 1860-1900. Log cabins were also symbolic of the spirit of the early settlers recognizing their hard work and humble beginnings. Moreover, the same traits of unassuming simplicity and a deep connection to nature were key factors in the success of another legendary outdoorsman by the name of Dick Proenneke. He took the ideas of personal endurance to the next level by settling in the icy wilderness of Alaska, and living there alone in a log cabin built by hand for 30 years. However his story is not one, of a man enduring hardship or struggling to survive against nature, it was quite the opposite. He pursued a simple lifestyle and lived in perfect harmony with his environment and what the land provided him. Dick Proenneke’s remarkable story is one defined by fortitude and a willingness to adapt to nature and provides the perfect link with this episode’s special guest, because he too was influenced at a young age, by the videography of “Alone in the Wilderness,” a documentary about the story of Proenneke’s accomplishments as a skilled craftsman and keen conservationist. It was this account of Dick Proenneke which inspired our special guest to build a series of remote log cabins beginning with his move to Fairbanks, Alaska at the age of 21. Indeed, Kyle Helmberger is an outdoor innovator living his dream in the American wilderness and represents the new generation of self sufficiency advocate, pursuing a simpler and more meaningful life. In this interview he provides a fascinating account of his various log cabin builds and the adventurous spirit which planted the seeds for this incredible journey. We also focus on the deeper philosophical issues raised by remote living, by referencing the work of one of the foremost thinkers of American Literature, Henry David Thoreau and his seminal work, Walden. We explore issues such as: Self-reflection and the pursuit of one’s identity; Piety & frugality; The rise of urbanization; The advance of industrial capitalism in America; Personal autonomy and productive capacity in the workplace; Solitude and Re-connection to nature. We conclude by celebrating the transfer of self-sufficiency skills and trail-blazing approach from one generation to the next. An ideal opportunity to reflect on the important philosophical ideals of cabin life, including; The relative nature of time; nature’s perpetual cycles and a greater appreciation of beauty through simplicity.