Alone in the Fortress of the Bears: 70 Days Surviving Wilderness Alaska: Foraging, Fishing, Hunting

by Bruce Buck Nelson

On the last day of June, my bush pilot left me alone and without food in a wilderness rainforest of Southeast Alaska. He would return in September.

For the next ten weeks my survival would depend on foraging, hunting and fishing on an island I would share with 1,600 brown bears.

This is my story of hunger and solitude, salmon fishing and stormy seas, torrential rains and mountain sunsets, giant halibut and deer hunting, campfires and killer whales.

Illustrated with nearly fifty photos and a map.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Adventure

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2015

Reviews

[S.Spanier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinated with the concept

I’ve often thought how it would be to live in the wild and in particular a marine environment. Now, thanks to Bruce, I have a better understanding. Certainly an adventure such as his is not advisable for an inexperienced outdoorsman and Bruce with all his experience certainly made it look much easier, less formidable and actually enjoyable. Getting into a daily routine as hunter-gatherer was obviously essential for survival in which Bruce made it appear as “just another day”

As a result of the basic need of survival and it’s all consuming time required to do so, it didn’t leave much, if any, time for other activities or exploration of the island. As a reader, it would have been interesting to know more about the island and what else may have been discovered have been discovered. It would also have been nice to have many more pictures to help illustrate the adventure.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of contemporary living off the land. Bruce uses solar power, canning equipment, and modern technology to his benefit to make living off the grand wiser and better for the land. He speaks of caring for the land, animals, and environment with respect. Having experienced a similar expedition, thought shorter, I could have used some of his wisdom. Highly recommend to any outdoorsman.

[john foster, mrs Debra Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Adventure.

Loved every page of this book, a true boys own story. Who wouldn't like to live off the land in Alaska, fish, forage and hunt for your food. A true story teller, the author is one brave man. No hidden agendas just full on adventure. A great, exciting read, I highly recommend this book.

[ALM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow and charming read. For goodness sake don’t read it for daring feats and terrifying encounters with bears (as I did) because this is an ambling tale where fishing, foraging and feasting on nature’s bounty and beauty are the central themes! I really enjoyed this - what an adventure to read about.

[Margaret Agard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A decent memoir of a dream fulfilled

Nelson has an excellent command of words that kept my interest. I prefer a memoir where the memoirist changes and grows. This is not that kind of memoir. It is, however, a well- written daily accounting of the kind of adventure that many imagine but never fulfill.

[Diane Dickinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

To tell the truth.

It isn't at terrible book; just not what I expected. More of a book a hunter or fisherman might enjoy. If you are looking for excitement this is not the book for you.

[Lane Lasater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Narrative

This daily diary of hunting fishing and gathering to live off the land for 70 days in remote Alaska is informative and we'll written. His use of time, hear and exact descriptions allow the reader to share the experience.

[Mike Nyberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
For a non-professional author, I thought this was pretty good. Written Journal style. Although I wished he would have reduced the high number of (!) used throughout. The days were fairly repetitive but what an adventure he had.

[Jessica L Frazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

Enjoyed it a lot. Very detailed. Well written. Great description of the area and all that was entailed in his trip

[marge knoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read

I rated it 5 star's once you pick it up you don't want to put it down. Everything is good

[Jacqueline Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read highly recommend

I felt like I was on the trip with him. Vivid descriptions, impressive sportsman who clearly has a great deal of respect for wildlife and nature.

[Audrey Haugen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alone

I think he mentioned picking and eating all those berries was so he could fill in pages of the book,.Every day was too much.

[Peter Blomberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Fun to read and share in the author's enjoyment of the solitude and outdoors.

[Glenn Corney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow literature

Utterly immersive, relaxing and engaging. Transports you day by day to the Alaskan wilderness and the daily trials of living off the land.

[Ricky Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome adventure,

No drama, just a adventure that is well written and fun to read. A daily account of his life in the woods.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may not be for everyone, but i enjoyed it.

[Kenneth Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

For those who long to be outdoors and live in the wild. You will enjoy this book. Pleasant book with positive experiences

[Danice H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book

Author has great skills in painting a picture with words, and the photos are a great touch too. Lovely place to visit.

[David Harrop · Rating 5 out of 5]

No nonsense real story

An accurate picture of living off the land. If you love the wilderness and nature this book is for you

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you're freaked out by the idea of camping with bears, this guy's nonchalant approach might set your mind at ease...