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Cold Hands, Warm Heart: One Woman's Story of Ten Years in the Alaskan Wilderness
Ms. Moore-Shaver, with her husband and children, spent ten years in the Alaskan bush where they lived a simple but satisfying lifestyle with all the attendant challenges and adventures. She and her family lived in the Interior of Alaska where winter temperature drop as low as -60 degrees or more and stay there for weeks on end. The summers are three months long, and everything must be done during that short season to prepare for the following winter. She tells of encounters with bears, surviving spring floods, and setting her husband's broken leg while looking at a first-aid book. Her desire to learn the skills of bush life led her to tan moose hides, catch fish in nets, snare rabbits for dinner, and much more, most of which was learned through trial and error.
The average contact with others was about every three months when a friend might fly out to visit and maybe bring mail. Loneliness was never a problem, says the author, but it was exciting to see someone after a long stretch of isolation.
Growing up near Boston, Massachusetts, hardly prepared Ms. Moore-Shaver for such a rough and primitive life, but her love of nature and her interest in learning all she could about this back-to-basics way of life come through in the pages of her book. She tells her story just as it happened and includes journal entries she made at the time.
The average contact with others was about every three months when a friend might fly out to visit and maybe bring mail. Loneliness was never a problem, says the author, but it was exciting to see someone after a long stretch of isolation.
Growing up near Boston, Massachusetts, hardly prepared Ms. Moore-Shaver for such a rough and primitive life, but her love of nature and her interest in learning all she could about this back-to-basics way of life come through in the pages of her book. She tells her story just as it happened and includes journal entries she made at the time.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2016
181 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 9, 2021
Bush Alaskans
We came to Alaska in 1966 as school teachers. We taught in fly in villages, Barrow, Nulato, Email and Policemen. Then on the highway system for another 15 in Mentasta and Tok. In Nulato, Harold Esmalkal's brother, Eddie Hildebrand and I were hunting, fishing and trapping partners. At times we chartered Glen to fly us to other villages on the Koyukuk River, Tanana, and Fairbanks. A couple times he had me "fly" while he took a nap.... We all survived ! Its said that Alaskans are no more than two degrees kindred. I'm sire we know more of the same people
Thanks,
Dave
We came to Alaska in 1966 as school teachers. We taught in fly in villages, Barrow, Nulato, Email and Policemen. Then on the highway system for another 15 in Mentasta and Tok. In Nulato, Harold Esmalkal's brother, Eddie Hildebrand and I were hunting, fishing and trapping partners. At times we chartered Glen to fly us to other villages on the Koyukuk River, Tanana, and Fairbanks. A couple times he had me "fly" while he took a nap.... We all survived ! Its said that Alaskans are no more than two degrees kindred. I'm sire we know more of the same people
Thanks,
Dave
November 13, 2023
Well written about a life that's still possible
The author gives just enough background to set us up for the adventure of living of the land in an incredibly tough place. Winters on Alaska can be deadly unless you know how to manage it. The author shares how they did it in an engaging way.
The author gives just enough background to set us up for the adventure of living of the land in an incredibly tough place. Winters on Alaska can be deadly unless you know how to manage it. The author shares how they did it in an engaging way.
July 4, 2024
Great reading!
I actually grew up in Tanana so this book was like going home to me! I knew most of the people mentioned by me. You gave a true account of life in the bush. Truly enjoyed this story of home. I too have moved to another state but books like this help remind me of how much of life and is where your heart is. I am grateful to be able to go back yearly.
I actually grew up in Tanana so this book was like going home to me! I knew most of the people mentioned by me. You gave a true account of life in the bush. Truly enjoyed this story of home. I too have moved to another state but books like this help remind me of how much of life and is where your heart is. I am grateful to be able to go back yearly.
May 23, 2019
Fascinating read
Memoirs about living in Alaska are one of my favourites, and this book was no exception. Well written with wonderful detail, it’s a excellent read, well written and very enjoyable.
Memoirs about living in Alaska are one of my favourites, and this book was no exception. Well written with wonderful detail, it’s a excellent read, well written and very enjoyable.
October 23, 2022
Cold Hands, Warm Heart
I absolutely loved this book. This lady has my utmost admiration and respect. I wish in todays world that folks like her were the role models for the younger generations. I wonder whatever became of her and the family. God Bless them all.
I absolutely loved this book. This lady has my utmost admiration and respect. I wish in todays world that folks like her were the role models for the younger generations. I wonder whatever became of her and the family. God Bless them all.
October 3, 2017
Good read
Interesting information, on a true account of a family living off the grid in Alaska. With history tied bits thrown in.
Interesting information, on a true account of a family living off the grid in Alaska. With history tied bits thrown in.
April 19, 2018
Very interesting
Lived the way it was written. It was graphic enough that I felt I was right there observing. I'm glad she thanked God. He truly loves to answer our prayers.
Lived the way it was written. It was graphic enough that I felt I was right there observing. I'm glad she thanked God. He truly loves to answer our prayers.
August 26, 2019
Good quick read
A quick look at making it on your own in Alaska. A good book to read on in an afternoon
A quick look at making it on your own in Alaska. A good book to read on in an afternoon
November 19, 2019
Excellent story!
I love reading about Alaska. Some books read like a textbook, but this was a fun and engaging read. It makes me miss home something fierce!
I love reading about Alaska. Some books read like a textbook, but this was a fun and engaging read. It makes me miss home something fierce!
July 19, 2020
Great read
I really liked this book. It was interesting and I had a hard time putting it down. I am so glad she took the time to share her experiences in Alaska.
I really liked this book. It was interesting and I had a hard time putting it down. I am so glad she took the time to share her experiences in Alaska.
May 13, 2021
Fun read
This was an enjoyable read for an armchair reader. I enjoy traveling in my warm livingroom, reading about Alaska. Nice book to read.
This was an enjoyable read for an armchair reader. I enjoy traveling in my warm livingroom, reading about Alaska. Nice book to read.
January 12, 2022
Great Adventure
Heartfelt and moving account of a family settling in Alaska and overcoming each challenge of an off grid existence.
Delightful!
Heartfelt and moving account of a family settling in Alaska and overcoming each challenge of an off grid existence.
Delightful!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews