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Mink, Mary, and Me: The Story of a Wilderness Trapline
When Chick Ferguson made plans to go to the Yukon, he wasn’t planning on taking his newlywed Mary. He definitely was not planning on spending the next eighteen years in the wilderness. For he was only a simple photographer with a little studio in a little town in North Dakota. His business was failing and having heard of the riches of the fur-trade he was hoping to spend a year or two trapping, making a stake and returning to his routine life. But he didn’t figure on love. . . .
For this is a story of romance. A story of survival, hardship, success, trials, adventure, happiness, and romance. A romance of the wilderness and the trapline, and a romance with Mary—who was the bravest and most wonderful woman in the North. Mary was a one-in-a-million. One could only wish for a partner of such courage and companionship. The only white-woman in a vast and unforgiving territory. The closest city, many hundreds of miles. And the only visitors to be expected, the unwanted kind. How many women could endure such hardship and learn to love it? She had many chances to leave and go back to a normal life in the states, but she always returned to her man and her wilderness.
Against all odds, Chick and Mary built a life in the Far North and made a successful living on the trapline. Though a life full of struggles and danger they both could not imagine living any other way. With a wonderful writing style that makes you feel as if you are there, Chick Ferguson takes us along with him on his adventures in the Far North.
For this is a story of romance. A story of survival, hardship, success, trials, adventure, happiness, and romance. A romance of the wilderness and the trapline, and a romance with Mary—who was the bravest and most wonderful woman in the North. Mary was a one-in-a-million. One could only wish for a partner of such courage and companionship. The only white-woman in a vast and unforgiving territory. The closest city, many hundreds of miles. And the only visitors to be expected, the unwanted kind. How many women could endure such hardship and learn to love it? She had many chances to leave and go back to a normal life in the states, but she always returned to her man and her wilderness.
Against all odds, Chick and Mary built a life in the Far North and made a successful living on the trapline. Though a life full of struggles and danger they both could not imagine living any other way. With a wonderful writing style that makes you feel as if you are there, Chick Ferguson takes us along with him on his adventures in the Far North.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2019
57 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 25, 2021
Native Amaricans
It's a shame that white people feel it important to make disparaging comments about Native Americans. What they complain about they are actually doing themselves. They justify their greed by projection. The Native people were there before the whites came, and will be there after they leave. They got what they ask for.
It's a shame that white people feel it important to make disparaging comments about Native Americans. What they complain about they are actually doing themselves. They justify their greed by projection. The Native people were there before the whites came, and will be there after they leave. They got what they ask for.
February 19, 2023
Refreshing example of classic family cooperation and love
It was a joy to read of the successful cooperation of man and wife to make a true life in a wilderness. Honesty took the place of political correctness in describing the sad social conditions of native Americans, confirming my own experiences.
It was a joy to read of the successful cooperation of man and wife to make a true life in a wilderness. Honesty took the place of political correctness in describing the sad social conditions of native Americans, confirming my own experiences.
November 27, 2024
Great to read about there commitment to trapping in very difficult situations, extreme cold and danger, they relied on there experience more every year they where there.
It was interesting to learn about the local Indians how they chose to live in sq
uala and no concept of planning there future.
It was interesting to learn about the local Indians how they chose to live in sq
uala and no concept of planning there future.
January 8, 2022
Enjoyable read
While not as compelling as Alaska Sourdough, this book inspired me with the strength of the Fergusons, particularly Mary. What an amazing woman.
While not as compelling as Alaska Sourdough, this book inspired me with the strength of the Fergusons, particularly Mary. What an amazing woman.
January 5, 2023
Amazing read
October 8, 2025
Amazon music audio
March 4, 2024
A comfortable read. Set around 100 years ago and really shows what life was like for the northern trapper with family, friends, and mother nature.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews