Alone in the Great Unknown: One Woman’s Remarkable Adventures in the Northwestern Wilderness

by Caroll Simpson

The inspiring story of how an urban woman came to own and operate a remote fishing lodge nestled deep in the British Columbian wilderness.


When Caroll Simpson fell in love with a cabin located on pristine Babine Lake in BC, many miles away from her home in Washington State, she knew her life was about to change. After convincing her husband to abandon their dream of living aboard a sailboat, they began the complicated process of buying the lodge and moving north. For two years, their adventure was a blissful dream. Then, tragedy struck.


Following the sudden death of her husband, Simpson was forced to decide her next move alone, amidst deep grief—would she sell the lodge, or would she stay, continuing the process of pursuing Canadian citizenship and running this remote lodge by herself? No easy feat, given accessing the lodge in summer required a forty-mile round trip by boat and, in the winter, a passage on an ice breaker barge and a treacherous snowshoe trek.


This heartfelt memoir tells Simpson's story—of living in the remote wilderness and managing the lodge, becoming an accidental environmental activist, fending off wild animals, working as an angling guide and finally, at the height of her career, fighting off a proposed mining operation and participating in the development of a government land plan as a spokesperson for the wilderness tourism industry.

Genres: Nonfiction, Book Club, Memoir, Canada

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2023

Reviews

[Christy Chermak · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite things to do when on a trip is peruse the local authors shelf. I picked this book up doing that on a trip to Victoria, BC. And I’m glad I did!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It wasn’t what I thought it would be- a lot more about the facts and details of her wilderness lifestyle and notes on the nature she experienced, not as much about mental headspace or dealing with her grief in a very isolated life (which i assumed from the description). It was really interesting to read about her way of life and I feel like I learned a lot as I read about what it takes to survivor in conditions like this in the PNW. I like to think I’ve done some cool things with my life, but Carolls story challenged me to think about ways I’ve maybe cut myself short. It is an inspiring story too of someone choosing to live in a way that is difficult and demanding- a testimony to what gumption can accomplish and what happens when you push yourself outside your comfort zone. Made me think about areas where I’ve maybe had dreams I haven’t tackled yet and has inspired me to revisit those. In addition to the wilderness stories, her activism against logging efforts is inspiring as well.
All in all, a great read, I’ll be thinking about it long after finishing! Would recommend to anyone who enjoys wilderness adventures, the Pacific Northwest, or learning about something they might be less familiar with.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about a helluva determined woman making a go of running a wildness resort in Northern BC, after her husbands passing. If you like a story of adventure and determination, I would recommend this. I particularily enjoyed reading about the area, and would love to visit some day.

[Nikki Bergstresser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous NF read about determination, persistence and resilience. The author’s journey drew me into the adventures and I shed some tears at a few places as well as having my heart rate increase during some of her experiences. Caroll Simpson is my hero and everything I would want in a BFF! So glad I picked up this book to read!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the hope and positivity even in the dark moments. I’m jealous of Carrol’s guest for their opportunity to share her company and piece of paradise.

[Colleen Nisbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of one woman’s love of nature and her triumph over so many obstacle to maintain her place in the wildness. A pleasure to read!

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourite genres is books written by folks who’ve ventured into the unknown wilderness and made a successful life there. Especially if their adventures are here in British Columbia, I gobble up the story.
This book is no exception. Moving with her somewhat reluctant husband from Washington state to the far northern reaches of the Cassiar District, the author relates the story of her initial joy and euphoria until it came crashing down 18 months later when her husband died suddenly. Now she was left to make a huge, life-altering decision: stay at Ookpik Lodge or go back to the USA.
She stayed for 24 years, and what a adventure she has had! This is a great story that I enjoyed a lot.

[Christophe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I didn't really like it. There's no doubt that what the author pulled off by herself is very impressive, but I just didn't find the book very compelling. It often moves painfully slowly, with far too much detail. Near the end are about 25 pages that recount a violent encounter with a family of martens that had taken shelter in the lodge. This part was the highlight of the book.

[Lana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love an "alone in the wilderness" book.

I'm sure Simpson's experience are very interesting but the writing didn't convey it.

also I was surprised by the unwillingness to rely on the community in some regards.

In the last chapters she explains the laws she helped push for to protect the forests, but the talk of that in most of the book was just to explain the boat/truck drive to get to a meeting. I'm sure that could have been presented in an interesting way.

There is also a whole additional person's story arc just covered off in the last chapter. I understand she doesn't owe us any particular facts but there was a lot of boring content and some human connection was just skipped over.

sorry to Simpson but this was a no for me.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The author and her husband were planning to spend their time sailing the Pacific coast. Things don’t always go as planned. They fell in love with a remote fishing lodge on a large lake in northern BC. Their new plan was to live at the lodge and act as hosts and fishing guides. Once again, things don’t always go as planned. They had barely settled in when her husband died suddenly. Yet with her faithful dog by her side, she persevered as fishing guide, host, cook, housekeeper, and maintenance person. There were a few very scary animal encounters along the way. Overall, a remarkable life.

[Florence de Vancouver · Rating 4 out of 5]

L’histoire incroyable de l’auteure qui s’est occupée d’un lodge pour accueillir des pêcheurs pendant une quinzaine d’années toute seule, à tout faire, les réparations, les repas, les tournées, les rangements des bateaux et la préparation de l’hiver pour son lodge et cabines. Une femme plus que forte qui a fait face à ce défi après avoir perdu son mari. Les tempêtes, les dégâts, les animaux sauvages, le comportement de certains hommes qui ne croient pas qu’une femme a des connaissances suffisantes en matière de pêche. Elle a été aussi une activiste tout ce temps pour défendre la forêt des mains cupides de grosses compagnies. Une femme admirable.

[Melissa Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story. I think I'm on a kick of reading non-fiction about other people's lives in the wilderness, and Carroll's story made me feel so many things. The work of winterizing the lodge and opening things up in the spring reminded me a lot of my childhood at the lake with my grandparents, always so many chores and things to do.
The killing of animal scenes made me sad, but I understood their necessity in portraying the story and life in the wilderness.
What a strong and brave woman, thank you for all you did to protect old growth forests in Northern BC.

[Erin Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Simpson’s dream of living in the wilderness and sharing the wonders of Babine Lake with her guests was remarkable. I admire her determination to persevere after her husband’s death, and working hard to preserve the forest around her. The descriptions of the beauty and joy found in working to maintain the lodge in such remote geography were engaging. Her tenacity in meeting government officials and forestry & mining representatives to conserve nature and raise awareness of the fragile ecosystem is also impressive and so important. I highly recommend this read.

[Marlene Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an inspiration to me--a true account of a modern pioneer who single-handedly rises to all the challenges of making her dreams come true in a northern BC wilderness. She is an undaunted single present day woman solving every problem to make her fishing lodge a success. Caroll Simpson writes from the heart and kindled my interest to travel to Babine Lake to see and appreciate things through my own eyes.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this at Armchair Books whilst visiting Whistler from Australia. On my trip i fell in LOVE with the forests, and so the book really called to me. I read this in 2 days and loved it - the bravery and determination lifted off the paper. I feel like i was able to form a really clear image of Ookpik thanks to Caroll's beautiful descriptive writing. I was disappointed at the end that the lodge was sold as i would have loved to visit!

[Nazareth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and lyrical, the way Carroll describes certain experiences. Not just blood, sweat and tears, but the entire heart and soul of success in the Wilderness.
Sometimes, success isn’t measured by monetary gain. But by the experiences you’re granted.
This was a very lovely book. Heartbreaking and heartwarming. Tragic and victorious. Ups and downs, ins and outs, battles with people and nature…and never a day without a story to tell.

[Chelsea Phelan-Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman is in inspiration. I can not fathom the mental and physical strength needed to endure the solidute, the elements, and just the never-ending chore list. I wish I had known about this place sooner, as I would have loved to volunteer my time to help her. What an experience this must have been. What a life.

[louise smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read in a long time...I love non fiction, especially wilderness books. Caroll's descriptions were amazing, and I often slowed down and reread certain passages. ..she was always so positive and took time out of her day to always be aware of all her senses in the wilderness. Her perseverance was amazing!

[Janet Mercer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive, tenacious, resourceful, determined- words to describe Caroll Simpson. This is a great read, I was very impressed by the love for her home, the never ending list of chores, all the trials and tribulations she endured to keep it her home, the sheer grit and determination she exhibited to maintain her home. A great story, you go girl!

[Andrea]

I am looking forward to reading about Caroll Simpson's adventures living in remote northern British Columbia above Burns Lake and Smithers. Her 24 years at Ookpik Lodge are described using her journal entries.

[Chris Shores-Hague · Rating 5 out of 5]

unforgettable story of courage

This was a wonderful story of courage and showed was a huge impact one women made in environment. I will be purchasing a copies for each of my granddaughters.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

She definitely had a challenging time and dealt with her trauma with much bravery nd she should be admired for it. I think the book could have been edited down to include fewer stories. Still, it was, mostly, an interesting read.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had no idea pine martens were such foes to be reckoned with! I thought they were going to end up being fishers or wolverines by the tale of their ferocity. This woman's determination and resourcefulness is astounding.

[Danika Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a beautiful read, had me tearing up very early on and from there I was hooked. Caroll speaks of the beauty of Northern BC with so much passion and her years alone in the woods carried valuable lessons. I will forever be on the hunt for more books like this 🥲

[Melissa Barna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exceptional read! Fascinating stories written smoothly, so easy to enjoy.

[Anilizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, well written. Amazing woman!!:)

[Lorne Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Amazing adventures, well told.

[Tisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story and I am amazed by Caroll's bravery and determination.

[Liz Cymanski · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspiring story - as much as I sometimes think I would love living in the absolute middle of nowhere, I could never do it

[Ashlee Kirschner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - a woman forging a life in a wilderness only hours away from my home. Courageous, adventurous, good humoured and honest. All the makings of my favourite type of people.

[Jessica Duskes · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspirational story of ingenuity, determination, love, grief, knowing oneself.

I was so very impressed by this book and this story!