Near Death Experience in Alaska | EP 6

by Caleb Stillians | Published: May 03, 2024

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As the spring thaw unleashed its grip on the frozen landscape of interior Alaska, the East Fork River began its annual transformation. A surge of melted snow rushed downstream, swelling the river.

In this remote corner of the world, where the jagged peaks of the Alaskan Range loomed overhead, I found myself at the mercy of nature's raw power. I was out there on my own full of piss and vinegar and ready to attack anything. The job I was tasked with was setting up all the bates on the river to do this. I had to run the boat up and cut out logs that I fell in over across the river as well as chainsaw out pass through logjams both of these are very dangerous task, especially cutting out logjams you don’t know how all the logs are twisted together It’s a death trap.

It was a daunting task, one that required skill, determination, and a healthy dose of caution. I had determination however I didn’t know what caution meant, I was 19 and didn't understand that was not invincible.  

Setting out early one morning, Inavigated our boat through the turbulent waters, the roar of the river echoing off the surrounding cliffs. The air was thick with the scent of pine and spruce, mingling with the crisp freshness of the melting snow.

As I approached the first of many log jams, it took a few hours, but I was able to cut my way through it without any problems. when you make your way through such a difficult task, you feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment you feel like a bad ass and I started to develop a bit of overconfidence.

  • Category: Hunting
  • Including: Dangerous Game
  • Focus: Bear

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