This true story is the continuation of Building Alaskan Dreams, the tale of Jason Highcamp’s homesteading adventures. Being trapped under rotting ice in a creek, finding a bear up a tree in the middle of his dog yards, having a neighbor hold him at gunpoint… These are just a few of the stories told by Jason Highcamp in a genuine story-telling fashion as raw and unspoiled as the rugged Alaskan wilderness. 55 color photos.
Publisher's price $27.99 - available here for $24.00 with free shipping within the United States.
“I had many lovely kerosene-lit nights of amber glow in my cabin that first winter and it really had a big effect on my moods, so I began to call the kerosene lamp 'my serenity lamp'. The truth and reality of my situation was just being absorbed into my thoughts. After years of bumming, being jobless, homeless and broke financially, I was just learning to accept and appreciate my lot in life, of being poor in financial terms, but also being rich. Here’s what I mean: most people can’t afford to live a dream or even to buy a dream. Perhaps they’ll buy a vacation to Hawaii or Alaska for one or two weeks, shoot photos, and then it’s all over. So they take their stories back to their office and eventually the enthusiastic telling of their now well-rehearsed vacation stories soon wears out. I was starting to realize that I was no longer chasing a seemingly elusive dream, to live as I wanted, and it was not a fantasy dream at the tips of my fingers. No - this dream was now in the palm of my hand, and I decided I was going to tighten my grip on its entirety and build on it."
From Living Alaskan Dreams
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Review by Mary Wommer
“The trick is what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same.” – Carlos Castaneda
This quote came to mind when I finished reading Living Alaskan Dreams...And Burning The Past.
This saga picks up where Building Alaskan Dreams left off, but the style is more flowing and story-like. It is clear that Jason Highcamp is becoming more comfortable in telling his stories and they are more intimate and personal.
You’ll laugh with Jason, smell the trees, and hear the dogs barking . You’ll start swatting mosquitos! You will feel the bone crunching pain from a mushing accident and cry from the heartache of lost love. You will feel wet and cold, and then warm up by the wood stove.
Jason is growing in a spiritual sense while being taught harsh lessons by Mother Nature. He is learning the difference between loneliness and solitude, security and risk-taking and that life goes on and death is final.
A great part of this book deals with Jason’s relationship to his dog companions and how they become a family unit – “for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till’ death do you part.” Jason became a "dog whisperer” before it was popular!
Interspersed in the book are life lessons well learned from his mother and father, as well as the lessons learned from the life long scars inflicted by family dysfunction. Jason holds tight to his dreams, overcomes his obstacles, and forges a new life for himself. He is finally strong enough to burn his past.
“Look at every path closely and deliberately, then ask ourselves this crucial question: Does this path have a heart? If it does, then the path is good. If it doesn’t, it is of no use. All paths are the same, leading nowhere. Therefore, pick a path with heart!”-Carlos Castaneda
Jason chose this rocky path deliberately with clear focus and with heart.
Although this book can stand alone, I recommend that you first read Building Alaskan Dreams so you can understand where Jason came from and where he is going. I know you will savor and enjoy this book. You’lll mark parts of this book and keep coming back to it when you need a bit of inspiration or encouragement on your own personal path.
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I have had the immense pleasure of just reading the second book on Jason's life as an Alaskan homesteader. It was truly an inspirational read for me. From the candid and straight forward story telling it allowed a strong reflection for me to compare my life style to his.
As someone who ventures into the wild, I have been able to gain a deep respect for a man who lives as a part of the wild.
Humbly realizing that at this point in my life, I will likely never be able to live as a homesteader, I am able to imagine vividly through Jason's stories of what a life in the wild would be like.
Thanks so much for sharing your life.
Can I borrow your words?...'carry on'
Wayne Baiton
Saskatchewan, Canada.
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Several years ago, upon newly arriving in Alaska, I had the privilege of meeting Jason and visiting his remarkable homestead. To say that I was impressed would be an understatement. He had pursued the dream that I had had in my own youth but not until reading his books did I fully comprehend the magnitude of his achievement. Jason is a true Renaissance Man who was able to pull together his assorted skills and life experiences to create his own piece of Paradise. Jade Murphy has done an excellent job creating a framework for his story and exposing the heart of this man. Kudos for great teamwork.
Barbara Ludwig
Talkeetna, Alaska
Order by mail: send check or money order to:
J. Murphy
3875 Geist Road
PMB E-131
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
Sorry - we do not accept international checks.
Copyright 2013 Building Alaskan Dreams. All rights reserved.