Pack an extra warm sweater because we’re headed to the Arctic Circle with David Scott, a multifaceted artist, writer, and close friend of our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power. In today’s episode, the two pals reminisce about their daring year spent living off-grid in a simple cabin near Churchill, Manitoba. This remarkable experience is detailed in David’s new book, Paradise Creek: A True Story of Adventure and Survival, where he recounts their unforgettable true story of stepping from a bush plane onto a frozen lake and struggling to find their cabin, just three miles away, after being lost for six bitterly cold days. David reflects on how the lessons they learned during this time shaped their diverging creative paths and contributed to their personal growth.
Listeners are treated to a glimpse inside their longstanding friendship, as Scott and David think back to the thrilling days of building their cabin and navigating through the frigid cold, with only the stars as their compass. They share stories of hunting moose for winter meat and the joys and hardships of living in a wilderness log cabin, all while eliciting chuckles about their initial excitement and somewhat naive optimism while gearing up for the expedition. Throughout the conversation, they delve into the various artistic endeavors that emerged from their experiences, from writing poetry to crafting furniture, emphasizing the importance of creative expression and how it intertwines with their survival story.
The episode also touches on the challenges of living in isolation, the beauty of the northern lights, and the thrill of hunting and fishing in the wild. With light-hearted banter and playful humor, the duo shares anecdotes that range from hilarious to harrowing, making for an entertaining listen that highlights the resilience of the human spirit and captures the essence of their year at Paradise Creek.
Paradise Creek: A True Story of Adventure and Survival is available on Amazon.com.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
About David Scott
David Scott grew up in Northwest Indiana, where he spent his childhood immersed in the small woods near his home. A chance discovery of an arrowhead sparked his passion for primitive skills and survival techniques, driving him to learn more about the Native peoples who once roamed the area. At just 13, he penned a story about a dream of escaping to a remote log cabin in Northern Canada—a dream he would later realize.
By the time he was 19, David embarked on a year-long expedition to live in a log cabin 120 miles from the nearest town in the subarctic of Northern Manitoba, bringing his childhood fantasy to life. His experiences led him to become an engaging public speaker, sharing his journey with audiences of all ages. In 2005, he joined The Explorer's Club, and in 2009, Eddie Bauer honored his expedition with the David Scott Parka, a replica of what he wore during that transformative year.
Now, David spends his free time woodworking, leatherworking, and flint-knapping. While development has encroached on the woods of his youth, much of it has been preserved, remaining a cherished spot for hiking with his dogs.
All images published with permission of the artist(s); featured graphic: David Schwartz.