Solitude, Death: Hiker Defied Alaska Wilds For 113 Days

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Alaska State Troopers yesterday released diary entries apparently written by an injured hiker who survived more than three months at a remote camp living only on berries and wild game.

Trooper Capt. John Meyer said remains were scheduled to be sent to Anchorage, where state crime-laboratory experts would attempt an identification.

Troopers used a helicopter to recover the body, which was found Sunday by hunters at a remote camp about 30 miles west of Healy, near Stampede Trail. The trail leads to Denali National Park.

The body was found in a sleeping bag in an old bus converted to a hunting shelter. The man apparently died in July, 113 days after he began a log book with one-word entries that began "Exit Fairbanks."

Troopers said the diary was written on the back page of a paperback book. It did not make references to days of the months, but did list key events.

The bus was less than 10 miles from a ranger station inside the park. Troopers piecing together the case relied on the diary, which noted that the man was traveling alone when he apparently fell through ice after leaving Fairbanks in late April or early May.

It was unclear what his injuries were. Entries such as "beautiful blueberries!" on Day 107 and "gourmet duck!" on Day 31 indicate he survived on wild game and berries.

A note left on the bus was addressed to anyone who happened by while he was out.

"SOS. I need your help. I am injured, near death, and too weak to hike out of here.

"I am all alone, this is no joke. In the name of God, please remain to save me. I am out collecting berries close by and shall return this evening. Thank you."

The note ends with the word "August" and a question mark.

The man apparently managed to kill a moose, according to an entry marked on Day 43. An entry five days later indicates the meat became maggot-infested.

"I now wish I have never shot the moose. One of the greatest tragedies of my life."

Entries over the next two weeks include "lonely, scared" and on Day 100: "Made it! But in weakest condition of life. Death looms as serious threat, too weak to walk out, have literally become trapped in the wild. No game."

Troopers said there was no entry past Day 113.

A note also found at the camp read: "I have had a happy life and thank the Lord. Goodbye and may God bless all!"

Trooper Roger Ellis said the hiker apparently walked in along the trail and tried to walk back out but was forced to turn back.

One entry, on Day 69, refers to rain and a river that looked "impossible."

Belongings found at the bus included a backpack with paperbacks, a sleeping bag, .22-caliber rifle, fishing pole and a camera.