Alone in the Woods

"Alone in the Woods"- is a contemporary tale of adventure and survival. Marty, the narrator is an expectant father, who embarks on a fishing trip in the Alaskan wilderness with his three oldest and closest friends. The timing of the trip, so close to his wife's due date causes Marty great anxiety, but his wife Robin encourages him to go. As the four men journey from their homes in Washington State to the remotest part of Alaska, it becomes clear that Marty is prone to anxiety and self-doubt, but tries very hard to suppress it and present a happy go-lucky personality. Unfortunately, Marty's fears and anxiety about something going wrong come to pass after only a day of enjoying the scenery and fishing. A call comes into camp that Robin has gone into labor. Although the weather forecast is ominous, the guide and pilot of the group, Buck, agrees to fly Marty back to civilization. Marty and Buck are caught in a horrible storm while flying over the mountains. Marty's worst fears are realized when the plane crashes. Buck does not survive the crash, but before he dies he imparts some wisdom and survival tips to Marty, and bestows upon him a bear claw necklace. Marty finds himself in the freezing cold, injured, and completely alone. He attempts to hike out of the wilderness, all the while plagued by his self-doubt and remorse for leaving his wife. Throughout his terrifying adventure, Marty sees what he thinks is the same grizzly bear several times, and naturally assumes the beast is hunting him. Sadly, Marty succumbs to his numerous injuries, just as the rescue helicopters make their way to him. Just as the rescue helicopter comes for him, the grizzly transforms into the spirit of Buck and Marty learns that Buck's spirit has been trying to keep him safe. Buck informs him that he is going to pass away before the helicopters arrive with Robin and his newborn son aboard. Marty has just enough time to write his wife a letter, which she reads upon discovering his body. Marty's letter explains that the bear claw necklace will allow him to watch over their son, which brings both Marty and Robin great comfort. "Alone in the Woods" is a suspenseful story of one man's struggle to survive both the elements of nature, and certain elements of his own emotional nature. Alone in the Woods is a unique adventure story that enthusiasts of wilderness survival tales are sure to enjoy.