Have you ever dreamed of leaving it all behind for a life untethered, where every sunrise feels like a challenge and every sunset a victory? For one couple, that dream wasn’t just a fleeting thought—it became their reality. Dennis and Amy, along with their young daughter, traded the familiar for the unknown, packing up their lives to carve out a new existence in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. Their story isn’t just about survival; it’s about chasing a vision so vivid it demanded action. Let’s dive into their journey, from humble beginnings to a life shaped by grit, love, and the call of the wild.
From Suburbia to the Frontier: A Dream Takes Root
Picture this: a young couple in a cramped Massachusetts apartment, surrounded by the hum of city life. Dennis worked long hours hauling lobster traps, while Amy kept the books for the family fishing business. It was a life many would settle into, but for them, it felt like a cage. Self-sufficiency wasn’t just a buzzword—it was a spark that grew into an obsession. They started small, with Amy coaxing tomatoes from pots on their tiny patio. Weekends were spent escaping to Maine’s forests, where the air felt freer and the stars brighter.
I’ve always believed there’s something magnetic about the idea of living off your own labor. For Dennis and Amy, that pull was undeniable. They scrimped and saved, cutting out haircuts and restaurant meals, until they had enough for a down payment on a rugged 30-acre plot in western Maine. It wasn’t much—just overgrown land with no power, no plumbing, no promises. But to them, it was everything.
We just wanted to live differently. The city was suffocating, and we knew there was more out there for us.
– Dennis, reflecting on their early motivations
Building a Life from Scratch in Maine
Moving to Maine in 2011 was like stepping into a blank canvas. The couple pitched a tent, cooked over campfires, and bathed in a freshwater spring. It wasn’t glamorous—far from it. But every nail they hammered into their small cabin felt like a declaration of independence. Over eight years, they transformed that mountainside into a thriving off-grid homestead. They dug a well, cleared land for pasture, raised livestock, and grew their own food. In 2019, their daughter was born in that very cabin, a testament to their commitment.
What strikes me about their story is the sheer willpower it took. No farming experience, no construction skills—just a dream and a willingness to learn. They didn’t just build a home; they built a life that reflected their values. It’s the kind of story that makes you wonder: what could I do if I stopped listening to doubt?
- Cleared acres of dense forest by hand
- Built a cabin with no prior construction knowledge
- Grew herbs, vegetables, and preserved their harvest
- Raised animals for food and income
The Call of Alaska: A New Chapter
By 2020, Dennis and Amy had created something remarkable in Maine, but their hearts were restless. Alaska had always been the ultimate dream—a place where they could test their limits against the raw power of nature. Selling their Maine homestead wasn’t easy, but it funded their next leap. After a grueling 3,200-mile drive and a five-day ferry ride through 36-foot seas, they stepped onto Alaskan soil with their daughter in tow. Can you imagine the courage it takes to uproot your life for a place you’ve never even visited?
Alaska hit them hard. Winter’s grip was fierce, with daylight shrinking to a mere few hours. Yet, there was something exhilarating about it. As Amy put it, arriving in winter was like diving into the deep end—it forced them to adapt fast. They settled on a 2-acre plot near the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, learning to fish for salmon and hunt moose along the river. But even this felt too tame, too close to the life they’d left behind.
It was wild, but not wild enough. We wanted the real Alaska—the kind that demands everything you’ve got.
– Dennis, on their move to the interior
Deep in the Wilderness: A True Subsistence Life
In 2024, the family made their boldest move yet: a small log cabin on 7 acres near Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. This was the Alaska they’d dreamed of—remote, untamed, and governed by the rhythms of the land. Living in a subsistence zone meant they could harvest far more from the land than in other parts of Alaska. Imagine being allowed to catch 500 sockeye salmon a year or hunt moose and elk with fewer restrictions. For Dennis and Amy, this was freedom.
Living this way isn’t for the faint of heart. Summers bring forest fires, and winters test your endurance with bone-chilling cold. Hungry bears and charging moose are real threats. Yet, the couple thrives on these challenges. They’ve learned to preserve salmon using only sun, smoke, and wind—no electricity needed. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the old ways are the best ways.
| Location | Key Challenges | Resources Available |
| Maine Homestead | No infrastructure, limited skills | Freshwater spring, fertile land |
| Kenai, Alaska | Short daylight, crowded area | Salmon fishing, moose hunting |
| Wrangell–St. Elias | Extreme isolation, harsh winters | Abundant game, subsistence allowances |
Sharing the Journey: The Rise of Holdfast Alaska
Perhaps the most unexpected twist in their story is their YouTube channel, launched in 2024. Named Holdfast Alaska, it’s not your typical homesteading vlog. Instead of focusing on gardening or livestock, Dennis and Amy share the nitty-gritty of subsistence living—think 17-hour supply runs to Anchorage or building a chicken coop designed to withstand Arctic winters. Their videos are raw, real, and resonate with thousands.
I find their approach refreshing. In a world of polished content, their channel feels like a conversation with friends. Amy teaches viewers how to can moose chili or forage for wild herbs, while Dennis shows the sweat behind hauling logs for their cabin. Their daughter’s voice, though her face is kept private, adds a layer of warmth to their story. In less than a year, they’ve gained 52,000 subscribers, proof that authenticity still matters.
- Documenting real subsistence tasks like hunting and preserving food
- Teaching practical skills like foraging and herbal medicine
- Inspiring others to chase their own version of freedom
What It Takes to Live the Dream
Their story isn’t just about homesteading; it’s about what happens when you refuse to settle. Dennis and Amy ignored the naysayers who told them Maine was a mistake, Alaska was too far, too wild. They’ve faced setbacks—harsh winters, wild animals, the constant need to adapt—but they’ve never wavered. Why? Because their dream is bigger than their fears.
I think there’s a lesson here for all of us. Whether it’s a relationship, a career, or a bold move like theirs, dreams don’t come true without effort. The couple’s life is a testament to grit—that stubborn refusal to give up. They’ve built something extraordinary, not just for themselves but for their daughter, who’s growing up tougher than most adults I know.
If we’d listened to everyone who said ‘don’t,’ we’d still be in that apartment, dreaming instead of doing.
– Dennis, on defying doubters
What’s remarkable is how their partnership fuels their success. Homesteading demands teamwork—Dennis’s strength in building, Amy’s knack for herbalism, their shared vision for their daughter’s future. It’s a reminder that a strong couple dynamic can make even the wildest dreams possible. Isn’t that what we all want in a partnership—someone to face the unknown with?
Challenges and Triumphs of the Wild
Life in Alaska’s interior isn’t all romantic vistas and cozy fires. The isolation can be crushing—imagine driving 17 hours for groceries. Wildlife poses constant risks; a bear could raid your coop, or a moose could charge without warning. Summers bring forest fires that threaten everything you’ve built. Yet, the couple faces these challenges with a kind of stubborn joy.
Amy once said their hard work directly shapes their life, and I think that’s the heart of it. Every challenge they overcome—whether it’s preserving food for winter or building a new coop—feels like a victory. It’s a life where effort and reward are intertwined, and honestly, there’s something deeply satisfying about that.
Homesteading Balance: 40% Physical Labor 30% Planning and Learning 30% Mental Resilience
Inspiration for the Rest of Us
Their story isn’t just about Alaska or homesteading—it’s about daring to live on your own terms. Dennis and Amy show us that a dream, no matter how big, is achievable with enough determination. Their YouTube channel doesn’t just showcase their life; it’s a call to action for anyone who’s ever felt stuck. Maybe you’re not ready to move to the wilderness, but what’s your Alaska? What’s the dream you’ve been putting off?
I’ve found that stories like theirs stick with you. They remind us that life is too short to stay comfortable. Whether it’s building a cabin or strengthening a relationship, the principle is the same: nothing worthwhile comes easy. Dennis and Amy’s journey is proof that with hard work, a supportive partner, and a bit of courage, you can turn a dream into reality.
As I reflect on their story, I can’t help but feel a mix of awe and inspiration. They’ve built more than a homestead; they’ve built a legacy. For Dennis, Amy, and their daughter, Alaska isn’t just a place—it’s a way of life. And for the rest of us? It’s a challenge to stop dreaming and start doing.
