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Alone on Purpose: Adventures of a 21st Century Mountain Man

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In “Alone on Purpose”, amateur adventurer Patrick Taylor pulls back the curtain covering wilderness in winter & steps in for some private time with Mother Nature. The true story of a man's adventure into hermitage... literally walking away from the civilized world to live alone in the wild.This book achieved #1 Bestseller status in two Amazon Solo Travel & Winter Sports. It's the third of the 'Real-life Adventures of the Texas Yeti'; a unique collection of non-fiction adventures blazing 7 (seven) Kindle #1 Bestsellers across 5 Amazon categories... every book spending time as #1 Bestseller in Solo Travel. Each of his off-beat adventures is unique; the antipode of Walter Mitty, Taylor actually lives the lives he imagines.What Readers Say about "Alone on Purpose" ('Verified Purchase' reviews on Amazon):** 'It takes courage to change your life. Leave behind possessions, family, friends & seek your bliss. Patrick Taylor is an inspiration to all who find themselves unhappily stuck in a life that is no longer meaningful & seeking adventures.' (a posted Amazon review)** 'The author shares his intriguing story of a winter alone in a ramshackle cabin in the beautiful Idaho wilderness known as The Frank. Reminder to us all about the importance of trying new and challenging things, to be a little dangerous, and to connect with our selves at a deeper level.' (a posted Amazon review)** '..this book was the ultimate escape vehicle to a lifestyle I could only dream about. An incredible adventure by a remarkable man; well written, hard to put down, up all night sort of stories. I was almost disappointed when it ended." (a posted Amazon review)In a world where 'action movies' are faked entirely on green screens & 'reality shows' contort the truth, this true story is refreshingly authentic, entertaining, & inspiring. Pat Taylor's atypical adventures are underdog bestsellers & trending to a wider audience. Order "Alone on Purpose" now & live vicariously the 'Real-life Adventures of the Texas Yeti'.

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2019

155 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

Patrick Taylor

7 books21 followers
Patrick Taylor is an adventurer, author, & world traveler. In his late 50s, he solo'ed Lewis & Clark's route across the Rocky Mountains in winter & his published journal became a Kindle #1 Bestseller in four catergories (Adventure Travel, Solo Travel, Mountaineering, & Extreme Sports). It was the first book of the 'Real-life Adventures of the Texas Yeti'; a unique collection of non-fiction adventures blazing 11 Kindle #1 Bestsellers across 6 Amazon categories... every book spending time as #1 Bestseller in Solo Travel. Each of his off-beat adventures is unique; the antipode of Walter Mitty, Taylor actually lives the lives he imagines.

In a world where 'action movies' are faked entirely on green screens & 'reality shows' contort the truth, the 'Real-life Adventures of the Texas Yeti' are refreshingly authentic, entertaining, & inspiring. Pat Taylor's atypical adventures are underdog bestsellers & trending to a wider audience... his books inspire readers to embrace adventure in their lives.

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5 stars
109 (33%)
4 stars
132 (40%)
3 stars
67 (20%)
2 stars
12 (3%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
204 reviews
February 23, 2025
This well written book was interesting to me. I have always envisioned what life was like for those free trappers in the early 1800's. Enduring winters in the Rockies must have been brutal, but then you add Grizzlies and unfriendly Indians into the mix, and you end up with a very tough existence, where you were not expected to live long. Despite that, these men loved it. The freedom of the hills lived in their bones! This spirituality is where Patrick is, 2 centuries later. There are no Grizz or savage indians anymore, but his desire to have a real mountain man experience is the basis for this book. Sure, he made a few blunders, and was put in some dodgy situations that could have been costly. But in a nutshell, that was a mountain mans life, every single day! What marvels me is how Patrick finds his way in the winter, with no visible trail, and no maps or compass. His desscription of the hike out, and all the hazards he had to overcome was intense, and terrifying. I believe he got all of what he wanted out of his winter alone in the Rockies! I have read a few of Patrick's books, and thoroughly enjoy them. What I like most, is his ability to describe a scene! He can go on for a page and a half talking about a campfire's nuances, or a sunrise. Makes for an enjoyable read, that makes it easier to understand how he truly loves and appreciates being in the mountains!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6 reviews
October 17, 2020
What an adventure

I paused a few weeks between reading the two halves of this story and gave myself a break from his winter routine of mainly trapping. Having some familiarity with the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the summer, and with the help of the author, I was able to conjure some image of what life would be like there in the winter. I pretty quickly decided the solitude and relative comfort of summer would be significantly more pleasing. Perhaps that is the reason I laid the book aside for several weeks in not finding comfort in its winter.

Upon return, I became impressed with this man’s strength and fortitude in such an environment and pleasantly surprised as to how he was able find satisfaction in life during his time in the ranch. I marveled at his ability to learn trapping and maintain the focus of the activity.

I became much more intrigued when I started following his adventures on my topo map and tracking his locations and envisioning what the conditions must have been like. I then became much more involved in his adventure and in the final pages and his impressive journey out of his winterery oasis at the end of winter. Wow!... what an adventure.

I wish the author would have included some photos in the book. I think it would have done a great job of brining his adventure to life to others not familiar with the area. I also found myself very curious to know if he ever did any fishing during his time on the river or how much time he spent just simply daydreaming not having anything better to do.

The best part of this book is that I discovered a new destination that I will be visiting next summer and who knows, I just might be able to track down the author.

I will be passing this book along to my like minded outdoor enthusiasts as I think they will find it fascinating as well.
Profile Image for Steve.
172 reviews5 followers
June 14, 2023
I enjoyed Patrick Taylor’s story of a winter alone in the Frank Church Wilderness of central Idaho. His delight in simple things, discovering of new skills, and surviving mistakes sounded true to me. I enjoy the mountains as well in my small way. Patrick Taylor takes me there in a way I can understand.
2 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2024
GREAT READ

Get ready for a winter adventure and some surprisingly relevant introspection. Pat screws up just like we do, his saving grace is to quiet his mind and work a problem logically. If you think at all, you will enjoy this series. Start at the beginning and read all of them. Save the witch for last its the best !!
Profile Image for Rosanne McHenry.
Author 1 book10 followers
October 12, 2024
Great Story!

I loved how Patrick loves being alone! I am happiest when I’m out trekking alone, too. I wish I’d done more wilderness trekking like this. I spent many years as a park ranger, much of it in the backcountry, but never on a scale like this, and I always wished I had. Going on this adventure with Patrick made me feel like I was there. Thank you for the adventure!
3 reviews
October 14, 2024
Less about survival EVEN less about Wilderness

This book was more about describing steps and snow than wilderness, survival, nature, or mountain man survival. It was a waste of time reading.
33 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2020
Another winner from Patrick

If you have read the previous 2 books, keep going, you will not be disappointed. A real page turner for sure.
5 reviews
May 2, 2020
Great read , great series!

It was very factual. I lot of detail, but put you in his shoes on every page. Very good read,!
229 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2020
Enjoyed this Winter Adventure

It's refreshing to read someone who is honest of thought and word. Real. Experienced in worldly knowledge. Spiritual and mindful.
29 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2023
Well, I liked the book because my alone time is something I greatly enjoy, and the wilderness is another big deal for me as well. It is a plain and simple read just how it is intended to be.
23 reviews
January 21, 2024
Great book! If you love adventure

I have to say I’m pretty envious of Pats luck! This was a great book, but my favorite was definitely the first one! Be sure to read them all
Profile Image for Brad Askins.
8 reviews
August 17, 2021
It was a good read. I really enjoyed his perspective of living alone and finding peace with himself. He is human and makes mistakes, clearly written in the book. He always finds a way or a solution. I liked his observation about how and where to set snares. He really does start to find the rhythm of nature.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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