In Just By Accident, Backcountry Ben recounts his experiences, including an encounter with a bear.

 

Reviews

 

'A few of the many roles he has filled are park ranger, hunting guide, wilderness mountaineer, photographer, boat painter, deckhand on a Mississippi River towboat (following the footsteps of Mark Twain), town manager, financial consultant, and a Navy Corpsman with the U.S. Marine Corps.

 

'Just By Accident: Adventures of a Modern Vagabond' was compiled in 1999 after ten years of work to provide the opportunity for readers to enjoy, perhaps even learn from, Ben's adventures as he explored the Appalachian Trail, survived the grasp of PTSD, faced bears and other wildlife in the wilderness, fell on an ice axe when alone on the Eagle Glacier, and much, much more.'

***

Dear Mr. Benson,

 

What a fascinating life you have led! Your book read to me with great ease. It was like gazing through a window into your soul. Leaving your home and your family may be viewed by some as quite unorthodox. To me, however, you showed the bounds of the human spirit. Your body and your mind have pushed limits that for most would not have even been in the realm of their perception. Living life to the fullest is an overused term that for most us will never be achieved. For you, a full life has been lived on your terms! So many times people are plagued by living a 9-5 existence that leaves them wanting more.

 

You have seen the sun rise and set in the wilderness, fought bears, walked countless miles, and met people you would not meet standing in line for coffee, or peering into mall shops. I was quite inspired by your writing. Your humor is a breath of fresh air. I loved the Captain Bubba pranks and that poor girl who thought the Indians were attacking her camp! I am in awe of your friendship with the native Alaskan grizzlies. My only wish is that I knew more! And what ever happened to all of your dog companions?

 

I hope someday we can talk more about this.

 

Sincerely,

Jessica Hay