Could you imagine a life where the nearest neighbor is hundreds of miles away, and the constant backdrop is the raw, unforgiving beauty of the Alaskan wilderness? For Sue Aikens, this isn't just a hypothetical; it's a reality she's embraced, a life meticulously crafted amidst the challenges of the Arctic.
Born in Mount Prospect, Illinois, on July 1, 1963, Susan Aikens, now 60 years old, has become a symbol of resilience and self-reliance. Her journey, marked by a tough spirit and an unwavering determination, led her to the remote reaches of Alaska, where she established herself as a central figure in the popular National Geographic series, "Life Below Zero." The show, which debuted in 2013, offered viewers a compelling glimpse into her daily existence at Kavik River Camp, a remote outpost located 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
| Sue Aikens: A Life Forged in the Alaskan Wilderness | |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | Susan Aikens |
| Date of Birth: | July 1, 1963 |
| Place of Birth: | Mount Prospect, Illinois, USA |
| Age: | 60 years old |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | Caucasian |
| Known For: | "Life Below Zero" Star, Owner of Kavik River Camp, Survivalist |
| Residence: | Kavik River Camp, Alaska |
| Professional Information |
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| Key Attributes: | Resilience, Independence, Survival Skills, Determination |
| Website Reference: | National Geographic - Life Below Zero |
Aikens' story is one of transformation. In 1975, her mother made a pivotal decision, relocating the family to Alaska. This move, perhaps spurred by a desire for a fresh start, ultimately set the stage for Sue's future. "In the late '60s, early '70s, she was leaving my father, and apparently, whatever went on between the two of them, she felt Alaska was about as far as she could go," Aikens later explained, highlighting the context of her arrival in the state.
Life in the Alaskan wilderness is far from easy. Aikens faces the extreme weather conditions, maintains the camp, and navigates the challenges of wildlife encounters. In 2007, she experienced a harrowing incident when she was attacked by a grizzly bear near the Kavik River while collecting water, a testament to the dangers inherent in her chosen lifestyle. However, her resilience, as documented on "Life Below Zero," has allowed her to confront these hardships head-on.
Aikens' independence and self-reliance are not just survival skills; they are fundamental to her identity. Owning and operating Kavik River Camp, located just a few miles from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, she has created a unique existence for herself. The camp is more than just a home; it's a hub for arctic experiences, offering logistical support to those who venture into the remote region. The camp has been utilized by people for centuries for game and as a pivotal trail location for travelers.
The phrase, "If it hurts, don't think about it," encapsulates Aikens' approach to life. It's a motto born from the need to endure, to overcome, and to keep moving forward in the face of adversity. This sentiment, combined with her remarkable ability to adapt, has made her a standout figure on "Life Below Zero." She is often seen assessing the snow on her roof, ensuring the safety of her property, and hunting to maintain her self-sufficiency. Her grandfather's Scottish roots, a subtle thread in her family history, hint at the ancestral resilience woven into her character.
For over two decades, Sue Aikens has called Kavik River Camp her home, a place where the rhythm of life is dictated by the cycles of nature. The camp's location, 15 miles from the nearest civilization, provides the extreme isolation she craves. However, maintaining this lifestyle is a constant battle. She has to ensure that the property is safe from wildlife attacks, the harsh weather and the potential for the state of Alaska and the federal government to pick up the lease for kavik. I am still in kavik, but with the state working on the lease auction i have to prepare the chena cabin if i am not the high bidder when and if the auction takes place. I have fought it for four years and it is not my comfort zone to think of losing something i have worked more than two decades of my life to clean and improve.
Aikens presence on "Life Below Zero" has captured the imagination of viewers worldwide. Her daily challenges, from dealing with extreme weather to maintaining the camp, are a source of fascination. The series highlights the essence of her existence, a reality shaped by her grit and determination. As she herself has stated, the show tends to focus more on the "living aspect" of Kavik rather than the business side, offering viewers a glimpse into the raw, unfiltered experience of life in the Alaskan wilderness.
Sue Aikens has become synonymous with rugged independence and a fierce connection to the land. She has spent most of her life in Alaska, a testament to her ability to thrive in the most challenging environments. It's a life that stands in stark contrast to the conveniences of modern society, yet it represents a freedom and a profound connection to the natural world. Her unwavering spirit is a compelling reminder of human resilience, proving that with the right blend of courage and adaptability, one can not only survive but flourish, even 500 miles from the nearest city.
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