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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
The final 12th episode of Season 11 of “Alone,” the History Channel’s acclaimed survival series, aired August 29. Salem resident Timber Cleghorn finished second place in the competition. Now that the last episode has aired, Cleghorn is free to discuss his experiences on the show.
The survival series took place at the Arctic Circle, near the McKenzie Delta in Canada, where temperatures can range from 40 degrees to -30 degrees.
Each contestant could choose only 10 items to take with them, and food provisions were not included. Participants had to rely on their hunting, fishing and gathering skills to provide food for themselves.
The last person to remain in the competition would win $500,000.
Each contestant was restricted to their own designated territory. There was no contact with the other participants or crew members of the series.
The History Channel did provide everyone with an international GPS phone (to report emergencies or to “tap out” of the competition), an emergency medical kit, five GoPro cameras, a tripod and 30 pounds of batteries to film their own adventures.
The last two contestants on the show were Cleghorn and William Larkham, Jr., age 49, of Labrador, Canada. Larkham was well acclimated to the harsh weather, although he had lost 74 pounds by the end of the show. Cleghorn had lost 34 pounds.
On day 83, Cleghorn decided to tap out of the competition, even though he was doing fine. He wants everyone to know that the Arctic did not beat him. Had he won, he thought people would see him as the guy with $500,000 and not just plain old Timber.
He commented that although William won the money, Cleghorn personally had discovered many things about himself and developed a true sense of inner peace. He believes that this adventure will always be one of the fondest experiences of his life.
One thing that may have been motivation for tapping out was that he missed his family most of all—Cara,his wife of 14 years, and sons Levi and Elliot. Cara is expecting the couple’s third child, a daughter, in late September.
Timber Cleghorn’s Experiences
Besides a sleeping bag, contestants were allowed to only bring 10 items. Cleghorn took a saw, axe, tarp, ferro rod, a modified Leatherman tool, a large two-quart pot, a 300-yard roll of a single-filament fishing line plus 29 assorted fishing hooks, a bow and nine arrows, snare wire and a spool of paracord. All items had to be approved.
When asked what else he would have taken if he could, he replied, “A salt block to help with hydration.”
All tools were razor sharp. Timber is an able-bodied woodsman.
He has spent a lot of time in the woods hunting and camping. He described it this way, “The woods are my temple.”
In Cleghorn’s designated area, he survived on rabbit, squirrel and moose. There were not a lot of edible greens or berries. He was the only one to bring down a moose, and he did it with one arrow. He dressed out the moose with his modified Leatherman tool, which was built out of three knives that he put together.
Periodically there were random checks by the series staff, with little talking, adhering to the protocols set for “Alone” participants. In fact, he was prohibited from speaking to anybody, including hunters or native tribes in the area.
After tapping out, it took at least 45 minutes for the support crew from the base camp to reach Cleghorn. He returned to the base camp outside of Inuvik, where he stayed for 10 days get readjusted and medically evaluated.
The History Channel had flown Cleghorn’s wife, Cara, to meet him at base camp after he had tapped out of the competition. This was something the company did not usually do, but they knew that daylight would soon be coming to an end. When Cleghorn first saw his wife, they hugged for five minutes.
Once released from the base camp, Cleghorn had to get readjusted to eating regular food. He couldn’t just down pizza and beer. He stated that first cup of coffee was delicious. One food he missed the most were brownies.
Getting Back to Regular Life
Cleghorn has many memories as take-aways from this trip. He cites many examples like making a fish hook out of bone and making moose jerky.
He brought back many souvenirs, including moose jerky, antlers, a homemade guitar, and a game he made with carved wooden figures.
Cleghorn mentioned that some people now recognize him in public.
So, what’s Timber up to now? Well, he has five guys who want to go hunting with him in Tajistan.
He also wrote a book about his experience in the McKenzie Delta in the Artic Circle, entitled “Memoir Of A Wildman.” The book is coming out in mid-October on Amazon.
Personal History
Cleghorn describes himself as a survivalist, wildman, free thinker, humanitarian aid worker and a follower of Jesus. He has traveled all over the world bring help to those in need.
He can speak Chinese, Russian, and Pamir.
Cleghorn would take the entire family on mission trips if the area was not in turmoil.
He took his wife Cara and two sons, Levi and Elliot, to Greece. Ukraine was off-limits for the family, as was any area where the Taliban or other hostile people might be present.
Affect On Our Community
Many Washington County residents felt like they were able to share in Cleghorn’s solitary and survivalist experiences and adventures through the “Alone” series.
He was an exemplary ambassador for our community who instilled pride in us all.
The three remaining contentants toward the end of "Alone." Pictured from left are Dub Paetz, third place; Timber Cleghorn, second place; and William Larkham, Jr., the winner of the series.
Timber Cleghorn upon his arrival at the Artic Circle.
All of the contestants who appeared on the "Alone" series.
Timber and his wife Cara, who are expecting the arrival of their daughter around the end of September.