“Win the Wilderness: Alaska” took British audiences on a thrilling journey earlier this year when it graced the screens of BBC One. Now, this exceptional competition series has gained a global audience on Netflix. It introduces viewers to couples facing a series of challenging wilderness tests, all in pursuit of an extraordinary prize. Unlike typical reality competitions with cash rewards, the victors of “Win the Wilderness” are bestowed with something truly remarkable – ownership of Ose Mountain in Alaska.
But who are the visionary minds behind Ose Mountain, and what has become of them after they passed the keys to their creation to the show’s winners? Let’s uncover the story of Duane and Rena Ose.
The Enigmatic Duane Ose: A Remarkable Journey to Alaska
Duane Ose’s early life in the Echo area of Minnesota remains a mystery to many. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he survived a gunshot wound to the head. This life-altering event inspired Duane to embark on an extraordinary Alaskan adventure. His extensive research led him to the Homestead Act of 1964, a historical legislation signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. Under this act, Duane discovered the possibility of claiming land in Alaska as his own.
In 1985, Duane embarked on a 15-day trek to Alaska, determined to find the perfect piece of land to call home. He staked his claim in the Alaskan wilderness, a significant decision that made him the last homesteader in America, officially filing his claim in October 1986.
The Partnership that Built Ose Mountain: Duane and Rena
Four years after staking his claim in the Alaskan wilderness, Duane’s path crossed with Rena’s in a grocery store. Rena courageously joined him on this wild journey, and together, they undertook a remarkable endeavor – the construction of Ose Mountain. Over the course of nine years, the couple meticulously built a three-story log cabin spanning 30’x40′, crafted from 2,000 spruce trees.
Their journey was painstakingly documented on video, providing “Win the Wilderness” with invaluable footage showcasing the incredible process of creating Ose Mountain from the ground up.
Life After Ose Mountain: Duane and Rena’s New Chapter
In May 2019, after three decades of managing Ose Mountain, Duane and Rena made the heartfelt decision to pass on the keys to the remarkable property to the show’s deserving winners, Emily and Mark. Concerns for their health primarily motivated this pivotal choice. They bid farewell to the isolation of the wild and relocated to Redwood Falls, Minnesota, a town with a population exceeding 5,000.
This transition to a more populated area marked a significant shift for the couple, who had embraced a solitary existence in the wilderness for three decades. Despite the change, Duane has not ceased his creative pursuits. As evidenced by Mark and Emily’s Instagram post, Duane has resumed writing, and his 2013 publication, ‘Alaskan Wilderness Adventure,’ is available on Amazon.
A Heartwarming Connection: Duane and Rena Stay in Touch with the Ose Mountain Winners
For fans of “Win the Wilderness,” there is an added layer of delight – Duane and Rena have maintained a strong connection with the winners of Ose Mountain, Mark and Emily. This heartwarming bond continues to thrive, demonstrating that the enduring spirit of adventure and friendship forged in the wilderness endures even after the keys to Ose Mountain have changed hands.”
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