In North Carolina’s very own town of Boone, there exists a hidden gem where nature remains largely untouched by modern technology. Started by Eustace Conway, a cast member of The History Channel’s Mountain Men, Turtle Island Preserve is a place where “primitive living” is embraced in virtually every sense of the phrase. Living off of the land is the only way its inhabitants survive, an impressive undertaking in today’s world. At the preserve, Conway promotes the idea of reconnecting with the earth in a way only possible by detaching from our broader society.

Conway’s life has been a fully exercised one, to say the least. The almost nomadic lifestyle he has lived began, most vividly, at the age of seventeen. Conway set out on various excursions such as canoeing 1,000 miles along the Mississippi River, backpacking over 5,000 miles, and other feats of such physically taxing caliber. His passion for experiential learning, acquired from nature’s vast expanse, has been the guide by which he lives. A well-versed outdoorsman, his idea of curiosity knows no bounds. Now, Conway’s Turtle Island serves as a place for others to revert to the days of true self-sufficiency through various programs. Visitors are able to experience the stripped down life of choosing to abstain from the conventional comforts of home in order to foster their innate connections with nature. Conway’s own words sum up the preserve’s mission with a certain eloquence. He says, “We enchant the overstimulated apathetic bored spirit within us as we wash the dust off by standing in the rain watching the deer come closer, listening to the wren’s call — not just hearing but listening to the wild things as if they matter and then realizing that they do.”

This summer, Rocky Mount Academy 8th grader Will Moore visited the preserve in order to embrace this very mission. While the extreme wilderness surely brought about a culture shock, his learning experience was surely an enjoyable one. Will says that he may return to Turtle Island because of how much of a positive experience he had. He also says that teenagers who visit will be just as impressed and satisfied with themselves as their parents. To find out about Will’s adventure, take a look at the interview below.

1. What prompted you to visit Turtle Island?

My brother had visited and I wanted to have the experience that he had for myself.

2. What was the most challenging part of your experience?

The hiking was difficult and trying new foods was definitely interesting.

3. What was the best part of your experience?

I loved the swimming and the feeling that you could be yourself. There was nothing but encouragement. I love my electronics, but it was a good feeling to go two weeks without them.

4. What is a useful skill you learned?

I learned how to survive in the wilderness by knowing what plants can be used for food and I even learned more about myself through the experience.

5. What were the living conditions like?

A lot of the times there were no walls or coverings where we slept. After the two weeks, you don’t smell the best and the work definitely takes a toll on your hands.