Former Cook County resident Ann Rosenquist’s journey on ‘Alone’
Many of the participants who apply for the History Channel’s tv series ‘Alone’ do so to pursue the $500,000 prize and test their survival capabilities.
While those driving factors were undoubtedly a consideration for Ann Rosenquist, a former Cook County resident who competed in the 10th season of the survivalist tv series, her decision to apply for the survival tv series stemmed from her parents.
Following her mother’s passing last year, Rosenquist felt her life was “passing me by.” After some initial contemplation, she applied in the spring of 2022 and, to her surprise, received a phone call from the History Channel a few days later. “I about fell on the floor.”
As she prepared for the survival series, her dad watched old ‘Alone’ episodes and would relay survival tips and ideas. “He was just my number one supporter.” She added, “It was kind of cool that it became a project in a way.”
In addition to receiving survival tips from her father, Rosenquist spent time sharpening her primitive skills. “I practiced every day with a bow.” She also read survival and native plants of Canada-based books. ‘Alone’ participants were dropped in northern Saskatchewan, Canada at Reindeer Lake.
Rosenquist has an in-depth knowledge of the outdoors and primitive skills that derive from her childhood. Her passion for nature and outdoor activities grew after her family moved to Cook County and operated Solbakken Resort at an early age.
She now lives with her partner Tom in northern Wisconsin and operates an off-grid, organic farm. They also teach various primitive skills classes at Winter Count, a primitive skills gathering in Arizona.
In an interview with WTIP, Rosenquist shares behind-the-scenes information about her experience, the ten items she brought, and how the experience challenged her mental and physical health. Audio from the full interview with WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins is below.
New episodes of Season 10 of “Alone” airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. central only on The HISTORY Channel.
Kalli Hawkins June 26, 2023
