It strikes me as odd that there has never been a mention on this forum of the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island, Juana Maria, who survived alone on this island for eighteen years (at least) after the removal by the Spanish of every other island inhabitant in 1835. Located once again in 1853 by George Nidever, she was taken to Santa Barbara, where she died after seven weeks on the mainland of "dysentery." most likely related to the abrupt change in diet she experienced. No one was ever found who could speak her language and communicate easily with her. Scott Odell's classic [/u]Island of the Blue Dolphin[u] has introduced generations of students to a romanticized version of her saga.

A good summary of her story can be found on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juana_Maria

There are questions about many of the details of her story, but it is clear that she lived alone for a very long time. A knife she was using at the time of her recovery is described as a piece of iron hoop set in a handle of rough wood- doesn't sound like a very good substitute for modern alloys, and not what any of us would wish to have for a survival experience of this duration. One source states that she carried a bone knife, somewhat like a dagger, used for defensive purposes. She also possessed a waterproof basketry canteen, and a skirt made from cormorant feathers. All of these items have now been lost.

Mulling over her tale, it struck me that, as far as i can tell, there is no record of anyone living alone for this long a period. Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe, was stranded for four years. Any thoughts?