Robinson Crusoe of the 21st Century9 photos

Not far off the southeastern coast of Australia, there lies a rocky islet covering an area of one and a half hectares, featuring a sandy beach on a small, flat stretch of land. Since 1993, this tiny island has been home to the bearded hermit David Glasheen. Following the stock market crash in 1987, Glasheen lost more than six million pounds in his investments. Forced into bankruptcy and without a family, this middle-aged man decided to retreat to this remote islet. Through a agreement with the authorities, he rented the island for 43 years, paying £13,000 per year in rent. Among the living creatures David has for company is only his dog, Quasi. Forced to rely solely on nature, this modern-day Robinson Crusoe had to learn many things on his own. David survives by eating fruits from trees and fishing. He also brews his own beer. Since 2000, the authorities have been demanding that David vacate the island because he failed to fulfill the terms of his lease. According to the agreement, he was supposed to invest £130,000 in improving the island to make it suitable for tourism and fishing. David has solar panels and wireless internet access. For several years, he has been trading stocks online and even tried to find a life partner through these digital channels. For his unique advertising campaign, he used a mannequin to advertise his search for a “life partner,” but unfortunately, he was not successful. Occasionally, yacht owners and local canoeists stop by to visit this reclusive hermit.