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Chris can surely handle everything on his own and think about the desires he loves, but what about his love for any of his loved ones or anyone he meets?

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What I think of Chris is that I felt ambivalent, or mixed feelings for him throughout the entire novel. I generally admired what he was trying to do as opposed to only being able to live out a different lifestyle than the way he wanted it to be. He’s more of a relatable character to me whenever he may have conflicts with others sometimes. Though I feel that my feelings haven't been changing much for Chris of how I started to know more about him, at times they do when I start to see what has become of him in the sense of feeling like he doesn't need others in his life and is able to do everything by himself. I will break down my overall thoughts and feelings about Chris.

Good: His story was very inspirational. It inspired thousands of people to be able to go out in the world and achieve their life-long dreams on their own. It's more of a needed motivation they would keep in mind when pushing through obstacles in their way to be able to accomplish anything. Heck, even others such as Everett Ruess and three other individuals: Gene Rossellini, John Waterman, and Carl McCunn all had the same idea in mind and went out into the wilderness to live like Chris. Although some may have gone to extreme measures, they still managed to follow their passions. I also appreciate how much he sacrificed his own savings of $24,000 and gave it to charity, as well as being a good samaritan to help others who are in need, such as the time when he bought meals to give to the homeless people and suggest ways to improve their lives. Even before he came to do all this, he still had the brains and skills in his early years of becoming what his parents wanted him to have: success. This comes to shows that he sets extremely high moral standards and is able to do almost anything, and that's how I came to admire what he did.

Bad: Despite what he wanted to accomplish, I did not like the fact that he simply leaves everyone he cares about behind, and even some people who actually offered to support him. He may not realize it, but what he did completely put his loved ones into a series of the emotional pain they felt. What I mean is that they first grieve for their loss, and eventually start to spiral down into immense and heartbreaking sufferings. That's just how Carine felt when he lost her one and only sibling who she cared deeply for. By the time she heard the news he was dead, she started to express immense grief and even bawl out as well. This also affected her way of eating and led to her becoming anorexic as her way of dealing with this difficult situation. What mostly ached my heart was Chris not willing to accept the fact that Ron Franz was considering adopting him to fill the hole in his life. Because of this, Ron was left with nothing but desolation and despair, which he decided to cut off everything he lived for. With Bill and Walt, I’m still in denial about what they did to Chris to leave in the first place, but I can still understand the pain they felt when he was already gone. They were even trying to get in contact while they were still worried, but Chris decided to simply ignore them and essentially focus on his accomplishments. Looking back at all this, I can definitely guarantee that his disappearance caused so much damage towards them and doesn't even think twice about making his decision of living out in the wild. If he's going to do this, he should at least let them know he will be gone for a while rather than purposely taking off.

While he may not display many good relationships with his family and friends, I still admire everything he did and always had a helping hand for it. I honestly don't really have much more to discuss, but that's what I truly think of him throughout the entire novel.

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I always thought of visiting Sweden and hike into their mountain and forest areas because there is a vast amount of land to hike to.

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My future odyssey or dream goal I have is to hike anywhere that includes forest areas, as well as onto mountain tops. What made me hooked on hiking was the fact of exploring all wildlife and nature around me that creates peace and tranquility in my body. It also creates a perfect workout for me to strengthen all my bones and muscles. Even friends and other people I follow on social media have gone hiking and found it to be adventurous. Although, me and my family have never gone anywhere to hike pretty far due to financial expenses to consider going. Also, it doesn't seem right to be louging around our living space and not get enough experience outdoors. Even so, I try to watch many different YoutTube videos about hiking, mainly on a YouTube channel called Daily Dose of Internet (DDOI), where most of the videos include much of hiking into mountain and forest areas around the world. Thank to that YouTube channel, it made me consider about hiking even more when I thought of doing that in the first place. Overall, I am always looking forward to knowing what's out there that I can discover.

In order to take on my passion for hiking, I need to be fully prepared with all gear equipped on me as well as emergancy supplies. But most importantly, I should have a map with me at all times to keep track of where I am going. This way, I will have a more safe hike and not miss out on spectacular land marks or where would I be heading. Once I'm ready, I need to consider what forest area or trail is the most appropriate to hike to as my "starter hike". It's very important of how should I start my journey as this would considered to be my first time hiking. This would also help me build up to more larger areas where I would be more confident to hike. To make the hiking journey more enjoyable, I would bring friends along because it's more safe to go in groups with others, and I get to spend much of my time with them to experience everything around us. Most of all, I am hoping to start my hiking journey as soon as possible whenever I could spend my day offs from college or any other place.

#hikingbringsnewwonders #perfectdeamgoaltogetmybodygoing #makesureyoubringcompanionswithyoutohelpguideyou

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Sometimes, we can eat plants at any time, but not at times when they are intoxicated.

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Summary: In May 2015, John Krakauer gives an update to the actual cause of Chris's death pertaining to what he has eaten, which were potato seeds. As this case went under investigation, he had relied to look back on Chris's diary (para. 3) that mentions the effect the seeds had on him but gave him no luck as it was mostly on the animals Chris killed. Krakauer began to take a crash course to study the chemical compound called beta-ODAP (para. 7) that he claims to the case and hired a company to run a lab test (para. 6) and analysis on potato seed samples. Thinking he solved the investigation, he was handed back the results and appeared that it was possible for Chris to indulge enough of those potato seeds contained with the lethal concentration of beta-ODAP to be able to kill him. To confirm this was indeed the chemical compound, he sent back the seed samples to the lab in Michigan and paid $20,000 to conduct more tests. Turns out, the substance contained in those potato seeds was actually an amino acid called L-canavanine (para. 9), which is known for its toxicity. Even though it was true Krakauer knew the seeds included a toxin (para. 9), he wasn't able to identify the correct type of substance or chemical compound that killed Chris. Discussing the L-canavanine, it does share some similarities producing toxins like the chemical compound. But, it is stated to also mess with our metabolize and cause starvation by tricking our body to think it is safe for us to consume. In the end, Krakauer concludes the case and provides the main takeaway of this: be careful of what you are eating, or else you may become weakened by it and die.

Analysis: From this article, I did find it intimidating to know how much of those chemical compounds and amino acids can effectively weaken our bodies. Just from eating those seeds can already start to take effect and accumulate through our system. But, I can appreciate Krakauer for providing that takeaway so we won't end up having the same fate as Chris. I am also glad they were able to further investigate his death to know what truly happened. Without this investigation, the cause of what Chris had consumed will be left unknown and won't be able to prevent others from doing the same.

#becarefulwhatyoueat #iamintimidatedtoeatpotatoseeds #kudostokrakauerforsolvingthecase

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Walt and Billie take a visit to the Stampeded Trail in Alaska where Chris had died. 

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Summary: In a follow-up of Chris's death one year later, Jon Krakauer, Walt, and Billie McCandless visited the Stampede Trail located in Alaska by traveling through a helicopter (pg. 201) where Chris had died. Billie preferred to hike down to the location, but plans had changed when the Teklania River was unsafe to cross because the water level was too high. As they arrived in the Sushana River where the Magic Bus was located, they entered into it where Chris's possessions were in place and looked through each one of them. Some of those possessions reminded Billie and Walt of their hometown in Annadale and the aroma of Chris left behind as a remembrance. For the past two hours, they have hopped off the bus and began to better understand why Chris left so he can embrace his freedom and experiences in the wild, to which he chose to live off in Alaska for its beauty (pg. 202) he admired. Although Walt become totally baffled by this, it made him grateful (pg. 203) in a way to know that what Chris had done was how he wanted to live out his life. In honor to remember Chris, Walt embedded a memorial (pg. 202) brass plaque so it can be viewed by many others who wish to discover the location. Along with this, Billie packed up a suitcase with emergency supplies that includes a bible (pg. 202) owned by Chris so it would help protect and guide others to safety. As soon as it was time to leave, they hopped on board the helicopter and began to fly off.

Analysis: This epilogue was a great way to perfectly wrap up the story pertaining to Chris's death and include how Chris's parents because to feel about this. I find it admirable that they were about to not spill their deep grievances when entering the bus, and instead to pay their respect towards Chris. The visit made them realize how much Chris ultimately desired to live out his life the way he wanted to without any conflict he wishes to not face. Though, I express deep condolences towards Walt and Billie and hope they can move on from the past pain. Overall, it was an interesting but sorrowful story to read about.

#mycondolencestoWaltandBillie #respecttowardsChris #thebusthatpeoplecanrememberChrisby

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Chris: Welp, I had a good run. I am thankful for everything I was able to live for. 

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Summary: In this final chapter, we are given a rundown of Chris's cause of death, being starvation (pg. 195), and how it was figured out through scientific investigations along with creating hypotheses to this. The first hypothesis stated was that he was consuming only a small quantity of poisonous potato seeds from South Dakota, containing a toxic (pg. 190) substance and can cause severe symptoms within a certain period of time. For the second hypothesis, it was assumed that he had mistaken (pg. 192) those seeds that were very similar to another, which were wild sweet peas. As for the last hypothesis, he confirmed to eat the correct species that were the wild potato seeds. Out of three of the hypotheses, the first two were proven wrong, except the last one because the theory or possible explanation behind it turned out to be how Chris ended up doing. Although he knew that he was indeed eating the correct kind of seeds, he was unaware of the fact that they can only be consumed in a certain amount of time throughout the year. Once he ingested (pg. 190) the wild potato seeds, his physical and mental state started deteriorating and thus continued to inflict the rest of his system. Since Chris had a significant weight loss and a lack of energy in his body, he was not able to fight back the intoxication accumulating in his body. Throughout his hiking, Chris grew weaker (pg. 195) and even become incapacitated to efficiently hunt nor could he normally function properly, thus was on the brink of his upcoming death of starvation. Experiencing excruciating pain, he was unable to realize there was a cabin just three hours away from him that could have potentially saved him, as well as useful strategies to attract airplanes that may come by to help him as well. In his final moments before passing on, he thinks backs that all of his journeys within his two years of living out in the wilderness were enough for him to be grateful for how he desired to live out his life with nothing to stop him from doing so.

Analysis: The last part of this chapter had struck me in the heart because hearing his final words before his passing made it difficult to accept the fact that it had came to an end. I honestly understand that the way he died of starvation is awfully painful to imagine myself in his situation to know how much pain he felt. Although, we are able to fully grasp his story and get a sense of who he is, his intentions, and why he may take dangerous risks upon his journeys. Despite his ups and downs throughout all his journeys, it depicted how much he stays strong, focused, and never gave up on what he desires to live by. Overall, people in the real world should be able to live out their dreams and ambitions the way they want to is the main key takeaway I would say for the entire book.

#starvationisahorriblewaytodie #livebysomethingyoulove #iwonteveneatmoldyandtoxicpotatoseeds

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Krakauer: It was a remarkable discovery to find bus 142 located in the Sushana River where it seemed like a historical landmark. 

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Summary: Jon Krakauer had traveled to The Stampede Trail where Chris was last located beside the Magic Bus in the Sushana River. Unlike Chris, Krakauer came prepared with a map (pg. 173) along having his three companions by his side. All of them were able to find a cable car, which consisted of a steel zip line with a basket (pg. 174), that was in the same place where Chris was heading out on the Teklanika River. However, Chris had no clue it was literally near him on the side of the canyon, and if only he had a map with him, it would be his one-way ticket to salvation. His incompetent (pg. 177) skills of surviving the wilderness are the reason why he lacked basic needs for his own journeys even though he remained strong in his own path of "embracing wildlife". Krakauer lend a helping hand to ferry his companions across the river and all four proceeded to track down the bus through crossing different bushes, rivers, wild areas, and even wildlife animals. Before entering the bus, they spotted a huge skull that indicated the moose Chris had shot during his hunting. Two of Krakauer's companions were despised about this since he may have mistaken the difference (pg. 177) between a caribou they both believed in and a moose. It was proven to be wrong when Krakauer reported the animal was indeed a moose. As they all explored inside the bus, they find a bunch of Chris's old and dirty clothing, hygiene products, and a torn mattress. The musty (pg. 178) aroma gives Krakauer a strange feeling that roaming around in the bus where Chris's soul is in place felt so uneasy to him and started to hop off. Discussing Chris's decisions and mistakes he made leading to these discoveries concluded that he managed to live off completely that most people wouldn't do even if enjoyed being out in the wilderness. His own skills and strategies are what made him survive through all this but still had remarkably led to his own demise.

Analysis: I clearly understand that Chris had the intention to use how own skills and strategies to help guide him along his journey, but they weren't as effective as literally having the basic items that are much more useful. The map was the only way he would get out safely and be able to find cabin or camping areas for the sake of his salvation. But no, he decides that his sense of direction is what keeps him from using these types of things that actually help him. It can also fully explain the lack of common sense he displays as he looks forward to becoming more focused on his own ways of guidance for his journey than what he needs to make that journey successful. Although I am glad he was able to survive so long that it becomes something people can recognize him by, since not many other can sustain themselves through these difficulties living out in the wild.

#mapsarealwaysuseful #whatanunpleasantodorthebusbrings #dontletyourownmistakesgetthebestofyou

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Chris: The more I live out in the wilderness by my own, the more difficult it can become. 

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Summary: Part of this chapter is focused on the destination Chris heads to and the preparation he does before officially entering off into the wilderness. Along the way, he meets a 66-year-old bald man named Stuckey, and he tells Chris he's heading off to the same destination: Fairbanks. While Stuckey agrees to Chris to take him to that destination, Chris spends a good amount of time sharing what his plans are upon the road, as well as being candid (pg. 159) with the past experiences he had with each of his family members. After Chris purchased his supplies at the University of Alaska, he went off to catch a ride with Jim Gallien and he was soon to live off his life at the Stampede Trail. Starting off his experience, he created a list of wild animals to hunt down and kill so that it helps sustain his food supply for the duration of his own lifestyle. Because of his ability of hunting (pg. 164),  almost every time he had a good eye to target every individual animal through a single shot. However, what made him feel ambivalent to hunt was when he shot a 700-pound moose he instantly killed, in which he started rebuking (pg. 168) himself and thinking that taking the moose's life was like taking an actual person's life. A solution he found to preserve (pg. 166) the moose was smoking its carcass, along with removing its intestines and bones, but ended up becoming a total disaster as maggots started to appear from the ineffective smoke. Considering he may return to the normal world from his journeys, he hiked down the Teklanika River as his way out but began to see that the weather conditions affecting the river started to get treacherous and severe. His only way across the river was to swim, but he admitted to being too afraid (pg. 170) to swim across under these harsh conditions. Instead, he just turned his back around and made his way back to his base camp where he settled in the bus at the Stampede Trail.

Analysis: I am glad that there was more background information about how he ended up residing in a bus at the Stampede Trail. His journey before he even got there was interesting to read and even met someone along the way he finds company with. However, not even realizing there are cabins near him within a 6-mile-radius is quite disappointing as he could have got all the providence and salvation for his journey. In addition, he should have brought a map with him to help him locate it easier, along with many different routes he could go. If it's only just you and your sense of direction, then it will most likely be harder to figure out where exactly everything lies and where to find your way out. It's only a matter of time that something bad might happen to you.

#Ilostmysenseofdirection #Iregretkillingthatmoose #myfearsofswimminggotthebestofme

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All hopes and accomplishments are hung in balance as John Krakauer will have to figure what can he do.

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Summary: In part two of John Krakauer's climbing accomplishments story, he spent three days in the over longing, frosty despairs inside his tent where he sat to cradle himself against the snowstorms. As time passes by slowly, he had no choice but just smoked (pg. 146) his way through his sufferings because he can no longer stand to bear these harsh conditions. Because he felt the need to do so, his foolish behavior caused him to burn down the inner part of the tent. This had made him remember why he decided to become a climber in the first place, which was his own father. His dad always had high expectations (pg. 148) that involved getting accepted to suitable universities or colleges, and decided to create a career path for Krakauer will surely pursue. Krakauer denies pursuing the career his father wanted him to be in and went ahead to put his own time and effort into something he enjoys doing, causing immense disappointment his dad displayed. Not only that, the relationship between the two had separately widened (pg. 148) or became distant from one another. Although there were many complications between them, it had motivated Krakauer to get back up and prove his father wrong by pushing (pg. 152) himself to achieve climbing the Devil's Thumb. Upon reaching the summit, he didn't seem to display any type of thrill or enthusiasm despite his climb proving to change nothing (pg. 155). However, he did think deeply about how this could have ended up in a far worse situation than potentially would meet the same fate as Chris. All that mattered in his climbing adventure was the confidence he displayed despite the severe risks he took.

Analysis:  Honestly, I think that Krakauer is lucky that he was able to use his own past relationship issues between him and his dad that potentially motivated him to achieve his climb through the Devil's Thumb. Something tells me that barriers or problems we often face in our lives can help us become more confident and successfully accomplish likely almost anything. If we think about how problems won't ever exist, then it cannot change the fact that they can shape or change our lives for the better if we live in a world without problems. We have to be able to acknowledge and learn from our own mistakes made by those problems so that we are able to grow and develop as better people. Most of all, we should continue to persevere through their way of overcoming those barriers no matter how hard it can be to overcome them.

#perserverance #sometimesyouhavetohaveproblemsinlife #everythingcouldhaveendedupworseforKrakauer

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Once you climb up top, you cannot go back down.

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Summary: In this chapter, John Krakauer, the author of Into the Wild, tells his story of climbing the summit of the Devil's Thumb located in Alaska. As a world-renowned climber, he was highly obsessed with mountain climbing (pg. 134) because he had always been fantasizing (pg. 134) the possibilities of what he could take away from exploring the peaks of the mountains. Not only climbing is a way to reach the top, but to help you overcome barriers in your life you're currently facing, which it's what Krakauer will do to shape his life. Without any help, he decides to do this accomplishment alone (pg. 135) by getting dropped off at the ocean for a ride up to twenty-five miles and skiing his way to the glaciers of the mountain for thirty miles. As Krakauer worked his way up to the Valley of Ice, he encountered crevasses (pg. 139) that were air pockets of snow and if anyone had stepped on them, they would plung a couple of hundred feet to their death. Luckily, he bought a rod attached to his body that would prevent him from falling into them. Unfortunately, he didn't think that doing this all alone would make him so mentally (pg. 141) unprepared that he started sobbing. Although he still persevered in a way that he realized the higher he climbed, the less anxious he became and was able to control himself through the steepness and exposure of the harsh conditions around the mountain tops. Krakauer used his ice axes to swing his way up to the top but was unable to do so as there wasn't enough thick ice to swing by. He had to swing his way down onto a solid surface area, and that's where he ended his climbing and figured out how to get down.

Analysis: I find this chapter to be proving some good main points mainly about how Chris just wanted to live out his dream and be able to make remarkable discoveries and achieve what would hopefully help overcome the issues he faced. In general, all people should be able to live out their dreams and do what makes them feel adventurous despite the risks involved. As Krakauer faced certain barriers just like Chris, he wanted to show what he can do in embracing his inner self and express his true passion for climbing. This makes me think that I want to try and take risks of climbing or explore areas where they might not be safe to handle because I always wanted to experience what it is like to become a risk-taker, even if it means they are too dangerous. Hopefully, I will one day travel anywhere to take on new adventures and challenge myself in various places.

#risk-taker #thedevil'sthumbissosteep #followyourdreams

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Carine: After hearing about Chris's death, it's as if someone had struck through my heart and said "he's dead". 

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Summary: Chris's close (pg. 129) relationship with Carine has always grown into a brother-sister bond throughout their whole lives. They both have many similarities that in no doubt they share an inseparable relationship but maintain their differences when one may enjoy or not enjoy something as an interest. This is the same relationship Chris shares with his dog Buckley, which he wanted to take (pg. 128) with him on his journeys. This can inform us how much Chris's courses of adventures would change if he became more cautious about his beloved ones rather than putting himself and what he loves at risk. Even if Chris and Carine were attached to a great extent, Carine was spiraling down with immense keening (pg. 130) and emotional pain she felt after hearing her brother's death. She decided she would be the one going to pick us Chris's ashes (pg. 131) instead of her parents because it's better if someone who was given trust, respect, and returning the favor for them is someone well deserved rather than those who show unacceptable actions, just like Chris's parents. Because of this, it had also inflicted Carine's need to eat any food, in which she began to lose weight, and appear thinner that made her anorectic (pg. 131). This is her way of dealing with stress in unfortunate situations like these.

Analysis: This chapter was immensely unfortunate to hear about the loss of Chris to be heard from his one and the only person with whom he shared a bond all these years. Even when Carine was going to pick up her brother's ashes and possessions in Alaska, she couldn't seem to hold back her tears to how difficult it is moving his belongings. If I was in that situation, I probably wouldn't try to move any of their belongings because I rather let everything be reserved the way they are. Carine shouldn't have gone through this hardship because it just adds much more grief to what she had already gone through. I really hope that Carine tries to move on from these dreadful moments she feels and perservere through her way in life.

#thepaininsideCarine #emotionalbreakdown #strongbonds

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Chris: Emory University was the last known place I was graduating, and the end of the relationship with my family.

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Summary: Chris had still kept his relationship with his parents, especially his dad, for the support he received that helped him graduate from Woodson High School. His achievements and successions had led him to be overconfident (pg. 118) in achieving almost anything he does without a problem, as well as staying positive for what he's looking forward to. However, everything soon began to spiral downward when his friends and family members have noticed a change in Chris's personality (pg. 120), to which they state they have been receiving the cold shoulder and it was difficult for them to know why he was acting that way. It turns out that the cause of the infuriation or anger (pg. 123) he was keeping to himself was the marriage (pg. 121) of his dad's previous wife who had several children that Chris had no idea about. Given the information about Walt's (Chris's dad) multiple marriages, he has lived two separate lives, consisting of two different families who have no idea about the truth Walt never told to them about each of the families. Knowing about this situation two summers ago has completely shattered Chris's relationship with his dad, along his with mom that he considered living off his adventurous journeys in order to cut his parents out of his life for good. When Chris had left right after his graduation from Emory University, his parents became extremely worried (pg. 124) that his dad cannot deny accepting what he has done, and will do everything he can to bring him back home. One night, Billie, Chris's mom, was in tears thinking that his last words to her were his cries for help, but she couldn't say anything else when she doesn't know where he is.

Analysis: I cannot imagine how much Chris kept in that emotional pain he felt when he knew the truth about his dad's other family. But, he has the right to feel angry about that because he seemed to know something like this would end up tragically and break the family apart. Chris's dad deserved what he got for the terrible acts he has done to Chris. I have no sympathy whatsoever for his dad. If I was Chris in that situation, I would have done the same thing and never try to look back.

#terriblefather #brokenfamilyrelationships #Chrisshouldhavenevergonethroughthesehardships

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Chris did not seem fond of his luxurious lifestyle, instead of where he desired to live by the most.

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Summary: Before Chris had a dysfunctional relationship with his parents, he was living off a luxurious lifestyle at his new place in Chesapeake Beach. Chris didn't seem it was the life he wanted to live by, but it was the way that happened when his parents have saved all their money in the past to invest it in the future. Because of this, money (pg. 114) was the issue that despised Chris because he did not view money as something you can spend for your own personal desires, but viewed it as a way to help others. He has been using the money that was given to him and saving up to bring inequities (pg. 113) to an end by buying meals and suggesting ways people can improve their lives. Chris became a huge achiever (pg. 109) throughout his childhood and teen years because he was capable of achieving almost anything he could do. For instance, he was extremely intelligent in his academic success receiving perfect grades and even being involved in athletics. However, the one type of thing he cannot stand to hear or be told of is the fact that everything he works for or other things he does always have to apply to rules (pg. 110). Whenever he performs tasks or activities he may enjoy doing, he refused (pg. 111) to listen to any suggestions given or flaws he may have in order to perfect himself. There is too much being asked about to him that he started to become furious and even have thought about his own amazing life without regulation he wishes to live.

Analysis: Honestly, I think Chris's instructors and parents gave quite a bit of pressure and frustration towards what he was doing. As something who always likes to do their techniques in their own way, I can relate to Chris because I typically don't like people telling me to "fix your mistake" or suggesting to me what was wrong. Although I would sometimes hold back my emotions and my frustration, they still help me to fix my flaws and work towards becoming better at a certain task. Unlike Chris, he still has the intention of doing things his own way, and he literally takes things way beyond the expectations needed. Sometimes, people should probably not comment on anyone's capabilities when they already know how they can perform it right because that just makes them see they potentially have flaws and even question them.

#moneyisevil #rulesshouldbenonexistent #expectationsequalsfustration

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Summary: There has been recent news spreading all around about Chris McCandless's death announcing how Alaskan Troopers were able to discover the identity of Chris. There were three items that coincidentally (pg. 100) helped the troopers lead up to discover Chris's identification that has finally been solved. The first item is the use of newspapers (pg. 100) because Jim Gallien was reading one when he spotted Chris's story and his death that lead him to notify the Alaskan troopers about his own experiences with Chris. By the time those headlines of Chris had made into broadcasting through the radio (pg. 100), his close friend Westerberg was notified by someone named Bob, in which hearing about what happened to Chris made him remember that it was definitely him. Westerberg gathered files of two W-4 forms that belonged to Chris, containing his information of his legal name, address, and social security number. One of the forms did had the right information needed, and turns out his social security number would lead to his permanent residence located in northern Virginia. The McCandlesses no longer can be contacted by their phone number, but they did found one other member who was in the phone directories (pg. 101) named Sam McCandless. Although Sam did not know Chris very well because he is his half brother, he was shown a picture of Chris and Sam already knew his appearance was in no doubt. As soon as he had a good sense of Chris, Sam was not sure if he was going to share the news of his dad's and Chris's mom son that he is dead (pg. 102).

Analysis: After nine whole chapters, this chapter finally concluded their case of the identity of Chris McCandless, all thanks to those three techniques that nobody uses in today's modern era. Now that I think about it, the old days didn't seem as complicated compared to today's advanced technology because it seems easier to use techniques in the past rather then advancing new ways to find our outcome, even if they will end up with the same result. I mean, just because many things in the past are not used in our current time, doesn't mean they are totally useless to still use. Anyone can still use them, regardless of having people say they're too "old" to function. Overall, I am glad that the Alaskan Troopers found their ways to figure our Chris's identity without knowing they would be effective because they would have not know who he still was if they didn't use those things.

#identityrevealed #investigationsolved #stickwitholdschooltechniques

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Summary: Everette Ruess was a twenty-year-old wanderer and adventurous who had unknowingly disappeared in the canyons of Davis Gulch, in which little to no evidence of his remains were discovered and how that came to be. Before Ruess was free to live out his life to the fullest, he made his decision of dropping out of college in order to enter a new lifestyle in the wilderness where he admires nature in a way he wants to live in a peaceful and meaningful environment. In addition, he even got inspired (pg. 94) and took the name "Nemo" from a character he read that's called Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne because it mentions the adventures and journeys he could take all around, which he did by completely abandoning his life. Similarly, he apparently shares these common interests and similarities with Chris McCandless due to the identical lifestyles they live by. For instance, Ruess's impulse (pg. 89) is one aspect he and Chris share because both leave behind their own life to start a new lifestyle without even thinking through how might that can affect their loved ones or people who dearly care about them. They also can be described as nomadic (pg. 89) due to a great deal of wildlife areas they travel from one area to the next.  So far from their experiences in the wilderness, they are still able to keep in touch with their only close friends who developed a companionship (pg. 96) with them by sending them letters about their journeys. Unfortunately, they can't be around people for too long because they should use their opportunities to acquire various experiences in the outer world. Alongside that, they plan to stay hidden, or secret (pg. 96) from anyone since no one will find out where they are in any other areas.

Analysis: Unlike the previous chapter about the three individuals trying to live like Chris, Everette is the one true individual who actually expresses his admiration for nature, as well as the common interests he has like him. I honestly didn't know Everette would have so much in common because I thought he would only have interests with Chris about the lifestyle, not any personal information to address. However, it is clear that there is a slight difference between what they are like and what they did, where Chris had left before he could be graduating college, while Everette drops out of it. It is also unfortunate that we never may know the truth or cause of his death, as we only may know about theories being made by investigators. Overall, I find this chapter to be interesting to read about that has made so many connections to the main person (Chris) we are focusing on.

#whoknowswhathappenedtoEverette #findingnemoismorelikefindingEveretteinthiscontext #truehomielikeChris

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After the death of Alex McCandless, some indivudals, such as hikers were inspired to seek out exploration of the wilderness just like Alex.

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Summary: When John Krakauer spread the news of Alex McCandless's death in Alaska in an Outsider article, it received criticism (pg. 71) and complaints as to why he made a poor decision of being out in the wilderness without coming prepared. Three individuals, whose names are Gene Rossellini, John Waterman, and Carl McCunn were actually inspired to take on exploration and new experiences in the wilderness just like Alex. However, they were merely different from him because all three of them have taken on extreme measures in their explorations to the point where their lives were taken sooner. Gene Rossellini, a wealthy Seattle restaurateur, thought of an experience of living off in the wilderness to explore what are humans like by themselves and how they manage to survive. Sadly, he comes to realize that "it is not possible for human beings as we know to live off the land", which he ends his life by plunging a knife through his heart and acknowledges his failure (pg. 75) that did not result in his desired outcome. John Waterman, an excellent climber, had suffered from becoming mentally ill because of family issues he faced with his dad, as well as the loss of his climbing partners that significantly inflicted his psyche (pg. 77). Recovering from these incidences, he meets with many hitchhikers along the way and emotionally informs them about his sentimental thoughts and feelings, just before his death of climbing on one of the most difficult mountains in Alaska. The last individual, Carl McCunn, was a thirty-five-year-old amateur photographer who is lively outgoing, and extremely popular but he is impulsively (pg. 81) letting his own behavior get the best of him. Without realizing it, he was stranded in the land areas due to his negligence of not giving a proper signal for the airplane to come back for him, which leads to his unfortunate death caused by starvation due to being stranded in the land areas. Unlike all of those three individuals, it has come to mind that Alex can be considered as a pilgrim (pg. 85) because of all the places and land areas he visited, which also can definitely depict how often he travels in long distances from one place to the next in a very short amount of time.

Analysis: After reading this chapter, it seems that Alex can be more knowledgeable in the sense of looking into the possibilities of experiencing the wilderness, unlike the three individuals. Although they were inspired to explore and experience wildlife areas just like how Alex lived, it didn't seem that their journeys being in the wild impacted many people. This only resulted to have their lives being taken away by extreme measures. Alex was the spark of taking of new adventures and journeys through many different land areas, but these individuals took it to a whole different level. At least learning about the similarities they all have like Alex still makes them feel important to address.

#thesedudesarecrazy #inspirationfromAlexMcCandless #preparednessisthekey

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Summary: During the time Alex McCandless was staying at Carthage, South Dakota with Wayne Westerberg, Wayne discusses Alex's work performance excelling beyond everyone's normal standards of working. Even though he is often diligent in his working habits, his intelligence gets the best of him because he is entirely not focused on what is he specifically doing, but instead focuses more on important things that cause him to have a lack of common sense (pg.62). Alex's independence can directly correlate to his own fear and avoidance because of his dysfunctional relationship with his parents. He intended to "divorce" (pg. 69) them so that he wouldn't want anything to do with them anymore. The way his relationship with his parents impacted his life was how it more so correlated to the tensions he sometimes had with others the same way he has tensions with his parents. In terms of how Alex was associated with girls in his teen years, he seemed that being in a romantic relationship would ruin his chance of living out freely in the wild. Therefore, he decided that being entirely celibate (pg. 65) would help him focus on his goals. Sharing his hopes and beliefs (pg. 67) to Mrs. Westerberg (Wayne's mother), she not only sees Alex as someone who shares common interests, but who is really is as a person. Approaching the end of the chapter, Alex says his final goodbyes to the people he knew. but started crying (pg. 68) when he knows this will be the last they will ever hear from them. He writes letters specifically to Wayne, Jane Burres, and Bob, stating that they were important people in Alex's life and thanks to them for knowing each other.

Analysis: In this chapter, it's unbelievable how many people Alex had met in a short period of time who have already impacted his life of how much he means to them. I find it unfortunate that he already has to leave them behind in order to discover new experiences and take on many adventures by himself. Though, it was really sweet how they give their overall thought to Alex in who is actually is. Like, he shouldn't just be known for one specific thing that happened to him, but how is he actually like with others and with the outside world. Overall, this chapter gives so many strong bonds he forms with others along the way.

#hardshipsamongfamilies #iratherstayavirgin #formstrongbondswithpeoplealongtheway

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Summary: As Chris McCandless continues on his journey at Anza Borrego desert, he encounters a war veteran and a devout Christian named Ron Franz. Franz became immediately fond of Chris, which restored his faithfulness and contentment in Franz's life. Before he meet Chris, his world was upside down because of the loss of his wife and son who died in an automobile accident and entered a state of loneliness (pg. 50). Franz soon accompanied Chris and offered him his support on where is he heading next. He thinks by building a stronger relationship with Chris, he makes the decision of becoming a father figure (pg. 51) in Chris's life, and asks him if he could potentially adopt (pg. 55) him. No matter how much affection and resources Chris would need, he won't accept it because he doesn't need anyone like Franz to assist him since Chris can work things out on his own. After leaving Franz behind, Chris decides to write him a letter about his current journey so far, and personal advice of his own to recommend to Franz. The advice clearly states that he should detach himself from his possessions and discover (pg. 57) new experiences out in the world. Franz began to take Chris's word and actually does all the things Chris told him to do. Upon meeting up with two hitchhikers, one of them brought up the death (pg. 59) of Chris McCandless that he already knew about, causing his whole life to fall apart more than what he previously felt.

Analysis: After reading this chapter, my heart aches for how much Ron Franz has been through because of the loss of his own wife, son, and potential grandson he soon would have a strong bond with. Nobody in his life would fix his broken world that was torn apart. However, reading one last letter Chris wrote to Franz gave him a path to start off a new life with experiences to fulfill. I truly admire what Franz has to offer for Chris, as well as returning the favor to Franz with a piece of advice he takes his word for. Moments like these make me appreciate the importance of setting a new purpose in life and following your own path by heart.

#greatfuladvice #fatherfigure #fromlonelinesstohappiness

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Summary: Chris McCandless continues traveling onward and finds himself reaching his destination at Bullhead City. He has become dependable (pg. 40) in the habit of assisting others and working at a certain location, such as McDonald's. However, a clash (pg. 41) or tension arouses between the people he meets when he was raged at his manager and employees to shower often. Because of this, he decided to quit (pg. 41) and storm out. As the same for meeting someone named Jan Burres, he also got furious for making him wear suitable clothing he didn't really need to wear. As Chris had complexes (pg. 42) of his current situation and between his parents, he still maintains a humble and ongoing personality by socializing (pg. 44) with others along his journey.

Analysis: In this chapter, I got to learn more about Chris's behavior and emotional state around others. I technically would relate more to how he reacts to what people tell him to do. This is because I am always leading towards what I think is the best for myself while others tell me that it is not. I feel that the number of conflicts or arguments he faces connects with how his life has been significantly impacted by rules he had to live by throughout his entire life. Overall, I think it was best to let him express himself the way he wants to with no restrictions holding him back.

#gotajob #buildrelationships #conflicts

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Detrital Wash is where Alex has abandoned his Datsun car.

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Detrital Wash is the deserted area that Chris is in, and is where his adversities began to take place. The first one that occurred was the recent flash flooding event that broke down his car, which he had abandoned (pg. 26) along with his other possessions, too. However, he had no idea that rangers were coming by to investigate the accident but instead wanted to use his car for drug investigation purposes. During his journey, he kept a journal (pg. 29) with him that is supposed to keep track of the ongoing adventures he takes, in which he writes in third person for the purpose of being the main character in a story. Meanwhile, Chris's parents were sent an unpaid hitchhiking ticket (pg. 31) meant for Chris at his permanent residency. Beginning to realize, his parents were shocked and concerned for Chris since they have been completely unaware of his disappearance. Continuing on his journey, he set his main route to find the canal (pg. 34) (Wellteco Canal) that leads right into an ocean, in which some have dead ends and only one that leads to where he needs to be. As December passed by with continuous difficulties, he decided he would abandon the canoe (pg. 34) that kept him persisting in such harsh events he faced.

Analysis: Although Alex may not have reached his final destination on where he needs to be, it's important to know that he had encountered people along the way in assisting him on his journey. Without them, who knows how he would have survived or made it out of those canals that lead to a dead-end. I appreciate every bit of a scene like this because it helps remind us to always keep persisting on our journeys, even though it may be tough to go through. As well as something along the way may be something you could seek assistance or guidance upon your journey. Sometimes I always find myself in situations like these, but no matter how difficult it can be, I will always keep persevering. The main takeaway I would like to give is that it is not about the final destination, it is about the journey you take along the way to reach that point.

#abandonedmypreciousdatsuncar #somuchdifficulties #hitchhikerticket

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This is the place where Wayne Westerberg had encountered Chris (Alex) McCandless.

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Summary: At the beginning of the chapter, it discusses Alex McCandless's journey heading west where he had encountered some people along the way, which was Wayne Westerberg. In Wayne Westerberg's point of view, Alex's appearance seemed unfamiliar because it's like he had never seen someone with a strange (pg. 17) facial appearance, along with the elasticity of a face that seems stretchy. Through what Wayne discusses about Chris's character (Alex), he is not a typical person who normally just does the work to achieve normal standards. Alex was more of giving his all and is able to work diligently and perversely in physical labor he didn't seem to mind at all. This can depict his overall character because of the ethical (pg. 18) principles he had for himself. However, his intelligence became an issue for him with extreme deep philosophical thinking (pg. 18) he had about reality. In terms of his relationship with his family, his parents had always had high expectations for him, as to spend their allowance on buying certain things that would help his future, even though he doesn't accept those offers. Before leaving without further notice on the day of his graduation, he wrote a brief note (pg. 21) about his final transcript, as well as one last memorable moment he wrote to his family. For the first time in Alex's life, he got to taste the sense of feeling unencumbered (pg. 22) and created new experiences for his lifelong journey without anyone putting him in an unsettled position.

Analysis: This chapter was able to go more in-depth about Chris's (Alex) character more than from the first couple of chapters I read so far. I also liked the fact that Alex admired Wayne more for performing illegal activities since he has always not been fond of the rules the government makes. Although Alex may not have a positive relationship with his parents, his parents still helped him in any way they can to provide his the best possible future, which I find relatively sad to hear. Even worse, he left without further notice and had not contacted their family leaving them. I was hoping I could have expected Alex to tell his family he may need to leave for a while involving something on his mind instead of just wondering off in disappearance.

#befriendedWayne #leftfamilybehind #intelligence

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This is where Chris Candless's body was found, in his own broken down bus.

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Summary: About very few or no people at all knew about the incident of Chris McCandless, and his severely broken down bus (pg. 10) until the information about it was publicly released by three contumacious Alaskans: Thompson, Samuel, and Swanson. All three of these men were following down a trail of a river (pg. 11) to a fair bank where they stumbled upon a series of chest-deep beaver ponds. They were able to access the trail again through the explosives they used to blow up the dam areas. Following up to the end of the trail, this is where everything leads up to discover the dead (pg. 13) remains of Chris McCandless. His body was taken to Anchorage at the Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory. Although they were able to determine his cause of death being starvation (pg. 14), there was no identification (pg. 14) detected through the body of Chris McCandless, in which they didn't know his full background of mainly who he was.

Analysis: In this chapter, I find it to be awfully dark and disappointed because some discoveries may not produce a positive vibe. Finding the remains of someone who lost their life to something they choose or didn't want to end in this way does seem tragic. Addressing my disappointment, the people performing an autopsy on Chris McCandless's remains didn't seem to look in deeply on who he actually was. Instead of announcing that they can't find his full background, they still should dedicate their time to research whatever they can to know more about Chris McCandless. I hope that every bit of information comes together all at once so they fully understand why did Chris live his life in unsuitable conditions.

#brokendownbus #remainsofChrisMcCandless #nohelptosavehim

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Chris starts off his first day of being off in the wild.

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Summary: "Into the Wild" first introduces Alex starting off his first day of his adventures living off in the wild. He gets a ride from Jim Gallien but only wants to drop him off at Denali Park. Alex points at his map (pg. 5) where he intends to go, which is Mt. Mckinley. He is also is excited (pg. 6) to go out into the wilderness by himself, as well as being determined (pg. 6) to live by himself without connection to the outside world. However, Alex did not have an abundance of food (pg. 5) because all he had with him was a ten-pound bag of rice that was sure enough to fulfill him. In addition, berries were another source of food he mentioned to Gallien that would also help him be able to survive on his own. Alex also wasn't equipped with gear (pg. 5) that would be necessary to survive in the wilderness.

Analysis: In this chapter, I was really concerned about his own safety. It feels as if he's underestimating the forest. His decision to go out in the wilderness with no gear seems really rash. I hope nothing horrible happens to Alex when he's out in the forest. Although it wasn't a good decision to make, I admire his determination to go live by himself instead of dealing with everyday life. He'll live by his own terms and his own problems to deal with.

#Alone #Wilderness #NoWorries

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Spending quality time at the Huntington Beach Pier.

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In this picture, I am spending quality time with my family at the Huntington Beach Pier. Even though I have not gone anywhere out in the wild that involves hiking, climbing to the top of the mountain, or explore many different forest areas, it still gave me the experience of enjoying life to the fullest. It allowed me to disconnect with our normal environment to be able to focus on what's around me. The benefits it can bring are tranquility into my life because I needed to get away from the stress and difficulties I'm facing. It can also improve my mental health by getting exposure to the sun's rays because feeling the warmth of the sun makes me feel warm inside and make me feel appreciated of my life.