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The Good:
In Into the Wild, Christopher is shown to be an individual with good intentions and characteristics. For instance, before Christopher began his new life as Alex, he donated $25,000 dollars to a charity that fights the hunger crisis. This displays Christopher as a selfless and giving character. Additionally, while in high school, Christopher would help the homeless by buying them meals or offering advice on ways to improve their lives. Christopher would spread kindness to people he did not know which I found very admirable of him. He performed deeds that assisted those who were underprivileged.

The Bad:
Christopher McCandless is revealed that is a person with negative characteristics. He is the type of person who seeks to run away from his problems and the deep connection with others. For example, Ron Franz wanted to adopt Christopher, however, he decided to abandon this situation because their relationship was becoming more serious.  Additionally, he did the same thing to his sister since he decided to start a new life. This is heartbreaking because Carine was in the same predicament as him at their home but he left her there. This is a horrible thing to do because it must have hurt both Ron Franz and Carine since they had a really close bond with him.

Jon Krakauer's book, Into the Wild, does a fine job of portraying all the sides of Christopher. For instance, Krakauer presents Christopher as a flawed individual but also as an amazing character. While I was reading the book, it was particularly challenging for me to distinguish whether I liked Christopher. Christopher made a series of bad decisions, but he also made some good ones. It proves that Christopher, like the rest of us, is an imperfect individual but he demonstrated that he had mostly good intentions. Thus, I like and admire Christopher because he liked to improve the world and was committed to his passions.

#ActsOfKindness #Intentions #Unperfect

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When my parents came to the United States from Mexico, they had my brother and me. Furthermore, I was raised in the United States, and I have never been outside of California.  My parents taught me Spanish and tried their best to teach me about my culture. However, there is only so much they could teach me about their home country. Due to my household financial situation, I have never gotten the opportunity to travel. Through my Espanol classes and Latin@ Literature class in Westminster High School, I was able to learn a bit more about my Latina roots. However, I feel like have not fully connected with my roots or culture because I have never been to Mexico. I want to learn more about my culture and roots because I think it can teach me more about myself and my family.

In the future, I would love to go to Mexico City because that is where my parents are from. Additionally, I would like to experience what it is like to travel to another country. However, before I am able to do this I need to gather money for this trip and learn more about the places in Mexico City. I think getting the money for this trip will be the hardest obstacle. So my plan is to get a job while I am in college and slowly save up money for this trip. Furthermore, my plan for when I arrive in Mexico is to visit my family, museums, markets, parks, etc. I hope I am able to reach this goal and learn from this whole experience.

#Traveling #Culture&Roots #NewExperiences

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Summary:
In the afterword, the mystery of what provoked Christopher's death was clarified. We are certain that Christopher died of starvation (¶ 1). However, many people such as Krakauer were confused as to what was the cause of his starvation. Krakauer would use Christopher's diary (¶ 3) to refer back to the Alaskan wilderness adventure in order to solve this mystery. Krakauer would assume that potato seeds were what killed Christopher because the journal would mention potato seeds. Krakauer hypothesized that Eskimo potato seeds were bad. This led to multiple debates with others. Krakauer decided to send seeds samples to the lab (¶ 7) in order to further analyze them. Krakauer believed to have found the answer that beta-ODAP compound was the cause of the starvation. Later, he would return the seeds to the lab and found out that revealed that the L-canavanine (¶ 9) compound was the actual cause. In the period of the year when Christopher ate those seeds, the toxin stored in the seed would mess up Christopher's metabolism (¶ 10) and lead him to starve.

Analysis:
It is amazing how science can help us solve mysteries. It is also very cool how Krakauer dedicates so much time and resources to this project. I find it unfortunate that Christopher was very unlucky with these seeds because the outcome of his adventure may have played differently.

#Science #FoodDangers #SeedMystery

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Summary:
In this epilogue, Billie and Walter decided to visit Christopher's place of death, the bus. They had to use a helicopter (p. 201) to travel through the Stampede Trail. Walter disliked the Alaskan wilderness but he noticed the beauty (p.202) of it. Billie had no tear but a smile (p.202) while exploring the bus. They decided to leave a suitcase stocked up with supplies for the next visitors of the bus. They also added a memorial plaque (p. 202) on the bus for Christopher. Visiting the bus would help Billie and Walter reflect on things.  For instance, they admired Christopher for doing what he wanted to do. This whole situation has been very hard for both Walter and Billie. While flying away from the location, the bus was getting smaller and less visible (p.203).

Analysis:
It is unfortunate that Billie and Walter have to experience mourning their son. I hope they are able to learn from their mistakes because I think they played a role in why Christopher decided to leave. However, I hope they are able to heal from this experience. And, I found it beautiful that they decided to take the step towards healing by visiting the Alaskan wilderness.

#Reflection #SpecialVisit #RemebranceOfChristopher

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Summary:
In this chapter, we learned about how Christopher happened to die. He spent his time waiting by reading and writing notes (p.188). His writing from his journal would help understand that his physical changed. There is evidence that Christopher happened to be poisoned (p.190). The theory (p.190) was that he was poisoned by seeds but they weren't sure of what kind of seed. Many people thought Christopher carelessly (p.194) decided to eat a poisonous seed, however, they were wrong because Christopher was misguided by a book. His body happened to be poisoned by sweet pea which released a toxin (p. 194) that would lead to his death. This condition would make him very weak and suffer from starvation.  Christopher would be unable to receive help. In his journal, he would write his last words and he would slip into unconsciousness (p. 199) in his sleeping bag.

Analysis:
This chapter was very sad because he learned that Christopher came to an unfortunate ending for his adventure. Furthermore, this adventure taught me that Christopher made some dumb and smart decisions. However, it is kinda nice that Christopher was able to do what he enjoyed doing before he died.

#Starvation #Poisoned #Death

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Summary:
In chapter 17, Jon Krakauer and his companions (p. 173) were retracing Christopher's adventure in the Alaskan wilderness. However, Jon's adventure was different because he had people with him and a map (p. 173). They were able to find the routes which Christopher took but also the ones that could have saved Christopher's life. Jon was puzzled by Christopher went with his adventure. For instance, Jon and his friends were able to find a car (p. 175) that could assist them across the river. They were able to find the bus with graffiti and also Christopher's possessions. One of the mysteries which they were able to solve was that Christopher did hunt a moose. Many critics believed he hunted a caribou and believed that Christopher was incompetent (p. 185) since they thought he wasn't able to recognize an animal. This chapter demonstrated that mistakes were made in Christopher's adventure and misfortune reoccurring. The adventurers would find a place near the bus to place their sleeping bags so they could sleep (p. 186).
Analysis:
This chapter helped me learn more about the Alaskan wilderness. Furthermore, I think that if Christopher had brought a map, it would have greatly helped him and maybe even save his life. This explained how Christopher wanted to be incognito during his time in the wilderness which would cost him his life.

#Mistakes #DifficultRoutes #MooseOrCaribou?

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Summary:
In chapter 16, we learn about what occurred in Christopher's adventure in the Alaskan wilderness. We also discover what went wrong in this adventure. The adventure began with Christopher hitchhiking and getting rides from strangers. Christopher began this adventure to prove (p. 159) that he could do this on his own. When he got a lift and was dropped off by a kind stranger, Christopher began his adventure in the snow and was now alone (p. 162). Christopher was able to find shelter (p. 163) in an old bus. He had many difficulties but set tasks (p. 165) for himself to complete. One of the tasks included hunting and finding food. The biggest catch was a moose which he tried to preserve (p. 166) for food. Christopher later regretted shooting and preserving the moose. After spending many days in the Alaskan wilderness, he attempted to return (p. 168) back to society. However, he ran into problems such as a river being too risky to cross. So he had to return back to the bus.
Analysis:
This chapter tells us about the obstacles which Christopher comes across with. Furthermore, we learn that he is very persistent and determined. However, we also learn he made mistakes that would cost him his life. For instance, he made mistakes with the moose and did not bring a helpful tool such as a map.

#SurvivalMistakes #Alone #WhatHappened?

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Summary:
In chapter 15, we learn about Jon Krakauer and compare him with Christopher McCandless. Jon Krakauer was trying to climb the Devils Thumb and he didn't want to be a failure. While waiting for the moment to continue climbing, he decided to smoke marijuana (p. 146), however, he damaged his tent which caused it to become colder. This tent was given to him by his father. Jon's father was the type of person who had many expectations (p.147) for his children. Jon and his father had a complicated relationship and Jon felt oppressed by his father. His father expected perfection, however, Jon against his father's wishes. We discover that there were secrets being kept by his father which angered Jon. However, years passed, Jon rage (p. 148) was gone but new problems developed. His father was sick, developed an addiction to drugs, and attempted to take his life so Jon was unable to fix their relationship. Jon mentions that his ambition came from his father. Furthermore, after many mistakes in attempting to climb the Devils Thumb, he kept pushing (p. 152) himself. Finally, Jon was successfully able to reach the top (p. 153) of the Devils Thumb. This chapter demonstrated that Jon and Christopher are similar in their relationship with their father and their passion for nature. However, they are different because one survived but the other didn't. Jon concluded that he believes that Christopher did not purposely plan to end his life.
Analysis:
This chapter taught me about how in life there are many obstacles. For instance, Jon had many issues while climbing the Devils Thumb but also in his relationships. We also discover that many people like Jon and Christopher do dangerous acts but don't expect to die. People have different outcomes and types of endeavors to be victorious. I found it sad that people go through unfortunate circumstances and there isn't always a happy ending.

#Father&Son #SurvivingTheDevilsThumb #Suicide

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Summary:
In chapter 14, we are presented with the perspective (p. 134) of the author, Jon Krakauer, and this experience with Alaska's wilderness. Jon Krakauer's adventure would as well have the possibility of a fatal (p. 134) accident. Many people have questioned whether Christopher had the intention to commit suicide, however, Jon Krakauer is trying to prove that he didn't. Jon and Christopher shared in common their obsession (p. 134) with the wilderness. Additionally, they also share in common that they decided on leaving their past lives. During Jon Krakauer's adventure, he would camp (p. 140) and wait for time to pass in order to start the climb. During his climb, many thoughts ran through his mind. After continuously climbing, he began feeling unwell. So he had to climb down (p. 143). Furthermore, he wasn't able to reach the top of the Devils Thumb that day.
Analysis:
This chapter explained that there are other people just like Christopher. Furthermore, the author of this book and Christopher McCandless share their fascination with the wilderness and also the fact they leave their family and past life.

#Author'sPerspective #NewAdventure #Failure

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Summary:
In chapter 13, it explains how the family reacted to the death of Christopher. Carine described her brother to be known to have an annoyed expression (p.128). Christopher and the family dog named Buckley were attached (p. 128) to the point where he wanted to bring with him during his trips. However, Buckley recently had an accident so he wasn't able to bring him. Christopher and Carine had similarities however, they were also different. For instance, Carine was able to have peace (p.129) with her parents and think wealth was bad. However, besides their differences, Carine and Christopher were quite close. So when Carine found out about her brother's death she had a terrible reaction. Carine and Sam went to accept Christopher's remains and confirm (p.131) his identity by using dental records. The loss of Christopher affected the family a lot to the point where their appetite (p.131) changed.
Analysis:
This chapter demonstrated the impact of Christopher's death on his family. It showed that his family really cared for him. We also learned about the great bond Carine and Buckley had with Christopher. We are also presented with the idea if Christopher brought Buckley with him during his trip, things could have gone differently.

#FamilyDog #BadNews #SiblingBond

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Summary:
In chapter 12, we learn information about why Christopher might have left his home (p.125). The chapter begins when Christopher gave his father a birthday present (p. 117) and Walt got emotional. After, Christopher would leave but had an agreement to keep up with his family. When he came back, he looked quite different physically. Christopher was described to be overconfident, generous, and had a darker (p.120) side to him. Though Christopher might of hated money, he was good at organizing it. The lies (p.121) of Christopher's father cheating between two households (p.121) were revealed and created tension in their relationship. With his family, Christopher had a high moral code, however, he didn't apply it to every aspect of his life. There was intense anger but Christopher keep it to himself. After graduation, Christopher would leave home and close all contact with his family. His family would grow very worried to the point where Christopher's mother had a nightmare of Christopher begging (p. 126) for help.
Analysis:
This chapter reveals the main reason why Christopher decided to leave and stop his relationship with his family. We learn more about the kind of people Christopher and his family are. Chapter 12 explains how Christopher had a darker side to him and was the type of person who would hide his true feelings. I think the way he grew up and what he experienced definitely had a big impact on the person he became.

#Lies #MoralCode #LeavingHome

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Summary:
In chapter 11, we learn about Christopher and his family. Christopher's father, Samuel Walter McCandless, is known to have a temper (p. 105) and grew frustrated (p. 104) with Christopher multiple times. Mr. McCandless was in his second marriage (p. 106) when he had Christopher. Mr. and Mrs. McCandless were known to be workaholics. Christopher was described to be a high achiever and a fearless (p. 109) individual. Additionally, Christopher was also known to be naturally talented in many aspects. Between Christopher and his sister, there was rivalry however they were very close. Christopher was also known to be spiritual and spoke about life's inequities (p. 113). Christopher would believe wealth was evil and didn't want to attend college. His parents' and Christopher's beliefs would contradict. Christopher would be given opportunities for school however he just wanted to spend his time on an adventure.
Analysis:
This chapter taught me more about who Christopher McCandless is. This explained that Christopher is a flawed individual however he is a good person. His parents and family had a big impact on the person who Christopher became to be.

#FamilyChallenges #Money #NaturalTalent

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Summary:
In chapter 10, the mystery of Christopher's identity (p. 100) is solved. After Christopher's body was found, the Alaska State Troopers noticed a Santa Barbara towing company logo (p. 99) on his sweatshirt. So they decided to contact the towing company but led nowhere. The news of an unidentified hiker was published in the Times. Calls were flooding in about information about the unidentified body. While many people claimed to know Christopher, an individual who met Christopher named Gallien called and provided useful information which shifted the investigation. The news of Christopher's investigation was reported on the VHF radio (p.100). Westerburg heard this and was able to assist the Alaska State Troopers by providing very useful information like his social security number. The detectives used phone directories (p. 101) in order to locate the family of McCandless. They were able to locate the half-brother of Christopher, Sam. Sam presented a photograph (p. 101) of Christopher in order to confirm his identity of him. Sam would go to visit the parents of Christopher in order to tell them about the passing of their son.

Analysis:
After reading chapter 10, I was able to learn about old police investigation techniques. The technology available now is more advanced compared to that of the past. So while in the investigation of Christopher's identity must have been quite difficult. Furthermore, it is quite sad how Christopher's family had to find out about his death.
#CaseSolved #Coincidences #Identity

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Summary:
In chapter 9, we learn about another fellow who had a fascination (p. 91) with nature like Christopher. Everett Ruess also tested (p. 90) and undeterred (p. 92) the wilderness. For instance, he traveled to Davis Gulch, however, he mysteriously (p. 89) died. Another factor that Christopher and Everett shared was that they adopted names, for example, Everett's name (p. 93) was Nemo. The death of Everett is a mystery because they aren't sure of how he died. Furthermore, this chapter explains the desire for the wilderness that both Christopher and Everett share. Additionally, both characters share the fact that they wrote letters. They also share that they decided to abandon their old life to travel. Lastly, they share that they both die while in the wilderness. Thus, we learn that there are other people like Christopher.
Analysis:
This chapter is different from the last one because it presents a person who is very similar to Christopher. We learn that Christopher isn't the only one to have that perspective and experience for nature. We get to understand that other people follow paths in life that aren't ordinary.

#Mystery #WildernessDangers #NewNames

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Summary:
In chapter 8, we learn about the people who had a similar tragic experience like Christopher in the Alaskan wilderness. After the story of Christopher's death reach the media, the story faced negative (p. 71) comments. As a result, others claim that there is a similar cliche (p. 71) of people who go through comparable tragedies. This proposed stereotype (p. 85) is followed by Rosellini, Waterman, McCunn, and McCandless. When compared to McCandless, these people share a fascination with nature and a lack of common sense. They differ in that Christopher was not a nutcase (p.85) and did not expect another person to save him. The text describes Christopher to be a pilgrim (p. 85) and different from the rest of the people mentioned.
Analysis:
After reading this chapter, this presented that Christopher is a normal person compared to Rosellini, Waterman, and McCunn. However, I found these stories to be quite sad because many of these people were dealing with their struggles and faced death in their journey in Alaska. I wonder if this continues to be an issue currently in the wilderness of Alaska.

#MoreTragedies #Stereotypes #Pilgrim

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Young Christopher With His Biological Family

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Summary:
In chapter 7, we gain a better understanding of Christopher's personality. Christoper was described as having difficulty (p.63) with common sense by the folks he encountered in Carthage. We learn that Christopher's relationship (p. 64) with his family was complicated because his parents were overbearing. As a result, Christopher becomes estranged from his family and begins his journey. Later, we delve deeper into his romantic relationships with others, revealing that he was celibate (p. 65) and a virgin. Furthermore, we conclude that he was not sexually intimate because of his avoidance of situations and dedication to nature (p.67). Before departing for his adventure in the wilderness, he sent cards to his friends explaining that this will be the last (p.69) time they hear from him.
Analysis:
I'm quite curious about Christopher's intentions for the Stampede Trail adventure after reading this chapter. I am also wondering how Christopher's passion in nature developed. The way he expressed things in his letters has confused my feelings about Christopher. However, I can understand why he behaved the way he did in the situations he found himself in.

#Celibacy #AvoidanceBehavior #FamilyEstrangement

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Summary:
In chapter 6, we learn about one of the particular friendships which Christopher made during his adventure. We learned about an old (p. 49) man named Ron Franz and that his family tragically died. Furthermore, Ron was concerned over Christopher and he sent a letter (p. 47) to a magazine writer who wrote about Christopher so he could find out more about his death (p. 48). Before Christoper's death, Ron and Christoper grew fond (p. 52)of each other and became great friends. They began having a father and son relationship and grew really close. However, this made Christopher depart once again. When Christopher left, he wrote to Ron, however, one particular letter stood out because Christoper suggested to Ron to do the same thing he did and start his adventure. Ron takes his advice but continued to await Christopher's return (p. 58). However, some hitchhikers who Ron met, informed him about Christopher's death.
Analysis:
This chapter was quite unfortunate. For instance, learning more about the people who Christopher had an impact on and they would never see him again was sad. It is also tragic that things could have been different if Christopher wasn't so quick to leave when his relationships were getting more serious.
#TragicNews #Family #Advice

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Summary:
In chapter 5, it takes a deeper look into Christopher's character. Until his trip to Alaska, some occurrences are unknown. During this period of his journey, he took a break (p. 40) from photography and writing. Christopher also took a break from his cover of being Alex because he started working at Mcdonald's. While working there his hygiene became a problem among his coworkers. This chapter presents the impression (p. 40) of Christopher from different perspectives. For instance, it explains the complexes (p. 42) of Christopher's character. Furthermore, many of the people who Christopher met wanted to see him again (p. 43). This chapter also indicated that Christopher left (p. 46) many of the places before he could reveal a deeper side of himself to others.
Analysis:
I appreciate the format in which the book reveals both negatives and positives of Christoper's personality. Furthermore, it shows that Christoper wasn't perfect and was just like everyone else. I found it quite sad that some of the people with who Christopher got close would never see him again.

#Homelessness #MeetingNewPeople #Flaws

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Summary:
In chapter 4, we continue to learn more about Christoper's journey. In the beginning, we discover that Christopher abandoned his car (p. 27) because it got flooded due to a thunderstorm. He resumes his adventure but continues to struggle to survive (p.36) by himself for a long time in different areas. However, apart from those times, he also met new people (p. 35) and encounters different types of situations. Furthermore, during these times, Christoper's parents hire a private investigator (p. 31) due to them growing heavily concerned. However, even through all of those challenging experiences, Christoper believes that he is living (p. 37) his life as he wants.
Analysis:
This chapter portrayed Christopher as a determined and strong person. I respect how he continued to preserver through all the issues he came across with. I don't think many people would have been able to do the things Christopher did. Though, I continue to wonder why continued his journey even after everything he went through.

#Perseverance #ObstaclesInTheWild #NewExperiences

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Summary:
In chapter 3, it reveals more about Christopher and his past. In a small town (p. 18) known as Carthage located in South Dakota, Christopher and Wayne Westerberg became great friends. For instance, Wayne helped Christopher get employed and Wayne stated that Christopher was a hard worker (p. 18) and smart.  Subsequently, we learn that Christopher had issues with his biological family (p. 18) in the past. This chapter also explains that before Christopher left to begin his journey, he donated $25,000 dollars to a charity that fights the hunger (p. 20) crisis. Thus, he adopted the name Alex to begin his new (p.23) life.
Analysis:
Christopher demonstrated that not everyone wants to live an ordinary life. Some people like Christopher desire to experience new things and challenge themselves. Christopher and his family's relationship shows that families are unperfect and some don't get along with each other. However, Christopher and Wayne's relationship presented that you can find friendships from the most unexpected locations and times. I really admire how Christopher contributed to a charity with a vital problem.

#Family #Backstory #Friendship

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Summary:
In the second chapter, it explained the tragic aftermath of Christopher's adventure. When some Alaskans followed a path on the Stampede Trail which lead them to this old bus (p. 11). On the bus, they read a handwritten letter by Christopher asking for help (p. 12). However, they noticed that they were too late because they found Christopher's decomposed (p. 13) body. Once the police got Christopher's body, they began an examination (p. 13)and they found that Christopher most likely died of starvation. However, Christopher didn't carry any kind of identification (p.14) so they didn't know who he was.
Analysis:
After reading the second chapter, I wonder more about what kind of person Christopher was because he is an individual who went through so much. This made me think about the people who went through the same thing as Christopher but weren't ever found. This chapter is quite sad and depressing because Christopher didn't survive through his adventure in the wilderness.

#WhoisChristopher #Tragedy #BodyFound

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Summary:
The non-fiction book written by Jon Krakauer called Into the Wild begins by introducing us to a determined (p. 6) young man called Alex also known as Christopher Johnson McCandless. Christopher decided to hitchhike to begin his adventure in the wilderness of Alaska. While Christopher was on the road hitchhiking, he was noticed and given a lift by a man called Jim Gallien. Jim was concerned (p. 5) for Christopher because he did not look prepared for this adventure. For instance, Jim noticed Christopher's backpack (p. 4), rifle (p. 3), and map (p. 5), yet, he also noticed he wasn't carrying enough supplies in order to survive in the wilderness. After Jim aided Christopher, Jim chose to leave him because thought Christopher would be alright.
Analysis:
After reading the first chapter, I found Christopher's character to be admirable because he decided to experience something new. However, I also noticed that he is naive for going into this adventure unprepared. I wonder whether he has a plan going into this new venture.

#HitchhikingtoAlaska #ANewLife #Determined

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I have minimal experience with "the wild". For instance, in my household, we didn't have the ability to travel far to explore nature. However, throughout my life, I would experience "the wild" by going to parks near us. One of the parks which we would visit quite a lot is Huntington Central Park.
When we went to parks such as Huntington Central Park, we would walk. During these walks, we would watch and enjoy the nature surrounding us which included trees, lakes, ducks, birds, and squirrels. In Huntington Central Park, I also remember walking through a special section of the park where it features a lot of plants and insects. In this park, I got to bond with my family because we got to spend a lot of quality time together during these walks.
We still continue to visit parks together such as Huntington Central Park. I like experiencing nature because when I get to exercise and am distracted it helps me mentally and physically. In the future, I would like to travel and explore "the wild" more. I hope to be able to view places that are more heavily filled with nature.