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Reflecting on my emotions in the novel, there were times when I didn't enjoy how he handled situations and moments where I felt connected or inspired. Feelings toward Chris in the book often shifts, and it seems intentionally structured in the way Jon Krakauer set it up to be.

In the beginning, Chris seems to be an adventurous individual and was quite social considering how many people were documented to have a connection with Chris. Many of the stories about Chris were quite impressive, such as his feat of going across the desert during one particular summer. I wouldn't believe I could survive the mere thought of hunting for game either. I did admire how he respected the ideas of living in nature, and I admired moments when he was able to reflect his particular focus in life. Chris's ability to brute force in sports especially was particularly inspiring, because it showed his willpower and focus in the sport.

Chris although is not perfect, he does have his weakness and faults. Especially when it came to his father, although his parents weren't likable, he could have been more open about the advice they gave. An example is during Chris's sporting practice with his father, he would often brute force his way without much consideration of others' advice. It was a particular weakness with Chris as he often liked to do things his way or not to be told what to do. There are times when I also dislike how Chris handles his situation about hearing of his father's divorce. Rather than try to directly face the problem or even talk to his father about it, he runs away. Running away from your problems doesn't fix the issue, it only keeps it away for the moment being. When it comes back to haunt you, what will you do? Runaway again? There is a point where you have to fix it rather than run away.

Overall, Chris is very inspiring, even from his faults. He provided some insight with his reflection in his journal that was interesting to me. The moments of greatest that Chris had in sports and in his trip to Alaska were also quite inspiring because of his ability to persevere or his dedicated focus and manage under the conditions.

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The first experience I had in playing video games, was when I played Halo 2 with my cousin on the Xbox. I believe I was either 5 or 6 around that time. Although, it was only until 5th grade was when I felt very competitive about online multiplayer games. Especially in halo 5. Halo 5 was the first competitive viewing experience under professional matches. Truly seeing how some of the teams compete in the tournaments does inspire me to perform similarly, as joining a team would also be a goal. Especially with the rivalries built between teams, ignited excitement for me to want to participate. Before 5th grade, it was all about Minecraft, I was actually pretty well rounded when I got the hang of things in Minecraft as well. I may have also drawn inspiration when I was younger since I became inspired by the great youtube known as BajanCanadian.

In the future, I plan to be able to possibly compete in a video game that I am truly motivated and passionate to be proud of working in. When I do daydream, I do imagine myself being able to persevere through the challenges I faced. I myself have been giving myself a break from video games for the time being in order to restructure and reset from the opponents of pressure/anxiety. For now, though, I have been trying to improve other aspects, such as health and my process of thinking with more purpose. Breaks often help me explore my old routines in a new light, and these little experiments and ideas allow me time to understand what works for myself and my body/mind. Recently, I've been trying to work on more so technique and other principles/mechanics. For example in the orchestra, I have been trying to play louder by either applying more or enough pressure on the string and playing a more consistent drawing(pulling the bow down or up) pace. Another example is playing my music sheets at a pace that works for me until I become more comfortable and play stronger/faster.

#NothingToLose #BeingTheBestVerisonOfMyself #ImproveAdaptOvercome

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The scientific community(5) had arguments on what toxin had taken Chris's life. Therefore even after Jon Krakauer researched the toxin, he had to continue to search and collaborate with the scientific community to confirm his claim. Jon Krakauer sent the seeds to the Michigan lab, and after 9 months and 20,000$ later found that there had been another toxin(9) lingering called L-canavanine. L-canavanine is found in legumes and tricks the body's cells to believe it is safe. It affects the metabolism(10) of the body, into a state where it is unable to function normally. This then gave an answer to Jon's possible theory of why the natives(11) did not eat the seeds(11). Near the end of the article, Jon Krakauer explains there isn't much record behind the seeds themselves, nor do they know how many seeds Chris ate. So there aren't many findings on what the seeds do to the body. Jon Krakauer however links the two ideas between the seeds and their shared relationship with the alfalfa and jack bean legumes. He researched that the presence of the L-canavanine in those legumes had also paralyzed many people in the 20th century. In the end, they reveal that the main purpose was to show nature contains many plants that are edible on one part but may not be on another part. With this in mind, he appreciates/praises Chris for his notable feat in the wilderness.

Analysis: It is interesting how the debate about Chris's death still lingered even after many years of his death. I wonder if the metabolism is affected, in that it can't produce energy such as ATP or lack certain materials. They also mention connect the Jack Bean with the seeds, and discuss that it paralyzes the body. Because if a body is paralyzed, it is due to toxic inhibitory effects on the nerves since they tell what muscles to move. One way I can imagine it, even though I don't know much is the lack of electrons/signals are being disrupted. Either through the spine or nerves themselves. Considering that Chris had some ability to gather berries, the poison may have affected certain parts.

#ScienceIsCool #NatureIsScary #ParanoidOfFoodNow

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Billie decides to visit the bus(201) after 10 months of Chris's death. Billie invites Jon Krakauer and Walt to travel to the bus. They transport to the bus with a helicopter due to obstacle of the Teklanika river(201) being too high. When they arrive, Billie noted how small the bus was, and acknowledged the beauty of the area. Walt himself had held a grudge of some sort with Alaska. Walt Admittedly had also acknowledged how beautiful it was. The first to visit the interior the bus was Billie. There were many items and references of memories. Notably were the silverware from their old home, Chris's handwriting, and jean(202) he left at the bus. Billie leaves behind items in the bus to help others who have also arrived at the bus. A suitcase filled with first aid, a bible(202), and some other supplies. Walt leaves a memorial(202) for Chris inside the bus. Visiting the bus for Billie relieved her because for most of the time of Chris's disappearance, she was unsure where Chris was. For Walt, it had given him a better understanding of why Chris decided to enter Alaska, which helped in his mood.

Analysis: The Epilogue was a nice closing to the story because it helped to finish or more so reveal certain ideas that Billie and Walt may have wanted answers to or gave them a new perspective. Such as when they arrived, Billie felt relieved in that she finally sees where Chris had been after his unfortunate end.

#FamilyneverdietheyreonlyMIA #NaturesBeauty #Closure

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The journal remains me of a game called "Don't Starve" because it tracks how many days you've survived. I also die often to hunger in the game.Weird coincidence

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According to the journal Chris stayed at the bus, Jon assumed that Chris stayed until the season changed which would allow for Chris to travel over the river. Through the time of July Chris noted many of the game he killed until he felt ill. As it was noted he became weak due to seed() pots. Due to the illness, it led to his demise. The last chapter especially discusses the theory of how Chris could have starved to death. There are three theories that Jon Krakauer discusses. The first theory goes on that Chris may have felt ill due to eating pumpkin seeds from Dakota. These seeds were noted in the chapter that they contained poison. Although it would be dismissed because the amount of poison that would be needed to be fatal would be that Chris ate many pounds of Seeds. Chris had carried a few grams because of how light his pack was. The second theory is that the potato seeds Chris ate were reported to have enough poison. Jon notes that it wasn't necessarily the potato seeds themselves, it was another plant known as the H. mackenzii. That looked very similar to the potato plant. It was noted in some photos that Chris had a Ziploc bag of seeds. Although, Jon eventually dismisses this theory too, because Chris had been eating the potatoes for so long, that he questioned why at one particular moment would he mistake the Peas seeds and potato roots all of a sudden? This leads to theory three, where the potato seeds contain toxins within a certain season. The toxins present in the seeds are Alkaloids known as swainsome. But the seeds themselves didn't produce toxin(), it was rather a mold that was contaminating the seed. It is possible to recover from the poison, if there is enough poison to bind to glucose or amino acids. Allowing the body to contain and securely rid of the poisons. There isn't much of a chance for someone who is lean to recover since they lack the protein. In the Chris of case, he had lost 30 pounds already from his trip to Alaska, so he was particularly lean. Due to the illness as well it was difficult for him to travel out to hunt. Jon then notes if there were other possible ways for Chris to call for help. One idea that was possible was to set a forest fire, but Jon accuses the idea as being not possible because of Chris's nature towards animals. Nor did any planes flying by would notice Chris even if he did set a fire. Many Planes flew either too high to didn't have a path to where they could find Chris. Without much faith in survival, Chris ultimately assumed he would perish. Therefore in his Journal he wrote, "I have had a happy life and thank the lord. Goodbye and may dog bless all!". Jon notes an interesting fact, that when Chris takes his last photo he is smiling. Jon assumed Chris had accepted a form of inner peace within himself.

Analysis: Chris had a lot of ups and downs. It did make me feel a bit particularly sad for him when he wrote the last messages in his journal. But then it was a somewhat sweet ending when Jon included the last part of Chris being serene as a monk.

#NothingToLoseMindset #InnerPeace #Grateful

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Chapter 17 takes the perspective of Jon Krakauer in order to introduce his thinking behind retracing Chris's actions to his death. It also shows much of Chris's history in Alaska and confirms the information in his journal. The first site Jon visits is the river(173) where Chris could not pass by. While looking at a map, Jon finds that Chris had another possible opportunity to cross over the river if he knew where to go with a map. Half a mile downstream, there was a gauging station, that allowed people to cross over the river with a cart/basket(173). At the time, the cart was also on his side of the river, so it was very much possible for Chris to cross the river if he had a map. Supposedly though, Chris did, however, have a map(174), but decided in his own belief thought having a map would make his adventure disingenuous. Jon reflects on why Chris stayed and died at the bus rather than somewhere else. This leads Jon to travel to the bus to find more clues. Eventually, as they traveled through the trail they reach the bus. The bus surroundings were littered with animals bones and spikes of porcupines. Jon on the trip was actually with some other people, while they traveled and observed the bus surroundings they found the moose skull. The others mentioned it was a Caribou, and therefore it was reported that when Jon came back from the trip that Chris killed a Caribou. However, after some investigations, it was confirmed that Chris indeed in fact take down a moose. This was important because many people who heard of the report applied this idea with Chris being incompetent and arrogant. Still however, Jon quotes that Chris was unprepared, as he did not have the proper rifle, have an axe, campus, or a map. Jon does talk later about the idea of how Chris's story is different from others who have lost their lives in Alaska, as he was quite gifted and intelligent. Therefore he tries to find an answer to why Chris would try to challenge the wilderness even, he explained that Chris's possible logical to the journey of Alaska was that, knowing the outcome of a challenge, already refutes the situation as a challenge in the first place. The next argument that Jon explains for Chris is desire to be in nature. In Chris's journal it mentions mainly of food as he lived in the wilderness. Much of the ideas from Throeau, an author Chris respects and reads much of explains that staying in nature explores much of their own philosophy as well as keeping the individual aware of their own phenomenons with the outside world. Some people say, that Chris took the challenge in Alaska because of psychological disorders such as the short man's complex. Lastly Jon talks about the challenge itself, living completely off the land without much else is completely crazy and impressive. He doubt that the Alaskan who critizies Chris never thought of trying to place themselves in situtation that risky. Roman, one of the travelers with Jon explains how, he himself may have had the same idea as Chris in his younger life as well when he first lived in Alaska. Jon then chain this thought with how much of everyone else who criticise may have had a similar idea when entering Alaska. That it would provide them a new life and adventure.

Analysis:(Contining off from "the situation as a challenge in the first place.") To me, that makes sense as a challenge is a measure of skill rather than a focus on an outcome. A challenge generally presents some form of uncertainty but also energy to devote to due to the new level of thinking, executing, and or planning. Sometimes it is about trial and error to overcome the challenge. (Continuing from "the individual aware of their own phenomenons with the outside world. ")Much of Chris's time in the wilderness was quoted that he spent hunting. Chris being in the wilderness has already created a contract between him and nature. In that, he must have to appreciate what the land offers in order to survive. As he grows an understanding between him and nature, he ponders about the overall purpose is at the end of it because of how much energy and focus he has to put into hunting animals. I believe this is where he leads himself to the idea of how knowing what is important to you, shapes a person's focus. Because much of life doesn't tell you what to do, it is in fact rather, that the purpose is found through the individual themselves. Just like the course of nature, it technically doesn't essential tell you to hunt, but you make that contract with nature to do so in order to survive because your focus is on surviving. When you solemnly do look at nature, however, it is in fact an endless cycle by the food chain. You can appreciate how much of nature doesn't seem to need much or need to change much in order to live or persist. Such as trees, some trees grow in many different shapes and forms, yet they don't seem to be bothered by their indifference or lack of qualities(also because they are unaware but that is beside the point). Nature goes on, gets reborn, accepts, and adapts. A person can appreciate just how resilient and balanced nature can be. Idk

#balanced #AppreciateLife #InSomeoneElsesShoesm

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The final chapters finalize on how Chris had died in Alaska. The chapter starts before chapter 1 and continues off from it, in the same chapter. Chris tries to find a car to hitchhike(). But does not find one until a few days later when he meets a person named Stuckey. Chris convinces Stuckley and rides with Chris for 1000 miles for 3 days. Chris is dropped off at a University to find more about what plants he could scavage while he was in the wild. He enters a store and buys supplies, such as weapons and bullets to hunt for game. After camping outside 4 miles west of the town he had woken up to find another hitchhike to help him travel to the border of Alaska. His name was Jim Gallien.On his trail to Alaska, Chris had 10 pounds of rice, sandwiches, corn chips, and his library of books in his backpack. He traveled along the stampede trail which led to a frozen river(), at the time it was spring. As he travel, he eventually crossed a bus, and decided to camp there was his home in the wilderness. When Chris hunted for game, it was quite difficult at first. In his journal he would write days as 4th day famine(168). Though, the season changed and it was summer. Chris also in that time had improved at hunting game. Hunting game() was much more essential than Chris had anticipated and had to spend much of his time hunting during the day to survive. Chris decided to make a list to check off what he needed to do, short term and long term. Through most of May, Chris reported himself catching many animals, such as porcupines, squirrels, goose, and birds. His largest was a moose, he was particularly excited and overwhelmed when he took over the giant animal. Although, he wasn't particularly amped about killing animals, so he decided he needed to plan a way to preserve all the meat out of the respect of the animal. Chris tried butchering the parts, but it was quite difficult. He then tried smoking the meat, but that backfired as maggots started to take over. He felt disappointed and scrutinized himself for wasting the meat. After Chris decided to read a book called the "Higher Laws" Thoreau goes over the morality of killing animals. Chris reflected on it, and reported in his book, that in order to satisfy his dream of living in the wilderness, the consequence was to provide the essential of killing animals for food due to instinct. Although, he looked up to those who have abstained from the issues of killing animals. But he himself did bother to. Chris also explains how finding food that does not hurt his moral values and idea was quite difficult. He acknowledges that both his body and values must agree once, he is hungry. I think the ending, of his paragraph, more so talks about gluttony and desiring more or something better. He reflects even more about situation he is in, and tries to understand why such an idea or circumstance could allow focus. He documents that if the situation or idea had value that relates to them personally, then it will shape their focus and view on the world. After a long time of reflecting, Chris is able to forgive himself of wasting the moose. The next part discuss how Chris is leaving the Bus. However the intention for it is unknown. After reading another book, Chris decides to trail back to the stampede trail. Though, he discovered that the ice had melted in the river and thus created a large obstacle in his way. After being taken away from the river and down back to shore after walking up hill, Chris decides to go back to the bus.

Analysis: In this chapter, I really enjoyed trying to understand what Chris was trying to say and also what Chris reflected on. I think Jon Krakauer inclusion of this piece was probably one of my more favorite elements in the book.

#Reflect #LearningFromMistakes #FindingPurpose

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Continuing from the last chapter, Jon decides to descend down the mountain, however, a snowstorm(146) appears. This gave time for Jon to decide what he would do next after the weather cleared. He was torn between descending down the mountain or continuing to climb to the top. After a while, he couldn't stand thinking between the two and decided to try to clear his mind with a cigar(146) and blunt. That backfires as it burns the inside layer of the tent(147) due to the cigar lighting up the garbage he disposed of it in. He was particularly troubled by it burning because it was a tent he had borrowed from his father. This segues the story into his revelation with his father. Jon Krakauer father was quite ambitious individual who took the view of the world in a competitive(148) aspect. Therefore, he wanted Jon to enter medical school. Though, Jon himself trailed off from his father's guidance and drew his own path. He would graduate college(148) but did not enter Harvard like his father wanted and decided to work as a carpenter. More and more so his relationship with his father faded. He soon realized that his actions and frustration with his father were purposed quite selfishly. Though, he could not forgive his father, as he became ill and soon was taken advantage by the drugs he took. The drugs took over him, and eventually, he entered a psychiatric hospital. The person he visited was not the same individual he had gained new respect. Therefore even if he had tried to attempt to forgive his father, he wouldn't acknowledge it as he had changed so much from the drug usage. Continuing back to the story, Jon retrials the mountain but is forced back down in order to take shelter from the storm. Therefore Jon thought about trying a new route after the storm cleared. He instead faced the southeast face of the mountain and started his climb there. After through climbing, he eventually reached the top of devil's thumb and took photos to prove his achievement. He traveled back to the Petersburgs and was given a ride back. Later on Jon found a job that paid 4 dollars an hour and eventually moved into an apartment. Though, in the end reaching the top of the mountain did absolute nothing for him.

Analysis: Jon had an interesting tale for himself to enjoy and appreciate but in the aftermath of it.  It didn't do much for him as he returned back to society. I would never imagine myself doing any hike of that extreme, especially for 3 weeks.

#Dreams #MissingSomething #Patience

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The author goes over his story in order to connect his personal experiences to Chris's. Jon Krakauer goes over his enjoyment of climbing mountains. The connection between Chris and Jon Krakauer is that they both risk their lives in order to fulfill their ambitions and passions. For Chris, it was to live and survive in Alaska, while for Jon Krakauer it was to overcome the climb. The intention behind explaining Jon's story is to show that Chris's intention in going to Alaska was to not purposely suicide(134), but was much more of an accident. Specially they both believed that overcoming the feat of their challenges would help solve their issues or at least improve them because they have gained new strength. In terms of the lifestyle of Jon, he experiences similar moments, such as not being able to tolerate his father(134). Just like Chris, he would also fantasize(134) under the many inspiring figures they read through books to create their passions and ambitions.

The story starts in 1977, 15 years before the demise of Chris. Jon Krakauer was set on overcoming the Devils thumb, a mountain located in Alaska. Jon was twenty-three at the time as he started his descendent to overcome the feat. Jon devoted his passion by quitting his job and riding off to Alaska from Colorado. He planned to stay at Petersburg as a refuge and met a lady named Kai. Kai was a very kind individual that invited a warming experience to Jon. After, settling in for the night he had realized how little socialization and intimacy he put himself in order to focus on his ambition. He acknowledge how nice it was. On his way to the devil's thumb, Jon had to fight against the dangers of crevasses(138), that were hidden by the snow. Jon planned to protect himself with long metal rods, to catch his fall into crevasses. As he continued up the valley(139), visibility and harsh conditions pounded against Jon. Supposedly, the Crevasses near the valley were also much wider or larger, which made his metal rods ineffective. When Jon did arrive at the foot of Devils thumb, he planned helicopters to drop off his supplies(140) there. It would provide 4 weeks of food. Harsh conditions of the snow made it difficult at first for his supplies to travel at first. He was already low on food and did not have any radio. After May 11, it was time to start the journey, as the pilot finally arrived after the conditions cleared. After 3-4 hours, he had felt thrashed. Climbing the mountain was treasonous, he had to climb upwards with his axe, over half a mile. In a rhythmic pattern, Jon climb with his axe to reach the top of the mountain. Every moment felt tied to each action, nothing more came about of his outside life from this moment. All his energy and efforts pilled into solemly climbing.

Analysis: The trancestate Jon describes, sounds such like flow-state. Especially the part where he describes hours turning into minutes.

#Flow #Focus #Challenged

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This chapter Highlights the reactions of the family after Chris's death. The story talks about Chris and the pet dog named Buckley. Initially before, Chris had asked his parents if he could take Buckley with him on his trip. However since Buckley was recovering from an accident he was denied. Though, now the family does regret it now that they know Chris could have drew a different path and plan if Buckley were there. Comparing Carine to Chris, Carine share similar ideals and traits. Carine is energetic and self-assured, and a high achiever just like Chris. Though Jon the author mentioned that they are much more different than similar. For example, Carine would never imagine going out to the wilderness alone. She does not object to wealth. Although, Chris would still talk to Carine, because he believe Carine is the only person that would understand him. Carine is told of the news from her Husband. She breaks into an outburst that lasted for 5 hours. They travel to Walt and Billie house to tell the new. Billie isn't convinced until they do a x-ray to check his dental records aligned. It was confirmed that it had been Chris. Carine then the next day flew over to Fairbanks to pick up the remains of Chris. Chris was cremated at Anchorage. When Carine flew back she would eat all the food on the plane since she was horrified by the thought of Chris's death of starving. When they arrived hope, their appetite had vanished. Carine had lost 10 pounds, Billie had lost 8 pounds, and Walt had gained 8 pounds.

Analysis: It is interesting how the females of the family discontinue eating because they feel sick about Chris's death. It seems like they are concerned about the way that Chris had died. While on the other hand, Walt felt the need to eat more, maybe due to feeling like there wasn't much to make him happy. So there was a void or lack of anything keeping him motivated at that moment. Food does help give good feeling chemicals to the brain, so that is why I suspect that he needs to compensate through eating. He may have been grieving about the idea of Chris being gone forever.

#WhatToDo? #MIA #doggo

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This chapter reveals the reason behind why Chris decided to travel to Alaska in the end. Most of the chapter shows the background on Chris's life during college. After Billie and Walt threw a party for Chris for graduating high school, he traveled to Texas for the summer. After arriving home,he returned with a scruffy(118) beard, tangled hair, and had lost 30 pounds. Carine and Chris's parents were worried about him. Walt advised Chris to be more careful on his trip. Walt mentions that his gifted abilities blinded him to be overly confident. When Chris enrolled in college, he had returned to his clean shaved self and was on a roll with his grades as always. Although, Chris wasn't entire the same as he was in high school. He seem to be more introverted and cold(120). He would dismissed or doubt people, even his old friends.  Fortunately Chris planned to continue college and enter law school. Though, one particular issue bothered Chris that ignited anger(121) towards his parents. He discovered the divorce between his father and his first wife Marcia. Chris was given all the beans about the story when he traveled to California to meet some old family members. Supposedly, Walt had been keeping secret about both of his relationships with Billie and Marcia at the same time. This was after Chris was born, eventually Marcia divorced from Walts and allowed Billie and Walt to be married. This is where they travel to the east. Chris was had the ability to forgive(122) people, but not for his father. He would look past the help his father would give and remind himself of his father's past. After Chris's senior year, it seemed apparent that Chris was becoming more distant with his parents. He became more irritated by any messages or advice he took. After his graduation, Chris donates all of his balance to a charity and traveled out to his next trip. From there, the family didn't hear anything from Chris. They still held onto him and tried to search for him. One particular night, Billie explained she could hear Chris crying for help, two years after he left.

Analysis: The ending reminds me how mothers can hear phantom cries or baby cries. One particular reason I believe the author shows Billie's reaction because it terrible affected her, feeling particular paranoid and worried about Chris through those years. It is the feeling of the unknown, of when Chris will be back, or where he could be.

#Connected #Self-Absorbed #TheTerribleUnknown

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We finally get to discover about Chris's childhood and life before leaving for the road in this chapter. This chapter discusses Chris's life with some background on his parents. Supposedly , Walt, the father of the family spent the most time with Chris out of all the children. He enjoyed the company(104) Chris provided, even if they did feel frustrated with him. When Chris left the note to his family in 1990, Walt's personality(105) had changed into a softer individual. Walt and Billie were very job oriented. Walt's background is discussed in particular about how he came about for working for NASA. During 1957, the Soviet launched Sputnik 1. This led to the U.S. needing to invest in aerospace technology. Walt decides to take a job dealing with aircraft, sending him to Tucson to eventually graduate with a degree in antenna(106) theory. Walt had met Billie at Hughes aircraft, shortly after they dated. In 1968 Chris was born. There are many events where Chris shows his gifted abilities, as he was placed in the accelerated program. When Chris was 10, Walt quit working for NASA and started up a consulting firm. Walt and Billie worked at home, money was tight, and Walt had to take care of two families because of a his divorce with his first wife. Due to this, the children had to rely on each other due to disputes the parents had. Chris was a high achiever, trying to climb the top of mountains at 12 years old. Had great grades, and only get one F in his academic career. When Chris was 8, he and his father would hike the mountain named "old rag" every year displaying his resilience. Although, Chris disliked being told what to do. In school he quit playing band(110), and he would often do the opposite of what his father advised him to do in sports. Chris faced challenges(111) head on, without the nuances. There are times where Chris was very considerate and understanding. Such as helping the homeless or those who needed help in improving their lives. He was against wealth and capitalism as he thought it brought corruption. After graduating College, Chris decides to head to the road instead of perusing a career.

Analysis: I am inspired by Chris's abilities and determination to challenge tasks head on. I can understand why he disliked being told what to do, but when I am struggling with something in particular it is quite helpful and reliving. For Chris, I believe it is just out of habit, but he is also unaware. Usually certain chemicals and feelings can prevent us from being able to be open. Such as anger, sadness, envy, etc can prevent us from seeing other's idea because we are bias to our own experiences. It is sometimes just easier to quit or dis sway something due to cognitive ease. In this case Chris might dis sway someone else ideas or quit trying to see someone else's perspective.
Chris did show a change when he was persuaded by his parents to go to college.

#Childhood #BuiltDifferent #Rogue

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This chapter presents us with the discovery of Chris's identity and the reporting of Chris's death in Alaska. The focus in the story is mainly around the people Alex knew and talked to. The first reporting of his death was shown in a newspaper(99) from the Anchorage Daily news. Gallien is the first person to read about Chris's death according to the order of the novel. He introduced and convinces the Alaskan troop he knew him. Gallien told the troops Chris lived in South Dakota. The troop deployed action to search(99), in which they find Chris's persona in Carthage. Westerberg heard the reporting of his death through the radio, resulting in Westerberg phoning the Alaskan troops. Westerberg had to make his case/claim heard as many other phone callers claimed of knowing Chris. Searching through files(100), Westerberg found information about Chris's social Security number and name. Once that was settled, the troops followed through with a phonebook and tried to contact any family members of Chris. The only people who seem to be living Virginia was Chris's brother Sam, due to his parent moving to Maryland. Sam himself had heard the story on the news, but never marked the victim of the story to be Chris. That was when the officials asked of Sam if he had known it was Chris through some photographs(101). Sam identified it was Chris and decided to relay the information to their parents that he was dead(102).

Analysis: I wonder if this happened in one day or multiple days. Because if this occurred in one day, then the events aligned almost too perfectly. Chris's death seemed to harbor a great deal of attention. Especially with all the phones calls. Unless there is some sort of reward I am unaware of by knowing Chris, I am very unsure why people would call falsely knowing Chris. Maybe the government provides some sort of payment or grievances due to the death but I am unsure.

#StarAligned #Viral #DectectiveWork

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In this chapter, we are given another story. But this story shares similarities with Chris's purpose for wanting to enter Alaska. The story starts with Everett Ruess who is stationed in Davis Gulch. He was never found, and only left behind remains of a carving of his name(88)and some items. Everett also took a liking to doing solo(89) wilderness adventures. He eventually decided to move out of his home and live in the wilderness. He wrote many letters about his adventures through remote settlements, just like Chris's photos and journal. Both individuals were very focused on their enjoyment of the journey even through harsh environmental and life-threatening conditions. Parallels were drawn also by the fact that they changed their names. Everrett last letters were on November 11th 1934. Even after Everrett parents called for a search party, there was no findings of his body. Theories of his disappearances are due to murder(95) or falling() to his death. Other believe he drowned(97) due to the route of where Everrett friends were, there was a river.

Analysis: They both show similarities for their enjoyment and interest in nature. But they do differ in some aspects such as that Everrett decides to start a family. In what we know right now, Everrett talks often to the Navajo. But in Chris's journey it seems that he had no form of other social communication. Since it would be one of his option beside posting his SOS note to find help.
#NewLife #Embrace #Defiant

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This chapter covers several different stories to introduce the readers the history behind Alaska's location as an odyssey. It documented that Alex was no different from any other traveler who was determined to live in the wilderness in Alaska. Many Alaskan criticized Alex for his lack of preparation and the idea that his story resembled no importance for this amount of publicity. The first engagement that the chapter covers is a biological that desired to live with nature, only to later find no trace of his presence. Another person who was a Vietnam veteran wanted to live in Alaska to get away from people but ultimately starved. Even though there was a cabin with food a few miles away, he most likely didn't want to warrant any social contact with people again. Another story begins with a person named Gene Roselini. Roselini purpose for entering the wilderness of Alaska was to experiment if he was able to be independent from modern technology/society. As Roselini experimented, he later found themselves to change their goals by traveling around the world. They, however, found Roselini dead by a self-inflicted knife through his heart. Another story was covered about John Mallon Waterman journey of hiking mount hunter's southeast spur. He attempted many times, one in particular where he took his trip from bottom of Denali. Eventually he too was lost and people could not find a trace of him after his disappearance. The last story introduces Carl, which travel in Alaska but forgot to arrange someone to pick him up. He in particular threw away some of his supplies.For example he threw away shotgun shells because he thought he was being too much of a war monger. He was spotted by a helicopter, but he directed the wrong hand signals to rescue him. He rose one arm rather than two arms to show SOS. Carl's ration slowly dwindled down to nothing. Carl tried to attempt to find food, but ultimately gave up as he felt too weak. This led to a self-inflicted gunshot to his head.

Analysis: I am curious about how will Chris's story will go based on how the other adventures went for other travelers. Chris's purpose fits more closely to Roselini's final goals. Out of the situations given from this chapter
#SOS #Alone #Survival

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Summary: Chapter continues with the post-event of Alex's death. This time it approaches the people of Carthage. Much of the chapter discusses about the personality of Alex, of being reliable, hard working(62), and clean with jobs Westerberg gave him. It also tackles reasons for his behavior when he is met with intimacy. In the beginning it introduces about avoidant(61) behavior as a mechanism to protect people when they were infants. It was described in the book, "A RETURN TO THE SELF" . Very interesting title. Stories that Westerberg discusses is his mishaps on observing the small details. He explained that Alex was using the microwave to cook his chicken(63), but did not realize that the chicken grease had to drain out somewhere. Westerberg wife also has had experiences with Alex's character being shy. When ever family affairs occurred, Alex would diswayed them. It was concluded from the novel that the reasons were due to the lifestyle his parents(64) gave, their conditional love, and his father's moral shortcomings. This lead to him divorcing(64) them as their child. It was mention that other forms of intimacy didn't entice Alex such as having a partner. It seemed he had abstained from any form of sexual intimacy. There may have been a higher purpose for wanting to avoid those activities, as such, the Alaskan trip. Westerberg and many other acquaintances knew that Alex was very interested in his adventure to Alaska, so one could assume that his higher purpose was to embark on the journey to Alaska. The last letter that everyone was sent, Jan and Bob, Westerberg, had been given a message of it being his last moments once he arrived to Alaska.

Analysis: Alex is a very dedicated and focused individual who stops at nothing to gain his objective. The interesting aspect of this chapter when mentioned by Ms. Moore was the idea the he intended to die. If Alex main goal to embark on the trip to Alaska, what other goals beyond that would he do? Did he have any goals left? Did he only enjoy the journey rather the destination? Once he did arrive the at his destination, did he feel incomplete or empty, or the opposite? Some of these questions I have about whether Alex intended to die is interesting. Though, however, the note he left behind on the bus, meant that he may have wanted to survive. But others may argue that was a decoy. But why would Alex post a note knowing he intended to die? The note created was to help him, because he was too weak to hike outside.  But Alex has done some form of reverse psychology with his parents, where he has pretended to get along and then leave them. When Alex wrote the note to his parents, he seem very contemptuous about his decision and writes confidently. The last note on the bus however shows a sign of struggle and desire to live. If Alex knew he was dying, would he be fine with it as he is satisfied with his journey and adventures? So, for now, I believe Alex did not intend to die.

#AvoidantBehavior#TheJourney#Embrace

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In this chapter we are introduced to another person who has met Alex. This person had feel quite attached to Alex, but they eventually find out about Alex's death(48). Alex met Ron after leaving Niland Slabs to Salton City. Ron has had a unfortunate history with his family, with his wife and son dying in an accident(50). This prompts him to buying and drinking whisky, which is quite a disheartening way to deal with an issue like that. To only be able to temporarily rely on materialistic value, because he had no other family and friends near him to help. Therefore, when Ron saw Alex, he wanted to help and care for him. Alex on the other hand wanted to live more so independently and liked to have little connections to keep the emotional baggage(55) away. As time went on, Ron and Alex traveled to multiple places together. At one point, Ron asks Alex about adopting(55) him since he has no other blood line life to preserve it. Alex delays the question by telling Ron that he will think about it after his Alaskan odyssey. Alex traveled north on his way to Alaska, sending letters back to those he has met. In particular to Ron, he give him advice about living on the road and embracing the new sites and adventures he could explore. Ron accepts the advice and decides to buy a van, to set up near the Bajada waiting for Alex. As we know, Alex never returned. Ron hears about the news of Alex, he had brought some whisky and eventually had to live out alone by some isolated cottonwoods due to a flash flood.

Analysis: The ending was very saddening to hear because we only know that Ron lives out alone by himself. Not even near the apartments where some others could be living. The advice given to Ron, would potentially help him to find a new purpose, but it would be very tiring and risky. Ron reminded of the one episode(Jurassic Bark) from Futurama where Fry's dog waits for him at the front of the store but he never returned.
#SadTimes#aNewPassage #Waiting

F

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A chunk of the journey from when Alex goes from Las Vegas to Bullhead City is missing because his camera broke in which he decided to not record in his journal(38). Alex stayed at Bullhead City for 2 month with a job(39) at McDonald. When asking information about Alex at his job at McDonald he had a reputation for being a hard worker. But on the other hand when a new manager arrived it was quite the opposite. Alex seemed to cause more disruption than what had been previously described. Due to the conflict, Alex had left his job by simply walking out(41). One particular day where Alex was minding his own business, a man ask him if he wanted to stay in his trailer. After Alex sent a postcard to Bob and Burres. Burres decided to visit Alex after recieving the card(42 ). When they reconviened, Alex with Bob and Burres go to Niland Slabs to locate a flea market(43). All sorts of good memories had occured while he stayed with Jan and Bob. He was also particularlly good with the dogs they owned and was Eventually though, Alex had to leave again on his nomadic journey, this time to Salton City.

Analysis: Alex is willing to do jobs to survive, but he doesn't adapt well enough to certain standards, for example the 2nd manager complained about his pace and also smell. It is also interesting that Alex simply leaves/subside his issues rather than directly face them. Similar to a fight or flight response. It shows that Alex doesn't enjoy social conflict.

#ManOnaMission #CapitalWack #Dogs

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Summary: We are set in the landscape of the desert(25) Mojave Desert to only find Alex's Datsun. It turns out, that some service rangers(26) have discovered Alex's Datsun near a national park(26). They were only left with a note, telling them that they could keep the car. For Alex's experience, he had lost his car through a flash flood that had disrupted the car's battery. This led to Alex having to leave the car in order to continue to travel. Alex has been hitchhiking(31) many times in this chapter, one in which he had to work on a ranch, and another where he met two people selling flea market items. It eventually stirs a issue when he receives a ticket(31) for hitchhiking and sends it back home to his parents. This led to a investigation to find Alex after his father had contacted the U.S. intelligence defense agency. Alex eventually goes south of the U.S. and finds himself in Mexico after paddling through the Colorado river. Alex main intention was to led out into the ocean.He eventually is frustrated and goes back North to the U.S. From there Alex eventually leads up to Las Vegas where he obtains a job but ends up hitting the road again.

Analysis: I am surprised at how Alex has the passion and drive to go the length of 400 miles. I am quite inspired of his determination but also stunned by his ability to cope with it long enough. I would have probably given in/up 4 miles already. Especially in the desert as it is quite warm.

#PowerandDrive #FollowingYourHeart #StrongMental

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Summary: This part of the novel entails the reader with another introduction to a new person named Westerberg. This person tells us all of the good qualities and memories of Mccandless. In particular, Westerberg mentions Alex's vocabulary and interests in reading to conclude that he was intelligent(18). When Westerberg gave Mccandless a job, he was surprised by how hard he worked. He described it as if he had an extreme ethical(18)-moral to finish the job. It also seemed that Mccandless enjoyed staying with the community where Westerberg provided the job. Especially because of the plebian virtues(18.) Though, Mccandless would still return to his nomadic(19) adventures outside of the community. After this part of the story, it transitions to Mccandless's past life back in Virginia. Mccandless often didn't enjoy the aspect of his parents purchasing items, because he desired a different form of respect or intrinsic value. Although he did have a good relationship with his sister, he only sent one note(21) before he departed for Alaska.

Analysis: I would most like never leave where I am because I am too comfortable. Mccandless seem like the best person to be friends with because they are intelligent, reliable, and caring enough if you have a problem. As such when Mccandless did Westerberg's hitchhiking job.

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Summary: The novel proceeds in the current chapter with reporting the end of the story. We are given background information on some of the key features and structures in Denali Park. One example mentioned was the bus which was often a marked structure for animal hunters to meet. The hunters usually came together during the seasons in which game were populated. The novel then leads out of the background information into a perspective of a hunter. The hunters travel up until they visit the bus. In which they find a couple being worried about the smell of the bus and possibly the note. Once the hunter investigate, they read the note which immediately had shown the letters S.O.S. It was however too late, as they investigated the inside, they found a decaying body. After the hunters gave the body to the authority, they performed an autopsy and discovered that the body had a lack of fat. This led to the conclusion that the person had starved to death.

Analysis: It must have been a very lonely and difficult experience trying to survive especially since he noted he was weakened. It also shows that nature has its beautiful moments but also its harsh moments. The winter is the most harshest and scarce of resources. The temperature is much more extreme, especially in colder climates. Animals tend to hibernate or leave in order to have better chances.  It only gives the person who is trying to survive the availability of plants since they aren't competing with other animals to obtain it.
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Summary: In the story we are introduced to a new individual named Gallien. The story start off with the perspective of the Gallien and Alex as a "side" Character. This is because we can only obtain information of the story from people Alex met. Gallien is confronted by Alex when Alex is traveling along the road. After Alex Introduces himself, Gallien is asked by Alex to drive him to Denali to live on his own. Gallien inspects Alex's gear because they knew of the unsullied enormity living out in the wilderness of Alaska.  Gallien concluded that it was insufficient. Once Alex boarded Gallien's vehicle, Gallien learned that Alex was particularly sharp and is excited about his journey in the wilderness. Gallien, worried about Alex's survival asks if Alex has a hunting license. Alex responds by saying he doesn't want to be involved with the government and to get away from the rules. After driving for 3 hours, they eventually are impeded by the terrain. In which Alex tries to repay Gallien for their efforts in helping by giving him a watch. Gallien Refuse but Alex proclaims that he intends not to worry about the time or location he is at. After returning back to the highway, Gallien see a Alaskan State trooper post. He decides not to tell the authorities of Alex as he assumes that Alex will arrive back at the highway if they are troubled as a normal individual would.

Analysis: Alex is pretty courageous, he has given himself a very ambitious goal where he has not given himself the best gear or preparations for this journey. Considering that he lived an affluent lifestyle, it must have been a very extreme shift to live in the wilderness.

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I do not have any pictures that have myself in it. But I have experienced being at the fox temple where there were many moments where we basically had to go down the steps or up the steps to see different levels of elevation.

It was particularly good to go into the fox temple as it helped in terms of learning the culture. It was also a challenge during the times we had to walk up the hill and back down. It builds persistence, strength, and need for optimism.