https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp Made with big dreams by Alina Nguyen en-us 2021-12-07 19:38:33 UTC 2025-05-12 10:50:24 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/2600.png anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1934445189 As you can see from the image, I went to Joshua Tree National Park with my relatives. To be honest, I had a bad experience because it was chilly and tiring. Regardless, I had a nice time taking photos. In general, I admire the beauty of nature and how it could allow me to take a break and relax. I like to take pictures of the scenery, especially of the sunset and sunrise. 

I feel that there are some benefits of going "into the wild." I think that it allows you to disconnect from reality and enjoy the present moment. I feel that nature can heal your mind by comforting you. Overall, I feel that nature can help with our mental health. ]]> 2021-12-07 20:00:29 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1934445189 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1936626457 Summary: Into the Wild is a nonfictional novel about Christopher Johnson McCandless who wants to challenge himself. As a result, Christopher abandoned most of his possessions and ghosted his family to begin his journey. In this chapter, Christopher hitchhiked to go to Denali National Park with his backpack (pg. 1) and other limited supplies. He also brought a rifle (pg. 1) but did not bring other essential items. The person who help drive Christopher was Jim Gallien, who worries for Christopher since he did not bring much gear (pg. 5). Christopher was excited (pg. 6) and refuses to listen to Jim's advice despite his lack of preparation. Jim gives Christopher boots and other items to help him out in his journey and tells him to return them if he comes back alive (pg. 7).

Analysis: I respect Christopher's determination to go into the wild. I admire how he abandoned everything including his family in order to challenge himself in his journey. On the other hand, I dislike how he practically ghosted his family. I feel that it was very irresponsible that he did not disclose his adventure to his family. 

#exploretheworld #wilderness #newlife]]> 2021-12-08 19:05:02 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1936626457 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1939061522 Summary: Christopher's decomposed body was found by a moose hunter named Gordon Samuel. His dead (pg. 13) body was found in a bus (pg. 12). Attached to the bus' door was an S.O.S. note (pg. 12) that Christopher wrote to express his need for help. Later on, the Alaska State Troops transported the decomposed body to a laboratory to perform an autopsy. The troops also took Christopher's camera (pg 13), diary, and the S.O.S. note. The autopsy revealed that Christopher only weighed 67 pounds at the time of his death. In consequence, the cause of Christopher's death was believed to most likely be starvation (pg. 14). Because the body had no identification, authorities did not know the identity of Christopher.

Analysis: I feel bad to see that Christopher failed to survive his journey. Although I kind of expected his death because he did not bring much gear, it is still sad to see that his dream has finally come to an end. I wonder how Christopher felt during his last moments. Did he regret his journey? If not, why?

#desolation #deadlyjourney #tragicending]]> 2021-12-09 20:00:41 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1939061522 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1941362887 Summary: In this chapter, it recounts Christopher's experience at Carthage, South Dakota. In the small town, Christopher went by the name "Alex" and was well-liked for being a fun and bright individual. Wayne Westerberg, Christopher's boss at Carthage, describes how Christopher was a hard worker and set high standards (pg. 18) for himself. Christopher was enamored (pg. 18) with Carthage and even called it his home. He developed a strong bond (pg. 19) with the town and Westerberg. The chapter then flashbacks to Christopher's backstory. The author describes how Christopher came from a well-off family but had a bad relationship with his parents. In fact, when Christopher disappeared for his trip, he did not even tell his family. This caused his parents to feel worried (pg. 22). However, Christopher wanted to invent (pg. 22) a new life for himself. Thus, he created a new name, "Alex Supertramp" to symbolize his separation from his previous life.

Analysis: I find it very cold-hearted of Christopher to abandon his family. Although it seems that he did not have a good relationship with his parents, it is still very unsympathetic of him to not tell his parents anything. On the other hand, it is nice to see that Christopher developed a family bond with Westerberg and the employees. 

#newlife #lastingbond #anewbeginning]]> 2021-12-11 03:14:29 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1941362887 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1945847944 Summary: In October 1990, Christopher's yellow Datsun was found by Bud Walsh. Christopher abandoned (pg. 26) his car because a flood caused his engine to not work and drained the battery. Instead of seeking for help, Christopher simply abandoned his car and decided to walk for the rest of his journey. Surprisingly, Christopher was exhilarated (pg. 29) since he found the flood as an opportunity to not bring unnecessary supplies. He tried his best to cover his car and removed the license plates. Also, he burned his cash and hide other possessions that he might want to recover in the future such as his rifle. As he set forth on his journey on foot, he realized that he made a large mistake (pg. 29) since he almost died from a heat stroke. Later on, Christopher worked for a man named Crazy Ernie, who scammed him. Thus, Christopher escaped and managed to get a ticket (pg. 31) for hitchhiking near Willow Creek. Christopher discloses his real address, which notifies his parents about where his location is. Afterward, Christopher bought a canoe and paddled towards Mexico. When Christopher attempted to go back to the U.S. he was caught by immigration authorities for not having an ID. He would later spend the next 6 weeks across the Southwest and camped with a couple at the bottom of the Grand Canyon six days later. In his journal, Christopher wrote how despite malnutrition draining his weight, his spirit was still soaring (pg. 37). 

Analysis: Although I admire his strong determination to continue his journey, I can't help criticizing his actions. I think that it was very dumb of him to do illegal things that made him get in trouble with the authorities. However, I also can't help but respect how he wants to challenge himself. Not only that, he lost 25 pounds, but still has a strong spirit to continue his long journey.

#undyingspirit #onfoot #byebyeDatsun]]> 2021-12-14 00:55:47 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1945847944 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1947929556 Summary: At Bullhead City, Christopher works at McDonald's. Christopher was rebellious and resented how he had to wear socks to work. He was also defensive when his coworkers asked him to take a bath (pg. 41). After a while, Christopher quit (pg. 41) his job. An old man named Charlie offered Christopher to stay inside his trailer. Charlie describes Christopher as a temperamental man with a lot of complexes (pg. 42). Later, Christopher arrived at the Slabs to visit Jan Burress. There, Christopher volunteered to help Jan sell the paperback books. Christopher was friendly with everybody and was good at socializing (pg. 44). When watching an NFL playoff with Jan, Christopher revealed part of his background (pg. 46) info. Eventually, Christopher plans to leave the Slabs. When Jan offers him money and clothes, he constantly refuses her assistance and worries.

Analysis: Whenever confronted and under pressure from others, Christopher tends to run away. Christopher also tends to refuse other people's assistance. I feel that his attempt to be independent will also come to hurt him in the future. I feel that he values his self-reliance so much that his relationships with other people are not strong. 

#nohelppls #independence #moody]]> 2021-12-14 20:00:08 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1947929556 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1950757618 Summary: In 1992, Christopher, who disguised himself as "Alex" met Ron Franz, who grew very fond of Christopher. In fact, Ron wants to adopt (pg. 55) Christopher because he genuinely feels attached to him and wants someone to continue his legacy. Ron wants Christopher to live a normal life and get a job. Unfortunately, all Christopher cares about is his adventure. Christopher and Ron spent a lot of time together and Ron even taught Christopher how to do leatherwork on a belt (pg. 51). When Christopher left and continue his journey, he felt relieved to have fled (pg 55) away from human intimacy. On the other hand, Ron was heartbroken when Christopher left since he was very attached (pg. 55) to Christopher. Later in the chapter, Christopher sends a postmark to Ron and sends his advice (pg 56). His advice for Ron was that he should abandon most of his possessions and be on the road, which Ron actually does. Ron was informed of Christopher's death when two hitchhikers tells him that "Alex McCandless" was found dead in Alaska. This caused Ron to feel extremely sad, that he ends up drinking away his pain.

Analysis: It is very sad to see how Ron only wants to show his affection towards Christopher, yet Christopher does not accept it. Christopher does not reciprocate Ron's genuine love and pushes him away like Jan and Wayne. Not only that, Ron has such strong affection towards Christopher, that when he hears about Christopher's death, he experienced such heartbreaking pain.

#heartwrenching #pushaway #realaffect]]> 2021-12-16 01:41:14 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1950757618 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1953033952 Summary: Christopher goes to Westerberg's grain elevator in Carthage to earn enough money for his journey to Alaska. Westerberg confesses how Christopher had gaps (pg. 63) in his thinking despite being a hardworking individual. At Carthage, Christopher talks to Westerberg and his girlfriend, Gail Borah. Borah talks about how Christopher did not get along with his family except for his little sister, Carine. It is revealed that Christopher exposed how he plans to divorce (pg. 64) his parents by running away to Carine. The author reveals that Alex did not engage in any sexual activities. Chastity was something that Christopher mulled over since he did not want to form any relationships and commitments to other people. His yearning (pg. 66) for adventure overpowered other desires. Westerberg tries to convince Christopher to stay back for a while since he needs more workers. But, Christopher wants to go to Alaska and refused. Christopher also meet Westerberg's mother, who had a good impression of him. When Christopher left, he was crying (pg. 68) and entrusted his belt, journal, and photo album to Westerberg. Later on, Christopher would send Westerberg, Jan, and Bob, postcards about how this would be the last (pg. 69) time hearing from him.

Analysis: In this chapter, we get a sense that the reason why Christopher is running into the wild is to escape from his family. Knowing that Christopher sent postcards to bid his final goodbyes, I wonder if he knew that he will die. It is impressive how Christopher formed decent relationships with other people in comparison to his biological family.

#finalfarewell #walkintothewild #nocommonsense]]> 2021-12-17 03:26:46 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1953033952 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1954534663 Summary: The author write about 3 other men who also went to Alaska like Christopher to seek for answers. The first man is named Gene Rossellini who wants to know "if it was possible to be independent of modern technology" (pg. 74). Hence, Rossellini lived like a caveman and ended up killing himself. The next man is John Waterman, who was a promising (pg. 76) prodigy. Sadly, his parents's divorce and his friends' death destroyed him. Eventually, he would run for president for the U.S. to end world hunger. Waterman will also go to Alaska. Authorities believe that he plummented (pg. 80) to his death through the crevasse. Last up is Carl McCunn, who suffered through starvation and the cold (pg. 83) nights, which drives him to kill himself in Alaska. He had a chance to save himself he he knew how to properly signal to the plane (pg. 83). When a plane flies over him, Carl tried to signal for help but only raised one arm, which means that he was ok. If he raised two arms, he would have signaled for help.

Analysis: Similar to Christopher, all 3 men were implusive and had problems that they wanted to have an answer for. Thus, they took the risk and went to Alaska to reinvent themselves as well as solve their problems. Unfortunately, the wilderness is unforgiving and cruel, killing all 4 men. I wonder if they regret going to Alaska. 

#tragedies #selfreinvention #natureiscruel]]> 2021-12-18 04:26:26 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1954534663 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1973009515 Summary: In this chapter, the author writes a man named Everett Ruess, who is similar to Christopher. Ruess was enthusiastic about traveling to see the beauty of nature as revealed in his letters (pg. 91). Just like Christopher, Ruess did not care about his personal safety (pg. 92) and was extremely reckless. Ruess also discarded his physical discomfort (pg. 92) to continue his journey. Not only that, Ruess created a new name (pg. 93) for himself, which was Nemo. In fact, he even craved that name on a Navajo sandstone before vanishing. He chose the name "Nemo"  because he was inspired by Captain Nemo in the book, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. In the book, Captain Nemo abandoned civilization. It is widely believed that his death (pg. 94) was caused by falling to his death, although not confirmed. Some believed that he drowned to his death or got murdered.

Analysis: The similarities between Ruess and Christopher are very interesting to me. In my opinion, it is very fascinating that people have the courage to abandon practically everything to go on a reckless journey. I wonder how many people are there who have the same goals as these individuals and are inspired by them. 

#anothertragedy #findnemo #naturebeauty]]> 2022-01-03 21:33:28 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1973009515 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1975111866 Summary: The Alaska State Troopers were having trouble identifying Chris's body. When The New York Times covered the story, Jim Gallien felt that the dead person was Alex McCandless. Unfortunately, his information leads to a fake (pg. 100) lead. Later, Westerberg called the Alaska State Troopers after hearing about the case on the radio (pg. 100). Westerberg gave them Alex's real name and his social security number (pg. 101). This allowed the authorities to trace Chris' permanent residence (pg. 101) in northern Virginia. Thus, the authorities were able to contact Chris' older step-brother, Sam McCandless, who confirmed Chris' identity. Sadly for Sam, he had to tell their parents that their child (pg. 102) passed away.

Analysis: I feel bad that Sam had to tell their parents that Chris passed away. However, at least they now know what happened to their son. I am also impressed on how Chris made such a huge impression on Jim Galieen and Westerberg. I also feel bad for Westerberg since he seemed very close to Chris. 

#questionsandanswers #mysterysolved #badnews ]]> 2022-01-04 20:43:56 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1975111866 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1977875890 Summary: Christopher's father, Walt was similar to Christopher in terms of their temperance. Walt was very hurt after his son's disappearance. In the past, Christopher's parents, Walt and Billie, worked all the time and fought a lot. This left Christopher and his sister, Carnie, to be very close (pg. 107). Christopher was always fearless (pg. 109) as a child and hated to listen to other people. Whenever someone tried to coach Christopher, he would build a wall (pg. 111) around himself and ignore any type advice. Christopher hated and was embarrassed that his parents used their hard earned money on extravagant stuff like jewelry or the townhouse. Christopher felt that wealth (pg. 115) was evil and corrupt. When Christopher's vanished, the people that loved him felt anger (pg. 116) and sadness.

Analysis: I feel that there is something else that made Christopher feel resentful of his parents. Although his parents were workaholic and had a toxic relationship, I still feel that they cared about Christopher and their children. I also feel that Christopher is ignorant of the world and is selfish, but I still understand why he chose to leave his family. I still wished he would at least tell Carnie, since he had a decent relationship with her.

#toxicenvironment #moneymoneymoney #fearlessofconsequences]]> 2022-01-06 03:59:21 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1977875890 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1979839286 Summary: After his trip, Christopher almost died after getting lost and dehydrated. Walt comments how Christopher is always overconfident (pg. 118) since he was almost good at anything he does. People including his family and peers noticed that he changed (pg. 120) after his trip. This was because Christopher exposed (pg. 121) his father's infidelity. From old family friends during his trip, he learned that his father was two timing with his ex-wife and Billie. Because of this, Christopher grew resentful and felt that his father was a hypocrite (pg. 122). This resentment (pg. 123) grew inside him and would eventually cause him to go into the wild. Two years after his disappearance, his mother would wake up in worry and fear as she heard Christopher scream for help.

Analysis: A mother's intuition is truly real. I feel bad for Billie since she woke up after hearing her son's voice calling for help even though she could do nothing. After learning about Walt's affair, I could understand Christopher's feelings of why he hated his father. I still kind of wished he confronted them about it because brewing resentment is never a good thing. At the same time, if I was in his position I would keep the affair to myself as well. However, I wonder how Christopher's story could've changed for the better or for the worse if he did.

#growingresentment #familydrama #motherintuition ]]> 2022-01-07 02:16:57 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1979839286 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1981105896 Summary: Carnie talks about how Christopher wanted to bring their dog, Buckley to his trip. She feels that Christopher would have not made the same choices that he did if he bought Buckley, since he would never put Buckley into any kind of danger (pg. 128). Carnie is aware of Christopher's death after her husband, Chris Fish, told her the unfortunate news. As a result, Carnie became hysterical (pg. 130). After calming down, she and her husband drove to her parents' house. Later, Carnie would fly to Anchorage to receive Christopher's ashes (pg. 131) and his belongings. Because of Christopher's death, Carnie and Billie lost (pg. 131) weight. On the other hand, Walt started to eat compulsively and gained weight. Billie mentions how she can't understand (pg. 132) Christopher's actions.

Analysis: Christopher and Carnie are so close to each other that Christopher feels that she is the only one that understands him. I think this is why Christopher feels close to Carnie despite their differences. It is very sad to see how the people that loved Christopher had to experience such sorrow after his death. I wonder how Christopher's life would have changed if he brought Buckley with him. 

#buckleybestboy #sorrow #hurtfultragedy]]> 2022-01-07 19:44:05 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1981105896 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1985000484 Summary: The author, Jon Krakauer relates to Christopher, and shares his perspective (pg. 134) of why Christopher left. Jon mentions how his passion when he was young was mountain climbing (pg. 134). In the past, Jon decided to climb the Devil's Thumb, which was extremely dangerous. He felt that climbing that mountain will transform (pg. 135) his life for the better. In order to arrive at the Devil's Thumb, Jon must ski across the Stikine Ice Cap, which is filled with crevasses (pg. 138). As a form of protection, Jon used curtain rods to form a cross on his back in case he falls. As he begins to climb the Thumb, he becomes "stiff with fear (pg. 143)" since his ice ax could not manage to strike thicker ice. As a result, he decides to climb back down.

Analysis: Jon decided to include his own story to show the readers that Christopher wasn't just a crazy person. There are many other young people who do dangerous things because that is what they are passionate about. Not only that, when those people try to do extremely dangerous stuff, they get an adrenaline rush that they constantly chase after. In this case, Jon's passion is similar to Christopher's dream of going into the wild. 

#passionanddreams #iamnotcraycray #strikingrock ]]> 2022-01-11 01:04:41 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1985000484 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1986965104 Summary: Jon continues to talk about his journey to climb the Devil's Thumb. When Jon went back to his tent, he decides to get high. However, he accidentally burns his tent, which actually belongs to his father, Lewis Krakauer. His father was a competitive (pg. 147) individual that wanted his children to excel in everything. When Lewis enforced Jon to pursue an education in medicine, it created a huge gap between them. Looking back, Jon realizes that he was selfish (pg. 149) and troublesome to his father. When he manages to climb the summit (pg. 153), he felt that is was surreal. Later, he realizes that climbing the Devils' Thumb changed nothing (pg. 155) about his life. Jon then reflects how his and Christopher's relationships (pg. 155) with their father were similar. Jon feels that Christopher did not go to Alaska to die.

Analysis: It is sad to see how Jon and Christopher have such a bad relationship with their father. I wonder if Christopher did not die in Alaska, would he also realize that he was selfish like Jon. Seems to me that their parent's expectations to be this perfect individual did more harm than good. I wonder if they had a better relationship with their dad, would Jon and Christopher still do careless decisions?

#baddad #keeptrying #recklessgoal]]> 2022-01-11 20:43:42 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1986965104 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1989750288 Summary: This chapter continues Christopher's journey into the wild. To continue his Alaska trip, Christopher hitchhiked a ride (pg. 158) by a man named Gaylord Stuckey, who drove him to Fairbanks. The two discuss how Christopher talked about his family relationships and how he wanted to prove (pg. 159) himself. Later, he will hitchhike a ride from Jim Galieen to the Stampede Trail. He arrived unprepared with little gear. In fact, the heaviest item in his backpack was around 10 paper-bound books (pg. 162). On May 1, Christopher discovered an old bus (pg. 163) around the Sushana River. Christopher had a difficult time trying to kill game but improved later on. In his journey, he mentions that he is reborn (pg. 168) and decides to return to civilization. Unfortunately, the weather was not on his side. The snow melted and the river was impossible to swim through. Thus, he returns to the bus.

Analysis: It is surprising to read that Christopher was ready to end his journey and return to civilization. Just like the author, I wonder if it was because Christopher was ready to forgive his parents. I wonder if he managed to walk a mile upstream, would he be able to find his way back to society and survive. It is sad that the one time he does not take a risk is when his life could have depended on it. In the end, his inexperience and overconfidence led to his downfall.

#reallife #tinyblunder #readytoend]]> 2022-01-13 06:54:23 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1989750288 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1991431180 Summary: The author, Jon Krakauer, is searching the bus that Christoper's died in, along with his companions (pg. 173), Roman Dial, Dan Solie, and Andrew Liske. It turns out that there was a cable across the Teklanika River. If Christopher had a map (pg. 174), he could have been aware of this and been alive. The group arrives at Christopher's base camp. As they observe around, they discover and confirm that Christopher actually hunted down a moose. Afterward, they explore the bus, where they discover Christopher's possessions (pg. 178). Jon felt uncomfortable because he felt that he invaded Christopher's home without permission. Jon compares Christopher with Sir John Franklin whose smugness (pg. 180) led to the death of many including his own. Later, the group talks about Christopher's journey and his mistakes. Roman admires Christopher since what he tried to accomplish was significantly difficult. They tried to understand Christopher, yet it still felt very vague (pg. 186) to them.

Analysis: I can't imagine going to a location where someone lived their last moments. I think it will feel very desolate and eerie. Looking at what Jon and his group did, Christopher had the chance to live if he came better prepared. I can't believe that he did not bring a map, one of the most important items that you need for traveling in an unfamiliar place. 

#bringamap #hauntedbus #unfortunatemistakes]]> 2022-01-14 00:51:02 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1991431180 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1993263623 Summary: This chapter goes over Christopher's last moments. Christopher returns to the bus and continues to do his routine of hunting, gathering food, etc. Suddenly, on July 30, his physical conditions (pg. 189) declined and he eventually died on August 19. There are a lot of conjecture (pg. 189) for why he became physically weak. One assumption is that Christopher tried to eat wild potato seeds, but ended up eating poisonous sweet pea plant. Another explanation was that he accidentally ate toxic potato seeds. After investigating further, Jon Krakauer deduced that Christopher accidentally ate potato seeds that had mold (pg. 193). Because Christopher ate the moldy seeds, his body was unable to turn food into a source of energy. As a result, Christopher had low energy (pg. 195) and was unable to hunt. Jon comments how Christopher salvation could have been a cabin only three hours away upriver. However, Christopher did not have a map. Christopher writes an S.O.S. notes attached to the bus to call for help. Unfortunately, it was too late. Christopher wrote in his journal bidding goodbye in peace (pg. 199) before dying.

Analysis: It is very depressing that he died in such a lonely and painful way. It is really sad that his little mistake of eating the moldy seeds eventually led to his death. At least he seemed to be at peace as seen from his last picture of himself. I respect how he never gave up and persisted throughout his journey. 

#goodbye #restinpeace #happylife]]> 2022-01-15 03:59:51 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1993263623 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1999578123 Summary: Christopher's parents arrive at the bus that Christopher passed away in a helicopter (pg. 200). The parents inspect the bus and comment how the place has a specific beauty (pg. 202) that they feel is what appealed to Christopher. Billie and Walt create a memorial (pg. 202) in remembrance of their son. The two felt the bus was comforting (pg. 203) to them since it was the last place where Christopher was at. Walt comments how his son's death was extremely painful and how his future days will be hard (pg. 203).

Analysis: I can't imagine making my parents feel miserable after my death. I also can't imagine the pain that Walt and Billie went through after losing their loved one. Although I do admit that they had a bit of influence on Christopher's death, no parents should ever experience such a loss. After all, it is very sad to outlive your child and never be able to witness their accomplishments later in life. 

#seeyouintheotherside #everlastingmemories #hardtimes]]> 2022-01-19 05:18:21 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/1999578123 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/2001214444 Summary: Jon Krakauer attempts to solve the cause of death of Christopher by using science. Jon used Christopher's diary (¶3) since Christopher wrote something about how he was weak because he ate potato seeds. Thus, Jon tested, if the seeds had a neurotoxin (¶6), named the beta-ODAP. It turns out that the seeds had a lethal (¶7) concentration of beta-ODAP. For more testing, he sent the seeds back to the lab. The results show that the seeds did not have beta-ODAP, but instead contained L-canavanine (¶9). This toxin causes the human body to be unable to metabolize properly, leading to starvation. Jon concludes that you have to be careful (¶19) with what you eat outside in the wild. 

Analysis: From this article, it is clear how the wild can be unforgiving and dangerous. The plant that killed Christopher only turns toxic during the midsummer to ward off predators. This is very unlucky for Christopher. Either way, it is still admirable how Christopher survived for so long with limited supplies. I wonder if he would still be alive if he didn't eat the plant and had more supplies.

#canneverescapefromscienceclass #scienceistruth #toxicplants]]> 2022-01-19 18:47:19 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/2001214444 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/2003722383 To be honest, I hate traveling because I feel tired easily. However, I would love to go on a trip with my siblings except for my younger brother. For me, I love to take pictures of beautiful sceneries like the one above. Thus, my goal for the future is to take pretty photos.

As described above, my goal is to take (not really) breathtaking photos. To do so, I want to go somewhere far away so that it feels more special and sentimental. Similar to Christopher, I would love to go on a mountain road trip. On the contrary, I would like to go with my family. Growing up, I dreamed of going to the mountains because they always felt far away and unreachable. Specifically, I would like to travel to a mountain with snow. Although I saw and touched snow before, I never experienced seeing snowfall. Thus, I would also like to experience snow falling on my hands.

#picturethis #donotrunoutofbatteryplease #cameratime]]> 2022-01-20 19:52:48 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/2003722383 anguyen2022_4 https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/2005658992 Throughout the novel, my thoughts and feelings on Christopher McCandless varied. Some of Christopher's actions frustrated me a lot since they felt insensitive and irresponsible. Nonetheless, I respect and admire his perseverance to go into the wild. 

To start off on a good note, Christopher's determination to go on a dangerous journey is admirable. Not only did he practically abandon everything he possessed such as his car and money, but he also abandoned his relationships with the people who cared about him. For example, to start a new life, he donated his money for charity and later he burned "one hundred twenty-three dollars in the legal tender" (pg. 29). In addition, for his trip to Alaska, Christopher "wasn't carrying anywhere as much food and gear as you'd expect a guy" (pg. 4). To survive, he hunted and relied on a book to gather his own food. Thus, the fact that he survived for more than 100 days in Alaska is commendable. 

On the other hand, Christopher was overconfident in his abilities and was irresponsible. He did not bring adequate gear and supplies such as a map. If he brought a map, he could've taken advantage of other items such as a cable line that could've saved his line and brought him safely home. Moreover, he left to begin his journey without telling his family. In consequence, his parents and little sister were extremely worried. In fact, his parents even hired a "private investigator named Peter Kalitka" (pg 31). Although Christopher grew up in a toxic environment because of his parents and found his father's dark secret, Christopher should have the decency to tell his sister. 

In conclusion, I have mixed feelings about Christopher. I do not admire his character since I think he is a bit arrogant and selfish. However, I respect how he wanted to create a new life for himself by going into the wild. 

#mixedopinions #ignorantorarrogant #inventyourownlife]]> 2022-01-21 19:11:30 UTC https://padlet.com/anguyen2022_4/36sq3ej4vnzma0dp/wish/2005658992