Into the Wild by Jonathan Tran (Student WHS) https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie en-us 2021-12-08 06:00:41 UTC 2025-10-16 00:01:38 UTC hello@padlet.com Experiences in the Wild jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1935212584 I've encountered the wild many times within my life. I've gone camping for years and have traveled to many places. I've been to a decent amount of places within the United States of America including Niagra Falls, the Grand Canyon, and Hawaii. I've gone on hiking trials before and have just been places, but not anywhere too crazy like the actual "wild". I don't necessarily enjoy the "wild" but it is fun to explore and move around. I've stopped going camping because that was an activity that multiple parts of our family would partake in, but now everyone is getting tired. I also don't get to travel much and only really did it during the summer. ]]> 2021-12-08 06:17:29 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1935212584 Ch. 1: The Alaska Interior jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1937626635 Summary:
Into the Wild is based on a man named Christopher Johnson McCandless. He starts an adventure with minimal amounts of aid (pg.5). He later gets a ride from a man by the name of Jim Gallien. Jim drives towards Christopher's destination, he notices that Christopher isn't well prepared for his trip. One of the things he brings is a tattered state map (pg.5). He tries to hunt without a hunting license (pg.6) which shows his inexperience in hunting. Despite being completely unexperienced, Christopher is still excited to go out into the wild and live his life.

Analysis: I don't admire Chris, I get a feeling of respect and naivety instead of admiration. Even though you should be able to do whatever you want in life, it doesn't mean that his decisions were good. For example, he could've been a lot more prepared for journey and he also could have donated his money to a charity. He could have done many admirable acts, but decided not to. I respect his will of living the way he wants, but I don't like how he runs away from his problems and disappears.

#wilderness #dowhatyouwant #adventure]]> 2021-12-09 07:52:16 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1937626635 Ch. 2: The Stampede Trail jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1939924842 Summary: The chapter starts off with an epigraph saying "Jack London is King" and it was discovered that it was carved into a piece of wood at the site of Mcandless's death. The Stampede Trail's history is told next and how it became a trail. Yutan Construction (pg.10) have tried to fix the trail and got buses to house the construction workers. The problem was that the project was halted (pg.10) in 1963 and Yutan took 2 buses back, but Yutan left a bus to serve as a backcountry shelter (pg.10) for hunters and trappers. During early September 1992, six people within three groups found the abandoned bus on the same afternoon. This bus is usually visited during Moose season with Ken Thompson, Gordon Samel, and Ferdie Swanson heading towards the bus to stalk moose. When they get there, they find a couple standing fifty feet away from the bus looking spooked (pg.12). There was a smell coming from the bus and they saw that the door was ajar (pg.12) with a note taped to it. The note was disquieting (pg.12) and it has an SOS request written on it. Samel looked through the window and found some items. There was a blue sleeping bag that had light contents inside and he shook the contents. After that, he walked around the bus and saw a head sticking out of it. Chris MCcandless was dead. Samel wanted to evacuate the body but there wasn't any space to take the body. A while later a person named Butch Killian showed up and he works as a coal miner but moonlights as an emergency medical technician. He notifies dispatch after finding the body and at 8:30 a police helicopter showed up and took McCandless's remains. There was an autopsy on McCandless's body and the exact reason for death was unsure because the remains were so badly decomposed. He weighed around 67 pounds which lead to the conclusion of death by starvation. The police had no clue who he was, where he was from, or why he was there, he was nobody.

Analysis: One thing that I didn't quite understand was why the autopsy couldn't indicate that McCandless was injured. Even though the body was badly decomposed the fact remains that the note says that he was injured and near death. It definitely hurts to think that someone is going through excruciating pain while trying to live. He lost the battle to live to the wild and died without anyone knowing for a long time.

#peoplefounddead #tragic #whoisthis]]> 2021-12-10 08:29:13 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1939924842 Ch. 3: Carthage jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1941557619 Summary: In Carthage, Wayne Westberg  talk about Chris to Jon Krakuer who has come to find out more about Chris. They think back to how Chris told his stories at the end of the bar (PG 16) and how the townspeople could listen forever. Wayne says that he met "Alex" driving out to the bank (PG 16). After three days Chris left. He remarks that "Alex" was intelligent (PG 18) from the way he was during work. Alex left town onto a nomadic (PG 19) journey once again while Wayne was arrested for distributing Black Boxes. Chris is the revealed to be raised in the upper-middle class (PG 19). He had education, a family business, and even had a car. Around this time is when he started started his journeys on the road.

Analysis: My opinion on Chris has changed. He was revealed to be a hard worker through Wayne and he never quit. He thought deeply about life and the system showing his education. This definitely differs from my first impressions on him for not being prepare and naïve. He has created relationships with others who speak good about him. This chapter develops Chris's character and shows us a new side to him. 

#felon #rich #onthemove]]> 2021-12-11 09:09:07 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1941557619 Ch. 4: Detrital Wash jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1946363772 Summary: A National Park Service ranger finds the yellow Datsun abandoned (PG 26) in a dried up riverbed. The car had items left behind such as a guitar, fishing rod, loose change, a football, and more supplies. The car hasn't been claimed and the rental company doesn't want it. Chris initially abandoned the car was because a flashflood (PG 28), wet the engine making it so the car wouldn't start. He traveled to the west for the next two months by himself on foot. He meets Jay Burres who offered him a meal, but "Alex" claims he is living off the land and rejects any help. His parents try to find their son through a private investigator (PG 31) named Peter Kalitka. In California Chris buys a new canoe (PG 32) to go to New Mexico. On the way he sends postcards (PG 33) to Wayne Westerberg, and he tells him where he is and that the paychecks he's earned through working made traveling too easy.

Analysis: We get to see Chris transform into Alex overtime. My opinion has not changed much about Alex and I still think he is self reliant. When talking to Jay, he's definitely shown survival skills and self reliance by living off the land and he believes without money. He is living the best life style that he thinks he can achieve. Even though this may seem fine, it does make him seem overconfident since I know his fate.

#adventure #canoeing #rejection]]> 2021-12-14 07:42:23 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1946363772 Chapter 5: Bullhead City jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1948854007 Summary: McCandless left Las Vegas and left to Bullhead City. McCandless liked Bullhead city. It might've been his affinity (pg.39) for the lumpen (pg.39) or he just found the city interesting. He stayed there for about two months and even thought about abandoning (pg.39) his tramping life. He applied for a job at McDonalds and used his real information on his paperwork. His colleagues remembered that he was a drifter and didn't like to wear socks even though they were a requirement for work. When he finished his shifts he would always take them off. This would send a reminder to everyone that they didn't own him. McCandless quit after 3 weeks and left for Slab Town. He was going there to meet Jan and Bob. His visit came as surprise since Jan and Bob planned to meet him at Bullhead City. McCandless claimed that he was tired of the city life and all the "plastic people" (pg.43). McCandless helped Jan and Bob sell books at a swap meet (pg.43) and always tried convincing people to read "Call of the Wild." He did well selling books because everyone knew him. He even had someone develop a crush on him. McCandless leaves them eventually to avoid talking about his family. Jan tries to give him supplies and he accepts. He hides it under the seat of their van.

Analysis: Earlier in the book he said that he felt like settling down but then he leaves the city. I don't understand why he can't just give places a second chance and not leave them after something goes wrong.

#capitalism #running #backtoit]]> 2021-12-15 08:04:57 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1948854007 Chapter 6: Anza-Borrego jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1954639970 Summary: The chapter kicks off with the introduction of a Vietnam War Veteran named Ronald A. Franz. He is concerned of Chris's death and asks for a copy of the magazine detailing his story. Alex met Ronald in January 1992, Ronald shares that his wife and child lost their lives in an accident, a drunk driver was responsible for the collision. They bond over hiking and Ronald grows very fond of Alex, he eventually introduces the idea of adopting (PG 50) Alex, but Alex freaks out and leaves. Alex sends Ronald a letter before he leaves on his trip claiming that they will meet again. In the letter, Chris urges Ronald to radically (PG 56) change his life style and live a nomadic (PG 57) existence rather than a monotonous (PG 57) one. Surprisingly, Ronald did take Chris's advice and packed his entire life into a GMC Duravan and moved out of his apartment. During the last week of 1992, he met two hitchhikers and they broke the news that Alex was dead. Ronald felt devastated hearing the news. He purchased a bottle of Whiskey (PG 60) and drank it hoping that it would kill him. 

Analysis: In this chapter, Chris is seen to warm up to other around him, but then rejects them soon after. Chris meets a lot of people on the road but also leaves them. He similarly gets a little bit of assistance from them, but then always commits himself to his life in the wild ignoring everything else. He always seems to push away who get a little to close, and it's  especially saddening to see the interactions between Ron and Alex just to build up to Ron's eventual discovery of his death. Just reading himself down a bottle of whiskey is horrible.

#alone #brokenfamily #historyrepeats]]> 2021-12-18 08:30:18 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1954639970 Chapter 7: Carthage jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1954640617 Summary: In November, Jon Krauker traveled to meet Wayne Westerberg to gain information about Alex from him and his family. Wayne says that Alex was a hard worker, but he seemed to be missing common sense (PG 62) because his mind seemed to be elsewhere. They talk about Alex's dynamic with his family. His parents were, "so irrational, so oppressive, disrespectful, and insulting that I finally passed my breaking point" (PG 64). Despite his resentment towards his parents, he had a soft affection for his sister. They revealed more about Alex, such as his relationship plans and his hidden facts about him such as playing the piano or dancing. It's claimed that Chris was actually not sexually active throughout his years, even when there were many women interested in him. Chris's desire (PG 66) seem to only be fulfilled by the wild rather than seduction. Alex preferred adventure rather than being bound by commitment and entanglement (PG 65). On their last night together, they are at the bar which is when Chris reveals that he is able to play the piano. They enjoyed a good time and Chris was sent off to his journey in Alaska. He sent out postcards to Wayne and Jan. To Jan, "Hey Guys! This is the last communication you shall receive from me. I now walk out to live amongst the wild. Take care, it was great knowing you." (PG 69)

Analysis: From the interview of Wayne's family, it's clear to say that Alex has had significant impression on everyone around him. I find it sad that his last postcard to Jan was quite literal, as they won't hear from him anymore till after he passes.

#abstience # laserfocused #thelastgoodbye]]> 2021-12-18 08:31:41 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1954640617 Chapter 8: Alaska jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1961632768 Summary: In this chapter, stories of three different men are offered up. They all share similarities with Chris McCandless, but it is not exactly the same. All can be described as people who overestimated themselves and underestimated their environment. Each of their stories leads to their demise (PG 70). The first of the three is Gene Rosellini, he wanted to see if humanity can live as the cavemen did. He reverted to primitive methods of living such as hunting, gathering, and using stone tools. The experiment lasted for a decade (PG 75). He concludes that humanity would fail to go back to the old ways of survival, and plunges a knife into his own heart. Secondly is John Waterman, an obsessive (PG 75) climber who wants to best mount Delani. He even ran his own campaign (PG 76) to publicize his goal, however he perished in the deep fissures of ice. Lastly is Carl McCunn, a photographer who neglected (PG 77) to prepare for his outing into the wild. 

Analysis: This chapter exposes the meaning behind the ideas of people similar to Chris McCandless. They all have a similar drive to overcome the wild, though their ways of going about it is slightly different. Roselini wanted to show that working hard towards anything can lead to success. Waterman always strived to challenge himself and push the upper limit. McCunn just wanted to have a good time but was unaware of his situation. All of these attributes can be said about Chris to a degree.

#EveryoneLostTheirMinds #UnneededRisks #NeedARealityCheck]]> 2021-12-23 05:43:42 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1961632768 Chapter 9: Davis Gulch jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1980290935 Summary: The chapter introduces a new area, a canyon named Davis Gulch. It's described as a modest canyon that many relied on its oasis. Petroglyphs can be found on the walls inside caves. The chapter also gives us insight on Everett Ruess, a man who's leading a similar life to Chris. He finds himself at Davis Gulch during his adventure. When he was sixteen, he embarked (PG 89) on his first journey of hitchhiking, similar to how Chris would start his passion for hiking and traveling. He drops out of UCLA to follow his dream (PG 96) as a wanderer. Similarly to Chris, he even wrote postcards (PG 92) about his journeys. He went as far as to recreate names (PG 93) for himself. He was removing himself from society, and his family were not fond of that. They reached out to searchers (PG 94) to locate him. Signs of him are left from his donkey and the art made into the cliffsides. He was never found, and some theorized about his passing. It was claimed that he may have fell down a cliff or he drowned.

Analysis: This chapter again introduced another character walking a similar path to Chris. His story is slightly more subtle than Chris's. There are some key differences, Davis was quite younger than Chris when we he began his journey. Both of them left their families in favor for the life of freedom and travel, and both families went out of their way to search for them. He embodies the same qualities as Chris as well other than the passion for wilderness. Their disappearance also developed much question. I believe that the purpose of this chapter is claiming that there will always be people similar to Chris no matter their background.

#nocollegelife #chaseyourdreams #goagainnexttime]]> 2022-01-07 09:52:20 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1980290935 Chapter 10: Fairbanks jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1980293869 Summary: The chapter brings the attention back to the current activities surrounding Chris's death. The Alaskan Troops are having difficulties confirming his identity because he doesn't have any forms of identification. They contact the New York Times to publish a story about Chris's death and Jim Gallien just so happens to see the headline and the map where Chris's body was found. He believes that it's the same Chris that he gave a ride before they split, he convinces the Alaskan Trooper of his connection to him. Chris told Jim that he was from South Dakota, so they turned their search (PG 99) towards that state for more information on "Alex", despite the unknowing fact that Chris made up that he was from that area. They are not able to come up with anything besides a false (100) lead. Coincidentally, Westerberg's buddy just so happen to be listening to the Paul Harvey station (PG 100) where he hears of Alex. Westerberg calls up the station to share information about Alex, he also provides his Social Security Number (PG 100) to confirm his legitimacy. This lead to the discovery of Chris's home being in Northern Virginia. Despite his family moving out, they were able to get a hold of his half-brother living in Annandale. He was shown a picture of Chris, and he knew with a doubt (PG 102) it was Chris. He then contemplating how to break the news to the family.

Analysis: The mystery behind the unidentified person comes full circle ranging from the people who Chris met along the way, that just so happen to be at the right place at the right time doing the exact right thing. Which then brings his family into the light, finally giving them the confirmation they needed. It's tragic that their family has to find out this way, but now it wraps up this mystery that was developing and building up for the characters. We know what happened to Chris, but for those who's lives he had an impact on it must be surreal realizing that their friend is dead.

#Coincidence #ComingFullCircle #MysteryConcluded
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]]> 2022-01-07 09:55:26 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1980293869 Chapter 11: Chesapeake Beach jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1982785756 Summary: This chapter gives us a look at who Chris's family members are . We get details of his father Walt, his mother Billie, and his sister Carnine. Walt is described as smart and headstrong just like Chris. Both of them like to hold authority (PG 104) rather than follow directions. His worked for NASA, then he met Billie and started their own satellite company in Virginia. Despite making a good living, they always seemed to be in the office (PG 107) putting in the hours. On top of that, they would engage in verbal sparring (PG 107) which brought both Chris and Carine closer when the family wasn't getting along. It's mentioned that Chris was an achiever (PG 109) in academics, however he wasn't happy with being in the new accelerated program and wanted to opt out. He pushed his limits in anything he put his mind to. Their family also went out on journeys, which is where he might've picked up his admiration for the wilderness. Billie and Walt knew what poverty was and worked their way up the ladder, however they claimed that Chris was always an entrepreneur (PG 115). He sold vegetables from his garden, started a copy business, and canvasing neighborhoods for home remodeling. He was even approached to get a job with a construction company. He used the money he earned before adulthood to purchase the Datsun where he would carry out his journey into the wild.

Analysis: The family dynamic of the McCandless family definitely revolved around work. Even though they were living comfortably, their parents always seemed to be focused on work or arguing. We learn that Chris was extraordinarily talented and always pushed his upper limit. Knowing that life at home wasn't so great, Chris thinks he is more than capable of living on his own. Living a life opposite to what his parents gave him. 

#ChrisisTalented #WorkNonStop #SeeYaLater]]> 2022-01-10 00:43:07 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1982785756 Chapter 12: Annandale jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1982786785 Summary: This chapter is another level of the McCandless family's issues that drove Chris to leave them. Once Chris graduated from High School, he decided to take a road trip in the American West. He is away for nearly the entire summer but arrived just in time for his college education. He had cynical (PG 120) tendencies such as doubting others, ignoring social gatherings, and keeping a knife in his room. The same summer he graduated from high school, he also has a deteriorated (PG 121) respect for his parents. During his road trip, he discovered that his father was still involved with his first wife and their family. Chris is already shown to run away from problems rather than face them, so he built up the resentment (PG 122) he had towards his father. After graduation he vanished (PG 125) from his families lives. His absence brought anguish (PG 125) to his family and they all had to cope with it.

Analysis: This chapter really exposed the dirt on Walt. This clearly confirms why Chris hates his family so much and wanted to dip. Even though Chris's family was well put together from the outside: Sucessful and Wealthy; it was in reality an environment where Chris's childhood was ruined. Even though my parents are split apart, this is totally on a different level. 

#traumatizing #whatareyoudoingwalt? #chrisdoesnotdeservethis]]> 2022-01-10 00:43:58 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1982786785 Chapter 13: Virginia Beach jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1982787510 Summary: This chapter gives a look at how Carine is responding to the death of her brother. Carine is looking at pictures of Chris, she thinks that he carries the same expression (PG 128) from the photos that were taken ten years apart.  The story reveals their shared affection for their family dog (PG 128) buck. She claims that Chris wanted to take Buck on the trip with him, however the family rejected his request as Buckley was recovering from an accident. They contemplate whether if they accepted that Chris would still be alive, as he would be more considerate when taking chances (PG 128) with his life. Even months later, Carine still grieves (PG 129) her brother's death. She begins refusing to eat food at times and begins losing weight. Carine and her half-brother finally retrieve his ashes (PG 131) that she now carries in her knapsack. Her parents also develop consuming habits to in response to Chris's death.

Analysis: I can see the family going through stages of grief which is very disheartening. They ask themselves "what if Chris" a lot to themselves to give themselves a sense of control in the situation. They also respond to his death by picking up unhealthy eating habits. I notice that the family also seem to oversimplify his behavior. They describe him as just someone who took risks for no fair reason, but they don't actually understand his underlying motivations. 

#stagesofgrief #familyloss #whatif]]> 2022-01-10 00:44:35 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1982787510 Chapter 14: The Stikine Ice Cap jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1996820386 Summary: Interestingly, Jon Krakauer decides to include stories of his own adventures in Alaska. He describes himself similar to McCandless: Self absorbed, reckless, moody, and disappointing their father figures. They also pursued things that crossed their minds like an obsession (PG 134). He fantasizes about mountains and climbing them, in 1977 he came across the Devil's Thumb. Nobody has made the ascent to the peak (PG 134) known as the Stikine Ice Cap. He debated in his mind whether the climb will be something that he bites off more than he can chew, but came to the conclusion that the challenge was the entire point of the idea. He has to withstand the harsh conditions, fighting against weather and the terrain of the glacier (PG 139). He camps out on a plateau, but doubt and anxiety begin to settle in his mind. He worries that he might not get supplies in time. He resumed his climb when the weather (PG141) began to clear up. The rest of the climb was very tremendous (PG 142), it began to make his head spin and he felt the abyss pulling him back. He eventually could not go further and had to call it quits.

Analysis: This chapter is unique because it gives us the author's own personal experiences, I think he included this chapter to show that there are others similar to Chris. I think that Krakauer feels a personal connection to Chris especially how similar they are, which is why he decided to gather information about him to write the book. I noticed that a motivation for the climb was to get away from life of mediocrity, similar to how Chris runs away from his issues. I have admiration for that, someone who is willing to push themselves to return a better individual.

#builtdifferent #personalstory #harshclimb]]> 2022-01-18 01:27:57 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1996820386 Chapter 15: The Stikine Ice Cap jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1996822903 Summary: The new chapter still follows Krakauer's journey inside his tent (PG 145). He was experiencing major boredom from the endless storms. To try to alleviate the boredom, he began to smoke cigarettes then marijuana (PG 146). Krakauer also began to cook oatmeal, and carelessly lit the tent on fire. The fire was able to be put out, but part of it already vanished. The worse part is the tent was not even his! It was his father's, and he began to reflect about him. His father had a blueprint (PG 148) for Krakauer and his siblings. His father intended for him to go to Harvard medical school, but he decided to pursue the job of a carpenter (PG 148). Their relationship grew worse.  His father became reliant on medications and eventually attempted to commit suicide (PG 149). His father's drive to become successful motivated him to try to climb the summit once more, but it was no different than the first attempt.

Analysis: I can see many connections between Krakauer's life and McCandless's life. The most significant thing I noticed is that the relationships with their father was strained to an extent. Both sons strayed from the path that their family's intended them to follow, and then the family suffered from their actions. I figure that McCandless was alive today, he would have similar insights as the author.
#BurntDownTent #SecondTimestheCharm #DamagedRelationships]]> 2022-01-18 01:30:11 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1996822903 Chapter 16: The Alaska Interior jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1996823486 Summary: Jon's personal story finally concludes and he returns Chris's journey. It starts off by him leaving Carthage to Denali National Park. He travels through Canada and meets a man named Gaylord Stuckey an RV delivery person that gives him a ride. On the ride, Chris beings talking about his family, particularly about his parents (PG 160). He urged Chris to call his parents, as they have not been in contact for years. He drops him off at a university (PG 160). Stucky hopes to find him but does not encounter him again. He goes out of town with Gallien and his dropped off at the Stampede Trail where he eventually discovers the abandon bus he dies at. In his journal, it shares Chris's experiences about hunting game (PG 164). He falls through ice, missed some ducks, and captures a squirrel. Overtime he is more successful at hunting game,. he records his entries (PG 166) daily. Chris one day Chris claimed his hugest prize, which was a huge moose! He needed to preserve (PG 166) the meat, but had trouble doing so because he relied on knowledge that wasn't optimal in Alaska. He does not do so successfully. He a passage in the "Family Happiness" which influences him to return to civilization. He's forced to camp at his home base because the melted snow made the river tides too high, however if he walked up stream he would've found more lax conditions to cross.

Analysis: This chapter provides Chris's inner thoughts and feelings when he is living life on his own. It's cool to see how excited he is when he kills an animal, he also shows major dedication by going to the university and getting a book of edible plants. Despite his dedication, some tasks are a bit hard to chew for him, such as preserving the moose. I was pretty happy to read that he wanted to return to civilization, but then made a choice that would lead to his demise which is very depressing. He didn't take the map that could've saved his life.

#CannotSwim #Trapped #NoMapisNoFreedom]]> 2022-01-18 01:30:43 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1996823486 Chapter 17: The Stampede Trail jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1996824105 Summary: Krakauer and three of his friends visit the bus that Chris once called home. He points out that before his journey, he has a topographic map (PG 173) which proves extremely helpful and learning from the mistakes of Chris's ill preparedness. The chapter immediately begins with them finding cable (PG 173) cars that can traverse the river. If Chris had a map he would've returned to civilization no sweat. They travel the path that Chris once walked, and they finally encounter the bus (PG 176). They encounter the remains of the moose that many Alaskans believed the be a caribou that Chris killed but failed to preserve and consume. They examine the items that Chris left behind, they find his clothes, books, and photographs. They camp right outside the bus to eat and discuss about Chris's unorthodox (PG 183) adventures and behavior. In the end, they eventually come to admire (PG 184), Chris's conviction, despite his failures.

Analysis: It's cool to want to rely completely on yourself, but I think it's unwise to be unprepared if Chris planned to do so.   All this talk about living off the land but lacked the sufficient knowledge to do so. A compass or a map would've bailed him from many binds. When I plan to go somewhere that is new, I always try to be the most prepared possible, much more so since I'm not 100% confident in my ability to live off the lay of the land.

#ItwasindeedaMoose #DinnerwithChris #Ifonlyhefoundthecablecar]]> 2022-01-18 01:31:18 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1996824105 Chapter 18: The Stampede Trail jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1996824719 Summary: When Chris is unable to cross the Teklanika river, he spends his time back at the magic bus. He hunts and also reads passages from Doctor Zhivago that claims that happiness that merges with others is genuine (PG 189), not a life of isolation. From this and his diary entries, it's implied that Chris wanted to return to society and enjoy life with other people. Despite his new revelation, he is unable to make it back. In his journal, he says that he is weak, hungry, and his physical condition is in hell (PG 189). The cause of death is determined to be poisoning (PG 191), however it is uncertain how Chris was poisoned. Firstly it could be seeds he brought from South Dakota, which have grown moldy and poisonous.  Next is eating potato seeds that are filled with poison. Lastly is eating a toxic pea that looks very similar to safe potato seeds. Even though he ingested the toxins, he could have survived if he had the necessary body (PG 195) fat to successfully process it through his urine. Starvation (PG 198) begins to settle in and in a last act of desperation posts a last SOS message inside the magic bus. He takes one last photo bidding the world farewell.

Analysis: reading Chris's farewell was extremely sad. It wraps up his story, even though I knew he was dead to begin with. I feel more invested once I know everything he has gone through. A few better made decisions could've saved his life, but with his life he's met so many people and definitely made a positive impact in their lives. I have the utmost respect for Chris for chasing his dreams to the very end, and stand by his conviction all the way through. 

#RIPChris #HisLastMoments #ChangeofHeart]]> 2022-01-18 01:31:52 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1996824719 Epilogue jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1998575482 Summary: After Chris's death, Jon Krakauer escorts Walt and Billie to the Magic Bus to visit where Chris's final resting moments were. They were planning to travel the Stampede Trail like Chris did but plans changed and they had to come by helicopter instead. They visit the Sushana River where he went daily for water, meandering through the flowers and nearby brush for 3 hours. They finally gather enough courage to enter the bus and they notice everything related to their son Chris. After looking at the leftover possessions and the messages on the wall, they decide its time to leave. But, not before they leave a memorial plaque and a suitcase full of first aid and other supplies for anyone else that comes by. The visit brought closure for the parents, but even though they admired Chris, they were confused as to why he did this. With the helicopter flying off, Walt and Billie look off at the bus getting smaller and smaller.

Analysis: Walt and Billie got to meet their son's resting place and it was sad. They had to even walk around for around 3 hour before they were able to even walk into the bus. It must be tough losing a child, but it sucks how they don't accept the fact that they were involved with his leaving. This basically means that they are kind of indirectly responsible for this death. Anyway Chris had the experience he wanted and if he just had weighed his options better he might have lived.

#FromBeginningToEnd #Memorial #Goodbyebus]]> 2022-01-18 17:37:49 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/1998575482 Afterword jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/2002141210 Jon Krakauer speculated that Chris passed from three possible causes, despite living off the land for 113 days (Paragraph 1). It was however uncertain even after narrowing down the possibilities. After many years, Krakauer was close to finding his answer. One thing that Krakauer thought was important was Chris referencing the Eskimo Potato seeds causing him weakness. It was enough to inspire (Paragraph 5) his interest in the seeds. He got a tip from a writer named Ronald Hamilton, which leads Krakauer to do research on the chemical beta ODAP (Paragraph 6). He was very obsessed to find the answer, that he immersed himself to a chemistry course. Initially he thought beta ODAP was responsible, but after further confirmation that wasn't the case. They concluded that a different compound named L-canavanine (Paragraph 9) was responsible for Chris's death, it cripples a person's ability to metabolize, which lead Chris to starve to death. It's toxic to prevent predators from consuming them during the winter. They are unpalatable (Paragraph 10) at the time, there are no records of it being consumed and even the Alaskan Natives claim not to consume it. Unlucky, but at the same time Chris could've been more prepared for this.

Analysis: I thought diving into the science of things was pretty cool. I was wondering why Krakauer was so invested in solving the mystery that would take over 20 years to complete and become well versed in chemistry. It was interesting but kind of scary since the level of determination he had was absurd. 

#Science #Don'tEatEverythingYouSee #ChrisDidNotKnow]]> 2022-01-20 06:30:12 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/2002141210 My Future Odyssey jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/2003113904 So as far as I'm aware I have only two major goals in my life right now. One was what I wanted to do in my life after school for a job or a living and the other goal was to finally make a huge mark with our high school Overwatch Team. As I was growing, I kept getting the question of what I wanted to be when I was older. I never knew what to say to that question because I really didn't have any idea of what I wanted to do. There was the obvious answers like be a doctor or get a job that makes a lot of money, but I finally found out what I wanted to do in 7th grade. I like watching over people and teaching them stuff. I did that for 2 years in middle school and I even was helping out lower grades in Elementary. I even love sharing information about the things I love with other people. I think one of the things that I want to do in life is to help/educate/inform others of anything whether its about school or personal interests. Its just that I don't really prefer a specific subject so I don't know what to major. I think I'm deciding between biology and math. I'm already planning on attending CSULB since its one of the best schools for education. Anyway I think I have the passion and qualities that a teacher needs. For the other goal, our school is known for having a good Valorant and Overwatch team. We both want to qualify for the Arlington Texas Lan this spring. We have been practicing for months with schedule scrims and reviews. Most of the team have been on it for almost 4 years and we are ready to fly out. We have won many things for our school, but going to a major in Texas would be the best send off for what we contributed to the school.

#Arlington #Education #Future #OneChance]]> 2022-01-20 15:19:21 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/2003113904 Chris McCandless Reflection jvtran105_4 https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/2008177388 It was interesting how the book started off by revealing the outcome of the main character. It didn't make the book worse because I've seen many stories start off with something that happens in the future and then they start back in the past at the actually beginning. I like how it allows us to further understand his character because we know how that Chris will die by the end of the story. He made some crucial decisions that I thought interesting, but I'm not really disappointed just sad about it. I did think that Chris was admirable because he chased after what he wanted. Another thing that I liked was that he donated to charity and he pushed himself to his limits. Chris was criticized about how he pushed those who got close to him and that he ran away from his issues. He could have left people on a better note like his family that got hurt. I could kind of understand and empathize with him wanting to be alone. He copes with his suffering by being alone. Chris was overall a morally good  person and I learned that nothing could stop Chris from chasing his dream.

#NobodyStopsChris #TheGrindSet #UnkillableMental]]> 2022-01-24 07:27:52 UTC https://padlet.com/jvtran105_4/48n58q5s8tdt8rie/wish/2008177388