Into the Wild Blog by Dominic Tran-Le (Student WHS)

My Experiences in the Wild

dhtranle1001_2 — 2021-12-08 05:16:05 UTC

My fondness for playing outside began at a young age. Growing up with my siblings, we played in the house or outside in our neighborhood which also soon grew into our like for doing sports. During my elementary years as well, playing outside was great, not because I had a break from school but as well as because we could appreciate the world we had around us.

I also didn't just play in nature, but I as well use it as a muse. In art, people tend to draw the simple things like clouds, trees and mountains, which all are parts of nature. During my freetime, my hands slowly begin to draw things such as those sitting under a tree, with the scenery of the sun setting while birds leave to go find their homes.

In the future, nature seems to slowly diminish. Us as a species seem to not notice the issue at hand of rising temperatures pair with the recklessness of how we handle technology (causing fires, oil spills and more). Nature is as precious as human life and we must learn that.

Chapter 1: The Alaska Interior

dhtranle1001_2 — 2021-12-09 18:53:41 UTC

Summary: The novel begins with the introduction of two men (Jim Gallien and Alex). Alex is a hitchhiker who Jim had picked up from the side of the road and asked to be driven to the furtherst end of the "Denali National Park." Alex was described of being a congenial man (pg. 4). Alex contributed greatly to the conversation, also giving the idea that he was well-educated. As Gallien drove him closer to his destination, he had noticed that his bag for his trip was exceedingly minimal (pg. 5). Gallien futily tried talking to the gung-ho (pg. 6) hitchhiker, who refused the help. Alex left his nylon wallet (pg. 7), cash, watch and more belongings to the driver as he set off into the woods, not before he was handed a sandwich if he ever got hungry (pg. 7).

Analysis: In this chapter, I think that Gallien was right to try and persuade Chris (or Alex) out of his decision. It shows that many would try to detest the idea of even living in the woods for the rest of their life (unless they had the same tenacity as Chris himself). My predictions are that he did well off for a couple months but he soon possible did get hungry.

#trees4eva #beautious #adventures

Chapter 2: The Stampede Trail

dhtranle1001_2 — 2021-12-09 20:00:16 UTC

Summary: As the story continues, we automatically begin with a flashforward, announcing to us that Christopher Johnson McCandless is dead. Shown in his last self-potrait, he had a mirthless (pg. 9) expression. Christopher walked into the woods, holding his head high, with the idea of being infallible (pg. 9), sadly he was proven wrong. As days pass, a group of men, describe as contumacious (pg. 11), work near the northern cordillera (pg. 11). As they work, they find the bus the nomad had been living in as two shocked people acted as markers. One of the men, Thompson, reported that there was a "really bad smell." (pg. 12). As he inspected the bus a little more, it was evident that Christopher had died in his sleep from starvation/malnutrition with the body weight of sixty-seven. He had called for help yet it came too late.

Analysis: This chapter giving the sudden twist breaks my heart, as we first see him venture off happily and proud into the woods to him then now dead. The photo of him in his last moments was so scarring, as he looked a bit superficial. His smile plastered on to make it seem like he was fine, yet he wasn't. He didn't plan on dying that quickly and yet he did, which hurts more knowing his story was never finished happily.

#stuckintime #aloneyetnotforgotten #finishedstrong

Chapter 3: Carthage

dhtranle1001_2 — 2021-12-12 02:11:04 UTC

Summary: A stranger meets Alex and offers to hospitalize him after seeing him stumble his way into a bar. The bar was somewhat fancy, dressed with antlers and mawkish paintings (pg. 16). Not only did the man, named Wayne Westerberg, had grown attached (pg. 16) but as did everyone too, after chatting with him and enjoying his young, friendly energy. After discovering his truth, Westerberg never wondered why his name was changed or the answer (pg. 18) to him being a different person. The novel explains Chris/Alex had grown up well off and before his disappearance, he was given more than fourty thousand dollars as his graduation (pg. 20) gift. After his parents had found out he had been gone, they realized he had taken off on his odyssey (pg. 22) weeks before they realized. He had made a new name for himself, as Alex Supertramp.

Analysis: I applaud Chris' bravery yet I find it disheartening that he chose to ignore his family. The pain they must've felt and as well as worry by finding out he had left them weeks before. If I were in his shoes, I would have let them know I was going to explore the world and update if I could've. Being a nomad does not mean to not have family.

#mysterious #deepissues #nomadiclyfe

Chapter 4: Detrital Wash

dhtranle1001_2 — 2021-12-14 01:27:32 UTC

Summary: As time passes, we are introduced to a rare and endangered (pg. 26) species flower, called the "bear-paw poppy." The flower grows on certain soil and land, where also Chris' yellow Datsun was found by two rangers. The car is then registered to be owned by Chris (which alerts his parents) yet he is nowhere to be found. As Chris continues his trek, his parents had hired a private investigator (or PI) (pg. 31). It is told that Chris was caught in a flashflood, abandoning his car but he found it exhilirating. Soon later, he had burned all his belongings and everything turned to ash and smoke (pg. 29). He moves forward, heading towards Mexico with a canoe (pg. 34) and as well hitchhikes with two new friends. Months later, Chris (or Alex) voices his frustation on many things, yet after regaining his composure, his spirit is soaring (pg. 37).

Analysis: During this chapter, I think that Chris' ideology on material things making his tramping easier is false. The idea of having a water-logged car with no license plate is another obstacle he could've used

#breakthrough #gobestiego #secretmission

Chapter 5: Bullhead City

dhtranle1001_2 — 2021-12-14 20:00:23 UTC

Summary: When Chris conquers his obstacles, he decides to settle down for a while. He had gotten a job (pg. 39) at a McDonald's, where he worked for two months. During these two months, he had lived in a trailer (pg. 41) given to him by a somewhat lunatic man (named Charlie). In his short-lived vacation, Chris had made great impressions on those around him. He was describved as "a nice kid, good worker, reliable, smelly and reckless." His coworkers had noticed that he was a very astute person, who enjoyed the classics (pg. 43) such as Jack London. While on his stay, his two friends (Bob and Jan Burres) had visited him in Niland, California. They had housed and took care of him, giving him proper care like he was their own son. The pair noticed he was a gifted child as well, who played the electronic (pg. 45) organ and entertained everyone. On his last day, he was given warm clothing and better items to help his travels by Burres. As he had left the car, she realized he had left it, proving to be stubborn throughout. She soon accepted (pg. 46) that he would be fine all on his own.

Analysis: The idea of taking a break is good for the mind, body and soul. Chris' idea of settling down might have blown his cover yet I believe it was a smart idea. His desire to slow down was graceful as he could rest before his unknowing final moments before his death not only helped him heal, but made him well known to many others.

#getthemcoins #baller #king

Chapter 6: Anza-Borrego

dhtranle1001_2 — 2021-12-16 19:10:50 UTC

Summary: As he continues to move forward, he had made another friend on his journey. Chris had been camping in the hot area of Coachella. In reality, McCandless had been camped outside the bajada (pg. 49), described as a sun-scorched area. During his trip, he befriended a man named Ronald Franz. Franz was described as an elderly man, a veteran and a man with a dark secret. After the war, the veteran himself had gone home and taken care of his wife and child. One day, his wife and son are killed by vehicular homicide. The elderly man drove to drinking, yet with a miracle of God and began adopting (pg. 50) Okinawan boys and girls. During his stay, Chris and Ronald soon had both filled each others void (pg. 56) of a lost loved one. The man had the idea of adopting Chris, yet he avoided the grasp of another loved one yet again. When he was gone, he mailed him letters of his travels. Chris (or Alex) had told Ron that he should give up his possessions and become a nomad himself. The man who had lived for nine decades (pg. 58) decided it was time to go and see the world for himself. Years into the future, Franz had picked up two wandering men as well. They sadly informed him that another "son" of his had passed. This information caused his spiral into another alcoholic break, yet instead of killing him, it made him very sick (pg. 60).

Analysis: In this chapter, it solemnly shows that people can impact others deeply with just one look. Franz's deep care for adopting Alex/Chris might have been a stretch, since the man was already an adult and didn't seem to need a family, shows how kind Alex was. He was an entertainer, a friend, a guide and more when he told the man to go see the world. When Ronald heard of his friend's passing, it crushed him so badly, he reverted back to his old self. Although many chapters show that Alex was important to many, this one takes the cake.

#friendsforever #betheretilltheendoftime #drinkawaythepain

Chapter 7: Carthage

dhtranle1001_2 — 2021-12-18 02:36:06 UTC

Before he had passed, Alex visited his friend, Westerberg, who stated that he wasn't a very bright kid. He was described as "not a space cadet," (pg. 63) but he had his book smarts. When he had crashed with Westerberg, he had introduced him to his family. Soon, Alex/Chris had opened up on his work life and history of college. Krakauer soon revealed though the college graduate was a party animal, he remained "celibate" (pg. 65). He had met with Westerberg's mother, who stated that he was entertaining as they chatted about books for hours. When he got ready to leave, Westerberg's mother, Borah, noticed he was crying (pg. 68). As he left, he sent them all postcards, stating he would now walk into the wild (pg. 69) and it was great to meet (pg. 69) them.

Analysis: While reading of Chris' emotional goodbye, it showed that maybe he wasn't as ready to go. The idea of leaving everyone behind without any wordly attachments scares me. Chris had left his family behind, his "lovers" and friends, pets and more in Virginia. He had then made new friends and had left them as well. I believe he would have cried when leaving his family as well, yet it shows he is a stone-cold man. Hopefully, next chapter shows more of this "cold hearted" man.

#partyanimal #smartypants #crymeariver

Chapter 8: Alaska

dhtranle1001_2 — 2021-12-18 02:36:16 UTC

Summary: After word of his demise had reached the public, many had words to say about his scuffed planning. Many stated that his ignorance (pg. 72) of the simple Boy Scout rules. Many began to talk about how the young man had not even tried to fight against death and how he barely tried. Though he was a hot topic, he was not the first to try this "isolated" way of living. Another man, Gene Rosellini, had abandoned his education as well. He left his family and lived in the woods, going back through the eras (pg. 74). He had committed suicide after he had to plan to backpack around the world. The next, John Mallon Waterman, had more of a successful trial run. He successfully climbed Mt. McKinley at sixteen and conquered more in other countries. After winning so many challenges, his life was almost bland. He suffered a hard loss, as many of his intimate climbing companions had killed themselves or suffered accidents. John's psyche (pg. 77) was damaged but he continued on. One day, he had simply vanished but not before telling his friend. Carl McCunn was another wanderer like Chris. He had packed with him many items like Chris did, such as a sleeping bag, shotgun (pg. 82) and rations. During the harsh winter, he had died from starvation and hypotherima. McCandless himself possibly died in a similar way, yet his reasoning for travelling out there was unsure. He was smart and not a regular nutcase (pg. 85). Others though group him as another man driven mad in some way.

Analysis: Reading all the stories of all men who lost their lives is heartbreaking, as they all planned to conquer the world yet ended in pain. They all died similarly as well, from starvation or hypothermia. Their deaths were all almost painless or slow, which is the more painful factor. In the end, they achieved their dreams but then a nightmare followed.

#inevitable #winners? #lifeisharsh

Chapter 9: Davis Gulch

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-03 18:26:23 UTC

Summary: Krakauer opens the chapter by describing a canyon called "Davis Gulch." The canyon is filled with "pink sandstone slabs" along with intriguing drawings or petroglyphs on it's sheer (pg. 88) walls. The carvings were added by multiple men and women, such as one Everett Ruess. His mother, Stella, was a journalist was his father was a Havard graduate. Everett graduated in the summer of 1931. He got in his car and set off, driving through fantastic and mystique (pg. 90) countries and states like Alaska. Everett soon moved around like Chris, yet had adopted multiple names but returned to be nearby the Gulch. It was documented that two sheepherders had been the last one to see him alive (pg. 93). Ruess himself though had then stuck to one name before his timely demise, NEMO. Many soon delved into many theories of the reason why Everett had disappeared. Everett's brother, Waldo, believed that his own brother was murdered (pg. 95). Krakauer than compares both McCandless and Ruess to a papar (pg. 97), Irish monks who were nomadic and as well as kind to the Earth. The two men and many others were not just monads yet explorers as well as so much more.

Analysis: Everett was like Chris, as he was described as he was fascinated with nature. Though Chris didn't care for nature much as his ethics were about wealth, he did his best for the world. The two men were the same, both introverted yet those who had adventurous mindsets. Though they both were taken by the hand and coddled by Death, they impacted us all.

#justkeepswimming #liveyourlife #cracks

Chapter 10: Fairbanks

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-04 19:58:55 UTC

Summary: On Sunday, it was reported that a twenty year old man was found dead. The man himself was none other than Chris. J. McCandless. It was reported he died from starvation and with a wound in his campsite in Alaska. He was found in his bag with his blue sweatshirt (pg. 99) with the logo of Santa Barbara. When the word had spread, the lives that he touched had been alerted quickly. Many others had heard of his demise, such as his friends he met along the way. Gallien, Westerberg and more had been called and were told to turn on their radios and that a man like (pg. 100) Alex was found. When Westerberg called in the line, he gave the authorities information on the lone wolf and the numbers were traced back to a small home in northern (pg. 101) Virginia. As many read in the newspaper, such as his half sibling from his father's first marriage and his intial reaction was that Chris' family (pg. 101) must be in pain. He then saw the reveal of his own half-brother's face and then simply thought, how does he explain their own son is dead (pg. 102). In the end, no one won.

Analysis: After reading this small chapter, I felt saddened by the world's reaction to Chris' death. Many people had called into the authorities to report they knew him, indicating that they had someone who had run off as well. Chris' half brother himself had been hurt by the story and was saddened by the whole ordeal. Overall, his story wasn't an epic story yet it had impacted everyone.

#golittlerockstar #bloodisthickerthanalaska #girlboss

Chapter 11: Chespeake Beach

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-06 02:51:56 UTC

Summary: Different from the other chapters, the authors dives into Chris' family. He begins with his father, Samuel Walter, who was described as a tempermental man. Over the years, the volatility (pg. 105) in his voice had dissapated. Before Chris was born, Mr. McCandless had another family from his first marriage (pg. 108). There, he fathered four children with a woman named Marcia. Though it was love at first sight, it wasn't meant to be as he then fell in the mother of Chris and Carine. He then divorced his wife and married Wilhemina "Billie" Johnson (later McCandless). It is revealed that Samuel was the instigator for Chris' love of nature. He had taken his family on many camping trips (while visiting his ex-wife). Chris was like his father, as he and Carine had grown with a musical (pg. 110) talent. He was a star student, as well as a cross country (pg. 112) captain with his fast times. Though he was a good and model student, he dismissed the idea of obedience and being told what to do. He was a difficult with not only school, but money as well. He viewed wealth (pg. 115) as a corrupt and evil yet he was also described as an entrepreuneur when young. Though for being a perfect and smart young business man, his mind was different than the rest and it costed him his life.

Analysis: Chris in this chapter is shown in a better light, rather than his regular cold demeanor. He was said to be a smart child, with a good musical prowess as well as salesman at the age of five. Though the chapter begins well with a somewhat dark back story, it shows Chris was a normal kid yet with an affinity with the wild. Though his end was tragic, his beginning was bright.

#A+student #smartalex #scholarwho?

Chapter 12: Annandale

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-07 02:22:25 UTC

Summary: Before his graduation, Chris embarked on a small journey but not before telling everyone he loved them. When he returned from his trip, he was skin and bones. His friends stated that he was good at everything he tried, making him overconfident (pg. 118) that he would be fine in the desert. When he returned to school, his social life was the same. He was reclusive, as he seemed to be only interested (pg. 120) in working. He worked at Domino's, earning more money even when it wasn't his shift. Chris had been his own accountant, yet though when fixing his bank account, he neglected to fix his relationship with his parents. Chris had found that his own father had still kept in touch his own life, especially Marcia. Two years after Chris was born, his father had another child with his ex-wife. Krakauer then explains that though Chris hated his father for his morals, he still idolized men like Tolstoy or London, who went against their own morals. Though McCandless disliked his family life, he also disliked many governments as his motto was "the best government is one that governs (pg. 123) less." When he had the idea to head to places in need, his family intervened. They assumed his idea was dumb, to which he told his sister that his family were a bunch "imbeciles." (pg. 125) When he left for his trip, his family had no longer heard from him. Before his passing, his mother had woken up, dreaming (pg. 126) that her son was calling for her to help him.

Analysis: In this chapter, it shows more of Chris' intelligence yet his more emotional side. Though it's evident he was a scholar, he was still human rather than a machine. He did his own taxes/handled his own shows his care for his life. He found out his father's doublelife and held a grudge, showing he still needed guidance. This chapter shows that though we see Chris handling his own troubles, he can't escape them.

#modernfamily #dejavu #hypocrites

Chapter 13: Virginia Beach

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-07 19:29:37 UTC

Summary: The author dives into the relationship between Carine and Chris. Carine is now an older woman and happily married, living in her house on Virginia Beach. In her house, she has two photos of her and her brother, with his usual face where someone had seem to interrupt him in thought (pg. 128). Krakauer writes that they were usually always believed to be twins. Though the two were different in life, they shared similarities (pg. 129). When her husband, Chris Fish, had came home, he had given her the news that her brother had passed away sadly. The younger McCandless had broken down, begging for answers (pg. 130). Not a day later, she had driven four hours to her parent's home to find peace. The next day, his father had signed papers and he was soon cremated (pg. 131) in a plastic box labeled "Christopher R. McCandless." When Carine had gone home, her mother mourned her son. She said she couldn't "understand" (pg. 132) why he chose to be a daredevil.

Analysis: Chris' family had the nuclear dynamic, yet he didn't. From the outside, Chris' family had the aura of a powerful family, with a rich father, loving mother and great siblings. Internally, his family was in small shambles as Chris was closed off, but not to all. In this chapter, it shows how close he and Carine were. Carine had loved her brother dearly, and he to her. We see a better picture when it shows how open he was to her in previous chapters and now when she broke down from the single thought of her brother's passing. My heart broke from the idea of losing my siblings, but in the end, life is a challenge that we all must battle.

#besties4lyfe #friends<3 #cutiepies;)

Chapter 14: The Stikine Ice Cap

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-10 18:34:13 UTC

Summary: After documenting the story of the fearless wanderer, Krakauer takes a shot. Like our protagonist, Krakauer also enjoyed and fathomed about the idea of trekking the harsh land of Alaska. During his climbs, his life was made real (pg. 134) by the breathtaking sights. He soon set out to climb a mountain called "Devils Thumb," which is stated as the hardest mountain to climb even for the experienced. After hitching a ride with many others, he was given directions, he had stayed with a woman named Kai Sandburn. Similar to Chris, he had somewhat rejected the companionship of another. He was intoxicated by her laughter (pg. 137), touch and more. While climbing, he had slipped and placed his foot into a crevasses (pg. 139). He soon camped out as the weather worsened. As the weather began to intensify, he started to cry till his voice was hoarse (pg. 141). As he climbed down (pg. 144) from his journey, he gained clarity and soon finished his adventure, gaining an understanding of the adrenaline.

Analysis: Krakauer touches on his personal life, showing that his life was similar to Chris. Like Chris, he endured hardships on his travel like Chris, who had died of starvation. The only difference is that he relied on those around him. Unlike Chris, Krakauer used his resources and fought to live, thinking carefully and being anal about what to do. In the end, he gained the understanding of why Chris had fought every small rule, to be free.

#mirrormirror #catchmeslippin' #gaslightlol

Chapter 15: The Stikine Ice Cap

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-11 05:50:02 UTC

Summary: As he slowly warmed up in his tent, Krakauer sat alone, studying (pg. 146) the small ripstop pattern in his tent. Instead of resting, he had decided to roll a small blunt and smoked it. The aftermaths of the weed had made him loopy and hungry, which resulted in him wanting some oatmeal. As he cooked his food, he had been distracted as a small spark had soon set his tent on fire. As he saved himself, he soon saw the demise of the tent which he had borrowed from his father. Krakauer's father, like McCandless', was a man of scholar and was very autocratic. He was very brash in a way that masked his "insecurities" (pg. 147). When growing up, his father had planned out his and his siblings' future (such as being doctors and more). Later in life, his father's health deterioated as he soon became sick with post-polio syndrome. He buried himself in pills and more, soon trying to take his life and making sure John was present (pg. 149). As Krakauer had then reflected on that instead of steering away from his dad's image, he was made in his style. He had a drive for ambitious activities, which was his small downfall. When he had climbed all the way up to the top, as a small snowflake metastasized (pg. 150) into a storm. As he waited to return home, our author had soon understood the reason for Chris' recklessness, as he didn't want to die (pg. 156) but he wanted to live.

Analysis: For about three days, Krakauer had spent his life like Chris. He had fed on what he had, lived in harsh weather and had to brave the world alone. He survived the harsh cold in his small tent, like Chris in his small bus. As we read, we get the small sense that he was struggling yet we never believed it till we see Krakauer's attempt. The smallest mistake can cost your whole life (as with Chris and his injury along with Krakauer and burning down his tent). Living alone is harsh when you are unprepared, even tested by the wisest men.

#upupandaway! #spiderman #rockysituation

Chapter 16: The Alaskan Interior

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-12 18:57:45 UTC

Summary: Carrying onto the next adventure, Chris has hitched another ride with another man he will impact. The man was described bald (pg. 158), cheerful with a ham-face, aged sixty-three. He was headed to return an RV home back to the salesman, yet had stopped and picked up the "cold hearted monk." Stuckey agreed to drive Chris to his next destination, Fairbanks. When driving him, he begged for the young man named "Alex," to give his parents a call and write him a letter. Alex had arrived at a Geophysical Institute in Fairbank, with it's one feature being a satellite visible in the skyline (pg. 161). He soon traveled back into the wilderness after obtaining a book to help him in the wild. He survived on eating everything and anything (pg. 164) he could grabbed. He had succeeded in killing a moose, yet not in perserving it. During his short lived adventure (pg. 168), he decided to bring his findings and ideas back to society. As he decided to travel home, the weather was now in his condition. As he emerged, he saw the ravine had been higher and the current being stronger than five men. Inevitably, he had turned around and walked back (pg. 171) into the bushes.

Analysis: It is now a reoccuring pattern that Chris influences many in his life, even with the smallest impact. Chris was shown to Stuckley as some random young man bathing, yet soon made him feel compassion for the wanderer as he explained his family life to him. Chris was not only a scholar but a possible magnet for the joy of others and crazy wild stories he lived in. He also exuded the energy of a young man, as when he had hunted, he documented his great wins. In this chapter, he wasn't just a random stinky old man, but a new hunter in this dangerous wild.

#oneshotonekill #cavemenstyle #mukbang

Chapter 17: The Stampede Trail

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-13 19:44:16 UTC

Summary: Many people face the wild (pg. 172), yet barely make it out alive due to the Earth not being in our favor. On the way to inspect Chris' last living area, Krakauer's companions had remarked that McCandless was born in the wrong century (pg. 174). He had decided to not map out his area, so he had been stuck in that rusty and paint peeling bus. Two Alaskan hunters had commented as well that killing a moose was almost impossible. Chris was shown as incompetent (pg. 177) in the eyes of hunters, being a newbie and possibly mistaking a caribou as a moose. Chris was compared to a man, or a naval officer named John Franklin. Franklin had been in charge for leading the expedition to find a passage through the cold ice northwest route. He was the one responsible for the death of many, as he lacked humility (pg. 181), like Chris. Krakauer and his friends theorized that he possibly suffered from an disorder (pg. 184), as his behavior was sporadic yet we can never know, as one's secrets stay with them in the grave.

Analysis: A hunter is not just someone who gains winnings, but also great losses. Chris was ridiculed by the public for being a new member of the hunting game yet had won by killing a moose, though lost by not following the simple Boy Scout rules. Krakauer had stated that Chris lacked humility, which was shown as he believed smoking was the only way yet which was untrue. He chose not to map it out as he didn't account for the weather. Chris was not lacking humility but was very arrogant, yet that's what made him human.

#wickedsmart #hunter #bravesoul

Chapter 18: The Stampede Trail

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-14 04:59:48 UTC

Summary: Christoper McCandless was a hunter and man of nature, stuck in a modern (pg. 187) man's entrpreneur and socialite's body. During the end of his days, he slowly lost energy from starvation and the harsh weather. It had rained for a week, meaning he was stuck in his metal, rusty box for a week in a cold and wet enviornment. The last remains of Chris' items was a book, where he had written that happiness is only greater and real when shared (pg. 189). Though he had been alone, in his last moments, he wanted to share his findings, yet couldn't. Suffering from starvation, he had needed sustenance to share his word like the next coming of Jesus. He had fed on small potato seeds (pg. 190), though that was his faulty mistake. Potato seeds are poisonous once sprouting begins, as they are in the nightshade family which all produce solanine (an insecticide when growing). Not only did he ingest poisoness seeds but as well as toxic mold (pg. 194) with high akalinic levels called swainsonine (known as the killer of livestock). As Chris suffered slowly, he had no idea that he could've saved his own life with a three-hour walk up to the cabin. Though that would've seemed like a burning building doused in cool water, it was nicer an idea as in reality the cabin was ransacked. Chris soon stopped documenting his days, as his last message was a simple goodbye (pg. 199) to the world and a small "thank you, God."

Analysis: We have finally known what happened to Chris, and though we are given clarity, it is still jawdropping. The idea of dying by poison is horrifying, feeling your stomach churn and your bowels radiating pain. Chris possibly died in pain, yet a slow kind which makes my eyes water. The idea of dying alone in a slow painful scenario is scary along with the idea of dying somewhere unknown is worse. Now that we know of Chris' demise, I wish that others would at least try to thrive in the wild like he did, but with the proper equipment.

#allswellthatendswell #nomorepotatoes #crunchylegumes

Epilogue

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-18 19:36:11 UTC

Summary: In this "chapter," Chris' resting place is visisted by his parents, Walt and Billie McCandless. They board a helicopter with Krakauer. Billie was placed in the passenger seat (pg. 201) with Walt in the back with Krakauer. Before the trip, Ms. McCandless had spoken to a Healy coal miner named Butch Killian who was present (pg. 201) when Chris' body was found. As the helicopter landed in the vast land of Alaska, his parents had visited his last resting place. The group had wandered the area, taking in the vast beauty of the area. His father had admitted that the place was gracious and he saw the appeal (pg. 202) of the Great Interior. They explored the tin cbox, scanning the floor as the noticed his shoes, his bags, books and more. They had run out of tears for him, yet his mother noticed how brave (pg. 202) he was in his final moments. In the end, they had gain their closure from knowing their son tried his best for living on his own. As they were lifted away in the helicopter, heading home, they saw the roof of the bus, still visible (pg. 203) in the trees.

Analysis: At the end of the book, I find this section the second most heartwarming. The first being that we realized how he died and now that we see his parents are finally at peace with his resting area. The faces his parents must've been heartbreaking though to fathom, due to the idea of their son dying alone. Knowing that they finally saw the place he had to rest, the land he lived on and feeling the cold weather he endured made my heart warm. In the end, they felt his prescence again and lived with the idea that he did his best.

#speedrun #workaholic #bestparentsevah

Afterword

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-19 18:40:32 UTC

Summary: After the big reveal that he died from moldy potato seeds, he launched an investigation that dove deeper into the mystery of why he died so suddenly. Many believed it was a first starvation (¶ 1), but that was proven was incorrect as scientists dissected the mystery. Revising the notes over and over, Krakauer had brought in the big guns such as Alaskan chemists and with the help of another author named Ronald Hamilton, they came to the conclusion that the moldy seeds carried a chemcial called beta-ODAP (¶ 6). The chemical (called Oxalyldiaminopropionic acid) is said to happen from consuming those in the Lathryus grain (or peas), which can cause paralysis (or weakness of the lower extremities). Though many believed that he was done, that wasn't the case. Others soon jumped onto the theorization and soon found out it was the beta-ODAP but another animo acid (¶ 9), called L-canavanine. Ingesting the chemical results in restricting peristalsis (the movement of relaxing/constricting canals such as the intestine) and ruining the nitric-oxide in one's body (the compound in our bodies to help us have healthy blood cells). The people before Chris (Native Alaskans) had known the legume was dangerous, yet if he had a book, he would've known. Sadly, no one knows how many (¶ 18) he had eaten yet though knowing that he had lived for 113 days, if he had not eaten those plants, he would've survived (¶ 20).

Analysis: Regardless of the end of the novel, the extra addition gives a better light to how Chris died. At first, I assumed he had passed as the moldy seeds had given him intestinal issues rather than having a more deeper complications. Knowing that his airway or stomach was constricted and that his blood was possibly causing him more pain paints a more horrific picture. Though Chris was said to be heartless, the way he affected us by his death makes my heart wrench. Thanks to Krakauer, we know more on what to avoid if we ever try the McCandless challenge and live on our own to explore the world.

#potatofamine #greenthumbandbowels #takesometums

My Future Odyssey

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-20 19:28:29 UTC

Growing up, I was always told that if you were to map out your future before you enter the real world, you'd be set. Many others had moved onto the next chapters of their lives at the age of twelve, planning to be doctors and more. Watching people grow up to be skilled in the arts, sciences and more inspired me to set out for my own path. My only issue was that, while being motivated by my family and friends, I had chosen everything. I was not set on solely science, art or literature, but all of it. Though it seems like an impossible feat, it's easier than it seems (well, in my eyes.)

My future path is psychology, which though seem may just like a science, it is more than that. Under certain classifications, psychology is a social science and art, incorporating literature as well history. The study of the human brain involves the certain attention to detail to notice how it works with certain components (chemical science) and how we work with others (social science). There is an art to this pathway, as it's as learning a dance with a partner who is random, who will add a small change to the dance itself. The dance is the representation of how illnesses emerge in life and how we can not control or subdue but work with. There is also literature involved, reading the great notes of old psychologists such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Mary Ainsworth, Margaret Floy Washburn and more. Like Chris, I want to help those by letting them know of the wonders of the world and how we can help (except I'm not choosing to march across Alaska in the cold with barely any supplies). My future odyssey is not just psychology and science, it is my next step into being a helper in this world.

#scholaralert #smartasheck #muchcool

Chris McCandless Reflection

dhtranle1001_2 — 2022-01-21 19:23:57 UTC

With the end of the novel, we have finally learned of the life of the young Christopher J. McCandless. In the beginning, I assumed that he was just a special rich boy with "small issues" but he was anything but. Throughout the narration, we were shown the dark and light paths of his life. Chris was a complicated man, which I can relate to, yet he was not just that but as well as mysterious. If he had lived, he would've been an icon to this day.

As I stated, Chris was complicated for many reasons, but let's start with the good. Chris was brought up in a "well-put" home, shown to be great athlete as well as a scholar. He was also told to have been an already proper entreprenuer, selling cans of beans and more at the age of five. Moving on into the future, he was a kind wanderer. Though he chose not to have any attachments, Chris gave kind advice to those he met along the way. He had given advice to Ronald Franz, who lived to see great things in life. He entertained his two friends Jan and Bob with his musical prowess. The book showed his bright and kind side as well as his intelligent side as well.

Sadly, we would not be a human if without our flaws and our bad side. Though Chris (or Alex) was a good man, he was also a bit of an ass. He was cold, which was understandable yet disappearing without a trace was not. He had left his sister with the her parents who were great yet had underlying secrets. Her rejected gifts that were useful to him and in his time of need, had no one there as he rejected them. He also had burned up his money and trashed his cards, when he could have transferred the money to charity or lent his sister some leftovers in case she needed it.

Overall, Chris was complicated in some fronts yet he made one hell of a story to tell others. After reading the book, front to back, my standing on Chris is that he was a challenge himself who wanted a challenge. He juggled the truth of his father's "affair," his mission on being the "perfect bad boy" with his good grades and cold look. He started earning money young and being the model student, which while thinking about it, seems like a heavy burden. I see Chris' need for adventure as a need for escape. He lived a full life and I think he meant it when he said he didn't regret a single moment.

#theGOAT #kingshiz #materialgworl✨