https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4 Dog Witta Blog en-us 2021-12-07 17:32:15 UTC 2025-09-24 16:30:44 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f3c2.png jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1934176199 When I was little we used to go hiking a lot as a family. Eaton Canyon Falls is where we used to go, it was a 3 mile there & back hike with a rewarding natural waterfall. People would climb to the top and jump in, maybe now that I'm older I can go back and try it. There was different trails we went on of course, I just can't seem to remember the names. More recently I've been exploring/hiking in northern California. a good recommendation would be "Rock City" (yes that's the real name and yes it's FULL of rocks) and lake Chabot, a dep forest where I've seen wild deer & turkeys.

#childhoodmemories #wildlife #intothecitofrocks]]> 2021-12-07 17:49:07 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1934176199 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1936780701 Summary - Chris meets a man who picks him up off the grey Alaskan highways. This man (Gillian) is shocked by Chris's drive for his mission. Chris wanted to live off the land all by his lonesome, Gillian was surprised by his light backpack and .22 (pg.5) rifle that could stop a small coyote at most. This lack of gear could prove to be a fatal (pg.3) mistake for someone venturing into the unforgiving (pg.4) bush. (pg.5) This was more of an introduction to the ending, followed by the determined (pg.6) man's adventures that led up to it.

Analysis - He reminds me of my uncle Andre, he's a total woodsman, like if you were to be stranded anywhere he would know what to do. with all that knowledge comes the quirks which are very reminiscent to Chris. I think instead of burning his money and starting from scratch he could've invested in himself to live a comfortable live in the wild, or would that defeat the purpose?
#manehedead  #alaskanoddesy  #coldnights]]> 2021-12-08 20:37:01 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1936780701 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962346908 Summary - The chapter's title is the Route (pg.10) that Chris followed into the wilderness. There was a bus left behind on the now impassable (pg.10) road to serve as a shelter to hunters and such. This anomaly (pg.11) served as Chris's resting ground after being badly injured and unable to hike for help. Eventually some people had gone adventuring and stumbled across the bus which emitted a bad smell. (pg.12) After Chris's body was discovered and given an autopsy, it was determined that the most probable cause of death was starvation. (pg.14)

Analysis - I wonder what it's like sitting there accepting death, those last 5-6 hours that he endured intrigue me. did he think something miraculous was going to happen? or did he accept the end of his journey, filled with the accomplishment of venturing to Alaska, a feeling so strong that death meant nothing.
#ubereats  #lasthours  #havemompackalunch

]]> 2021-12-23 17:40:44 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962346908 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962383986 Summary - Carthage is a sleepy (pg.15) little town in south Dakota, home to Wayne Westerberg. Wayne owns a grain elevator and was a good friend of Chris (whom they knew as Alex) Wayne picked up Alex as a hitchhiker (pg.16) and let him stop by the town to freshen up and such. Everyone was so intrigued by Alex, his stories of travels and little background on himself made everyone's head turn. off and on Alex would work for Wayne, the hardest working hitchhiker he's ever seen. Alex was extremely ethical (pg.18) and held high standards for himself. eventually Alex had left cartage for a bit and resumed his Nomadic (pg.19) experiences. Chris had quite a fallout with his family, he secretly set out to live this life without his parents knowing. leaving his old life of opportunities, he now roams the world as Alexander Supertramp (pg.23)

Analysis - This man really did it. He set out to do something, talked it up like no other and actually achieved it. Very impressive from my point of view. It gives me the perception of "I can really set my life to be whatever I want." As selfish as it may be, nothing is stopping me from cutting all ties and starting anew.
#justdoit  #longroadahead #goodolwayne]]> 2021-12-23 18:40:56 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962383986 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962460641 Summary - The yellow Datsun (pg.26) was found in a dry part of Lake Mead National Park. Chris left it there after the park flooded and water got into his engine. after this adverse event Chris continues on foot. Despite the loss of a car he was exhilarated (pg.29) at the opportunity of tougher travels. Tough travels is what he got alright. McCandless gets scammed for labor by an man called "Crazy Ernie". After the rain there's sun, and that sun was a pair of drifters. (pg.30) Jan and Bob Burres who had since became good friends with Chris, took him Orick Beach. Chris receives a Ticket (pg.31) that alerts his parents of his existence. Franticly, they hire a Private investigator to track their son down. after getting arrested by immigration he was left on the border with no gun, ready to travel the southwest (pg.37)

Analysis - This chapter shows the surface of what could go wrong on a trip like this. McCandless really got beat down and left to almost no hope. His determination aided him in surviving so long through these hardships.
#nevergiveup #newinmate #divinedrifters]]> 2021-12-23 21:28:49 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962460641 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962543905 Summary - For awhile there was no information on Chris's whereabouts. No photographs or journal entries. We pick up our story in Bullhead, Arizona where McCandless picks up a job serving Quarter Pounders. (pg.39) a notable experience from his coworkers was that Chris hated socks.(pg.40) he would only wear them in adherence to the McDonalds footwear guidelines. As history repeats itself Chris leaves and ventures to Slab City. here is where he thrives in his community, socializing (pg.44) with all humans and even animals(pg.45) The one detail of McCandless's background(pg.46) he shared watching a football game. The team was from his home state Washington D.C.

Analysis - I cant believe he got an actual job after preaching this stand alone, non capitalistic lifestyle. very ironic, as for the socks I have no idea what he was thinking like don't your feet hurt? I have never heard such a thing. it was pleasant to see him socialize and even have a girl gush over him. such an interesting mind.
#whatsupthere  #handsomefashionman  #dogwhisperer]]> 2021-12-24 00:35:26 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962543905 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962681225 Summary - In this chapter we learn of the heartbreaking relationship with Ronald Franz. Franz' wife and kid had died while he was in the war, always wanting to adopt(pg.50) afterwards, he took a liking to Chris. Franz picked up Chris on the highway to take him back to his encampment?(pg.50) Early February McCandless said he would leave for san Diego. Ronald Relented (pg.42) at this decision, doing everything he could to stop or aid him in his travels. about a month later Chris calls Ron to ask if he can pick him up. Ecstatic by this event Ronald agrees and takes him to dinner. Chris stays only for a day, he has a job (pg.54) waiting for him. Ronald Franz drops off Alex McCandless with one last wish, to adopt Alex as his grandson. (pg.55) Chris ends the conversation with a brisk "we'll talk about it when i get back from Alaska"

Analysis - very sad for Ron here. His whole life he's lost things and out of nowhere he finds this amazing person only for them to run away from him. But I think it was a little much to ask him to live his legacy by becoming his grandson. like I understand we're great friends but I'm not doing that. He had to have known it was an awkward question.
#warhero  #backtowayne  #cmonronyouknowbetter]]> 2021-12-24 02:31:33 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962681225 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962778392 Summary - The Alaskan odyssey is in preparation as Chris returned to Wayne for a job at the combine. He was only staying long enough to buy a new set of gear (pg.62) He did anything he could for money, all the tedious (pg.62) tasks that everyone hated was right up his alley. Borah is a new friend of Chris's, who invited him to dinner (pg.63) almost every night. We find that McCandless may be a virgin (pg.66), not because he cant talk to girls or anything, he just has no interest. His eyes are fully set on Alaska. He finally did it. in early may, Westerberg and the Burres received a postcard (pg.69) from Chris, entailing that he made it and this might be the last they see of him.

Analysis - There ain't nooooo way he made it, even though he ends up dying he must have felt on top of the world when he reached his dream destination. a feeling words could not describe. His wording in his last letters strike me as cryptic and odd, I'm left to wonder if there is correlation or mere coincidence in the result of his journey.
#foreshadowing #trecheroustundra #acencion]]> 2021-12-24 04:07:51 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962778392 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962809409 Summary - He did it. He met his demise in Alaska. The media (pg.70) loved him, they portrayed his as some Mentally Disturbed(pg.70) kid who died a pointless death. Krakauer uses this chapter to tell the tails of other men with similar natures to Chris. things like this aren't abnormal. For instance this mountain climber (pg.74) died while trying to summit the highest peak, addicted to the outdoor climbing scene it ultimately got him killed. The author then tells a tale of an exercise fanatic that killed himself(pg.75) before embarking on his adventure to walk around the world living out of his backpack. There are similarities (pg.84) among these men, all with an impractical fascination that lead them to their downfall.

Analysis - These guys are fascinating. Like yeah they're crazy buy I just think about what goes on in their mind and how they think their "Alaska" will be the answer to life's problems. The unhealthy obsession with a task that kills you is intriguing. Chris seems like a lost boy compared to these guys.
#asylum #laststop #notasbasasyouthought]]> 2021-12-24 04:45:03 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1962809409 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1974774544 Summary - The man who gave Chris his last ride in Alaska sees the article of his death. Jim Gallian calls the police to inquire about his possible encounter with the now dead hitchhiker. struggling amongst those trying to get their fifteen seconds of fame, he convinces police that he does in fact know him. Gallian repeats the lie that Chris told him, and tells the police that Chris was from south Dakota. In a fortunate coincidence a friend of McCandless' catches wind of the search and notifies the Alaskan state troopers with evidence of Chris's social security number.

Analysis - I'm glad Chris didn't FULLY lie and tell gallian that he was from some nowhere state. In South Dakota he had connections and technically that's where he's from. South Dakota was the birthplace of Alexander SuperTramp.
#oldties #keepcalling #workrecords]]> 2022-01-04 17:47:42 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1974774544 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1990912020 Summary - This is where the McCandless home lies. Walter McCandless, dressed in a Jet Propulsion Laboratory (pg.104) jacket, gives some information on himself while mourning his son. He's  made large contributions to NASA (pg.104) being the project manager for a pioneering seasat launch. Walt gives some background info on Chris. he accounts for Chris wandering outside in the middle of the night to siege their neighbors candy drawer(pg.106). The parents had to work long hours to achieve their wealth, bringing Chris closer with his sister. When the money started rolling in is when the good times did too. Road trips(pg.107) with the family ignited the adventure gene in Chris. Chris was offered paid education(pg.116) if he would continue school and move to Emory. There was not a thought in his mind leaning toward that opportunity. Chris wanted to get behind the wheel and drive everywhere all summer.

Analysis - a lot of this chapter was background info on the McCandless family but most importantly Chris. It was ashamed to see that paid education go down the drain, such a rare opportunity for someone. I wonder about how his relationship with his sister grew, and the odd moments they shared.
#onceinalifetimeoppurtunity #bestbuds #number1dad?]]> 2022-01-13 17:51:21 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1990912020 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1997046798 Summary - Walt's double life(pg.121) gets reveled in this chapter. Turns out he had a whole other family along with a son. Chris leaves on his trip and nearly dies of dehydration(pg.118) after getting lost in the Mojave. Chris became lost in his schooling., tuning put everyone and becoming anti social(pg.123) & cynical. Here is where we make our first steps. Chris donates(pg.125) all his money to OXFAM packs up his  Datsun(pg.124) and heads down towards Guatemala, eventually switching goals to Alaska.

Analysis - I cant believe he donated all his money. i get it's an altruistic act but he could've invested in himself and set up a place in Alaska with plenty of supplies for his to live out his dream.
#herewego  #lastfirsttrip  #familyproblems]]> 2022-01-18 04:38:30 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1997046798 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1997164026 Summary - Two Framed (pg.127) photographs of Chris is what remain on his sisters table. She explains how wild Chris used to be and some of his experiences as a college student. she also details about Buckley(pg.128) a dog that Chris was in love with and would never put in danger. Carine stands there in bereavement(pg.132) unsure why Chris made his decisions

Analysis - Very short chapter, not much to note here. I wonder how Chris's adventure would've gone if he had his dog with him. would he have made safer choices or account the dogs death for natural selection?
#shortandsweet  #mansbestfriend  #tearsfromsis]]> 2022-01-18 06:19:25 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1997164026 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1997182087 Summary - The narrator chimes in here talking about his own life. He does this to discredit the idea that McCandless went to Alaska looking for death. As a mountain lover, his goal was to summit The Devil's Thumb in Alaska. He starts climbing and encounters various adversities, such as accidentally burning a hole in his tent.

Analysis - Although I didn't care for the authors chime in, it does shed more light on McCandless mental state. An occurrence with similar motives make Chris more human, more relatable despite him taking it to the extreme.
#coldtwins #rockalyxnotnomountainclimber #icepick]]> 2022-01-18 06:35:15 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/1997182087 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/2000990256 Summary - The McCandless family takes a helicopter (pg.200) to the death site of their son. They originally intended to take on this trek on foot, as their son did, but unfortunately, the teklanika was too high to cross even with an ATV. The silence(Pg.201) was deafening in the bus, his mom notes how she thought the bus was a bit bigger. A wonderful way for both parents to receive closure. Knowing that their son stood(Pg.203) there was enough for them. They could see why Chris decided to set up camp there. His mom leaves a Suitcase(Pg.203) with a few survival supplies under the bus.

Analysis - What a great way to end a book I'm glad his parents were able to get the closure they needed. Not knowing where your child is for years only to find out they've passed must be gut-wrenching. Must've been cool to ride in a helicopter too.
#fin #sadparents #calmrelease]]> 2022-01-19 17:14:19 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/2000990256 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/2001032851 Summary - Chris dying to Starvation(P.1) was no secret, but something had to have made him too weak to hunt. A Journal entry(P.5) notes of "Extremely weak. Fault of potato seeds." What he's referencing is the seeds of the Eskimo potato plant, they had a toxic(P.6) compound in them. after testing the plant for toxins (more specifically Beta-ODAP[P.7]) Krakauer's hypothesis was correct, the plant did contain the toxin. Not until much later when he came back to his discovery did he realize that he was wrong. The actual toxin was another amino acid, L-canavanine(P.9).

Analysis - I wonder what drives Krakauer to Chris so much. Why does he spend valuable time from his own life to unravel the mystery of a dead hiker, he's already dead and the coroner gave a report of what killed him, starvation. it's not like any information he'll learn now will save Chris. Not to mention the $20,000 spent on this research, absolutely crazy. Maybe this is a pessimistic way of viewing things but I'm just so curious as to why Krakauer is so enthralled with Chris's situation?
 #selfsearching #krakedthecase #mysteriousinquiries]]> 2022-01-19 17:31:16 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/2001032851 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/2003456851 I don't wish to go on a wild adventure in the bush or desert, I'm far less than capable to make it back alive. My Odyssey is filled with flashing lights, taking flights whenever to wherever. Whether it be work or pleasure I will enjoy every second of it, making the work seem like a dream. Wearing whatever I please with no regard for "how much does that cost". Sleeping at night with no worries of bill payments or life issues, To fall asleep with only the hopes of what to accomplish tomorrow, not dreading it. Meeting wonderful creatives to work with and express our visions through any medium available. To have many enjoy what I produce and yearn for it. Feeling the rumble of bass on the stage floor. The main part of this odyssey I wish to achieve is to live with no self-doubt, truly believing I can accomplish everything I set out to.

#feeluncomfotabletobecomecomfortable #futureevents #everythingisstarting]]> 2022-01-20 17:42:27 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/2003456851 jrvascot1001_2 https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/2005443518 Christopher McCandless was quite the character,Overall i think he was just in over his head the whole time. He self sabotaged by burning his money, I get that he was gung-ho on the tramp life but he could've lived an easier tramp life if he would've kept even half of that money. His relationship ]]> 2022-01-21 17:09:47 UTC https://padlet.com/jrvascot1001_2/wkynxdq38a251yf4/wish/2005443518