Into The Wild Blog by Tri Nguyen https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka Made with swag by TN en-us 2021-12-07 15:29:19 UTC 2023-02-13 04:45:02 UTC hello@padlet.com My Experiences in the Wild... tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1933858714 I hate insects and I have extreme fear for lizards so I never actually went anywhere near the wild. There's not that many camping places or places where you are fully expose to the wild since I live in the most crowded city in Vietnam. However, I've been to the Cu Chi Tunnels 2 times and it really resembles the wild even though it's located in the rear of Saigon. The trees, the bushes, wild animals and the houses made up of tree leaves,... I was able to capture the nature and memorial park at the same time. I got the chance to even see the booby traps and went down the tunnel to see what it was like for them to live and immerse the nature as known as underground. Honestly that wasn't a very pleasant experience. I found myself out of breath shortly after going into the tunnel. After some 80+ years since the tunnel was built, I'm amazed at how they preserved the monument. I think they planted some more trees and bushes for the aesthetic but overall, I think it looks very close from the documentaries I've watched about this tunnel. It was a cool experience and I learned so much about my homeland's history as well as capturing the beauty of nature.]]> 2021-12-07 15:39:35 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1933858714 Chapter 1: The Alaska Interior tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1948684160 Into The Wild is not your common fictional high school books. It is based on a real event of an adventurer, Christopher Johnson McCandless. He chose to leave his own little world behind to look for new challenges and to live deliberately. The story starts when Gallien picks up a young hitchhiker (p.3). That hitchhiker is Christopher. Although he was carrying with him a rifle (p.3), Gallien gives no thought and took him for a ride. They were having deep conversations along the way. Gallien was genuinely concerned (p.5) for the young man as he only carries very limited supplies and doesn't look to be well-equipped for this kind of trip. He tried to dissuade (p.5) Chris and give him many advices but he doesn't bother to care at all. They exchanged a few more words, give each other gifts, take a picture and our adventurer disappeared (p.7) into the snowy track.

Analysis: I really admire Chris both because of his ideology to live an unhurried life, to leave what he cares about the most for an unknown adventure. Also, because he chose Alaska as his destination. Alaska is known for its harsh weather year-round. For him to choose Alaska and bring very few supplies take a lot of dedication and courage for him to do so. He should've done more research before going to the wild like this by himself, I'm afraid for his safety and wellness.

#nomad #thelastfrontier #transcendentalists]]> 2021-12-15 05:40:19 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1948684160 Chapter 2: The Stampede Trail tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1949914594 Summary: The narrator takes us back to the origins of The Stampede Trail. The trail (p.10) was blazed for mining purposes. It wasn't easy to transport supplies in and out so they upgraded it into a road. The project was later halted (p.10) due to lack of funds. Three buses were brought in to convert to workers' housing but they never got to used it. After years and years, roads have been obliterated (p.10) by washouts, brush, beaver ponds but the bus is still there. One of the bus later became Chris' deathbed. On September 1992, a group of adventurers head out for the bus and found the SOS sign with the note seeking for help. They later found out Chris McCandless had been dead for two and a half week and the body lost most weights. An autopsy (p.13) and was performed later and was determined the probable cause of death is starvation (p.14).

Analysis: Even though the trail was blazed, the Stampede Trail is still being considered "dangerous hiking" and the fact that many hikers have died along their way to The Stampede Trail proves people should reconsider and prepare supplies as things can go wrong very easily. The trail currently receives limited tour traffic due to deteriorating trail conditions and frequent mechanical problems. That just proves to us how dedicated Chris is to live his dream life. He made it to the junked bus in a snowy weather with limited supplies is extremely difficult. All love and respect for him!

#themagicbus #trailblazing #77lbs]]> 2021-12-15 16:40:48 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1949914594 Chapter 3: Carthage tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1953987845 Summary: Wayne Westerberg remininsces about a young man called Alex (Chris's fake identity). Wayne remembered picking up a hitchhiker (p.17). Although he was hungry, he was also very talkative and be open about his plans and what's going on his mind. Wayne's friend offered Chris a course meal and devoured it quick then fell asleep (p.17). Understanding Chris' struggle, Mr.Westerberg offered him a job and he really did a good job when given opportunities. Chris was extremely ethical (p.18). Soon later, Westerberg was jailed for pirating satellite (p.19) television services, McCandless once again on his own and to continue his nomadic (p.19) experience.

Analysis: The journey continues through the lifeless town of Carthage, South Dakota. Chris was luckily get picked up by a good samaritan. They ride together and Chris was offered with a big dinner, which he took no time to finish and fell asleep. This is to show how difficult it is to go on an unprepared adventure like Chris with no food, supplies in stock. If the good samaritan had not been picked up, Chris would've died sooner with starvation. We later got to know that Chris is a very hard working person. Anything that he touches turn into gold, literally. From hard labor to dirty jobs, he handles it all. But things don't always end up like in movies, Westerberg was arrested for fraudulent and Chris is once again, on his own.

#devour #hardworking #nomadic]]> 2021-12-17 16:25:35 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1953987845 Chapter 4: Detrital Wash tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1961207053 Summary: Rangers from the National Park Service discovered a yellow Datsun without any license plate. The rangers later use this car for drug interdiction (p.27) purposes. Turns out, the yellow Datsun is Chris's car. Many believed he was caught in some sort of flash flood (p.26) that lead to him abandoning his car behind. He also burnt the rifle and the cash he was carrying with him at the time. Before that happened tho, Chris set up a camp (p.28) beside Lake Mead. After loading a few of his last possessions (p.29) into a bag, he hiked his way around Lake Mead and the West for the next two months. He was later get picked up and offered a job, but things did not go as plan so he sails out again. He resumes his constant motion (p.30)

Analysis: The rangers from the National Park Service did not even realize the car was Chris McCandless's property for so many years. The car I believe must have been very tough to withstand a flood and still be able to hit the streets like how they described it in the book. On the other hand, Chris did not see this incident as a destruction of his purposes but rather an opportunity to shed unnecessary items. He then rip off the license plate, bury his rifles and burnt all his cash to move on with his adventure. It's crazy to think about how he continues to live on after so many terrible incidents. Mad respect for the guy.

#yellowdatsun #openopportunity #flashflood
 ]]> 2021-12-22 23:10:08 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1961207053 Chapter 5: Bullhead City tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1961229296 Summary: If the last four chapter was more about Chris and himself with very mimimal interactions with others. This chapter we will be seeing a lot more of Chris interacting and enjoying the company with others as he works at McDonald's. Bullhead City can be described as a very oxymoronic (p.39) community with casinos (p.39), strip malls and lots of high-rise hotels. Not a place that would appeal to the adherent (p.39) of either Thoreau or Chris. But Chris took a strong liking of it anyways. An interesting insight is that Chris did an acteristic (p.40) break from his cover by giving his employers real identity and his obsession over socks (p.40). He hates socks and even though it was a requirement to wear socks for work, as soon as the shift is over, he took it right off. Not to mention took it offensive when other employees ask if he needs any soap because he was stinky.

Analysis: Even though he was given up his real identity to his employers at McDonald's, he hid from them the fact that he did not have a shelter to stay and is a true drifter out of his backpack and bike. I find it weird though, if he was living in the city and make changes to adapt to city life, even opening a saving account, why not just find a place to settle down for a minute? He obviously is making big money because he doesn't seem to have any properties or liabilities. But anyway, I'm glad that Chris is more open and is adapting to his new lifestyle better than the other four chapters. He's just like a chameleon you know, color-changing based on the subject!

#thegoldenarches #quarterpounder #obsessionwithsocks]]> 2021-12-22 23:48:48 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1961229296 Chapter 6: Anza-Borrego tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1961606614 Summary: Chris made an indestructible impression on a number of people during the course of his hegira (p.48). Not to mention, he only spent a short amount of time with them. But only one man was affected (p.48) so powerfully. That man is Ronald A. Franz, a Vietnam War veteran. They got to know each other along the way and eventually became friends. Chris talked about sedentary life while Franz teached him about leatherworking (p.51). After a while, Chris later announced to Franz that he is moving back with Westerberg to find jobs there. Later, Chris sent the old man an advice (p.58) through the letter and he took it to the heart. The old man packed all his gear up and set for the bajada (p.58)

Analysis: No matter how much bonds and memories they shared together, nothing seems to get in the path of Chris finding his own freedom. He refused to settle down with the old man and to continue his own adventure. I respect him for living up to his true dream of nature and stuffs but man, the old man deserved some more love too.

#funweshouldvehad #nature #campingsite
 ]]> 2021-12-23 05:14:04 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1961606614 Chapter 7: Carthage tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1961802187 Summary: Our narrator met up with Westerberg to discuss about his last period of work. It's only been a while since Chris last worked and Westerberg is looking a little too frantically (p.62). Westerberg told the narrator Chris was only there for about a month to put together a grubstake (p.62). The grubstake is mainly for his trip back to Alaska. Westerberg also talked about how his girlfriend, Borah, and Chris had a strong connection. She recalled on how Chris was very open as if he was baring (p.63) his soul. He didn't get along with his family very well except his little sister. Before he disappeared, he talked to his sister and said their parents are so irrational (p.64) that it has reached the breaking point. Another interesting insight is that Chris barely talks about girlfriends or girls in specifics. Chris mentioned maybe one or two time about getting married (p.65) and have kids but generally, he doesn't seem to have much sexual intercourse with women.

Analysis: Chris is truly a modern Henry David Thoreau or Ralph Waldo Emerson, kind of. Not only does he love nature and want to live a spiritually meaningful life, he does not seem to give so much attention to female. I'm just really sad that he was loved so many people, even those who he only met once or twice. He died so young and he could've been a great explorer with the help of others, especially Westerberg and Franz.

#themoderntranscendentalist #fundingforalaska #gonetoosoon]]> 2021-12-23 09:01:00 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1961802187 Chapter 8: Alaska tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1962444388 Summary: The news of Christopher McCandless's death spread quickly and many doubted he was mentally (p.70) challenged. One article in particular called 'Outside' received lots of hate. Others even took the time to write mails to the author of the article to dump their frustration about how foolish (p.71) and selfish Christopher was. They criticized the poor Christopher for his lifestyle, for being ill-prepared and by calling him a kook (p.71). The general public was furious about Chris's decisions and find ways to attack him even after his death. They pointed out about there have been so many Christopher McCandless in the past with the same idealistic (p.71), overestimated themselves, underestimated the country. They even stated Alaska is not for those peace-love theatrics or eremitic (p.73) experiences.

Analysis: I understand that the general public might've been frustrating because Chris made poor decisions to end up killing himself and leaving his loved ones behind. But people were too quickly to judge without going in depth about the issue. They lacked understanding for Chris's point of view and how he ended up going on risky adventures like that. Everybody got a story and Chris did it too. I'm somewhat mad at Chris but I think it's really relatable. When family is no longer a place you can call home, maybe it's better off to start your own adventure, be prepared though. Life is harsh!

#justiceforchris #keyboardwarriors #tooquicktoojudge]]> 2021-12-23 20:48:37 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1962444388 Chapter 9: Davis Gulch tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1974415868 Summary: Davis Gulch is a small watershed (p.88) by any measure, but a lovely one. Everett Ruess, a new character being introduced by the narrator, had similar attributes and backgrounds as Chris. Everett, spent an unhappy stint (p.90) at UCLA and went on travel around the U.S. Ruess was living out of a backpack and always on the move (p.90), basically. Ruess was undeterred (p.92) by physical discomfort, went through many life-threatening incidents and still did not give up. Years later, a person discovered the name Nemo carved into the soft mud mortar of the granary (p.96).

Analysis: Chris and Everett had very similar background to one another. They both came from a middle-class, financially comfortable family. Both were very bright but decided to quit it all to go after the wild. Just like Chris, Everett underestimated the power of nature and wasn't so prepared for the challenges. Many people believed Everett fell of a cliff, some thought he was drown, all is still a mystery. I'm saddened by the death of both Chris and Everett, but at least they sacrifice their life doing what they love.

#captainnemo #uclabruins #mysteriousdeath]]> 2022-01-04 15:14:33 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1974415868 Chapter 10: Fairbanks tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1974510505 Summary: The New York Times had published (p.99) an article about a young man who died in the woods out of starvation but had not yet been able to identify his identity. Gallien had a gut feeling it was Chris who died as soon as he saw the headline (p.99). He offered the troopers his help and even though he was being doubt at first, Gallien convinced them as they go further into the investigation. Gallien pawed (p.100) through Chris's W-4 forms and found out about his real identity. Sam McCandless received a call from a Fairfax County homicide (p.101) detective, just to find out his brother died. Sam head out to Maryland to let his Dad and Billie about the unfortunate news. Sam asked himself how does he tell the parents that their child is dead (p.102)?

Analysis: It's crazy to think how much efforts the law enforcements have to put into investigations to solve crimes. There wasn't any internet, mobile phone, DNA, surveillance cameras,... Investigations usually take months or even years to solve due to lack of resources and information. But thanks to the help of Gallien, they were able to identify Chris's identity and help brought the body back to his parents. Kudos to the Alaska State Troopers.

#statetroopers #investigation #sadnewsfortheparents]]> 2022-01-04 15:52:25 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1974510505 Chapter 11: Chesapeake Beach tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1993410544 Summary: Krakauer was quick to interview Chris's dad, Walter McCandless. A man who gives a professional demeanor (p.103) with his combed hair and wire-rimmed glasses. Walter questions about how a kid with so much potential like Chris decided to bring him and the family miserable pain (104). Turns out Chris's family is very high status and has lots of expectations for their kids. Sort of like a strict parents. Alongside that, the parents worked credibly (p.106) hard to make money. That's where the breakup between Chris and his family started. But Chris wasn't a normal kid, he was put on accelerated (p.106) program for his exceptional academics. Not to mention Chris was a competitive (p.112) runner in the region. What an athlete!

Analysis: This chapter gave the audience the other side of the coin. Were Chris's parents responsible to his kid? I don't think so. They are creating a lasting legacy and work as hard as possible, to save money and provide for their children. In this case, I think Chris was a little too foolish to not realize his parents' sacrafices for him and his sister. But we can't blame, he was so young at the time to understand everything. I must admit that Chris's dad sounds very intidimating!

#tigerparents #nasabound #workhard]]> 2022-01-15 09:45:56 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1993410544 Chapter 12: Annandale tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1993415281 Summary: Walt and Carine threw a party for Chris after his high school graduation where he delievered an emotional (p.118) speech. Where he told his Dad he was thankful for everything despite their differences and arguments. Shortly after, Chris took a trip to the Pacific Coast. He kept his promise to call mom and dad regularly but as summer drives on, calls just become less and less frequent (p.118). He returned home months later and looked like a whole different person. He lost 30 pounds and now has a scruffy (p.118) beard. He explained that he was lost in the Mojave Desert and has almost died from dehydration (p.118). However, Chris discovered something very disturbing. His father was living with his first wife when Chris was born, a double life. He kept it a secret and disconnected with everyone before went on another trip, but this time is an extemporaneous (p.124) road trip.

Analysis: If the last chapter was about sympathizing with his parents, this chapter reveals why Chris decided to break away from his normal social life. He discovered that Walt was cheating on his mom to live with his ex-wife. If I was you, I would've got real mad and lose respect for him already. Great job of Chris for handling the situation and to not dig up the past, I wouldn't have done the same way he did. Imagine if he was preparing a little bit more for the trip, he would come out of the wood and not passed away from starvation.

#doublelife #unpreparedtrip #30lbs]]> 2022-01-15 09:54:51 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1993415281 Chapter 13: Virginia Beach tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1993816383 Summary: Krakauer interviewed Carine and talked about all sorts of things. Carine is energetic (p.129) and self-assured (p.129). She often fight with her parents just like what Chris did in her adolescene (p.129). But Carine was definitely was definitely more gregarious (p.129) than her brother. Carine would not dare to go anywhere alone, espically the wilds. Carine went on to talk about how much Chris adored his little dog, Buck, and wants to take the dog along his adventures. How Chris used to poke fun about her and all sorts of fun memories. Almost a year after Chris's eternally disappearance, Carine sobs and grieves (p.129) deeply for her dear brother. There was not a single day where she went through without crying for her brother. What a tragic!

Analysis: Chris was extremely tough against his parents but a caring and loving brother for Carine. I just found out that he loves his little dog and wants to take care of him, which is pretty sweet. I can't imagine to lose a family member that I deeply shared all the memories with. Carine deserved so much better. She deserved a loving brother and I dearly hope she could find her happiness again and eventually stopped crying for Chris. Chris wouldn't want to see her tears. 

#unforgettablememories #buckley #anorectic


]]> 2022-01-15 22:26:24 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1993816383 Chapter 14: The Stikine Ice Cap tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1993822068 Summary: Krakauer talked about his experience in the wilderness in this chapter. Similar to Chris, Krakauer was reckless (p.134), self-absorbed (p.134) and head out for all the challenges nature has to offer. Krakauer decided he would take on the Devil's Thumb, a rock formation in Alaska. Very confident in himself, he went through the first two days with ease. But on the third day forward, the more he climbed, the more unpleasant (p.139) it looked. Not to mention he almost fell into a glacial crevasse (p.138) and possibly killed himself. He paid a pilot to drop supplies of food to him but he grew increasingly anxious (p.140) after days waiting for it to be dropped. After all, he got his demanded supplies and continue on his adventure and climbs up the glacier. I finally got to the top but as he gets there, he hyperventilated and working his way back down.

Analysis: Taking on a life-threatening adventure with or without a fellow partner can be very terrifying. Because you never know what will happen or when it will happen. Just like how Krakauer was waiting forever for a supply drop and luckily, it did land. Or else he would've ran out of supplies and can be put in a miserable situation. After reading this chapter, I have more respect for adventurers. I can't never do these kind of things.

#dangerouscrevasse #self-involved #devilthumb]]> 2022-01-15 22:43:20 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1993822068 Chapter 15: The Stikine Ice Cap tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1994096902 Summary: Krakauer faced a struggle whereas he has to say inside his tent due to poor weather. Feeling this might be a right time, he pulled out a marijuana (p.146) cigar and smoked the lung out of it. He got terribly (p.146) hungry and decided that he would make an oatmeal to keep things right. But it was a grueling process for him, he described. Krakauer went on to talk about his father. The thing is Krakauer's father and Chris's father were very much alike. Both were very educated and successful, therefore had lots of expectations for Krakauer. Lewis Krakauer demanded his son towards a shining (p.147) attend Harvard Medical School and to become a doctor since he was at a very young age. Furthermore, Jon was hectored (p.148) to excel in every class, win science fairs, to be in student government,... Back to his journey, by this time, he was prevented from reaching the summit by a huge storm, he rushed inside his bivouac (p.150) bag and slowly worked his way to safety. He got there finally!

Analysis: I definitely feel for Chris and Krakauer. Parents always want the best for their kids and paving the way for them to a successful life and career. However, oftentimes, parents would be a little pushy and can make their children uncomfortable, forcing them to find a way out to pursue their true happiness. Parents and kids don't have the same mindset and goals in mind. Bravo to Jon Krakauer for never backed down from the challenges and got what he wanted, to reach the summit!

#420 #pavetheway #devilsthumbsummit]]> 2022-01-16 10:01:21 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1994096902 Chapter 16: The Alaska Interior tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1994648975 Summary: Chris met an old man as he was stuck at the Liard River for two days and asked if he could ride along with the old guy to Alaska. The old man immediately refused the request, said that the company he worked for has strict rule against hitchhikers (p.158). But after a while, he reconsidered. Stuckey thought to himself that Chris isn't a typical hitchhikers. Stuckey is usually leery (p.159) of them. But Chris's appearance is on point and the language he used refer him to as a very sharp fellas. So he took Chris in anyway. They talked a lot about family and Chris shared to Stuckey mostly about his sister, and how he could not get along with his parents. Chris chatted about how his dad, at one point been a bigamist (p.159) and that kind of went against his personality, so he left the family. Chris got to the destination, found a guide to the area's edible (p.160) plants. Soon later, his hunting game got better and he even took down a moose, but he couldn't cure the meat due to lack of experiences. He decided to leave the moose carcass (p.166) for the wolves. Even worse, the beaver ponds that led up to the Teklanika River had been frozen when he crossed have melted by now.

Analysis: It's incredible how much Chris McCandless was loved by so many people and strangers. His appearance and language always get the best out of those he met. Just think about how much more struggles and obstacles he'd faced if it weren't for the help of those good samaritans. I'm happy for him that he got so much better at the hunting game but he sure needs more knowledge and skills when it comes to preserving raw meats. However, I'm worried for Chris that he is a weak swimmer, and the biggest challenge yet is awaiting for him in the next chapter.

#beaverponds #goodsamaritans #nocussing


]]> 2022-01-16 19:58:38 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1994648975 Chapter 17: The Stampede Trail tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1994706123 Summary: The author revisited the Teklanika River exactly a year and a week after Chris decided he would not cross the river and starve to death. This time, he brought with him three companions (p.173) and a topographic (p.173) map. The map indicates that there should be a gauging (p.173) station half a mile downstream and they found it shortly after. There was a steel cable alongside with an aluminum basket to cross the river and they got to the bus in no time, the bus where Chris's body was found. Krakauer and his goers think deeply about Chris's decisions as well as discussing what kind of person Chris McCandless, then they fell asleep. By design McCandless came into the country with insufficient provisions (p.180) and lacked many essential equipments for suvival. This has been regarded as stupidity and arrogance. Critics even compared him to Sir John Franklin, because they both died of starvation and have lacked a requisite (p.181) humility, and to have possessed insufficient respect for the land.

Analysis: It's true that Chris wasn't prepared enough and to be a little too arrogance. He ignored a lot of advices people tried to give him. But his mentality is what struck me the most. He never gave up on his journey. Everytime he fell down, he got back up stronger. By learning about edible plants to step up to his hunting game, Chris almost got to the end with barely any experiences in the wild or equipments. That takes a lot of courage and willingess. If he had a map of that location, he would've lived to tell the tale to his kids later.

#gaugingstation #forever24 #mapisessential]]> 2022-01-16 21:07:48 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1994706123 Chapter 18: The Stampede Trail tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1996990375 Summary: After his attempt to cross the Teklanika River was stymied (p.188) by the high flow, he heads back to the bus hunting and to live day by day. Resources were plentiful (p.188) as he killed a variety of animals which include squirrels, grouse, jays and woodpeckers,... However, to his suprise, the meat of those were very lean and apparently he burnt more than he takes in. At one point he was balanced on a precarious (p.188) edge. Later, Chris wrote in his journal that he was extremely weak due to fault of pot seed. Krakauer then imagines a hungry and deficit Chris mistaking one plant for another and becoming incapacitated (p.192). Already worn down by calorie deficit, that swainsonine (p.194) poisoning was the final straw to Chris's death. McCandless writes his last journal entry on August 12.

Analysis: The odds are not in Chris McCandless's favors. He was unlucky at so many part of his final chapter in the wild. If the meat wasn't lean, if he did not mistake the poisonous wild potato, he would've lived another day to tell everyone his experience. He was so ready to be done with all the wilderness stuffs and hunting to be back with the human civilization. The part where he noted "HAPPINESS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED." was really touching. I just hope that everyone who had a chance to read this book don't forget to share the happiness with those around them and if anyone plan to go into the wild, come prepared and have a companion alongside.

#wildpotato #thelaststraw #humancivilization]]> 2022-01-18 03:53:31 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1996990375 Epilogue tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1999363847 Summary: The narrator returns with Billie McCandless and Walt McCandless to Alaska by helicopter. Chris's parents are headed to the same place, but Krakauer notes that they seem to be in different places mentally. His mother is calm and has been looking forward to the trip, but his father is agitated and edgy.The author notes that it takes the helicopter 15 minutes to cover the distance it took McCandless four days to walk. Both parents smell their dead son's jeans.  She smells a pair of jeans he left behind and tells her husband that they smell like her son. She also recognizes silverware he took from their house in Virginia.  They wander in and out of the bus for the next two hours. Finally after being done, they went back to the helicopter and vanishes in light.

Analysis: Even though Billie and Walt was somewhat accountable for Christopher's death, they totally did not deserve to see all of this fresh evidences of their son at the bus. I can feel the shock and terrifying faces as they look around where their son died. Krakauer ends this story of adventure that resulted in tragedy with a low-key but heartbreaking scene.

#onelastride #toxicparents #stampedetrail]]> 2022-01-19 02:25:16 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/1999363847 My Future Odyssey tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/2003145161 Summary: As a kid, my whole toy collection was about plane and helicopter or literally any flying objects. I'd be screaming in joy if I ever see a plane flies by where I live. My parents were always busy so I could not further my odyssey. My first time being on an airplane is when I'm on my way to America. Coming to America, that interest and hobby turn into my odyssey. I've been chasing my odyssey for the last two years by studying hard and look for scholarships through various sources. U.S Army helicopters truly satisfy me and I sincerely hope to be sitting in there, cruising the surface one day. I loved the thrill of taking off and landing of a helicopter, it's so versatile and there's so much mobility. I've been on the bus, boat, cars, bikes, trains,... pretty much all of transportation vehicles but nothing excites me more than a roaring helicopter. Loud and proud is what makes those attack helicopters famous. 

Like McCandless and Krakauer, who almost killed themself many times doing what they love, I'd do the same too to reach my odyssey. My plan is to attend a university that offers a strong ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program and I'll be experiencing both college life and military life under one campus. The process to become an officer in the Army is definitely grueling and time-consuming, but I think it's worth it in the end. Nothing feels better than sitting on a powerful helicopter and flex your power to wherever you're going. I'm on my way to reach my odyssey, so far, I've applied to 8 universities that offer ROTC programs and I hope to receive the acceptance letter from one of those schools. Then, I'll make my decision and probably will need some prior training before applying to the program. I look forward to see myself in one of those lovely birds.

#rotcprograms #armyofficers #attackhelicopters]]> 2022-01-20 15:30:58 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/2003145161 Afterward tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/2005347994 Summary: In August 1992, Christopher McCandless died in an abandoned bus in the Alaska wilderness. The journal entry refers to the seeds of the potato plant, has nagged Krakauer enough to inspire a series of hypotheses about the toxicity of the seeds. Krakauer decided to test the seeds for a neurotoxin called beta-ODAP. Results showed that the seeds had a lethal concentration of a compound called beta-ODAP. After further reviews and tests, showing that the seeds did indeed contain a toxin. But it wasn't beta-ODAP. It was another amino acid, L-canavanine. The debate about how this young man died will likely continue. There's no way to know exactly how many of the seeds Chris McCandless ate in that two week period leading up to his death. And there isn't much research on what eating the seeds does to the human body.

Analysis: A good lesson for travellers and explorers are that to be be careful of local plants and seeds. Like Krakauer, there are many species that you will eat one part and die if you eat another part. In short, not the whole species is contaminated with toxins but in certain areas. Just watch out for suspicious plants and if you do not fully understand if it's edible or not, just leave it. For Chris, there are still mysteries behind his death as there's not enough evidence of exactly how many of the seeds Chris McCandless ate in that period and there's isn't much research about the seed. Hope they can find the answer for Chris's family in the future.

#eskimopotato #metabolism #aminoacid]]> 2022-01-21 16:23:03 UTC https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/2005347994 Chris McCandless Reflection tqnguyen1421_2 https://padlet.com/tqnguyen1421_2/yoltp89uozsfb2ka/wish/2005372746 Summary: Throughout this book, I've always loved Chris for his dedication and never give up mentality. As well as how well he was loved and blessed by dozens of random people, as you called strangers in your life. There was so many moments you feel the love for Chris but the most memorable one was the conversation between him and Stuckey. In Chapter 16, specifically on page 159, Chris talked about how his father was a genius, a NASA rocket scientist, but he'd been a bigamist at one time, and that kind of went against Alex's grain. Ever since he found out about the truth, he hadn't seen his parents in a couple of years, since his college graduation. But like usual, he always talked about his sister and it seems like she is his only concern. Chris certainly stands for what's right and left the family to prove to his family he's a man that values honesty and loyalty.

However, Chris had an icy heart and hurt so many people along the way. First, his death in the end causes his parents tremendous pain. Second, he said he adores and loves his sister, yet left her alone to put up with the craps the parents gave her. Third, remember that one time Chris ignored the adoption offer from Ron. Poor guy, he was in so much pain and thought Chris was the one to heal him. Yet, Chris decided to move on with his life, ultimately killing himself.

Analysis: To discover your father's affair after some 18+ years must've been hard for Chris to accept. The whole time his father kept it all silent and right when he found out about the truth, he left for good. I don't think I would've done any different than Chris. Imagine your childhood hero turns out to be a cheater and kept his mouth shut the whole time. The feeling of betrayal and dishonesty I think was the driving factor that led to Chris's decision to go into the wild. Rest in peace, Chris! You did your best.

#bigamist #littledarksecret #adoptionoffer
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