Anyone visit that bus from the movie "Into The Wild" (Wasilla: movies, living)

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by icarian

People,

There ARE SO MANY other people that do "stupider" stuff than McCandless up here in Alaska (and everywhere else for that matter). Just look at the local hoodlums with their "Gats" doing drivebys down south...or the guys that get so drunk in town (Fairbanks for instance) that they fall asleep in -20 to -40 weather. About the meth/coke kiddies pretty much anywhere in the U.S. How "bright" are they? I am not-nor do I!-put McCandless on a pedestal. But there are people doing none rocket science type stuff everyday. Spread your wealth of dislike beyond the kid that starved/poisoned/whatever himself out on the Stampede Trail. No, I haven't seen the movie (nor do I plan to anytime soon).
On topic: yep, the Bus is still out there. It may or may not be a pilgrimage for some (even prior to the movie), but it isn't necessarily right "outside" Healy (not so easy that just anyone will stop by). Winter, it is relatively easy to get to by ground. I understand it is pretty doable mid-late summer after the melt. Right now, it would be positively horrendous with the spring melt.

Edit: Upon further reflection--the topic of the Bus normally creates such an acerbic reaction from Alaskans. It is understandable since it is what Alaskans are familiar with what not to do (ie common sense). Just remember that there are many other things that both your fellow Alaskans and other Americans do every day that are quite possibly more stupid (and in many cases just as terminal). Okay, off to work. Have a "Happy" Monday!

If they were doing "stupider stuff than McCandless" then they too would be just as dead. And there are people just as stupid, no question about it. For example, the guy who walked right up to the face of Exit Glacier outside of Seward for that perfect photo opportunity, only to have the glacier calve a few thousand tons of ice on his empty head.

People do stupid things everyday, however, the vast majority are not getting themselves killed because of their idiocy. Those who are too stupid to live should be applauded after their inevitable demise, providing they didn't reproduce first.

[karfar]

Well, that's why we have the Darwin Awards

[j1n]

Originally Posted by Rance

Because we don't need a bunch of copycats coming here trying to do what he did?

Interesting...with all the outcry about how "stupid" McCandless was...
not only have a bunch of folks made trips out there because of the book (and maybe now the movie), but one guy made the trip with only a 10 lb bag of rice...so he could do it just like Chris did. I think he ended up giving up after sitting around for a few days eating rice and thinking about bears.

[karfar]

Ok people, I hope I haven't offended you w/my rant. I just think that stories like that actually make people have more appreciation & respect for the state, at least I know I have. To each their own I guess

[warptman]

This is all your fault karfar.

[Xa'at]

Originally Posted by warptman

This is all your fault karfar.

Hey, shouldn't you be in London?

[warptman]

I leave Friday for the weekend and off to London on Tuesday morning. Redeye to Salt Lake, change planes and off to New York, change planes. And finally to London early morning hours of the 7th. Lets see: Boeing 737-400 Bethel-Anc, 757-200 Anc-Salt Lake, 737-800 Salt Lake-New York, 757 New York-London. I hate the 757's the most.

[Metlakatla]

Have a great time, Warpt.

Karfar, I don't think that he wanted to die the way he did. The whole thing is pretty heartbreaking. I won't speak for anyone else concerning the strong feelings this subject can generate, but for me it's the whole "Alaska is going to somehow fix my life" syndrome that breeds in the lower 48. We all know it's going to get worse and worse in the coming years.

Personally, I have a lot of empathy and even love for the young people who come to Alaska; I guess that's just part of being a mom. I want them to come for the right reasons, and not to die out there.

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

I want them to come for the right reasons, and not to die out there.

I'm coming to get me some of that Alaskan Tanzanite...

[Xa'at]

Originally Posted by Barkingowl

I'm coming to get me some of that Alaskan Tanzanite...

Careful, Barkley. Although Tourons (H. hollandamericus) are generally a placid race, more given to milling about than anything else, they have been known to stampede in the presence of large gems and other sparkly things. Right unpredictable, them.