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So how did that bus get there in the first place? I would think that the smartest course of action would be to follow whatever road it used to get there. (Well no, actually the smartest course of action would be to just look at a photograph of the bus and not try and visit it in person. But you get the idea.)
There are no roads up there, this bus is a wreck, (probably 50-60 yrs old), its basically a rotting shell that was once a bus, that was turned into a mini cabin of sorts by hunters.
He's a big hero of mine. He didn't commit suicide, he just made a mistake. He died living the life he loved, and that's inspiring.
I saw the movie and admired him actually, but at the same time, I could never take those kinds of risks.
He was truly a roaming soul, he did not want to become some normal *******, working day after day until retirement and then die in a nursing home! He wanted to enjoy the beauty of the natural world and he seemed to fall in love with Alaska, even before visiting!
He was young and probably didnt fully understand how difficult it was to survive, given the way he wanted to live, I feel sorry for him for that, but somehow, I doubt he would do anything different if it had it over again.
So how did that bus get there in the first place? I would think that the smartest course of action would be to follow whatever road it used to get there. (Well no, actually the smartest course of action would be to just look at a photograph of the bus and not try and visit it in person. But you get the idea.)
The road used to get it there, is now the trail they were hiking on.
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Fairbanks City Transit System Bus 142 is an abandoned 1946 International Harvester K-5 that is parked in a clearing along the Stampede Trail near Denali National Park. It was originally one of a few buses used by the Yutan Construction Company to provide remote accommodations for the construction crew from Fairbanks that worked on road upgrades in 1960–1961. The bus engine was removed and it was instead towed by Caterpillar D8 bulldozers. It contained beds and a wood-burning stove, which still remain today. When the Stampede Mine ceased operations in the 1970s, all but this one bus were removed from the trail. Bus 142 had a broken rear axle, which caused the crew to leave it where it now serves as a backcountry shelter for hunters, trappers, and visitors.
I agree with you; however, through naivete and ignorance he tragically died. With more preparation he would have lived.
I can respect the independent spirit he displayed but too many people only see that part and don't see the HUGE mistake he made with his lack of preparedness. This young lady who died crossing the river clearly didn't come prepared either.
True to,some extent if he would of packed more food or been able to hunt for more I believe he would of survived myself. In his haste he ate something that killed him . Having more food he could of waited until the river went down too.
I saw the movie and admired him actually, but at the same time, I could never take those kinds of risks.
He was truly a roaming soul, he did not want to become some normal *******, working day after day until retirement and then die in a nursing home! He wanted to enjoy the beauty of the natural world and he seemed to fall in love with Alaska, even before visiting!
He had an over-idealized view of the natural world. Its what killed him and others like him. Nature is full of things that are out to kill you, and there’s a reason the Alaskan wilderness is so untouched - its particularly harsh and unforgiving. His death is in many ways an allegory for the whole 1st world nature lover mentality - that magical view doesnt put food in your mouth. Something easily forgotten when food has never been a problem in your life. The fact he grew up in Fairfax county doesnt surprise me at all. Its a very sheltered environment, ideal for producing kids with big dreams and little understanding of how harsh the world can be.
I don't want to get an infraction for bickering, but honestly, when I read this book, it made me want to venture out, courageously. As it did for all 3 of my sons, upon reading this book. This young man, to us all, although he died accidentally, made us want to loose our bounds and travel in the wilderness.
Feels like a breath of fresh air. Like wings.
When I read the book I thought what a stupid and naive guy. He just blundered through his various "adventures" without seeking out local knowledge or bothering to learn what was actually necessary to survive and to properly equip oneself for that sort of environment. It's amazing he didn't die on his foray through Baja before he even got to Alaska.
if you think these sentiments are harsh, share your loving thoughts on the alaska boards where they've been trying for years to get the bus destroyed or removed.
Alaskans think chris mccandless was an idiot who in his death, continues to endanger the lives of others. He was illl prepared for his journey and most who try and follow in his footsteps are also ill prepared.
Not only that, he endagers the lives of civil servants who have to go rescue these fools.
When I read the book I thought what a stupid and naive guy. He just blundered through his various "adventures" without seeking out local knowledge or bothering to learn what was actually necessary to survive and to properly equip oneself for that sort of environment. It's amazing he didn't die on his foray through Baja before he even got to Alaska.
When I read the book I thought what a stupid and naive guy. He just blundered through his various "adventures" without seeking out local knowledge or bothering to learn what was actually necessary to survive and to properly equip oneself for that sort of environment. It's amazing he didn't die on his foray through Baja before he even got to Alaska.
+1!
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Originally Posted by SVTLightning
It didn't make you feel like you had wings? lol
I spat out my coffee.
I see what you did there. Bwahahahahaha.
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Originally Posted by Delahanty
You must be thinking of Treadwell and his girlfriend. No matter how foolish they were, you have to feel for them, too.
I don't. That guy was absolutely bonkers and got her killed as well...that woman was left to be tortured after Treadwell became dinner.
If people haven't watched it, it's a great documentary even if you're not into "nature stuff".
I don't want to get an infraction for bickering, but honestly, when I read this book, it made me want to venture out, courageously. As it did for all 3 of my sons, upon reading this book. This young man, to us all, although he died accidentally, made us want to loose our bounds and travel in the wilderness.
Feels like a breath of fresh air. Like wings.
It must seem that way to people who are inexperienced in wilderness travel. In fact he was reckless and foolish and was lucky to live as long as he did. One of his previous misadventures should have killed him.
I understand the allure of his spirited attempt to live life on his own terms, but he was still reckless and foolish in how he did it. That's not romantic.
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No matter how foolish they were, you have to feel for them, too.
