The Magic Bus
The Road Chose Me Volume 2 OUT NOW!!
The Road Chose Me Volume 2: Three years and 54,000 miles around Africa
The Magic Bus was a place I had dreamed of visiting since I first saw the movie and read the Jon Krakauer book, “Into The Wild”. I think of it as a pilgrimage made by those who have felt some kind of connection with Chris McCandless and his story. Most people don’t realize the bus lies on the well known “Stampede Trail”, not all that far from civilization and can be reached in a solid day of hiking.
The Stampede Trail is fifty miles of rough, overgrown mining road that was abandoned in 1963. No bridges were ever constructed over the several rivers it crosses so it is primarily used by backcountry travelers on foot, bicycle, snow machine and motorcycle. The now infamous Fairbanks City Transit bus #142 was left behind by the Yutan Construction Company during the road building to serve as a backcountry shelter for hunters, trappers and ranger patrols.
Typical conditions on the Stampede Trail
I met two cool Austrian characters, Thomas and (roll the ‘R’) Roland on the Dalton Highway and it took all of 10 seconds to convince them to join me on a trip to ‘The Bus’. We were able to drive about 12.5 miles down Stampede Road before we had to leave the vehicles behind and continue on foot. The first hour and a half of hiking the next morning saw us travel on a really good quad trail, through some small swaps, through a couple of shin-deep river crossings and spat us out at the edge of the Teklinika River.
Ultimately, the ‘Tek’ was Chris’ downfall when he was unable to cross it and return to civilization, forcing him back to the bus. Although it was not the raging torrent Emile Hirsch faced in the movie, it was obvious we would be swept off our feet and downstream if we did not keep our heads about us.
We ummmed and arrred for quite a while and wandered upstream, where we had been told the river was wider and shallower. Once we got sick of our aimless wandering, Thomas picked a spot and after throwing in rocks and using sticks to measure the depth we all agreed it was our best chance. We tentatively forded one at a time, with our packs un-buckled so we could ditch them if we were to get swept in. It’s a shame you can’t see my face in any of the photos – I was more than a bit scared when it reached mid-thigh in depth and began to really push hard. Slow and steady won through and I was relieved to be on the other side. Roland came powering across like he was on a mission and in a voice that was too much Arnie to be true beamed “Bah, dat was easy”.
Crossing the mighty Teklinika River
Thomas and Roland are fitness machines and once we were back on the trail I was quickly left in their dust, alone with my thoughts. Chris must have felt such a sense of isolation and awe to be all the way out here, alone, not knowing if there was anything or anyone ahead. At times I yelled into the alder and clapped my hands, trying to avoid startling any neighborhood bears. At times I sang aloud and at times I was silently reflecting – I was actually going to the bus, the bus that Chris had spent four months living in, was essentially trapped in and finally died in. Wow.
When bus 142 appeared on the side of the trail, seemingly out of thin air I was quite startled. I’d been hiking on my own for 10 miles but somehow wasn’t ready to be there yet. I paused on the edge of the clearing for a moment, then again in the doorway, trying to take everything in. Even though I’d never been there before, it was very familiar – from the description in the book, the movie and also from the pictures I’ve seen online.
The front of The Magic Bus
I thought The Magic Bus would be a quiet, sad place to spend time – I was quite surprised to find the opposite was the case.
The stove and bed of The Magic Bus
It’s customary for visitors to inscribe their name on the wall of the bus and write a message in the “Guest Book” – a book placed in the bus by Chris’ sister Carine. There were hundreds, maybe even thousands of exhilarating messages from people all over the world who had made the trek out to the bus. People wrote about how upon hearing Chris’ story they changed their lives so they could live their dreams, people wrote of hitching thousands of miles to be there, people wrote about how beautiful of a place Chris had found. Graffiti like ‘Solo trek to honor Chris’ and ‘Swept downstream by Tek, it was worth it’ made me grin from ear to ear – Chris has inspired thousands of people and and I was thrilled to be a part of that.
Jon Krakauer’s message in the book
My message in the Guest Book captures my feelings:
You have inspired more people than you will ever know, not least of all me.
Your passion, courage and determination gave me the strength to believe I really can make my dreams come true.
And here I am, in Alaska, having been to the Arctic Ocean, on my way to South America.
Thankyou Chris.
Christopher McCandless Plaque
I spent many quiet hours in the bus, reading the walls and the many guest books.
Although I hunted high and low I could not find any writing from Chris himself – it seems they have all faded away over the years.
A quote by Thoreau on The Magic Bus
It was truly and amazing experience and all three of us couldn’t stop grinning and talking of adventures to come the entire hike back.
Roland Dan & Thomas at The Magic Bus
My hair is all wrong and my beard is not nearly long enough, but you get the idea:
Dan at The Magic Bus
-Dan
If you’ve just stumbled onto my site, I encourage you to have a look around and read more about my 2 year expedition from Alaska to Argentina and my 3 year expedition all the way around Africa.
I would be grateful if anyone can tell me why Chris McCandless chose the Stampede Trail as the destination for his “Great Alaskan Adventure”. I’ve never been able to find if there was a reason, or it was just random (seems likely).
I’ve never heard about the Magic Bus. Had to do some googling on it, there are some very interesting blogs out there. Think I’ll add that to my list of places to visit!
You’ve never seen Into The Wild?
I actually just watched the movie earlier this week.
What a life turner… It hit me pretty hard and I didn’t even think people actually visited the bus or that it was even still there.
You’ve had an amazing adventure Dan, I’m sure.
Pretty frick’n cool…
inspiring story with many similarities (you and chris).
keep venturing. keep searching. keep living.
WOW!!!
That is just the coolest!! I really like the message you left too!!!
Living it!!!
Mike.
Its all in front of you. Your only limit is your imagination. When the perils get you down, draw into the inspiration that the people following you didn’t have the courage or the means to set off on the journey that you have chosen.
Brilliant photos and story telling Dan Grec.
Thanks so much AB – I really am having the time of my life.
ALEX, YOU ARE MY HERO 4 EVA !!!!!!!!!!
Dan,
there are a few of us going to try to make it to the bus in the next few weeks. you mentioned driving down the trail, would a silverado Z-71 make it or would it be to big for the trail? and if it would make it a ways, is there spots to pull off and park and it be safe and not in the way for a couple days? The river is what has me worried the most, it didnt look that deep where you crossed in the pics. is it very hard to find shallow spots? thank you for your story…and i hope to be able to have my own soon.
Ben,
Stampede Rd just goes on and on, getting worse and worse as you go. There are lots and lots of good pullouts with camping spots where you can stop. Just go as far as you can, then walk. To give you reference, we went all the way until the road stops being small river crossings and mostly gravel. From there it goes up a little and instantly turns to swampy mess that pretty much needs a dedicated off-road vehicle, or quad. I think we went as far as a “normal” 4×4 could go. (I know someone will prove me wrong)
Your Z-71 will make it as far as my Jeep, no problems.
To cross the river, we were told that upstream was better and walked up for a while, but it wasn’t much better.
My advice: when you get to the river, go upstream a hundred meters or so and you will see a white rope across. We crossed there on the way back and it was so easy we played around taking photos in the river. Once you get to the end of the rope, you are on an island and have to cross again, this time with no rope, it looks harder, but it’s not bad. We had three of us holding a log for group balance and that worked fantastically – I’d do that if I were you.
Once you get all the way across, go upstream a hundred meters more and you will see a fire pit and the trail winding away. Going this way means you avoid all the beaver dam swamps too.
Good luck, have a great trip and let me know how you enjoy it!
Great story. Watched the movie and had to go directly on line to find out more. I came across you. It must be so great to be you. As is Chris, Dan you are a great inspiration. Good luck.
Thankyou Terrie – remember, I’m just an ordinary guy – so special training, no sponsors, not much money.
The only difference between me and you is that I’m trying 100% to live my dreams – you can do it too!
Me again. I just read your bio above. I live in the great state of Indiana. My mother is from Rio de Janerio , Ipenema. Good luck on your journey. I have always wanted to go Brasil, and hopefully someday I will. The way you are going has to be the ultimate way. Again, Good luck.
Terrie
Hey Terri i am also from Indiana. I am very interested in going to the magic bus. I was thinking about next summer. Email me if are interested. dansisk15@hotmail.com
Hey Dan. I’m impressed your trip.
Now i’m in Alaska near Fairbanks and me and my friend want to go to the magic bus as well. Can you tell us how long exactly is the trail to the bus? We don’t have a car and we are wondering how much time we need to reach the bus travelling only by foot from Healy.
Good luck in your trip.
Hey Lucas,
Hmm, I don’t know for sure, but I’d say Stampede road is about 10 or 20 miles from Healy (OK, that was a guess, but google maps will know)
We drove 12.5 miles down that road before we started hiking, where we hiked something like 6-8 miles before crossing the Tek and a solid 10 miles after you cross it.
!’m 100% certain that if you ask a few locals in and around Healy you’ll find someone who will at the very least drive you to Stampede Rd, more likely they’ll drive you up it quite a ways (it’s only the last 4ish miles that are 4×4 road only.
Healy seemed like a very friendly place so just ask around, you’ll do great.
Good Luck – I’d love to hear how your trip goes!
Hey Dan,
Im going as well! But from Sweden, Scandinavia.
Hope to make it next summer or fall.
Any advise on a good time to go (regarding waterlevel in Teklinika)?
Cheers,
Matt
You’ll have a fantastic time Matt! I personally think the best time to go would be August or September – the water would be low and the fall colours amazing. The nights would be cold and maybe some snow, but that would be cool too.
I’d love to hear what you think of the bus.
Hey Dan, just wanted to tell you that you are an inspiration like Chris. After reading the book, seeing the film and reading about your own personal experience I feel that I have to come out and live it! I live in Scotland and have felt a connection to nature for many years and I think it’s about time for me to have my big adventure.
Thanks man!
Ian
Go for it Ian!
Dan, I found your blog from Andrew Hayes blog, and I love this story. I’ll have to rent the movie!
Just discovered your blog, and I really enjoyed this post. I saw the movie, and it’s so interesting to see where it really happened.
Hi Folks
Dont 4get to bring food!!!Very Important.Otherwise u might like DIE!!!
Dan,
Found your blog from the review of the Magic Bus you left on Google Maps.
I too was inspired by the story of Chris McCandless. One day before I get too old, I will trek there myself.
I have always wished I could do that, never realized just how easy it would have been until I read the book and saw the movie.
Hi Dan – I just came across a comment you left on one of my blog posts (http://edplumb.blogspot.com/search/label/Fairbanks%20Bus%20142) about a trip into the bus. Glad to hear you made it and had a nice experience. I believe you also ran into my friend Ben while you were traveling down from the Arctic Ocean. Good luck in your travels…
Ed Plumb
Dan,
Thanks! I let you know as soon as Ive been there!
Cheers!
Matt
Hawaii Version of Into the Wild…
August 23, 2009
Adventurer dies on Kaua’i
Oregonian fell ill after living and foraging in wilderness
By Diana Leone
Advertiser Kaua’i Bureau
LIHU’E, Kaua’i — An Oregon man who gave up his material possessions to live off the land in Kaua’i’s Kalalau Valley this summer in an adventure reminiscent of the “Into the Wild” book and movie died suddenly Aug. 14 of an acute respiratory illness.
Kenny Cox, 31, formerly of Eugene, arrived in May and for 70 days lived in the open, gathering and eating fruit, plants and even grass after he ran out of rice and beans. Kaua’i residents who befriended him after he came out of the wilderness area in mid-July recalled him as free-spirited and down to earth.
“I was so impressed with him as a genuine person,” longtime Hanalei resident Jack Smith said of Cox. “He was very quiet and shy and introverted, but he was comfortable with who he was. … He was a sweet spirit.”
Cox had flown his parents here for a visit on Aug. 8, but just days after they arrived, he complained of a headache and general soreness, a fever over 102 degrees and rapid breathing, his father, George Cox, said in an interview with The Advertiser. But Kenny refused to go to a doctor and said he’d been through something like this before.
not a ‘9-to-5 guy’
His parents called an ambulance late the night of Aug. 13 because Cox’s breathing was so labored. He died of acute hemorrhagic pneumonia with sepsis early the next morning while en route to Wilcox Hospital, doctors told George Cox.
“I don’t think he had any idea of the severity of his illness,” George Cox said.
George Cox brought with him to Kaua’i a copy of the book “Into the Wild,” which tells the true story of a young man who rejected a conventional lifestyle, gave up all his money and died while living out his journey of self-discovery in the Alaska wilderness. The book, written in 1996, was made into a movie of the same name in 2007.
“People have told me ‘that’s Kenny,’ ” the elder Cox told the Eugene Register-Guard newspaper.
Though Kenny Cox embraced his wilderness venture, George Cox speculates that he may have been weakened by it, particularly by drinking untreated stream water. Even after returning to “civilization,” he was still camping under a tarp with a sleeping bag and no modern conveniences.
Cox said his son told him he failed as a spear fisherman during his wilderness stay but did help a hunter catch and cook a wild boar in the valley, which he said was “some of the best food I’d had in a while.”
The Kalalau Valley foray wasn’t the first time Kenny Cox had gone alone on an adventure, his father said. One time he hitchhiked in Mexico for seven months with little money, eating from garbage bins.
Even when Kenny was at home, he “wasn’t a 9-to-5 guy.” After graduating from the University of Oregon in 2001, he bought an older home, fixed it up and rented rooms, while he lived in the backyard in a tepee.
Former athlete
Though George Cox is shocked that his son is dead, he draws some peace from the connections Kenny made here with others who shared his interests in “being organic and free,” he said.
“Kenny was down here trying to live off the land and be close to nature and not impact the environment too much, so we had a lot in common in that respect,” said Joyous Macabea, who had known Cox several weeks. The Coxes were staying at her home for a few days when he went to the hospital.
“He was very free-spirited in his way of life, not pursuing a conventional way toward material gain,” said Josh Dubin, a Moloa’a farm worker. “He was very much on his own journey.”
His new friends had no idea Kenny Cox had been one of the nation’s top prep wrestlers in high school. But his college wrestling record at the University of Oregon had more losses than wins, and he told the Register-Guard in 2001: “I’m ready to move on. There are no hard feelings, and I’m excited about a life beyond wrestling.”
High school wrestling coach Randy Robinson called Cox “easily one of the greatest athletes ever to come out of the state of Oregon.”
But even a healthy young person can be knocked down quickly by certain diseases, said Dr. James Ireland, an assistant clinical professor at the University of Hawai’i-Manoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine.
illness a mystery
Ireland said he can’t speculate as to what specifically made Cox ill. “There’s probably a list of 100 things that could have done this,” he said, including pneumonia caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus, and leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that people can get from contaminated stream water in Hawai’i.
“What’s unfortunate about these overwhelming infections, whether from bacteria, virus or whatever, is there is a small window in which you can be treated,” Ireland said.
Not long after coming out of Kalalau, Kenny Cox heard a message on generosity at the Church of Christ in Hanalei, which moved him to offer his family plane fare to visit him, George Cox said.
“I think sometimes when God knows the end of your days, he orchestrates events for your leaving,” George Cox said. “So now can be a time of rejoicing instead of a time of sorrow.”
Kenny Cox is survived by his parents and three sisters, Lisa Wood, of Colorado; Hannah Strimmer, of Corvallis, Ore.; and Christa Dizon, of Portland, Ore.
Ron Bellamy of the Eugene Register-Guard contributed to this report.
Hey Dan,
thanks for your suggestions. We reached the bus a few days ago. We had a lucky to hitch-hike Stampede Road by Jeep Safari Tour, and then we reached a bus in two days roundtrip. The only problem was Teklanika River, where we spent about two hours looking for a place to cross. It was very rainy day, the stream was very strong, but finally we found a place with waist-deep water. And the bus – great experience. The spirit of Chris is still there.
Thanks again.
Lukas,
I’m really happy to hear you made it in and out safely. The Tek river really is a challenge, I can see how it was ultimately Chris’ demise.
The bus really is a special place, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Take Care.
None of these messages mentions that the bus is not in its original site but was moved by officials to a spot that is easier to get to. Officials got tired of having to rescue people who thought hiking to the bus would be a fab experience. Today’s paper has a story of yet two more people who had to be rescued from the Stampede Trail by helocipter, so I guess it still isn’t easy enough for cheechakos.
Beverly,
I am very interested about the bus being moved from it’s original site. I have never heard of this, and none of the information I have seen/heard fits with this. In the book “Into the Wild” Jon Krakauer describes the location of the bus in great detail, and that description fits perfectly with where I found the bus. He was there only the year after Chris passed away, the bus still contained many of Chris’ possessions at that point, so I doubt it had been moved before then. Jon describes the bus sitting on a bluff overlooking the confluence of a named river (I forget the name right now) and a minor unnamed tributary.
Can you provide any links to articles that mention the bus having been moved?
Thanks, Dan
Hi Dan:
I’d be very interested in knowing your date of birth, because I am an astrologer and love to study people, who are unique and different, and hopefully learn more about them through their individual natal charts.
You can always email me with it if you’d like.
I also wonder about the time of birth that Chris McCandless was born.
I have his date however, an Aquarian. It figures! But I don’t know his time of birth either.
Best to you on your many travels…..
A nice way to go. Unencumbered.
deb.
Hi Deb,
I was born on the 26th of Jan 1982 (Australia day & an Aquarius)
I’m not 100% certain of the time, whenever I’ve asked mum she seems to think it was around 7am, explaining why I love the mornings so much.
I’d be very interested to hear what you can learn about me from this.
Unencumbered is a great way of life!
-Dan
Great Dan!! I am from India, and always have a flair for travel & adventure… My prayers and wishes for you!! Keep it up!!!
hi dan,
u are doing a great job,afterall this is how we must live “like animals” razzle free ,but f….in civilization ruined everything,and i hate this civilized world wanna go round the world but am not financialy sound.
if u have any idea of tripping around india,COUNT ME IN,i will accompany u for sure.
if u are in couchsurfing.com let me.
and u know the above man RAMESH IS MY UNCLE
you might all be thinking of the 2 other busses that were out there which were moved. There was 3 for the workers of the stampede trail and 2 were removed leaving the third for hunters
Colleen do you know if ‘The Magic Bus’ is in it’s original location for certain?
Man…im so happy for you.One of my biggest dreams is to see that bus, i hope someday i’ll have a photo like yours, in front of the bus:-<
I’m from Romania, im sure you’ve heard of this country…and I’m glad i had the oportunity to visit your blog and find these photos.
Ioana – I love to encourage people to live their dreams.
I too wished I could visit the bus for a long long time, and this trip is all about living my dreams.
If you work hard enough at it, you can do it too!
Hey Dan,
This is on on my agenda for next Summer, mid to late August, a must do. The Tek is a huge obsticle for me, I’m ashamed to say at age 47, a non-swimmer. I have forged streams in the past, but only in KY, not Alaska. I just finished the book. I will rent the movie. I read a comment somewhere (in the book maybe?)indicating that there is some sort of device not too far from the crossing that can carry one across the water. Is this true? I tried to learn to swim with lessons when I was 40, and can a little, but not good enough in an emergency. I would wear a life vest if I tried to cross. Also, I would be more prepared than Mr. Supertramp. God bless, I love the Chris pose photo you did at the bus. I will do the same.
–Henry, Louisville, KY
Hi Henry. In the book Jon mentions a survey cable across the river not too far downstream.. I originally planned to use this to get across, but talking to other hikers I found the river was low enough to wade across.
I don’t know if the survey cable still exists or has been removed, I’ve heard conflicting reports about it.
Go later in the summer season – the river will be lower and there will be less bugs too (although the nights will be chilly).
Good luck on your trip, I’d love to hear from you when you make it.
Wear a life vest and be safe!
Hello! My name is Leandro, i´m from ARGENTINA. Let me tell you that i really liked your post about the magic bus! I´m going next december to the US, and after ski season finishes, i´m planning to go to the magic bus. Since i don´t really know the weather up there, is it possible to go in March/april? I would really appreciate if you can give me some advices, like where to fly to from Denver, or if it´s possible to go only by driving (i think it´s like a 3 day driving from there). Please write me down! Loved the pictures and the blog!!! See u around the road!
Hi Leandro. Hmm, it sounds like you need to do some more research/planning of your own. It’s a very difficult trip only for people with experience in the wilderness.
Dan, I looked at the bus location via Google Maps. For Chris to even find that bus to begin with would have been a million to one shot. Has anyone mapped Chris’ route and has a map been published for those who wish to trek to the bus?
Norm
Norm – From my understanding Chris just randomly stumbled upon the bus, he was not aware it was there, nor was he particularly looking for anything.
I don’t know if there is a map to the bus anywhere, but the directions I’ve given in the comments here are more than enough to make it there. Remember though, it’s serious wilderness and requires a lot of gear, planning & experience.
Literally just saw the movie which caused me to wiki Chris. I was very sad at end of movie..until I read the real story and discovering how ill-prepared he was. Living in the PacNW, any outdoors types–even weekend hiking suburban yuppies–know the basic survival gear necessary for a quick jaunt, let alone for back-country survival for an extended time.
Sadly, it seems Chris was an idealist with no clue. Sure, the end result is sad but was totally preventable..just like the drunk driver that kills himself in a crash; stupidity and mistakes leading to a tragic outcome that was totally preventable.
Hey John,
I have this discussion almost weekly with different people that I meet – some feel exactly like you while others (myself included) feel that Chris was not unprepared or clueless. I think Chris knew exactly what he was getting into and was totally aware that if he made a mistake he would die. That was/is the whole point. He didn’t want to live in a safe controlled little world.
In the Book ‘Into The Wild’ Jon Krakauer dedicates a whole chapter to a story about a mountaineering expedition he went on in his early 20’s. If he had died out there (and he very nearly did, in fact probably should have) would we be saying the same things about him?
I think living close to the edge made Chris feel completely alive and for him, there was no point living if he was not completely alive.
I wish i had the guts and money to visit this place, would be awesome place to see
Money? It cost next to nothing. I read an entry in the bus diary about a guy that hitched all the way from texas to get to the bus, that’s pretty cheap. As for guts, of course you have that, that’s the whole point! Go for it!
Hi Dan.
Just wanted to take this opportunity to say Thanks for this blog site. I watched “Into the Wild” a few years ago and the story really touched me. It still does. I feel that I can relate and understand why Chris gave it all up and went on his adventure. I have decided to take a trip to the bus and experience the challange of it for myself. I have gone into the woods and stayed several days just for the solitarines. I love it! It’s adventurous and humbling. One should live life to it’s fullest! Happy future adventures!
Melody – I really hope you make it into the bus – let me know when you do!
Hi Dan. Glad you made it to the magic bus. I am thinking about going next summer! I really enjoyed your blog. Chris’s spirit is amazing. I really have a lot of the same feelings that were put out there through the book and movie. If you are up for another trip to the bus I would love to go with. Or if anyone who is viewing this great story would like to organize a trip with me I would love it. You can email me at dansisk15@hotmail.com I live in Indiana. Again thanks Dan for the great story.
You’re very welcome Dan – I really hope you make it to the bus – it’s a very special place.
Let me know what you think about it when you make it!
Dan,I saw the movie “Into the Wild” for the first time yesterday. I was not aware of the book nor did I know the story. As a result every moment of Chris’ journey was a first knowledge for me. I did not even realize the movie was based on a true story until toward the end of it. At the moment, so 12 hours after viewing the movie, I am feeling sad about Chris and his demise. I have spent three or so hours reading about Chris, viewed the bus from Google Maps, and then your blog.
I do recall me thinking as I watched Chris first fall into the river and then return to the bus why did he not travel up or down stream, as you and many others had, looking for another place to cross? I too wonder how the bus arrived, that there would have had to be a road and if there was why did he not follow it back to civilization. I too wondered if the bus was a shelter for park rangers, hunters, and hikers why no one had not come across Chris during his stay there.
So may questions in my mind. It seems to me that he must not have been thinking clearly, otherwise he could have saved himself from himself.
Norm – many of your questions are answered in the book, I highly recommend you read it if you enjoyed the movie and were touched by Chris’ story. The ‘road’ to the bus is the very one that crosses the Tek river – no bridges were ever built. As to why Chris did not explore up/down stream? I think he was in no real hurry to leave at that point and just thought he would go back to the bus and wait it out. He was discovered 19 days after he died, by two separate groups that arrived at the bus on the same day.
Certainly, there are many unanswered questions that leave us all wondering.
Thanks, Dan. Your trip to the bus is but a fraction of your entire adventure and yet I cannot help but predict that your visit there may just be the most significant and memorable stop on your journey. I applaud Chris for his dedication and for his fortitude but as a parent I am disapointed that he did not communicate with them. His selfish act in that regard has inflicted the worst form of torture on those that loved him the most.
Norm
Dan, you may know this. Regarding the Thoreau quote photo above here is a Ron Lamothe’s, the fellow who placed the quote in the Magic Bus, web site. http://www.tifilms.com/wild/call_debunked.htm Ron was filming a documentary about Chris at the same time that Sean Penn was filming the movie.
Norm, I have heard something about this but have not done any homework on it yet.
Thanks for the link, I’ll be sure to check it out.
so i was wondering… why is the bus rusted still… i’m surprised even for the remoteness of the bus that someone hasn’t painted it yet… unless there is a solemness about it that it begs to reside in the condition found…wesley (profoundly moved after hearing about this story when the movie came out, but putting it off like all other procrastinated items become, until recently…)
Wesley – the bus is a long way in the middle of nowhere, it would require a lot of effort to bring anything out to do maintenance on it. And although it’s a little rusty, the wood stove still works great so it’s perfectly functional as a back country shelter
I, too, just recently saw “Into the Wild” last week. The story is fascinating. As in the case of many types of instances, you hate to see people die for an error in judgment or making a mistake. Dan, maybe you’re right. He was out there on the edge and alive. Perhaps, not an error or mistake. Just taking risk. I think a lot of us would like to do what Chris did, chuck it all and hit the road. Maybe this is why this story resonates with so many people. I am planning to read the book. I just downloaded Krakauer’s original article. I would also like to see Ron Lemothe’s documentary, “Call of the Wild”. You did the best thing, you actually went to the Magic Bus. Good luck on your trek.
Fred, it certainly is a topic that creates much debate – I think it’s because the story has so many questions in it that allow us to come to our own conclusions. Thanks for the words of encouragement.
Coming across your story on the internet just made me smile. My brother won a scholarship to go to Alaska and “live off the land” when he was a junior in highschool. I know that trip meant so much to him. He passed away during his senior year. Since he has passed my family gives out a scholarship to seniors to go on their own Alaska adventure. My turn to go to Alaska will finally happen this summer!!! Watching the movie and reading the book after my brother died helped me realize what a special adventure he had. I hope I get the chance to go out to bus and just take it all in.
Emilie – wow, what a fantastic thing your family are doing to help young people get out and live off the land in Alaska. It’s a breathtaking, life changing place.
If you feel a connection with Chris’ story and his quest to live, then I highly recommend the bus as the highlight of Alaska. It most certainly was for me. If you want any input planning your trip, I’d love to help out in any way I can.
I just got done watching the movie. It’s an amazing story. I really enjoyed your pictures. Thanks, Dan.
Hi im from Costa Rica, ive just finished the movie and i will defintely buy the book. I always love to to visit historic places, or sites seen in movies, but stories about castaways always thrill me with a special sensation. This Magic Bus really seems quite and adventure,
it seems to me that Chris was like a modern Alexander Selkirk (Robinson Crusoe) -great book also btw -.
i would love to visit that site some day, but if i do, first, as i have no hiking or camping experience, i will definitely prepare myself very well, then ill try it in couple of years maybe. As i dont share entirely his view of life, and certainly dont want to die from starvation, or get lost.
For me you dont have to live in the bushes or eat dirt to experience life, you simply must do things that make you happy, and if you are lucky enough make a living from it, i was definitely touched by this message from Chris and i surely want to find very soon a different job that doesent put me all day in front of a computer at my 24 years of age. Ive traveled a bit though, hiked in Australia and everything..
Certainly, traveling, knowing different people, learning new stuff, experiencing many things, is as close as you can be to accompish the meaning of life. But you should never forget about your loved ones, and the ones that love you, specially your family.
It brings to my attention the case of U.S PhD student David Alexander Gimelfarb, he dissapeared in a national park near my hometown “Liberia” in Costa Rica, on August 11th 2009, authorities and his father have organized a search for him hiring specialists, K-9´s, private investigators,, helicopters, but to this day have been unsuccesfull. A local man claims to have seen him alive not while ago, and reportedly said that he was scared and runnnig away from people. His parents, even placed a Reward of 20$K for info to get to him, this leads to the conclution that even The Gimelfarb’s think he is hiding.
This is a group in facebook created to support the search for him:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=235888305359
Thanks for the thoughtful comments Ash. I totally agree that to be truely happy, one must do whatever makes them happy not what others think is a good idea. I also escaped sitting in front of a computer for many hours a day. For me, that is not what makes me happy, especially while I’m in my 20’s.
I hope Gimelfarb can be found safe and well.
-Dan
saw movie awsome. book awsome. i personally don’t think about his personal problems. everyone deals with problems in there own way. bad people come good families & good people from bad families or the other way around. what i think about is the things McCandless saw, smelled,tasted,& experienced in every other way in two years on the road. most people won’t even go outside if it’s snowing or a little drizzle. so just think of how much bad weather McCandless had to endure, and that is just one aspcet of his journey,and he didn’t give up. sounds very impressive to me.
I couldn’t agree more Dave, he was out there, living. Plain and simple.
I think it’s a story we can all learn from.
what is this movie called that everyone is talking about?
“Into The Wild” which is a recreation of what happened to Chris.
Dan,
I took as many people will (and have been) take the journey to the Magic Bus. Chris’s story has truly touch my heart, and the freedom that all of us can have. He has reminded us all that we dont need these “distractions” in life in order to live…. i feel reconnected…
…and Dan, thanx for being available for all those you want to “reconnect” or whatever it may be…
THANK YOU GOD and Thank you Chris and Thank McCandless Family for sharing Chris’s story!
Jessica – you are very welcome. I really hope I can encourage people to make the trek to the bus.
I’d love to hear from you after you’ve been…
ok thanks i will check it out .
Dan,
Thank you for posting your experience, it was a delight to read and to see your photos. You, as Chris still is, a very inspiring person. I would love one day to make one day the trek to the Magic Bus, but now am preparing my own epic adventure of a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, Northbound. 2,168 miles- 6 months of walking, day in and out- I think if I can endure and complete that, than I would sure be able to cross tek. Again, thank you and best wishes on your adventures!
Karla – that’s so awesome that you found me! My brother Mike through hiked the Appellation Trail last summer, the whole way in about 5 and a half months. It was absolutely life changing for him for sure! I wish you all the best and would love to hear how you enjoy it.
Hi I am from Austria and came across your site….
I was really touched by the story of Chris McCandless and I did a lot of thinking. I realized that deep inside I was unhappy with the way people around me (myself included) lived their life. I`ve always loved nature (I`ve been a girl scout once) but as I dont live on the countryside and dont have any adventurous friends it is almost impossible to make such trips like you did! Sometimes I go hiking alone on small mountains just to get away from civilization and to enjoy the calmness of nature…… but someday when I get to know people who share the same feelings like me I will hike to the magic bus and see where Alex Supertramp had died.
I admire you because you are trying to live your dreams 100%. Many people are unhappy with their lifes but they are unable make changes……… In Austria we`ve got a great proverb `Träume nicht dein Leben sondern lebe deine Träume`, it means that you should not dream about your life, in fact you should life your dreams……
Amelie – wow! I really really like that proverb, I think I’m going to add it to my list of inspirational quotes on my site
Going out hiking by yourself can be the most amazing experience – to feel the calmness and simple things nature has waiting for us. I love how they don’t cost $9.99 and you don’t have to use anything up to do it. So pure.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Dan,
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I saw “Into the Wild” two nights ago and admit to being completely inspired by it. I am 46 now, and in my twenties and thirties spent much time camping and hiking in Illinois, Missouri and North Dakota (I was stationed there). I totally miss those days, as I felt more in touch with God, myself and the world around me when I could balance my interaction with a materialistic society with those moments I could steal away and live free, off the land.
I now live in Texas and on occassion, I have slipped off to a camp ground with a back pack full of bread and a gallon of water to get away from the rat race and contemplate how to become a better man. Its been awhile since I have done this but after learning of Chris’s experience and your own, I believe its time again. Thank you for helping to reawaken an jaded man’s desire to live free.
Mirage
Mirage – I don’t think that’s a jaded view of life at all, it’s fantastic.
Just like you, I feel more in touch with myself, the earth and something spiritual that I ever thought possible and each day I spend in the wilderness the feelings increase. With any luck, we can both find a balance somehow between living in the woods and the rat race. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah Dan! Do it! Wieieiieiew
Your pictures really did something with me, just like the movie, book and music, keep us up!:D Soon i’ll be following you…
I’m glad you like my pics and stories! When you say following me, do you mean to the bus or elsewhere?
rest in peace supertramp-you are-you are-you are-LIFECHANGING
um… I didn’t really think he was lifechanging. He died out there alone and made his parents worried. I think he was quite stupid in doing that and don’t really appreciate him…
Christy – Chris’ story can polarize people like nothing else I’ve ever come across. Some people are like me & are inspired by it & certainly there are a lot of people that disagree, and think he was very naive and stupid. I do 100% agree with you that making his parents worried was not cool – maybe he had his reasons, but I know there will never ever be a reason for me to behave that way.
I hope that no matter what our opinion of Chris, we can all learn something from his story.
well, everyone makes mistakes…the beautiful thing is that he followed his heart, no bowing down to the pressures or expectations of the society around him..
I think what got me most was that the craziness involved…we’ve become such pussies, not even thinking about doing something like what SuperTramp did..
For me, he’s a hero…(and like every hero, he has good points and bad points)
I’m with you!
Millions of people die in hospitals all the time. Why fear death it is one of the few certain things in this world. As to making his parents worry, his actions might not have been exactly right, but he probably did not have the strength to go back to something that represented so much pain for him. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses that was probably not his. Sadly it often takes separation and loss for people to find out what really matters in life and I think this true for his parents I know it is true for me.
We all in our selfishnes end up wanting to push our own agendas, but life is so short we need to savour the beautiful moments when we can love and give to people we love.
Someday I too will make the trek to the “Magic Bus” and remember a story of a man who was socially unwavering in his desire for respect and a full life.
It’s interesting Andrew that you mention Chris had weaknesses – I think so many people forget he was a human being just like the rest of us and in that sense, had flaws just like the rest of us. People seem to get so caught up criticizing this or that they seem to focus not on the positive aspects of Chris’ life, but on everything he did ‘wrong’.
Like you said, Chris was unwavering in his desire to live a full life and was not afraid to give it a go, even with a few mistakes thrown in.