Comments on: The Magic Bus

By: Drew

Drew — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 00:16:14 +0000

“The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new sun.” -Chris McCandless
Chris inspired me so much that I have decided to become a traveling writer after I get out of college. I had to read Into the Wild for my AP Language class and I was immediately captured by Chris’s ideals and travels. It is a shame that such a great person had to be taken away from this world because I would have liked to meet him… I’m sure his story will bring out the youth in everyone for generations to come.

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:14:47 +0000

I wish your son all the best. I hope his experience is what he is searching for.
I crossed the river in early July (right around the 4th) and it was OK. I’m sure he will make the right decision when the time comes.
Good luck. Enjoy.
-Dan

By: Holly

Holly — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:04:49 +0000

In part, I wish I hadn’t found this site. My 27 year old son is on the Stampede trail as of yesterday, alone, and wanting to get to the bus. He, fortunately, has maps, compass, GPS, but you never know what the river will be like this time of year, according to his and my research. To him, it’s an adventure with a plan to be safely back to civilization in a couple of weeks. I understand the connection, emotions, and intrigue of Chris’ story and death. I have read the book, seen the movie, and hoped over the years that my son would lose his interest in experiencing the hike to the bus and whatever connectedness he might find there. With any luck and his perseverance, he will arrive back to cell coverage later this month and I’ll hear his happy voice on the other end. It seems as though many of you who have written have chosen to do the trek with a companion-likely a wise choice. If you any of you are now or will be a parent in the future, you’ll understand what the MacCandless family must have felt.

To my son and those who travel the trail, “be smart, safe, and respectful of nature and its hazards”.

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:54:09 +0000

Nice thoughts Lisa, thanks for sharing.
With regard to crossing the river.. when I crossed in early July the water was high enough to be scary.. I certainly didn’t want to be there alone.
If it had been much higher, we would not have made it across, so I can understand Chris getting stranded on the “wrong” side.
-Dan

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 21:47:44 +0000

Hi Very Angry and Opinionated Soul,
I understand why you feel about Chris the way you do. I, too, am awed by his bravery and ambition and intelligence and magic. He WAS magic and anyone who has the balls to do what he did is…well, there’s not a good enough word for it. But I also understand the opposite side…why would someone go into the wild so ill prepared? I don’t think Chris wanted to die. And I think the park ranger who commented above you probably sees a lot of people doing a lot of stupid crap. If I was Chris, I probably would have tried to figure out a way to cross the river or…who knows???? But the only person who knew what really happened and knew what was going on inside his head is Chris and he’s gone.

He was happy and he had a good life…that’s good enough for me.

By: Brian Keith O'Hara

Brian Keith O'Hara — Mon, 30 May 2011 20:35:50 +0000

Chris merely had the courage to do, what we all talk about doing. I remember what Julius Caesar said a coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave man but one. Certainly Chris was a brave man and should be remembered thusly.

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 15 May 2011 22:16:41 +0000

Hi Hervé, It’s great to hear the movie spoke to you as it has for so many of us.
I’m happy to tell you anything about the bus.. what specifically would you like to know?
I was most surprised because of the ‘energy’ from the book filled with tales of life changing events thanks to Chris.
-Dan

By: Hervé

Hervé — Sat, 14 May 2011 17:24:43 +0000

Hi Dan,
i am a french 41 years old man and i recently watched the movie two times in a row and i am still thinking about it.
You said “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.”
Could you to tell us more about the place ?
Thanks
Hervé

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:12:25 +0000

Thanks Ross, I appreciate it.
I’m actually from Australia originally, so Canada is not exactly “home”, though I have been here for a few years now.
My brother and his girlfriend have a really good “home” here and it’s awesome to spend time with them and see what life is like.
The Wrangler was absolutely bullet proof, not a single problem for the whole 65,000kms !
-Dan

By: Ross

Ross — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 07:21:03 +0000

If you have any questions please e mail me. So how does if feel to be back home? How did the Wrangler do throught the trip?

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:45:59 +0000

Thanks for the great site Ross, I’ve been clicking around for about half and hour, and I’m sure I will spend more time yet.
-Dan

By: Ross

Ross — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:48:44 +0000

Yes, That is a great story indeed I will book mark this. Keep in mind however the term misguided does not always mean insane..wink..wink! OK now im going to give you a “gift”. This might be the hardest challange of your life and only men that are truly “ready” to explore there inner core should do this weekend. please go to http://www.mkp.org and snoop around see if anything “fits” for you there. Look for the New Warrior Training Adventure weekend. I did this weekend in 1992 and have now staffed over 50 trainings and we now have centers all over the globe. This weekend can be very difficult for even the hardest core people so we are very careful to make sure a Man is “ready” for his trek within. I don’t normally invite total strangers to this training but one of the gifts the training has given me over the years is to go with my instincts. Check it out. McCandless suffered from an inner struggle that more or less ended up killing him and IMO this can be somewhat blamed on his not having proper male role models. in every aspect of your life and yes to the point of death for some. This inner struggle is usually not a killer but it can sabotaage the heck out of you and your daily life, and for some going through life so unconscious making such bad decisions one will evetually kill them and this is what I truly feel killed McCandless in the end. I wouldn’t really use the term insane. This we call “mens work” a rite of passage that can only be passed on from one man to the other. Very powerful stuff. Hence “The Gift”.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:16:45 +0000

Thanks for the article Ross, it’s a really interesting read.
Insanity is loosely defined as thinking differently from everybody else in society, which Chris absolutely was, evidenced by burning his money, turning his back on a “good” education, etc.
So I don’t think it’s a revelation that Chris fits the typical definition of “insane”, and I think it’s pretty likely I fit the same definition. I quit my perfectly good engineering job and traveled and lived in 14 “dangerous” third world countries for almost two years, for fun. Society absolutely says I should have been saving for my future, buying a house, etc. and I’ve been told that many times to my face.
Just because someone thinks and acts differently to the norms defined by society, and therefore fit the definition of “insane” that doesn’t mean they are misguided, or “crazy”.
I think the story of the king and the poisoned well water illustrates this perfectly: http://pakistantimes.net/pt/detail.php?newsId=481
It’s an interesting read, don’t you think?
-Dan

By: Ross

Ross — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:22:32 +0000

At the point McCandless wrote that letter he was already half dead and really had no choice to say anything else because what happened to him was by his own hand. There is nothing wrong at seeking adventure as long as you do it in a sane manner as you well know. Have you ever read what some experts said about McCandless’ writings and his final plea to be rescued. Its amazing the difference in the writing styles betwen Alex and Chris. To say this was a simple ‘Oh I got lost in the wilderness” story because I wanted to find myself as a man is so mis guided IMO. Please read this article if you haven’t already.

http://www.farnorthscience.com/2007/10/13/media-watch/into-the-wild-the-false-being-within/

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 02:20:52 +0000

Hey Ross,
Many people see Chris’ story from the same point of view as you, and I can totally see why, though I disagree with your premise.
Somewhere along the line we decided that the point of life is to live as long as possible, irrelevant of quality of life or enjoyment along the way. I don’t think that’s always the point.
Quantity over Quality seems to be the way these days – irrelevant of everything else.
If a young man is to die in his 20′s or 30′s doing something he loves, people seems to jump up and down saying what a waste, and ‘if only’ he knew better.
When an old man dies in his 80′s or 90′s nobody seems to say much, but it’s implied he ‘did well’ in life, and ‘good job’ type of thing.
Who knows (or cares) if he actually enjoyed and really lived all those 80+ years, it just seems to be important he was above ground.

The quote that best sums this up in my mind is by Burt Munro, the New Zealand world record holder who rode his home built motorbike into the record books. When climbing onto his beast with the certain knowledge he will sustain serious burns to his leg, he says (sic)

“I live more on this motorbike in ten minutes than most people live in their entire lives”

While this quote is a little different coming from a 68 year old than young Chris McCandless, I think the essence is still there.
Chris’ final note shows he was not disappointed or sad with the life he had chosen and lived, because for absolute certain, without a shadow of a doubt he knew he had lived.

-Dan

By: Ross

Ross — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 06:38:59 +0000

Its a Shame Chris had to die out in the wilderness the way he did. I can’t help but wonder if he suffered from some sort of untreated mental disorder. He was running away from something, real or maybe just in his mind. I have to wonder if he was ever in treatment for any mental disorders in the past. Just the fact that he left not telling his parents or sister after graduating from College sends up a big red flag for me. No one could have stopped him from a year of self exploration before Law school but he did it in a way of covert secrecy that just isn’t “normal”. Was it his way to punish his parents? Was it his way to punish himself or both? No matter how you want to look at it its a very sad story of a vital life that was wasted whatever the reason was. In the end Chris gained nothing passing away in a bus in the Alaska wilderness and his family will endure a lifetime of pain from his actions. Let’s not forget this was a College graduate not some snot nosed kid without knowledge of what can happen to someone inexperienced out in the wild. I feel bad for him that he didn’t get the professional help he needed to deal with his demons. He chose the wrong path in more ways than one. Hopefully he is at peace now and Hopefully his family can move on and try to lead a normal life ahead.

By: Liz

Liz — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:57:21 +0000

I too live in London Niamh and I made it to Argentina for Christmas with Dan. Go and get it!

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:24:49 +0000

Dream, for sure! If you want, you’ll get there.

By: Niamh

Niamh — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:55:33 +0000

Beautiful. Your message to Chris is so heartfelt.
I hope one day I can make the trip to Alaska, and see what Chris saw and feel what he felt, but unfortunately I live in London, UK!
Still, we can dream (:

By: Perry Way

Perry Way — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 01:51:59 +0000

I think it’s sad to see people get all upright and ANGRY over Christopher. Calling it suicide and whatnot. Well maybe it is but sheesh man you people need to go easy on the dissing. You make it sound like you’re perfection at it’s source, and furthermore like nobody has the right to be imperfect. Do you hate the world? How about attempting to understand someone without using your divining rod? Can you be objective? Well, I was moved by the movie. I would like to think I understand some of Christopher but maybe I’m way off, but what’s salient here is that I’m not rubbing what I think in your face. But I do not think he had a death wish at all.

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:01:23 +0000

Fantastic! Thanks for the info.
Really happy to hear you made it and had a great time!

By: Sly dog

Sly dog — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:51:11 +0000

Hey Dan, I made the trip! It was fun and we had a ball. Did it in two days. Hiked one day out, camped in the bus and next day hiked back to 8 mile lake. Thanks again for your insight

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 01:04:35 +0000

Hi Irene, Great to hear from you & thanks very much for sharing your thoughts.
I have to agree with you, and I think Chirs’ quote sums this up nicely:

“Happiness is best when shared”

-Dan

By: Irene

Irene — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:56:34 +0000

Hello Dan,
I’m a young woman living in the french Alps, where I teach litterature and spend all my free time in the nature.We’re planning to go to Alaska next year for hiking, that’s how I felt on your page, just surfing on the net.I just wanted to add two words on the “Christopher’s case”.I was of course really moved reading Krakauer’s book and watching the movie, but I’ve been feeling so sad since…I understand his choice of living by him self, in the woods, but I ‘ve more understood that he wanted to go back at the end, to “share ” what ever kind of happiness life would give him…Maybe I”m to old (i’ll be 34 this year…) maybe it’s because I’ve been recently a mother (our daughter is now 1 year old and will join our trip to Alaska…), but I see things otherwise.I think people should be happy to travel with pals, share nice moments together and enjoy the experience .That’s how I feel.I’m glad to read your lines and see that you actually shared that experience with others.I guess that Mac Candless must have felt very lonely at the end of his journey.In fact, what really was worth was all the people he met on the way long to the Magic Bus.Every one can reach out for his “own magic bus anywhere”.The most important , is then the trail you follow, and to know the way back.Even Thoreau came back=) Take care.

By: Daniela

Daniela — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 03:26:31 +0000

Hi! I don’t speak very well, but i try!
I was searching on various sites on the story of Chris and see if it really exists … the magic bus and ended up arriving at your site. I was very happy and said to myself that one day I’ll visit there …. he became my idol!
Hugs

By: Manav

Manav — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:52:12 +0000

Alexander Supertramp is a real hero to me and did what not many people can do, he lived his dreams and those fanatics who call his adventure a suicide can never understand it, someday i will also voyage to a unmapped unventured location and live my life.

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:33:08 +0000

I have no idea, I only took bear spray (pepper spray) for bear protection.
I’m sure a google search will tell you the requirements for gun ownership in Alaska.

By: tommy

tommy — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 09:58:43 +0000

is it easy to acquire a gun or rifle in Alaska to plan a trip to the bus

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:34:44 +0000

Without doubt, there are those that idolize Chris and his message of get out there and live life, myself included.
I would love to get my hands on his actual diary some day, it’s something I’m still working on
-Dan

By: MWStew

MWStew — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:40:23 +0000

In reading all the comments, I see that Chris McCandless has become somewhat of a folk hero. I have read the book. I began to wonder what was Chris’s true reasons for leaving. It was sad that Chris starved to death. He deserved a different fate.

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:04:19 +0000

A can of bear spray is highly recommended for sure.

By: Michael D.

Michael D. — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:49:18 +0000

Dan,

Do you recommend taking an air horn along to scare away bears and wolves?

Thanks.

By: Michael D.

Michael D. — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:46:46 +0000

Ted,

If you ever come up to Alaska look me up. I live only 2 hours north of Stampede Trail.

Thanks and good luck making it out of Arkansas!

Mike

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 19 May 2010 08:34:55 +0000

Wow, what a fantastic adventure you had! Thanks for sharing your experience!

By: kyle boyd

kyle boyd — Fri, 14 May 2010 23:43:42 +0000

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future.” -Chris McCandless

By: Ted Hammersley

Ted Hammersley — Mon, 10 May 2010 23:42:33 +0000

Hey guys, I was very inspired by the book and movie “into the wild” read and watched both severel times and I have to say alot of the quotes are true to life. One day i plan on taking the trip, i myself am not a fan of the city life and I would be much happier living in the wild. I currently live in what i call hell (the middle of arkansas) and I hate it. Im not a big fan of hot weather and thats another reason why i will choose alaska (the climate) I thank you guys and its great to see this much love!

Hope to hear from ya!

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:38:00 +0000

Hey Sly,
Stampede Road, and the trail head out from just near Healy, just North of Denali Nat. Park.
I read a blog somewhere once where a guy took bikes to save time on the trip.. for sure it will help. There will be times you cant ride them, but dont be discouraged, further along you will cruise and save a ton of time.
If you can get them across the river, they will help greatly on the far side. Most of the trail there is a really good condition quad track from memory.
Good Luck, Id love to head how it works out.

By: sly dog

sly dog — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:49:01 +0000

we will have an RV and now thinkin of renting mountain bikes to start down the trail to the bus. Do you think the bikes would shave time off the trip? How rough is the trail for a bike? We will take the RV as far as we can then bike till we cant then hoof it. Also what town do we head out from?

By: katleen

katleen — Sat, 01 May 2010 08:58:28 +0000

well. then thanks Dan, good luck to you too..

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:02:57 +0000

Hey Katleen. As far as I know, Chris´diary has never been made public, though it´s something I am always on the lookout for. Good luck with your future adventures, I am sure you will find the right mix of adventure and solitude.

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:00:40 +0000

Many people certainly do. I did not. The river crossing and bear enconuters would be my biggest concerns.

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:00:02 +0000

Hey Michael,
I think I have an ´intermediate´ amount of backcountry experience, whatever that means. I have done probably about 10 hiking trips in the 3-8 day range and about 30 or 40 for one or two nights. I have had numerous bear encounters, camped well below zero, crossed rivers and dealt with serous elevation changes.
I would suggest spending time out in the wild – sleep in your tent, light a fire with wet wood and hike around with your full pack on.

By: Michael Duarte

Michael Duarte — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:39:32 +0000

Dan’s question- How much back country hiking experience do you have? I served in the military for 20 years. However, have not ventured out in the wild for about 3 years. I will begin to take long walks 2 to 5 miles and work up to 10 soon. In addition, I will do some mountain climbing prior to this 25 plus mile journey down stampede trail.

Any other suggestions Dan?

By: Michael Duarte

Michael Duarte — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:34:52 +0000

Dan, do you recommend I venture this solo? Thanks.

By: katleen

katleen — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:46:42 +0000

hey,ahm you know what guys,,this so very inspiring story about mccandless, I’m just sitting on the couch, change the channel and there watch the story about him..that is my second time to watch that movie,but I can never forget. I don’t know can’t help watching.after watching I search in his life and all in the net where I found this and share my thoughts about the movie..
I’m just 16 yrs.old..wandering if I can also travel around the globe.but never in wild ones..I called mccandless stupid for leaving his home just to get suffered,I don’t want to do that..but as I go beyond the story..I’m touched, his happy, and he said happiness only real when shared..its true..I can see how life is so wonderful..with the people around us,but sometimes I just want to goof off,just like what he did, to forget how life seems to be hard and weary..someday I wanna travel but afraid of being alone..afraid to end up like him..sad..

my question is,he has his journal..I wonder where it is..can you post some pictures of it, and quote of what he wrote in it?please thanks..

By: aldo

aldo — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:24:06 +0000

thanx dan, and hope you’re traveling is going as wished….

youre,

friend, aldo

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:34:12 +0000

Hey Michael – great to hear you have also been inspired by the movie.
How much back country hiking experience do you have? It’s important you have a lot before tackling the stampede trail, it’s not a little walk in the woods so to speak.
Have a read through all the replies I’ve posted here and you should get a pretty good idea of what’s involved.
If you have any specific questions I’m very happy to help out, though I hope you have the skills needed to plan the trip yourself.
-Dan

By: Michael Duarte

Michael Duarte — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:20:09 +0000

After watching the film “Into the Wild” I too will soon depart on my adventure down Stampede Trail. I would appreciate some advice on how best to navigate the river once I reach the end of the trail. In addition, please list any items I will definitely require to make this journey.

Thank you very much for your help !!

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:19:09 +0000

Hey Aldo,
It really is an amazing feeling to really get out there and go for it. I don’t even have a watch anymore so the time and date are completely irrelevant in my life.
Money really depends on how you want to live – hotels and buying every meal money will not last too long. Camping and cooking every meal can really help you stretch. I’ll be writing a lot more about my budget / money when the trip is done.
I’m traveling alone on this one, which has it’s ups and downs for sure. Lately I’ve been pretty lonely, so I’m going to try hard to get another backpacker to jump in with me for a while.
My destinations come from all over the place; other travelers, guide books (lonely planet), locals, etc. Anytime I hear someone say a place is worth going to, I go there
For money ATMs work just fine. My debit card and credit card have worked fine in every single country.
Start reading around the web about backpacking. Just load your stuff into a pack, catch a flight somewhere and you’re away. You really don’t need much at all and the Lonely Planet for whatever country is a great starting point.
Hope all of that helps – let me know when/where you decide to go!

By: Alyssa C

Alyssa C — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:48:15 +0000

Chris is my hero. I love the guy. The guy is a fricken genius. If he were alive now I would probably make him my prom date (LOL).He had the courage of a lion despite how much problems he had in his life. Knowing he passed on feeling complete in this world is extremely comforting. His ambitiousness, courage, and passion will forever amaze me. If there was anything I would like to say to the man it would be that he was a very good man and will surely be missed forever. GOD BLESS YOU CHRIS!!!!!

By: also

also — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:13:20 +0000

hello Dan, its nice theres a blog that can inspire ppl to travel, i myself wanna feel that rush of getting up one morning and saying stuff it and choose a road to life….i’m 28 male and traveling has always been a part of my life…yeah i travel, but its nothing like ur traveling…thats what i wanna experience, the air from an other country, the sunrise and sunset on the beach in mancora, peru, watch a soccer game in rio de janeiro (luv soccer)….not caring about time or tomorrow….well my biggest problem is i dont have any one to join me. so my questions are as fallow:

1. how much money do you need?
2. do you travel with a partner or if alone how do you do that?
3. how do you choose you’re destinations?
4. how do you do with money…i mean do you carry all ur money with you or travel checks
5. wat equipment do you need for traveling if u don’t have a car and have to do it on foot…

well i do appreciate ur time and hope you can help the future traveler….

you’re friend,
aldo

By: Aleksi

Aleksi — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 03:11:40 +0000

Me grazy finnish guy have travelled unplanned and also moneyless,been in deadly dangers that I could have avoided easily.It was my youth,I survived..though sometimes I think I should have taken it deeper,and longer,I might think to be a looser because not suffered more.Im proud of my travelling years.I learned and experienced greatly.Diaries and drawings and travelling principally alone are great things..and books,hammock,nature,other travellers,one way tickets.No clock nor schedule.Noone here understood my experiences,I didnt even try to explain,Im not explainer. I dont have a career,I have love ones,no worries.
I learned:one is not dying for hunger when people around,I call it God.I was about to go into the wild from Vancouver B.C,but didnt,I thought its too big for me.I have been very ill(only diarrhoa),and died soon if water,salt and bananas been further than 30 meters.
If McCandless would survived I would blame myself of being a chicken.He died, I cried.
By his age I had been allready in..doesnt matter,main thing is going,not destination.
I read 30 min of how to sleep in the snow before I went to do so for days,and Im not specially intelligent.
Compass,maps,medicine etc not necessary,NOT BEFORE EMERGENCY.

-Finn

By: jcbit

jcbit — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:57:18 +0000

I would love to hear from you’re perspective why you think suicide isn’t what Chris did in the least, and also would love nothing more than for you to help me wrap my mind around how a magical man in your situation can actually sit there, stomach the rage that I know you must have felt upon reading numbnuts’ comment up there, and actually utter the word ‘respect’ anywhere in the vicinity of what he had to say. I mean the collectedness one must have to possess to manage something with such gravity positively blows my mind— as I can relate only to Chris in ways of reason and in a similar quest for profound beauty that I have yet to find in this world I choose to surround myself with— when you’ve lived it in his memory and profound realism just seeps from every picture and blog on your page . I cannot even harness the willpower to address this clown in any way, because it physically hurts me PHYSICALLY HURTS ME to imagine how miserable this guy’s life must be to actually possess the fkn (pardon my French) audacity to sit there, allegedly living the same lifestyle as Chris did originally, and blab so much hypocritical garbage in that sense that I could actually puke everywhere upon reading it if I had anything in my stomach right now.
I FEEL that if you continued to fail miserably at life and died and that old bus, you SHOULD be eternally ashamed of the wasted bucks your family put into your sorry sense of intellect because based on what I’m reading all it’s done is give you an inability to ration with anything sensical and the compulsive need to make no sense what-so-ever. The whole point is that he knew it’s what he wanted to do with his life, he fully acknowledged and accepted the risks that WERE to come with it, and he died trying to LIVE— which I’m sure is more than you could say for your sorry excuse of a life being a “real person, living without running water and sometimes no electricity; no cell phone, and occasional access to a computer when visiting” when on the real, 1, you don’t even deserve water so good choices, 2, you are probably a hideous human and that’s why you live on the outskirts of this world, unlike Chris who just couldn’t handle breathing in people’s like yours stupidity any longer and you SHOULD remain in the darkness, and 3, you just seem like a fantastic individual so I have no idea why you wouldn’t want a phone when so many people probably want to be your friend. And you really must be living large when you take it upon yourself to abuse thesse rare computer visits pissing people off. Yes, I accept that I am doing exactly that by writing this reply, but I don’t claim to be living any sense of a fulfilled life nor am I okay with that. But reading your simply idiotic travesty of a perception pushes me so close to the edge I’d be better off dropping out of HIGH SCHOOL tomorrow and pulling a Chris McCandless just so I wouldn’t have to keep my eyes open in society every day knowing that I’m walking around choosing to tolerate a place where NINCUMPOOOOPS are even given free speech in the first place. Ill admit straight up theres ‘tons of facts about life’ I don’t know and don’t care to know to be quite frank but ill be able to go to bed later on tonight after my blood pressure lowers knowing that I know a hell of a lot more about living than a GENTLEMAN and SCHOLAR such as your apparent self.
And maybe I WILL watch the National Geographic channel cause that shit is just plain AWESOME.

Good riddance,
A very angry and opinionated soul

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 23:00:54 +0000

Hey Natalie,
Read through all the comments here, I’ve given that information many, many times.
I also want to stress you need to be very experiences in back country wilderness travel, this is not a trip for first-timers.
-Dan

By: Natalie

Natalie — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 04:47:08 +0000

Thank you for posting this. I want to visit the bus since Chris is a huge hero of mine and I wanna know how I can plan this. I wanna go in a year or so during mid-August and I will be flying in from Florida, so I just wonder where the Stampede Trail is in distance from the nearest main airport and if crossing the Teklinika River can be accomplished at that time of year.

Thank you so much,
-Natalie

By: Tristan Berceir

Tristan Berceir — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:46:15 +0000

Thanks for this great blog.

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:25:57 +0000

Hey Martin,
Thank you for the fantastic offer. I don’t know if I’ll go to BA yet, but if I do I’ll send you an email for sure
You’re English is much better than my Spanish

By: Martin

Martin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:43:53 +0000

Hi,
My name is Martin and I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina (not a Wild-Landscape in particular!).

I can’t offer you a wild-experience in Buenos Aires, but I can offer you a sightseeing tour through the city and a beer if you like!

Mail me if you decide to come to the South (i´ll be in the south-east asia from june to sept so if you happen to come here at that time I’m sorry! jeje).

So.. cheers! Hope you have a great trip!
Fellow traveller…

P.s.: As you can see my english is not that good !

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:32:49 +0000

Hey In a Small Town,
I totally understand your point of view, and can see why you believe Chris essentially committed suicide.
When guys climb Everest without oxygen they are intentionally not taking something that would make their trip much easier and safer because they are looking for more of a challenge than going with oxygen provides. Sometimes those guys get seriously injured or die, but I don’t view that as suicide and I don’t think what Chris did was either.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:26:47 +0000

Hey Eric, We drove a long way up stampede road in our 4x4s and hiked in a single day. It was around 16miles of easyish hiking, only crossing the Tek slowed us down.
If you don’t have a vehicle to drive in very far, most people do the hike in two days.
Good luck & I’d love to hear how your trip turns out.
-Dan

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 07:15:30 +0000

Hey you had lots of great information, just a question though. i’m going out to the bus in mid july and i’m plannig the trip. how long on foot do you think it would take to get to the bus, we are fairly swift hikers, especially with such an amazing goal on our mind. total hour would be great if you have a guess.

By: in a small town (AK)

in a small town (AK) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 05:13:54 +0000

This fairly well sums up the actuality of the experience:
• • • • •

Alaskan Park Ranger Peter Christian wrote:

“I am exposed continually to what I will call the ‘McCandless Phenomenon.’ People, nearly always
young men, come to Alaska to challenge themselves against an unforgiving wilderness land-
scape where convenience of access and possibility of rescue are practically nonexistent [...]
When you consider McCandless from my perspective, you quickly see that what he did wasn’t
even particularly daring, just stupid, tragic, and inconsiderate. First off, he spent very little time
learning how to actually live in the wild. He arrived at the Stampede Trail without even a map of
the area. If he [had] had a good map he could have walked out of his predicament [...]
Essentially, Chris McCandless committed suicide…”

• link to validate ranger’s comment:
http://nmge.gmu.edu/textandcommunity/2006/Peter_Christian_Response.pdf

{A good simple and practically free second-hand book in map & compass orienting
and a few more thoughtful learning experiences elsewhere may have turned this
sad fated story into a better coming-of-age-story; instead of a tragic misadventure.}

Too bad he was truly uninformed and unprepared for the wildland survival experience
that the great white north brings. Winter, harsh & subzero, more than 6 months long.

I’ve lived and worked in many remote and inspiring regions of Alaska; but was never
here for the money. If I’d have failed as miserably and died in an old bus, I’d be eternally
ashamed of the wasted education funds mu family had wasted on my behalf; had I been
this character. And I have met thousands of them. Some end up living in Anchorage.

And I am a real person, living without running water and sometimes no electricity; no
cell phone, and occasional access to a computer when visiting Little America, urban AK.

Think seriously before going on an emotional-based trip. You may as well stay at home
and watch the Nat’l Geo channel. Or, gear up your mind and learn tons of facts about life.

Sincerely,
in a small town (AK)

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:22:34 +0000

Right on Quinton – thanks for that man I really appreciate your thoughts!

By: Quinton

Quinton — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:14:44 +0000

in fact the only thing i dont like is your tone…

By: Quinton

Quinton — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 01:26:26 +0000

I like my clothes, my food, my “birkenstock”; i love trees and nature in general, tracking across the wilderness; as to my self worth, i think i am no more humbler or haughty than anyone else (perhaps a little too egotistical); I am not antisocial but i share Chris’ beliefs (or i imagine i do), and last but not least, i realize all too well my place in society. I realize all too well my place.

By: Quinton

Quinton — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 01:22:08 +0000

I have read so many opinions of Chris, and every one differs in some way. I think this shows how different all of us are and how we all have our own ideals and specific values in this world. Personally, I respect Chris immensely for what he did – He had lived in what he viewed as a poisoned society for so many years, and left fullspeed as soon as he could – i think he had been planning this for a long time, longer than some suspect. A reader of Thoreau, Tolstoy, London – he had his own philosophy of life that involved the wilderness in us all, the need for freedom from this controlling society and the spirit of adventure of someone still young enough to physically and mentally fulfill his dreams.
When people talk of his seemingly naive ignorance of the danger and risk, i feel that they just cannot or do not want to understand him, and what was important to him. You cant put a price on freedom and the act of living, truly living – he realized this and acted upon it. No map? He wanted to explore, like explorers of old, who set forth in wooden ships to blindly sail to somewhere they had no knowledge of. His unpreparedness did not showcase his ignorance or stupidity; rather it proves his dedication to find out for himself who he was and what he was capable of, without the need of modern technology. There is an element of animalism in this – shown by Primo Levi in one of his short stories (someone to read for sure) “To find yourself at least once in the most ancient of human conditions. Facing the blind death stone alone, with nothing to help you but your hands and your own head” This was in the movie and the book, and it adds another angle to Chris’ personality.
This is a brief opinion of mine of his opinion, and i feel that this represents my own philosophy. This is how everyone has a different view of Chris – our opinions of him all reflect our own ideas and thoughts, because through our thoughts is the only way we can feel we understand those of his. I am 17 years old, and the day after i graduate from highschool i am backpacking/hitchiking/train hopping wherever i feel at the time, at whatever speed i like. Money is irrevelant in the kind of adventure i seek. I am sick of this society, and i too am leaving it behind.

By: Visiting Into the Wild’s Magic Bus

Visiting Into the Wild’s Magic Bus — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:44:22 +0000

[...] into the wild Trek to the Magic Bus The road chose me Living the dream in AK [Show as slideshow] [View with PicLens] [...]

By: Doc

Doc — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:09:55 +0000

I was in Talkeetna, Alaska at the same time that Chris was dying in the bus. I had just finished a three week solo in Denali. Chris was simply unprepared for what he’d gotten himself into. It’s a sad story.

By: brando

brando — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:11:51 +0000

i wana visit the magic bus 2

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:31:57 +0000

Ben, I find it interesting you come out so strong and criticize a way of life some people have chosen, when they have said nothing of the sort about yours.
Live and let live a little too hard for you to manage?

By: Ben

Ben — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:15:55 +0000

Chris was anti-social…who did not appreciate the value of civilization because of his own misinterpretations of “life”. All of you patchouli wearing, granola bar chomping, tree hugging, birkenstock wearing, “wilderness tracking” hippies, need to self evaluate your worth, and realize that you should probably share Chris’ untimely fate due to lack of worth to the human race…..Peace to all, my hippy friends

By: Jasmine

Jasmine — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:37:36 +0000

Dan ,love your sharing and your view of Christopher McCandless’s adventure as a rational behavior.
Actually, I also don’t want to judge him as navie ,though I disagree with his radical ideas about the so called “material society”, his pure intent to make his own dream come ture and persistence is what I respect.

PS:great pic at the magic bus , wish one day I could sit there like you : )

By: mike

mike — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:19:17 +0000

hey dan thanks, im ahigh school teacher and own my own bussines and when i get caught up in all the beuracratic bs that our society has to offer it makes me yearn for an experience like this. Problem is i have a wife and 3 kids that cant relate. Any advice

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:43:09 +0000

Mike – I agree wholeheartedly. It really is an amazing CD and I too listen to it to take myself back to the bus and thoughts of Chris. It never fails to lift my spirits and give me the courage to continue on.

By: mike

mike — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:54:01 +0000

hey dan, have listened to the entire CD if u close your eyes and listen it is as u are with chris in his mind and he reflects on society and purpose of life. How eddie vedder creates such lyrics just amazes me and takes on the advnture mentaly and emotionally i feel present. i listen to it when i run in the valleys when i go to sleep at night and it just gives me a whole new perspective on life and its meaning, the thoughts behind Vedders lyrics are the most amazing ever penned.Any feedback?

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:47:54 +0000

Yep, it’s a fine balance to find between work and play…

By: jana

jana — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:09:59 +0000

I know… I trying hard to stay in my newly very nice job at least till get money to “desappear” for a year…

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:36:02 +0000

Every day for many months. The first time I heard “society” after my visit to the bus I had shivers running down my spine

By: mike

mike — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:51:15 +0000

hey dan have u ever listened to the soundtrack from eddie vedder

By: mike

mike — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:49:08 +0000

has anyone listened to eddie vedders soundtrack to the movie the entire soundtrack is some of the most beautiful music and lyrics ever penned …if you close your eyes and just listen to it u feel like u are ther with chris it is amazing

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:18:59 +0000

Hey Sly, you sound like a guy that will make it
Absolutely, the first 5 or so miles of stampede road are sealed, then it’s a good gravel road for another few miles. Around the time it gets worse there are plenty of pull offs where we saw people camping in RV’s for the 4th of July weekend. It would be ideal to park and hike from here. I think the hike from there would be around 20-25 miles and from what I read in the diary, most people take two days to hike in from here, although it won’t be very hard.
The elevation gain is very small and the hiking easy for the most part, except for crossing the Tek. I think it would be OK in Aug. and it’s worth asking the rangers in Denali about the local river conditions. I imagine the nights will be pretty cold too!
Good luck, stay safe & let me know how your trip goes.
-Dan

By: Sly Dog

Sly Dog — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:33:56 +0000

I am heading to AK for a week or so with my brother in Aug this year. We have several places we want to visit and hike so we booked an RV to establish a base camp for some of our hikes. We are both avid backpackers, he thru hiked the AT couple years ago and I was wondering the milage to the bus. I have hiked close to 20 miles per day on the AT with full week supply of gear and the hike to the bus I will be only packing a daypack to keep my weight down and speed up. Question is can an RV make it a little way down stampede road? Also what kind of milage and elevation gain can I expect on the road.

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:11:46 +0000

Hey Meg,
Hmm. I thinking you mean to hike all the way from the highway to the bus. I think most people drive up the road a ways before setting out because the road is in good shape for a long way. I’m certain you could get a local to drive you up (it will only take 15 mins) and then you can set out hiking. I read in the diary that many people take 2 days to hike in, no problems at all, great camp sites the entire way.
If you talk to locals about it, make certain you are very very well prepared, they are sick of helping lost/unprepared people that want to go to the bus and will probably try to convince you not to go.

By: Meg Brenson

Meg Brenson — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:14:42 +0000

Hi,

I really want to do this trek and go to the magic bus Im wondering if i was to do it all on foot i suppose i would need a tent to camp if its going to take at least two days is it suitable to camp? i would just generally like some advice if i was to walk the whole way

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:02:16 +0000

You’re very welcome for the info Amber. If there is anything else you need to know, just ask.
Absolutely you need to have a solid amount of hiking/camping experience to set out to the magic bus, it’s quite the journey and seriously far away from any form of help.

By: Amber

Amber — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:20:34 +0000

Thanks so much, i hope to be going this summer but i dont have that much experince just some camping trips here and there so ill for shure have to start practicing.
From your pictures it looks like you had an amazing trip.
Chris is defintaly an insperation to people everywhere, i think this would be a great way to honor him also an amazing experince!
Thanks again for all of your helpful information

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:21:42 +0000

Thank you for your thoughts Llyod, I really like them.

By: Lloyd Thomas

Lloyd Thomas — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:06:03 +0000

Thanks to Dan for helping focus interest, information, and most importantly, discussion.

What originally captured me were the thoughts expressed by Chris regarding society. I see what he saw.
Though, like him I marvel at how great our society is. Chris intuitively knew the “Super Apple” he consumed was cultivated by our society, just as the mind of Thoreau was cultivated by our society before he produced the thoughts paraphrased by Chris. Yes, Chris was ultimately ill prepared for the Jack London like experience of Alaska and THAT may be a tribute to his idealism. Though even then, he relied on his society for shelter, (the bus), a gun and a book for food.
He was intelligent enough to understand, that though he wished to leave things behind, as in the bar scene he suggests “no axe”, he did bring several important material articles he knew he had to have in order to survive.

The tragedy of his death, though, serves his society in ways he probably never imagined.

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:00:41 +0000

Hey Amber, I’m more than happy to answer any questions you have. Getting to the bus was a huge goal of mine and I love helping other people however I can. Finding the bus is not difficult – Stampede Rd starts just near the town of Healy and all you have to do is follow that road all the way to the bus. The road gets worse and worse until it’s impossible to drive and you have to continue on foot. The bus is technically not inside Denali National Park (very close) so as far as I know, there are no restrictions of any kind.
It would be worth asking the rangers there for local conditions on the rivers, etc. as they are the most knowledgeable in the area.
You absolutely want to be experienced in wilderness travel, river crossings, bear encounters, bugs, hiking, camping, etc, etc.
If you do not have experience in those things, I suggest you start practicing now so you are ready when you get to Alaska.
Absolutely it’s the same bus Chris spent time in – the plaque placed there by his family shows that very clearly.
If there’s anything else I can help with, feel free to ask.
-Dan

By: Amber

Amber — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:42:28 +0000

Hello there.
Im desperate for some one to ask some questions about your trip if you dont mind me asking!
Im just new to reading into the wild and seeing the movie. Im greatly inspired by chris and would love to follow in your footsteps and see the magic bus. I feel like i almost need to, its now one of my goals.
How did you go about finding the bus and start your adventure to find it. What are some things i would need to know like any restrictions. Im also wondering if the bus is the same one chris himself stayed in. I would love to hear some feedback. Thank you! Amber

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:27:54 +0000

Thanks for the suggestion Rick, It’s now on my must-read list.

By: rick

rick — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:01:30 +0000

Gem of a read…Sailing alone around the world, by Joshua Slocumb (Al. spellings: Solcomb, Slocombe), the first human to perform, let alone seriously contemplate, such a feat.

Dan, he has some very vivid descriptions of Tierra Del Fuego (he rounded the horn via the straights of magellan), especially of his encounters with the “locals”. It’d be interesting to hear your thoughts on what a century plus has done to the place, should you get a chance to read it forehand.

-r

PS., no offense intended the previous post, rather an addition of perspective to what it clearly inspiration.

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:55:57 +0000

Hey Backpacker,
I have not read really anything on the topics you mention – I very much like true adventure stories so I’m perfectly happy reading “how to do it, not why” as you say. I think the choices we all make about being in the consumer society or trying something different are motivated by ten million different things, each of them different for every person.
I hope you find some answers in your search.

By: backpacker

backpacker — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:02:07 +0000

any links you will recomand ?got a bit disepointed by the book since its more or less a cult book by backpackers why it did not have more pilosphy ideas or sugestions it is feeling more like a mix of modern huckelberry finn a police report and survaivelist manual

survalist manuels is ofen more technical then realy usefull they just on how too do it and not why and what to do ,i think you can do the same whit backpack and a guidbook or squat somthing and a comupter (or are computers wher you can have your books, ideas and comunciate if you get lonely anti in to the wild ?) not need to build somthing

yes i did read the book just suprised it did not have a update chapter after the popularety whit some refferance to more deep stuff (like wikipeida artickel had before link to the guy live in a cottage 1 year in the early 1800 and after som click you end up one the uanabomber manifesto that could have some of the some attitude)live simpe and l indepent (but of course more voilent and angry/blow up evrything becuse i cant make my owen travel/cottage/homestead/bookshelf of jack london/thoure/coulter-antitax books)i dont think his book are a back-to-stone-age kind of book at least i did not read it. i did read like a existenlaistick indepdent anti confomisitic book maybe a book for very smart ppl (iq140?) ppl that not fit in to the consumer culuture and work ethic becuse they have read too many books are to independent and think further then the avrage person(80% of the ppl have 100 iq) btw if he did not get dead would he not be just a other person you meet in mexico that wuld not have any influnce and not be a prophet… mexico villages amaricans that want to do somthing difrence and away for some years find ther sould buy a homestad in kansas or use some lsd or read nitzche and live by it but dont have the time/mony/guts to go somwher in a difreten culture(new gunia /venuzela rain forest/ laos tribe) and learn the langues and live ther or do as crihs did ?

sorry for my enghlis hope this did get to many qausitisn in the short space

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:36:53 +0000

Hey Backpacker, I think Jon K. covered some of those points you mention, but mostly he was telling Chris’ story.
There are tons of websites out there discussion those points, I think Google is a good starting point.

By: backpacker

backpacker — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:36:34 +0000

why is this book just made comments abut how/why/what abut what he did and nothing more deep(philospical/ideas/ creative open minded rants) ? like a how too hand book for do the same
or more thinking abut it books or websites? like thoure?(or wahtever you write the name )survalelist/libertaian like ideas (whitoute the anti goverment/liberel demagogic thinking) and existenalism like things ? or somthing like lonly planet /trailbalzer guidbooks? or somthing more thugtfule stuff like hakim beys TAZ/PAZ books(ideas on how and why to leave boring consumer culture/big city life and make you owen place/idea/travel)? is it any websites or books?

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:36:02 +0000

Hey Iora, I’m really happy you can draw inspiration from Chris’ story and my visit to the bus.
Getting there requires a lot of back country wilderness travel expertise – I suggest you start practicing ASAP so you will be ready when the time comes!

By: lora

lora — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:06:13 +0000

This is such an incredible thing you have done. I’ve always been a person who loves adventure and ever since I’ve seen the movie, I have always wanted to visit the Magic Bus, but questioned if it was possible or not, which the river crossings and everything. I’m only 15 now but I really hope I do this. Thank you so much for posting your story!

By: rick

rick — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:38:21 +0000

Yeah, I tend to think Chris’s time as ‘Alex’ was most likely very healing and revealing; and his next chapter in life would have been wonderful for him.

To me, this is the tragedy.

Yesterday I came across the remembrance card from the funeral of a friend, traveler, and lover of nature:

“The heart has it’s reasons for which reason knows nothing of”

-Pascal

“let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom”

-Proust

His ashes were scattered at an overlook on the Appalacian Trail, and a plaque commemorating his life was placed there.

A common thread found amongst travelers is that they are seekers. But not everyone is seeking the same thing. Some seek truth. But noble pursuits are not always the case. Some seek escape. My friend was a sensitive soul who never found harmony outside of nature. Nature may have been his only comfot. It’s difficult to see a troubled soul because they can be more capable of eminaitng fun, thoughtfulness, sincerity, and wisdom than the contented person.

Sometimes a seeker never finds what they are looking for, and gives up all hope of finding it in life. It’s painful to know that in spite of all the people who loved him and would have helped him, he was unable to find, maybe even unaware of this available comfort or other reasons enough to continue his own life.

When I think of his plaque, I envision it seen by someone who was not looking for it, but in conjunction with what is at a minimum a beautiful visual experience, hopefully enhancing it. It has the power to bring one to tears. It is pointless to tell where it is or what the plaque says– the real power for those who never knew him occurs upon it’s discovery mixing into their experience. Don’t ask where it is, it is a gem to be found by the seeker. And sometimes we find gems when we are not looking.

I have mixed feeling about the Magic Bus being a destination. I understand the need for those that knew him personally to go there for answers, personal reflection, and a last goodbye or another hello. I also understand the shared connection amongst kindred spirits. Such people are seeking something beyond. But the bus has also been reduced to a destination for voyeurs. Are t-shirts coming?

In a world of full of experience and connection, my hat is off to the seeker, not the consumer. What Chris may have or have been about is a subject worthy of an internet forum, not a road trip. Go to Alaska if you wish but for yourself and no one else. I encourage everyone to be bold and have their own unique experiences.

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:28:30 +0000

Rick, I’m pretty sure the quote is “Happiness is best when shared”.
Thanks for the thoughtful comments – I totally agree the world would be better off had Chris survived to spread his message in person to his family and friends.