Why this
Christopher McCandless website was made.
 
I made this website in my spare time to help keep this great
story alive.
Please note that I am not a writer, these are just thoughts
on paper.
I was taken back by this story to the point where I decided
to build this website. After reading the book, I
automatically went out and bought the DVD and did some
research on Christopher McCandless. I don't necessarily
agree with some of the things that he did, for instance
cutting off contact with his parents, but his story is
inspiring. If anyone trying a similar adventure should take
the necessary precautions and speak to an expert before
hand.
I compare his courage to that of others I have been inspired
by - Albert Facey (from the book 'A Fortunate Life') and
others not widely known.
Professional hunters, hikers and the like have said that
they could not do what Chris did. Living off the land with
only the barest of essentials, even if part of that time was
in the 142 Fairbanks Bus. If, as the book states, Chris had intended to go home before
discovering that the river was too dangerous, then he would
have left and lived to tell a great story, instead he
decided to wait until the conditions in the river were
better. The book talked
about another 'adventurer' Gene Rosellini who also tried a
similar quest in Alaska and came to the conclusion that 'it
is not possible for human beings as we know them to live off
the land'. Admittedly he did it for 10 years!
Chris had a dream and he went out and fulfilled it (albeit to
his detriment in the end). How many of us have something in
the back of our minds but never go and do it? How easy is it
to go and chase after that dream? In many cases this may be
difficult or even impossible. Was it impossible for Chris to
go out into the wilderness for the 2 long years that he did
without formal training? No it was not, because he put his
mind to it and did it.
I could not do what Chris did nor do I have an interest in
that type of adventure, but I respect it. I am certainly not
too old for it, at 38 I am still in good shape, but I need
to be around people and that gives me satisfaction. As close
as I got was backpacking through various countries living it
as cheap as possible.
I could not cut off contact with my
parents as I know they would worry. As a
parent, it would be too painful not to speak to my boys or
not know where they were or what they were doing. They are
quite young now, so I will try my best to be a good friend
to them as well as a father.
I did not get along with
my Dad for many years growing up and sometimes I went months
without talking to him, but we always 'made up'. He and Mum
also started a business together (as Did Billie and Walt)
and I believe this also affected their marriage. They fought
all the time and Dad never showed any affection towards Mum.
He ended up having an affair which I found out about by
accidentally catching them almost in the act. I hated the
fact that he was cheating on Mum and did so for the
next 12 months. Mum finally found out after Dad's lawyer
accidentally sent her a letter saying that the relationship
was over and that she should speak to him about a
settlement. Prior to that letter, Mum had no idea of what
was going on. So in that respect, I can completely
understand Chris for being angry at his father. What I
understand now is that people do fall out of love and want
to move on. I guess there are ways and means of going about
this correctly...
I really feel for the McCandless family and how hard this
must have all been for them. Firstly Chris going off without
saying anything for years and then later being found in the
bus and secondly having to go through the public humiliation
of their private lives in the media. No family is perfect and their story
as a family before Chris went off on his adventure is
certainly nothing new but when the whole world knows about
it, it must be very hard. I don't think I could deal with
it. Everyone being an expert on their son Chris and forming
opinions (as I am now). But reality is that people do forge
opinions on things we see or hear. That is human nature.
It is easy to go through the motions of everyday life and
think about 'what if'. If I thought like that, I would be in
the same job that I had 12 years ago with all of my
colleagues complaining and wanting to get out. It was a good
job mind you, but most were unhappy in it. Not me. I did not
want to talk about the same things over and over and how
poeple wanted to get out but they couldnt. Truth is, they
could, but didnt want to take the plunge and they were also
afraid to start something new.
I left that job in 1997 (after 7 years) and was on a plane a couple of weeks
later out and seeing the world backpacking in various
countries and visiting various continents. I certainly did
not do it as Chris did, I had saved money and worked here
and there when I needed more. I did this for a year and then
returned to Australia to get back into the work force,
(different job and career) but there was still that longing
to travel and to see more of the world. So I was back out on
the road again 2 years later.
Currently I live in Norway where I have settled down with
the mortgage and 2 kids. But still there is a longing to do
thie things I have wanted to do. The difficult part for me
is that I now have a family, but things are still
achievable. Some will involve me taking my family to the
places I want to see and others will involve me going it
alone.
I also hope to visit the 142 Fairbanks Bus one day.
 
The picture you see above left is of the band 'Thirteen
Senses'. (On the right is me and one of my boys)
If you click on the picture it will take you to
their Youtube video of their single 'Into the Fire'. I
cannot believe how much this song made me think about Chris
McCandless. In my opinion the lyrics also summarily
describe his adventures. The lyrics for the song are below.
For me, 'Into The Fire' describes going out and fulfilling your dream
or your adventure and 'meeting the power' is coming face to
face with the hardships and the joys you may face with that adventure.
(I don't actually know what the lyrics refer to.) This is also the link
'Into the Fire'
Into The Fire Lyrics
Come on, come on
Put your hands into the fire
Explain, explain
As I turn and meet the power
This time, this time
Turning white and senses dire
Pull up, pull up
From one extreme to another
From the summer to the spring
From the mountain to the air
From Samaritan to sin
And it's waiting on the end
Come on, come on
Put your hands into the fire
Explain, explain
As I turn and meet the power
This time, this time
Turning white and sense dire
Pull up, pull up
From one extreme to another
From the summer to the spring
From the mountain to the air
From Samaritan to sin
And it's waiting on the end
And now I'm alone I'm looking out, I'm looking in
Way down, the lights are dimmer
Now I'm alone I'm looking out , I'm looking in
Way down, the lights are dimmer
Ooooh
Come on, come on
Put your hands into the fire
Come on, come on
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