Recently I started to file the emails from people around the world giving me feedback on the website. I really appreciate your thoughts and comments.
Hi,
My name is Amalia, I am 16 years old and I am from Sweden. In my class we have just watched the movie “Into the wild”, and we have worked a lot with it. We have also worked a lot with your website www.christophermccandless.info .
I just want to tell you that I am very impressed of you. Both for the hike to the bus and for your work with the website. The website has helped me understand better how Christopher was, how the hike could be and so on. I loved the photos in the photo gallery! It was also very interesting to read about your hike and your advice to people who wants to do the hike. I don’t think ever will do it, you know I live in Sweden and I am not very pushed to sleep outdoors and things like that.
You seem to be a very active and cool person, and that makes me very impressed.
Best wishes, Amalia!
Hey!
I was so ecstatic when I came across your site.
My name is Ryan and I am 22 years old. I read, and watched Into the Wild over a year ago now, and have been thrilled ever since. I used to live in Philadelphia and recently moved to Boston to live with my gilrfriend, we have started a photography business and have always wanted to travel. I would love to be able to somehow get in touch with Carine or Chris’s parents and chat with them about his journeys. I know that I’m sure hundreds of other people have wanted to do this as well, but I would love it so much if I could. I really do take his journey so seriously and see him as a true hero, abandoning everything to go out and really pursue his dream. I would love to hear back from you, if you have any inspirational words about traveling, Chris himself, his family, anything at all.
Thank you so much and I really hope to hear back soon.
Hello, I am a student from a school in France and me and two others friends are working on “Into the wild”. That includes to make researches about the real story of Christopher McCandless but also about the movie and the book. So I am asking you if you could help us to know where we could find a copy of Christopher’s diaries ou even photos of it. Please answer me, we will be really grateful to help us to obtain a good grade for our High school diploma. 🙂
Hello maker of the Christopher McCandless site
My name is Dante and i am 16 years old.
I live in Sweden.
I have been working with your’e site during my english lesson project about the movie ”Into The Wild”
I would like to say a few words about the work you put down into this site and the fantastic outcome.
This site is so great. Because after seeing the movie or reading the book you have alot of questions you want anwsered.
And this website anwsers everything. It also shows new things and makes you think differently about Chris’ life.
Huge credits to you man, the trail guide makes me really eager to go there sometime.
I have always been very fond about the wild, since I live on the countryside.
I will recommend you and you’re site to everyone who has seen the movie.
I think they should put you and your’e site in the sidescrollers after the movie or on the back of the book covers.
Live well
Best regards, Dante
Hi there! I just wanted to tell you what I’ve think about you’r website. In english class in my school we watched the movie Into The Wild and now for a couples of week we have worked with some questions about the movie. My teacher maked some questions out from the movie were you could find the answers on you’r web site. This work have worked out well because the good information you have put up on you’r website. The information is very good I think, and it’s not hard to understand you’r writing in the text. You are using a good language. Sure there are some spellmisstakes but’s that all. If you compare you’r information about Christopher McCandless and the information you get about Chris McCandless in the movie there are no bigger difference. There are one thing that is better with you’r website and that is that you’ve got little more information about his family, little more background information about Chris. And you write in a easy understanding way. And the information you have wrote at the website is truth, no fake fact. And you have also formed the website in a good way. It is a good website for they who want’s to know a little bit more about Chris, the writer, and you also get some experience from you that is little like Chris goal with life.
Hi, in your website, under the movie section of Into the Wild, it says that the actor who played Chris was actually wearing the same watch that Chris had given to Jim Gallien just before he went down Stampede Trail. I was wondering if you had any detail about what kind of watch it was. Thank You.
Kenyon
THANK YOU FOR SETTING THIS SITE UP.
Good call my friend…….
Matt
Hell o my name is Jessica Thomas I was just on the Chris forum page and they were saying that the magic bus is being removed. i was wondering if this is accurate??
let me know, thanks.
Jessica
Good job on the website. Read Into The Wild years ago. Watched the movie, listened to the soundtrack. A story that has affected my life and one I couldn’t shake off if I tried. Thanks for the effort.
Cheers,
Jeffery
Hi,
I just watched the movie for the first time last night. I’ve had the dvd for several months and for some reason just didn’t want to watch it. I think the timing was perfect.
I am very moved by what Chris did and believe that he died a happy man, with a great deal of understanding. I understand why he did what he did. I did something similar, although not so dangerous, at least I wasn’t in the wilds of the Alaskan wilderness! But I grew up in a very dysfunctional home with a lot of alcohol and drug abuse and a lot of money and I felt as he did about the material world and society for a long time.
I left my family and went to India and different places without seeing them for quite some time, years. I wanted nothing to do with them because I had been hurt. I wanted to get free of the attachments that I felt were killing my spirit. So, I did what I did and I also found peace and understanding; am still in the process of growing, trying new things. In the last year I have begun to understand how important relationships are, that God speaks to me not just in silence, alone, but also through others. I’m grateful for this.
Just wanted to share it w/you and I really love the website you’ve made and reading about you. Good luck to you and thanks again.
Oh! I also believe in reincarnation — if it is true, if Chris comes back, I’m sure he’ll have a great life. He may be back already. Who knows???
Kind regards,
Terry in Texas
hi there my name is kyle,
im from toronto looking to go to the magic bus. but im a little concerned, cause i believe that i might be going by myself. do you think that is a bad idea?
How I started out reading a story about the “eco-terrorist” that took over the Discovery Channel in the US to finding a link about a young man (Christopher McCandless) that gave up everything to go on an adventure is amazing to me.
I just wanted to tell you what a beautiful tribute you set up for Christopher McCandless. Low key, factual, and from the heart.
I also enjoyed your personal history, that you shared. The bit about being in a job with everyone complaining, but too scared to make a move, really hit home. Hopefully, I will play the part of you and get out.
Rolf
Hi, my name is Lorenzo Pianosi and I’m writing you from Italy, Pesaro (center – east) to be more precise.
First of all I’d like to thank you for your great work on the site about Christopher, it’s really well done with a lot of informations and pictures.
I’m 33 years old, and I went through Chris’ story first by the movie some months ago. I was shocked. From that time this great story rolls in my mind and to be honest it’s still like a really obsession. I can’t take my mind out of this. I think for you has been the same. I read a lot about him through your site, the memorial one, wikipedia, Krakauer’s book and I noticed that you’re going out with a new book “Back to the wild” soon. Can you confirm about it? If so, are you thinking about an Italian version of it? I’m telling you this becouse, of course, Chris’ story is followed all around the world, Italy included. If you are thinking of this version, I could, for free of course, treat the translation in our language. I’m not a professionist and of course my english is not perfect, but I think that my heart and I could do a very good job. I’m not looking for money, I just think that this kind of work will let me be closer to Chris, maybe it’s just my nonsense….
Please apologize me for losing your time, take my proposal as serious, and if it’ll turn in no deal, I’ll have my personal English copy of the book.
Take care, I wish you all the best and to ready to pay the price to make your dreams come true.
Lorenzo
Hey,
Hope you are fine wherever you are and enjoying your pleasant life with your family.
I recently watch the movie “Into the wild”.After watching the movie,i just want to explore something more about Chris,so i Google it and fortunately i found your website,especially dedicated to Christopher.
Thanks from the depth of my heart for your extraordinary work and i too have decided if Allah wills to visit the bus in which the Alex died.
Kind regards,
Mohammad Rizwan
Hi my name is Paul, Im not planning to do what Chris did, I have done lots of research to help me survive my wilderness trip, its not gonna be exactly what Chris did but similar and for different reason, also I dont think Ill be lucky enough to find a bus but it would be great if I did. Anyways, I think its really cool that you made a website for him and I wanted to know if you had any advice for me, or If you know anymore of the story that was not put in the movie? The main thing Im worried about is the bear attacks that I might encounter. If you have any advie for me please let me know. Thank you
Paul
Hey
I am a bachelors student from India, watched Into the wild for the first time yesterday. I am speechless after seeing the movie and went through your website. You have done a great job compiling everything. It has given me a new way of thinking and taking things. My heart goes out for Chris.
May he his soul rest in peace.
Siddharth
Its been great to meet with a person, who is faimlliar with chirs, i’m in love with him since long days.. i want to know what sort of books he love to read, can u please tell me?
Greetings ……
My name is Ricardo, I am from Mexico, your site is great, has very interesting information about Chris. Since I knew the story of Chris Mccandles I tried to get all sorts of information about him, I have the DVD the book in Spanish and English, but had never seen real pictures of real chris, Thanks for your information, I would also like to find the article that Jon Krakauer wrote about him if you get it share it.
If you one day visit the magic bus share the photos and videos, I hope to go someday.
Thanks for the site.
Atte. Ricardo
Hello,
I just wanted to thank you for putting this website together. I read Into the Wild over 13 years ago and it profoundly changed my life. I really wanted to share my story with Christopher McCandless’ family. By any chance, do you have an address for his family? I want to let them know that his story inspired me, gave me hope, and saved me from the worst moments in my life.
Thank you,
Phyllis
hi theremy name is Adam, i live in azi have been searching around online for chris’s original journal entries, but i cant find anything!i was wondering if you know where i can find the journal, if its been published at all>?thanks a lotadam singer
Hi there!im just wondering if the journal that Christopher wrote in was everreleased and if so where could I find it?Thanks
Have you ever been to the142 bus, if you have what was it like? what did it feel like?
thank you
Hi there, My wife and I were at the bus on June 18, 2010. It was an incredible experience and wanted to say we really appreciate your website. David & Kelley
I recently watched the movie Into the Wild and got inspired and obsessed with the story…. I just cannot get over this excitement….I have not done anything from the day I saw the movie up to now, but searching for the details of the real Christopher Maccandless…..
Like you, I too was given a new sense of being by this story….
I just want to say hello to you……..Christopher is no more with us. But, it is great to know that there are people who admire him and make great efforts to keep his story alive…….
Thanks a lot!!! I have been reading everything on the site since today morning. I fell fulfilled for the day. I am going to order the book. Here in my country this book is not available.
You have done a great job.
Do you mind my asking of if you are an American?
Nadie
Sri Lanka.
The blog is excellent, I find it very interesting the story of chris
Hi there,
I m writing this with heart felt regrets to Christopher McCandless end. It certainly made me to narrate a few words after watching the movie and I googled to know the real life of Christopher McCandless and found this site with his history and am one like you who had been inspired by his true story.
I greatly appreciate for developing such a website in remembrance of Christopher McCandless and to me n for all he had left a message with his living in the wild that one can make his dream come alive and be possible even the impossible that most of us think off.
Let his soul rest in peace.
Thanks & Regards
RAJ
Hello,
I read yesterday that Rush Limbaugh said that they should do away with school lunches and if poor children were hungry enough they should go to McDonalds and go through the dumpsters for “leftovers”.
Then I read what some of the people(Alaskans, mostly)said about Chris. Listen, most of us don’t have the guts to follow our dreams, to take chances or put it all on the line. Heroes are just like us. The only difference is that they do things while the rest of us just talk.
Thanks, Chris, for filling the unforgiving minute that was your life with 60 seconds of distance run.
Thanks,
Brian
Dear Felllow Pilgrim:
Thankyou for making the info on the website available.
This family has just lost a member who was brutally murdered on 22,July, 2009 while camping in a lovely wooded area in Ocoee, FL.
He, like Chris wanted to live a little differently than the “norm” of the society.
We miss him greatly.
Joel D. Boner was 30 years old at the time of his murder.
Thankyou again and remember Jesus Christ is life and truth.
Paul
HI Adam,
I have a 1996 verson of “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer, and there is only one small picture of Chris, black and white, on the second page, the rest is all text. There are a few pencil maps.
I have contacted several book stores regarding other versions of Krakauer book, and none of them have any with the pictures I seen.
Either it was a short print, limited edition or a book about Chris from another author.
I will keep looking for it, and will keep an eye open for the new book.
Thanks,
Eric
Hello, I’m a german girl and want to write a work about Into the wild (the book, the movie and the real story of Christopher McCandless). I think your website is very interesting and I wanted to ask youyou were so kind to tell me some links or books where you’ve got your information from?! Thank you very much :)tanja
Hi, I am one of the people who is inspired by Chris Mccandless.I am from Taiwan where is in Asia.And I also have a family already butstill have so many things and dreams inside my mind.I just want to say THANK YOU for making this website for all the people like me.I am so curious of him and your website gave me a very good memory ofhim because it has the most details of him and pictures.Thank you so much to let us have a place to memorize him. By the way, your boy is very cute! Rose ,Taiwan,Asia
hello my name is alex im in tenth grade and i wanted to do what Christopher McCandless did for as long as i can remember.im talking to my school and a CTC program to get me to alaska,i was thinking maybe fish and wildlife surv.i would love it if you could maybe talk to someone or yourself write me back and see what we could do to get me out of the lower 48. im sorry that i asked alot right there but i want to explore more then my own backyard there is more out there in my eyes that i could paint if i seen but i havent got that far yet
thank you for reading this
Alex “j.k.livin j is for just k is for keep” matthew
I just watched Into the Wild and it brought back the memories of first seeing the
story of Christopher McCandless in the News Miner and subsequently reading
the book.
Immediately after watching any movie based on a true story I habitually search
the internet to see how accurate they were and am most often disappointed that
the story teller felt the facts weren’t good enough to leave alone.
During my internet search I happened upon your excellent site and of all the various
pages I searched out and read two stood out as must see sites for anyone really
wanting to find out more about Chris, who he was, and what actually happened.
One more site you may want to link to is the very compelling one put together
by the maker of the (other than the unfortunate naming) very well done done
documentary, The Call of the Wild.
Here’s a link for one of the best reads on the site.
Thanks again for the great job and service to any of us caught up in the
interest of Chris McCandless life and death.
Pete
My 18 year old son has been completely infatuated with Christopher McCandless ever since he
Saw the movie when it came out.
All he has planned for his future is follow in his footsteps.
Being a mother who obviously sympathized with Chris’s family am looking for resources
To deter my soon on his quest as I so do not want to experience what Chris’s family
Experienced after he left.
Is there anywhere I could obtain information on Chris’s final writings that might show
Some regrets or what he wished he had done differently?
Hi, I just watched “Into The Wild” today and decided to do a little internet research on Chris McCandless. I came across your website and after clicking thru all the pages, was quite impressed with how touched you were by his story and the work you put into the site. Just wanted to say thank you! All the best, ~~Vanessa
Hi.
I’m so glad to see you made this site for Chris. I don’t know how it all passed me by in these years, but I only found out about him a few weeks ago, when the movie was on TV. I went out and rented the DVD to watch it again, I was so taken by him, by it all. Then I read the book, in the past 2 days by Jon Krakauer. I couldn’t put it down & sobbed at the end when his parents went to the bus, walked all around, and Billie found a pair of his jeans, a spoon from her own set in Annandale, wriitngs & other things. I was so glad they found some peace in going there, knowing how painful this was for them. I can’t begin to know that pain nor would I ever want to. I can only say, their son has done something for so many, it wall wasn’t in vain. His story has deeply impacted me, but that would take too long to explain.
I wondered if you can help me, so I can send the family a card. I want to send them a really beautiful card, tell them how much Chris means to me, a virtual stranger out here, and to thank them, because he really did something powerful for me, and, so many, as I said. I can’t find a complete address, though I did find a Sam McCandless in Anandale, VA, no street address & I found a Billie McCandless in Arizona. The ages would seem right. No mention of Walt anywhere, so I did wonder if he died. Is there any way, on the internet or via an address, you help me that I can send them a card? This is something I really want to do, though I realize, they must have been swamped with mail. I’m just so moved by Chris.
Thank you for any help.
Diana
Dear Sir, I wanted to thank you for the point of view you shared in your website about the movie “Into the Wild” and its rather heartbreaking hero. I guess the wilderness can mean different things to different people, and you hope to somehow conquer yours rather than get lost in it and finally succumb. Mr. McCandless reminded me of a dear friend of mine who died unexpectedly and a bit mysteriously just over a year ago. He too had strong, clear ideas, was drawn to the pure and the bold, and struggled to shed a troubled family. That can be the work of a lifetime. My wilderness is leaving my old career in television, where I could see I was spending way too much energy whining, and starting a new career at an inconvenient time, young son in tow. Hard but good to make changes in life, as you no doubt know and as we saw from this man’s life, which I’m so glad found its way into a great film. I appreciate your response to it, which his helped me figure out my own. Best wishes and kindest regards,Lisa
Less than a year ago I watched a movie called Into The Wild, and it truly changed my life. It depicts the real life story of Christopher McCandless and the road that he took to follow his dreams. After watching it I researched him online, and read everything I could find. He had a dream to go into the wilderness, and to truly live off the land. To find true happiness without the materialistic influences that the world tells us are needed to survive and be happy. His story has influenced the person I am today. Not because he simply followed his dreams, but because he had the courage and strength to follow his heart.
Chris defied every expectation that society put on him, and he did what he wanted. In the end, he lived a happy life, and died following his heart. Of all the people in the world that I can choose as my hero, I chose Chris. He was determined, strong physically and emotionally, intelligent, and had a big heart. He found inspiration in the books he read, and the wilderness that surrounded him. I am similar to Chris in many ways, and I am lucky that his story became so famous.
Statistics tell me I will be divorced, most likely have a substance abuse problem, and its likely that I get some form of cancer. Society tells me that I will give into the pressures that face every young person in the United States, and I should have already had one or more children. However, I do not have a substance abuse problems, I have not had any children, and I am healthy. I have made a timeline for myself, just like Chris, and I will make my dreams come true.
The first stop on my list is college, and to work hard to get a degree in social work and/or human services. I want to be the person that I know I can be, and in order to make that happen I need a degree. I want to have people look up to me, I want to make my family and friends proud with the things I do with my life. I will make all of this happen, with the help of Florida State. One day when I look back on the road that took me to my dreams, the people and the experiences I will have at your school will come to mind. I will be able to thank you for helping me reach for my dreams, and giving me the education I needed.
I know that colleges must get thousands of applications and essays explaining why applicants should go to their school, and I know that I am average in a lot of ways. However, the strength and conviction in the essay I wrote will stick out. The impression I make, will last. The determination and passion I have to attend Fla State will leave its mark. I am the ideal candidate, and I will work as hard as I can. This is one stop on the road. It will be stressful, and it will push me harder than I’ve ever been pushed. However, in the end it is not about the destination, it is the road that a person takes to get there. Like Chris said in his journal, “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 and different sun.”
Thank you,
Kimberly
Hello,
My name is Frédérique and since I just spent a bunch of time on your Website, I figured out I’d drop you a few lines. What a wonderful and moving work you’ve done, congratulations.
I discovered the story of C. McCandless through the Sean Penn movie.
I truly appreciated your researches and comments, and simply wanted to thank you for sharing your knowledge and emotions through your website. I admire the way you’ve done it and the time and effort you put into it.
Cheers, and Happy New Year !
Frédérique
Hello. I want to thank you for the website and information you put together on Mr. McCandless. I too was profoundly affected by the story and the book. Finally seeing the story in film, further cemented the change it had upon me. It actually inspired my first trip to Alaska to experience first-hand the allure and wonderment of the land.
Anyway, just a thank you.
hey, adam.
i saw the film for the first time on PBS on monday evening.
it was powerful, understated, and provided perspective that has not been contemplated previously.
i hadn’t thought of the mccandless story for many years, but after seeing the film, i felt compelled to do a little on-line research.
that’s how i came across your website.
it sounds like you have traveled some interesting roads yourself…
it’s always fun to come across others that share that longing for adventure.
coincidentally, i grew up (and still live) in south dakota, not far from carthage, SD, mentioned in the story.
i’ve been here all my life and have never taken my “journey”.
i’m a geologist by profession, employed by the government, and as i approach my 36th birthday, i’m anticipating giving it all up- money, security- to embark on my journey.
in fact, i’m planning on giving my notice this week, buying a ticket to italy, and heading there to learn how to bake bread, after which i plan to return to the states and open my own business…
it’s no alaskan wilderness… but a wilderness of sorts…
i feel like for the first time, it will be me against the world…
perhaps that is why i have been drawn, once again, to the mccandless story.
again, thanks for sharing your website.
tom
Hey!
Thanks for creating the Chris McCandless website. I think it’s amazing how his story resonates with people all over the world! I guess we all have the urge to get away, or get “lost” when life seems unfullfilling, and our passions must be bridled and contained so often in everyday life. What an amazing feeling to be free from all that binds us down. But I agree with you, I wouldn’t want to be without my kids, (3 boys). I was just wondering- why don’t you comment on the forums?? You seem to have a lot of insight and understanding of Chris, and his frame of mind, motives, wanderlust, etc…
Thanks again!
Lisa
Hello,
After watching Into The wild for the first time tonight I found your website. It is very interesting. Chris’s story is almost unimaginable. It borders on the line between….I can’t even find words….admiration and sheer lunacy maybe??? I have a tremendous amount of respect for him but find it sad he never saw his family again.
I was wondering about the newspaper article that said “Madison Call Helps Solve Hiker Mystery”. Do you know what that was about?
Thank you for your help and I really enjoyed your site,
Eric
Hi,
I’m really wondering how the magic bus ended up there?
Do you know the answer? We couldn’t find any information about it!
Thanks so much in advance
Kind Regards,
Tirza
I am inspirited by your website about chris mcandless, i am doing a report about him for school
If you have any really good information about him. email me back
Thanks
Michael
Hi,
I saw this film last night and did not sleep well. All of today, I cannot stop thinking about Christopher and his family.
I have been so touched by this film.
The pain that his mother went through, and the realisation and pain of his dad too. I feel also for his poor sister who was so close to him; how all this must be
affecting them now.
I too am a mother with a teenage son – he is 18 and was born on August 19th 1992 (perhaps even the day Chrsitopher died?)
My son hopes to travel back packing around Australia. I pray that he will come home safe.
The message in the film is beautiful but so sad.
Is the book going to be as painful and sad?
It is so true, forgiveness brings love, and love brings light. Happiness should be shared- and I’m sure that he is doing that right now.
My blessings to Christopher and his family. He was a true gift.
I will include them in my prayers.
Best wishes
Anne
hi adam saw your site on chrisi was wondring if your book is going to have the detailsabout that chris did have a map and idenification an money with him?i ask becouse i think the truth should be told that he was not on a death wish.as so many people say that he was. rather on a human discovery of what has been lost in humanityi feel the book an movie that penn did changed the truth of someone who would be veryangry that his story was changed for hollywood…i think chris was a very inteligant man with a lot of talentand his story is to save us from internal death. i wish you well in your bookand look forward to reading it bryan poitano
I just wanted to say thank you for the website you have created forChris Mccandless! I saw the movie and read the book and it has reallytouched my heart. I am still trying to figure out my life and themeaning and for some reason this whole story has just really touchedmy heart. Thank you for everything. Brigid
Hello
When I thought I would iike to send an email it was with the family in mind, but now I realise it’s just to express how much I loved the film . the song society has changed my life for the best forever. thnaks maura
Dear sir
At first I’d like to say that I really like your website a lot! It gave me much information about Christopher Johnson McCandless.
You might consider me as one of the many people who see a bit of themselves in Chris’s life or story but I feel like there’s more that attracts me to the stort of his life. That’s why I’m constantly looking for things I don’t know yet. I want to know more about who he was, what music he listened to, what people he got in touch with, how he felt about certain things, and so on.. I know this is almost impossible to accomplish, but I will continue my search ‘for the rest of my life’. What I’m trying to ask is, if you know anyway to get the information I need? People I can get in touch with (that knew Chris), books I should read, sites I should visit, … I would also like to offer a few pictures that I found of Chris, that aren’t on your website yet. If you would like to have them, I wouldn’t mind mailing them to you, so you can upload them If you feel like it.
I hope I don’t bother you with my request, but I just can’t let the McCandless story go.
Thanks a lot in advance
Christophe
A true Chris McCandless admirer
Good morning,when I can buy the book and the DVD of Chris? I’d love to see things from his point of view, I admire him very much; so many people, including myself, would like to have the courage to do the things he has done.For me Chris is a great man. I apologize for my English…I hope that is not a problem. Thank you, good bye. Marcella
Good evening,
First off, I’d like to start by saying that I am a huge Chris McCandless fan. I would go as far as saying the man is the equivalent to Buddha to me. And that your website is brilliant.
My reason for writing to you is that I have been aware of a new book about Chris, “Back to the Wild”, for some time now, but it seems it is still not available to buy. Do you know when it will be released, and will it be available in the Uk? The problem is, is that I intend to cycle around Europe from February and would love to have this book with my on the cycle, so I’m hoping it comes out prior to my leaving so I can purchase a copy.
Have a good day,
Nation
Hi Adam,
I just wanted to thank you for doing such a great job with that Chris McCandless website.
I live in France, and just like every person who watched the “into the wild” movie, or read the book, the story of Chris just changed my vision of life.
I discovered so many things I wanted to know about this passionating story on your website, and I was so curious to see the real pictures Chris took during his trip.
Thanks a lot for making me discover this story in a deeper and more authentic way than the movie did.
Thanks for the work, I’m gonna let all my facebook contacts know about your website, who, i hope, will appreciate as much as I did.
Take care, and thanks again.
Julien from France.
Hi! My name is Hakim Zaimi, I’am from Algeria and yesterday I saw the movie: Into the wild, which tells the story of Christopher McCandless and I have to say that I was really affected, this is first time that a film makes me cry. This guy has given up everything to fulfill his wildest dream, and to live wherever he wanted and how that would. Finally he realized something very important about happiness, but alas it was a price too high for my taste but not for him, I am sure! I dream to be like him, I dream to accomplish what he has done and I dream to feel what he felt at any time, even the hardest but I know that I’ll never. Finally, I saw on the internet that history as told in the film has been criticized and controversial. Me, I believe, I want to believe in this version because it seems so magical and poetic, even if the end seems sad, this is meaningful end and this is a very important message for humans:
happiness only real when shared
REPOSE IN PEACE CHIRS.
Thank you for the website!
AVEC TOUT MON AMOUR POUR CE QUE VOUS FAITES, MERCI INFINIMENT!
Hello Adam, this email has no real importance. Only that I was truly moved by this story, with mixed emotion. Inspiration, and hurt. After reading the book, accounts, and seeing the film I feel like I was part of his life, I feel I knew him. Purely for these reasons alone I feel it is a one in a million story. I think it’s brilliant how you are keeping his story alive, and forever let people realise what a truly inspiring character Chris was. I only recently discovered him as my birthdate was the year he was born, and I am from England, UK.
Thanks for your time Adam.
Edward.
Dear Adam Thank-you for your lovely website — you say you are not a writer but as a professional writer myself can I tell you it’s superb, you write as if you speak. I hope you don’t mind me writing to you, and don’t worry if you are too busy to reply but I wanted to ask if it’s normal for Chris’s story to have a profound impact on those who hear it? I only ask because my son (he’s 18) bought the DVD of the film and made us watch it last weekend. Since then I have not been able to stop thinking about it, reading about Chris on the internet and, sorry to say, crying. Crying and crying but hopefully not in a bad way. I feel as if it’s opened a deep well of something inside me and I don’t know what. In your opinion, is it because Chris took on the ultimate test of himself and that’s something so many of us avoid? Or is it because he showed that, in the main, you can live for long periods of time virtually without all the things we are supposed to want, like money and possessions? I don’t think I’ll ever hike the Stampede Trail (is that feeble?!) but reading Chris’s story has made me think more deeply than ever about my life and what I might like to do with it. It’s not the same, I know, but I have signed up to the 43things (stuff to do before you go) website, I suppose in partial tribute to Chris and will try and achieve as much of them as possible. Reading his story, and your website, has made me realise that I’ve spent too much time playing safe and should take more risks and challenges. So thank-you to Chris, whose legacy must surely be the inspiration he will give to all who come to learn of him. And of course, thank-you to you, for bringing such an affectionate, honest and rounded portrayal of Chris to the wider world. With kindest regards and good luck with the new book (it will sell and sell) Faith (British mum, 45)
HI Adam!
How are you?
My name is Stefan and im from Sweden . Im very touched by the story of Chris McCandless and as soon as i´ve turned 18 and have become a free man im going to hike the swedish mountains for some time to come . Anyways , my question is : The piece och plywood that Chris wrote on , does it exist today and is there any photos of it? If so I would love you to send one!
Cheers From Sweden!!
Hi Adam,
Came across your website dedicated to Chris McCandless. I have been a fan since I read the book a few years back and wanted to say good work on the site- it has great information and pictures that I have not seen anywhere before.
I also thought I might give you the link to a really great book I have read about a man who built a cabin in the Alaskan wilderness http://www.aloneinthewilderness.com/
He is quite Thoreau like in his approach and the book and documentary that is based on it are worth watching.
Thanks again for the website.
Rachel
Hey Adam,
I came across your website when I was curious to see if it is possible to read Chris McCandless’s actual journal that he gave to Wayne Westeberg. I absolutely love the movie and I decided to pick up the book and Chris has made a huge impact on me as I can tell he has with you. I just try to view life differently and wish I had the courage to do some of the things he did, but maybe not necessarily to the same extreme. So I was wondering if you knew if there is any possibility that I can get a hold of his journal?
Thanks.
Hi Adam,
I think your web site dedicated to this young man is a great tribute to him. I watched the movie shown on TV over here in the UK last night and was moved enough to search for him on the web…I have experienced living in remote locations here in Scotland and I suppose when watching the film I felt there was some ‘Empathy’ with his story…Thank you for keeping his spirit alive…My very best wishes to you and your family for a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful 2011…………..
Kind regards,
Dave
Dear Adam,
My name is Rianne and I just watched the incredible movie Into the Wild. Fascinated by the story and by Chris, I Googled his name. I came across your website and I must say you did an amazing job!
The thing that I really enjoyed about the movie is that it is not just a movie like all the others. It shows the story of a man who wants to experience life in it’s true form. And I wish more people would think like that. People tend to forget what life is really about and they let their mind focus on mere material things and money! All they care about is getting more and more and more money! But what they should care about is how to make this amazing world a better place for all of us, rich or poor or black or white! We are all born innocent and we all have the same basic needs.
I have travelled a lot and I hope to see more of this beautiful world as I grow older! Would like to come to America, never been there. Because I just graduated from my University I am now looking for cheap ways to travel, alone (maybe not, who knows) and with the knowledge that you are never really alone.
God bless! And, who knows, maybe we will meet one day!
Met vriendelijke groet,
Rianne
Hey dude.my name is Philip Noone im 15 and from Dublin Ireland.ever since I saw into the wild and found out the bus was still there I have wanted to go there.Now I don’t know if this is true but I heard that starbucks were gonna buy the bus and turn it into a pit stop for traveler’s. I highly doubt that this is true but when I heard this it worried me.if you could tell me if this is true,I would be very greatfull. If you don’t got the time I understand. Yours truly, Philip
Dear Mr, Mrs,
I’m Mimi from Belgium and saw the movie on tv yesterday evening.
When I was 20 years old I travelled to Greece. Before I worked and saved money for my travel.
After I came back money and possessions were not important to me anymore.
It’s courage from him that he followed his dream but he should had a map. I did not had a map either.
Travelling on your own makes you more indepedant, adult.
You also meet people.
When we travelled through Norway for 3 months, more in the nature, I felt the essential of my life. That I don’t need anything.
Just like in Greece 20 years ago.
I also experienced that life after death exist. And I’m somebody who is thinking “first see and then believe”.
I know everything happens for a reason.
I hope his family know that love is more essential than money and power. This is who we are.
That they learned something of what happened.
They can send their son and brother love and light.
Best regards,
Mimi
Hey there, I was reading your guide for doing the big hike and especially the river crossing section. You have some really important tips that weren’t even detailed in the river crossing safety video provided by the Denali rangers. I did the hike with a friend in June of 2010, and we used that same rope that the Swiss woman was tied to, and met the people who had set it up. There were a few important details that I felt you should add to your article, because I nearly lost my life when I was ignorant to these.
It didn’t rain much when I was there, but on the particular day I decided to cross, I could see rain clouds in the south. The river flows north, so this caused a flash flood. When we had been to the bus and got back to the river, about 6 or 7 hours, it had risen nearly 1 foot. We had left our packs on the other side, so we would basically freeze to death if we didn’t cross the river that night. Basically I ended up getting trapped in the middle of the river hanging on the rope until the freezing water numbed my body, and I floated powerlessly down the river. A guy from Poland happened to have a camp set up some ways down and plucked me out, gave me food and a fire and saved my life.
I feel like the weather conditions are a pretty important factor, because the river level didn’t really drop after that day either, so I’m told by the article about the Swiss woman.
Also, it’s never a good call to ditch your pack because you don’t want it to get wet, but I guess that’s common backpacker knowledge.
And I’m pretty sure it did not help that I only weighed 140 pounds, because later the next day a 200+ pound man crossed the river with no issues.
Oh and look hard for a very very strong stick, or get one beforehand, because there are not a lot of big trees out there. And the river snapped my stick in half when I was in the middle of it, which was not a good time. I also met someone who’s metal hiker pole had snapped from the river, could have been a user error though.
So basically I was hoping you could advise that people check the weather, and don’t set themselves up for failure, because it’s not a hike worth dieing for, like you said. Oh, and the mosquitoes are beyond horrible. You can bathe in citronella, they will still follow you for miles, get under all your clothes and eat you alive. I OCD about bugs, so I spent every second of the hike killing any mosquito that landed on me, and I came out with almost no bites. My buddy, on the other hand, gave up early on the fight against the bugs, and her head had about a quarter inch of swelling after our 3 day excursion. In my opinion, I think my system worked better. Anyhoo, I’ve gone on quite a tangent.
Thank you for making this quality site, I am sure it will save quite a few souls in the future.
-Richard
Hello Adam,
I´m Ugleivisson from Brazil and I´m just thankful to found your website about Chris, because I´m writting a graduate thesis about the book and film adaptation “Into the wild” with an ecocritical perspective.
I want to write about how nature can change a character – and in this case, a real one – and you can imagine how important is to a student find materials about what he wants to write about.
When I watched the movie in the first time I really was touched by the story and the images and I realized that it would be the theme from my thesis and my advisor totally suport me. So,I just want to say to you that I really loved the website and I´m sure that it will help me a lot.
Thank you for the fantastic work!!!
Best wishes,
Ugleivisson – a new friend from tho other side of the planet (Brazil)
Hi there,
I am writing as I have been following with great interest the progress of your efforts over the past few months to publish the letters, diaries and photographs of Chris McCandless into one volume. First of all, I would like to thank you greatly for your efforts. I was very excited to hear that the book had finally been completed, and was available to buy, subject to a waiting list.
I am currently writing an undergraduate history dissertation at the University of Stirling, Scotland, generally on the American West, but particularly, with McCandless as a starting point, a lens, if you will, its allure for young men seeking adventure, solitude, something greater than society and all its faults can provide. It will also look at the connection of the actions of figures such as Chris to that old American impulse, the belief that the West can offer something much more fulfilling to the soul. Up until now, I have relied on Jon Krakauer’s accomplished book ‘Into the Wild’, and thus have not been able to focus very heavily on McCandless, due to a lack of access to the primary material. Hance my excitement at the publishing of ‘Back to Wild’.
As you can probably appreciate, I am working to a deadline of the 24th March. I have signed up to the waiting list, and was just wondering how long you thought it would take to get a copy. I would greatly appreciate it if I could get hold of a copy in time for my March deadline, and I would be so thankful if some concessions could be made to ensure that? I would be happy to send a copy of my dissertation research proposal which outlines in more detail my intentions, if that would be of help to you.
Thanks again for keeping Chris’s memory alive,
Yours faithfully,
Abel
Stirling, Scotland
Hello Adam. I want to express you the gratitude for a site about Chris McCandless which you have created. I want to wish you and your family of all most the best and let all your undertakings come to an end with success.
Ivan, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
Hi,
Thank you very much for setting up this wonderful website, I like the complete story of Chris including the book, the movie and of course Eddie Vedders album “Into The Wild” very, very much.
By visiting your web site I learned a lot more about Chris and his adventures and family, also I learned about the band Thirteen senses, very nice music and, yes!!, ‘Into The Fire’ is a great song and now because of your website connected to Alexander Supertramp for ever.
Please, keep us all updated!
Thanks again
Jan
The Netherlands
person’s , I was very excited to hear a new book was being released by the McCandless family.
The first time I saw the movie I was so moved. You see Chris’s life and mine were Shockley similar. I too lived in an old city bus parked out in the country. though it wasn’t isolated like Chris’s bus , it too was still a hard life. living on Mac& cheese, no plumbing , no water etc.
My reason’s for leaving home “15 years old” were similar too, “abusive parents”. not only to me but to themselves.
I’m emailing you in hopes of finding out when the book will be released and where I could find a copy of the complete diary he wrote while on the road.
I have spent hours online researching his life but found very little, only what Hollywood wanted you to know. I have the book “Into the wild “, the movie, and Ron Lamothe’s film “the Call of the wild”
I am really looking forward to getting the truth and the facts. thank you ,Ron Griswold perry,NY
P.S. does the McCandless family offer a email address? thanks again ,ron
Hi Adam,
just finishing reading the great page you have on facebook about Christopher. I feel his story
has touched me much like yourself. what an amazing job you have done of keeping the memory.
In July, i have 5 weeks off leave at work, and im heading to the usa. im 32, but have never
made it there yet. i cannot wait. im catching up with long lost friends, and just enjoying the freedom. my highlight
of this trip is im going to make the journey to the bus, i want see to see the beauty Christopher saw. The info
on your webite regarding how to get their is much appreciated.
i have no idea if you live in Alaska etc sorry, but i just wanted to add id be honoured to shout a beer or 2 for your efforts.
Stephen
Townsville, North queensland, Australia
Hello! My name is Kendyl and i just had a little question. I had been looking for pictures of things Chris had written since this sunday, january 30th, im getting a tattoo of some of the things he had written that really inspired me, and changed my life. I saw a picture on your site of a post card he had written. I was going to copy and print it to give to my tattoo artist as a reference for the handwritting but copy this picture is blocked on the site. I was wondering if theres any way i can get a picture of his handwritting? I only want to use it as a point of referance for my tattoo. I have nothing but the upmost respect for chris and the possesions he left behind.
Thanks for any help you can give!
-Kendyl
Gday Adam, My name is Danny and i am an Australian and have been interested in doing the hike from Healy to the “Magic bus” for some time now. I am an experienced hiker and have done many hikes overseas and in Australia. I am a very accomplished and experienced outdoorsman that is always looking for the next big challenge. Ever since i saw the movie into the wild i have been interested in travelling to Alaska and completing the bus hike to not only experience the beauty that is Alaska, but to also pay homage to Chris himself. I saw him as a bold and determined person with very strong beliefs and ideas, and i think we could all learn a lot from his short but full life experiences. I am wondering if you would be able to send me any information that would help me in being as totally prepared for the extreme conditions that i would be facing in Alaska. In particular what would be the best time of the year there to give me the best chance of getting in and out of that area as safely as possible. Any other info wowould also be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance Danny.
Danny
Victoria
Australia
Hey Adam, Great site you have build! Really like it. Good information and catchy story… Keep up the good work! Do you know if the diary and journal are somewhere to download? Greetz from Maastricht in the Netherlands [where’s that? Europe indeed]. Etienne
Hi,
to be short. My name is Ivan Solis. I am currently attending a University in San Diego California majoring in engineering. But I have always wanted to contact Chris’s family or Jon Krakauer to know how much Chris’s story has impacted my life. He did not die in vain, let me tell you. His story of true meaning to life, has inspired me so much. At a time of depression, his story had waken my sleep.
My mom use to tell me she never knew what depression was until she came to America (she was raised and born in Mexico). I know believe this, as I believe that this capitalist system has blinded us from being impressed from the most simple things in life. People like Isaac Newton, would have never derived so many calculus formulas if it wasn’t for his dedication of observation to life. Now, no one can observe life because we have so many distractions, let alone find the true meaning to life. I am planning to be an engineer but I have this desire of exploring life and letting go of all my material. I used to think I was crazy, but now I think its better to be crazy since this is what it takes to be happy. My respects to McCandless and I respect him up in the scale as figures like Gandhi and MLK. God Bless his soul and may he rest in peace.
I hope I can still get a hold of Mr. Krakauer to share my story in depth.
Ivan
Hey Adam,
Thanks for your website on Alexander Supertramp (Christopher McCandless). I am a vagabond turned writer who is building a website and would like to link it to yours.
Cheers,
Larry
Hi guys, Just a quick email to say that i think it is a brilliant thing that you are working so hard on back to the wild. I cannot wait for it to be released. like millions others i have been so touched and inspired by this truly remarkable young man and his adventures. Keep up the good work and really looking forward to the release. God bless and thanks Dave (Bristol, England, UK)
Hi, Adam. I feel the same way you do about the story of Chris McCandless. It has changed my life in some ways. I just watched the Sean Penn movie and have been digging around the internet a lot doing research; obviously, I still need to read the Krakauer book and watch the documentary.But the story resonates with me and I’ve thought of little else since watching the Penn movie. Here is my question: the movie — and i know it is just a movie — took a pretty firm position as to Chris’s parents. It demonized them. I was surprised to see the parents credited at the end of the movie — and maybe somewhat impressed they would assist in the making of the movie given its portrayal of them, particularly Walt and his abusive ways. On your site, you have an introduction to the new photos with a long statement by Walt and Billie talking about what a healthy family they had and how Chris was exposed to his half-siblings from an early age. I am pretty sure the movie made it seem like Chris was totally unaware of his half-siblings until he went to California in his late teens; maybe I got that wrong. Are you worried about people who might see your working with Walt and Billie as revisionist spin? Are you concerned that you might be seen as an accessory to the parents’ desire to try to recast themselves in a more favorable light, particularly after the movie’s portrayal of them? Did the movie get them that wrong? This is a fascinating topic to me. There are many unanswered things about McCandless. The movie left some things open to interpretation. I even read somewhere a theory that Chris was schizophrenic or had those tendencies. Certainly, his sister found out about the half-siblings and did not react as extremely as Chris. I’d love to hear your thoughts on all this. Peter Cleveland, OH
Hello,
I have been deeply touched by Chris McCandless’s story. So much so that I have purchased some of the books that he had with him so I too could realize what exactly his journey was fueled by (ie. Tolstoy, Thoreau, Pasternak, etc). “Into the Wild” is one of the most inspirational books I’ve ever read. When I heard that there is another book about McCandless, I jumped at the opportunity of reading it. However, I can not find the book anywhere online. Could someone tell me where I can get the book?
Thank you very much,
Joseph
I am a little dismayed with your site. Chris “Mc” was in all likelyhood a mentally ill human being. The bus(as stated by your video” was not for “construction” but an old mining bus, one of few left behind for hunters. I, for 3 seasons was a atv tourguide down stampede trail. I watched the hordes of young inexperienced “kids” trod there way to the bus, and more often than not beg for a ride back. My second season in 2008 I took a dare….this was, to say the least one of the most miserable and stupid feats in my life. I lived in the public land in the summer of 2008, remembered as the coldest, wettest summer in 40 yrs….dumb. I was in the US Army for 4 1/2 years, airborne qualified and jungle school qualified in Fort Sherman Panama. NOTHING could have prepared me for the alaskan “Bush”.No one with any experience or mental faculty would attempt what Chris “Mc” did. It’s all well and good to be in awe of the virgin wilderness which exists in Alaska, but mindfully ALL should pay respect to it’s brutality. Dreams are wonderful, blind, ignorant dreams are foolish. Plus, as a guy who lived in Denali, I know Butch, I’ve hiked to the bus, I know the trail, I am mindful of the peril. There are no bragging rights for challenging Alaska, if the untrained decided to fight exhibition with a UFC fighter like Silva we would call them foolish. I am jungle trained, military trained, but, I’d take an insect,cayman, bacterialogicol threat any day over Denali wilderness. Odds are good sir you saw me pass you by on the trail. If one was to look for “bragging rights” move to Colorado and hike a fourteener.
Most sources site 200 hikers to the bus since his death, it is probably that many annually.
Sincerely, Zane
Hi Adam,
I just finished the book “into the wild” and quickly followed that up with the film. An inspiring story, I can see you already know reading your site, which made me check out the web and quickly came across your’s.
The effort and enthusiasm of your own investigation into making this site available for people, including myself, has been a pleasure to read. I’ve now engrossed myself into this story and the opening quote,in the film, from lord Byron is as true to me as any literature I have read, but like yourself would find it extremely difficulty to lose contact with those closest to me. Although I am very keen on discovering nature at its purist and quite often find myself annoyed at human’s at there purist, i have a fiancée and a daughter and separation from either would cause me great discomfort. So i definitely do not think I would be able to go on a journey in search of the magic bus, at least until my child and future children are closing in on adolescence. Is it true the bus is being removed?
I was also wondering if/when is your own book out and how closely you worked the family on this. I can only imagine how cut up they could be about the nature of there sons death.
I’d like to thank you for the site as its more informative than i’d ever thought imaginable.
Kind Regards
Ger,
Dublin,
Ireland
hi Adam Read this is Vimal,living in germany, and some days ago seeing the film for thefirst time and was electrified by Alexander the Great Supertramp ,thistime not conquering the world but ones own Self … i do researching in history and astrology and therefore it would be veryhelpfull to have his exact birthtime i would appreciate a lot if you could help along with it … thanks in advance … sumergosum
Hello, There are a few things I wanted to know having to do with the book. What made your son want to travel to Alaska? Was he introverted and withdrawn growing up? Cause I’m in high school, not meaning I’m a loner, I have friends but sometimes I feel like people don’t really matter too much in the scheme of things. People just bore me to death. Eventually it just pisses me off. It’s like every single person is just a carbon copy of the last. Which makes me think that Chris might have been the same way. He just wanted to get away and enjoy gods beauty in isolation not wanting anything to do with people
Hello! My name is Kel. I am a college student who is currently reading the story “Into The Wild” for my Com 102 class. We were told to make a choice on wheather or not Chris McCandless was crazy. Personally, I do not think he was crazy, just a bit unsettled and unsure of where he belonged. I was wondering if by any chance you could help me out and maybe give me your own personal view on Chris McCandless and some supporting reasons.
This would be very helpful if you can find time to do this.
On a side note your website helped me out too, so thank you for that.
Thank you for your time,
-Kel
Dear Adam,
I have just saw the movie “In to the Wild” which describes the life of Chris McCandless by yesterday and im very much impressed by that movie.As i google about Chris today morning i ended up in your website which gave me more information about Chris and the portraits of him.I thank you for the giving us such a wonderful website and i also wish you all the best for you to do what you want to do as you said in the site.Thank you………….
Dear Sir or Madam My name is Alvin, a student that is deeply touched by the poignancy ofthe adventure of Chris McCandless If I were allowed to take one thingoff his character, it would be his admirable courage to live the lifehe has imagined; as opposed to the majority of people who sit inpassivity for dreams to strike. I would not have the opportunity toencounter this book had it not for my English teacher who introducedour class “Into The Wild” by John Krakaeur in the summer of 2010. Ihave then been grateful for the opportunity to have read this book andcome to know Chris, but the sad thing is I am going to graduate in theJune to come and i would very much hope to have attained a gift(eithera DVD or a book) by then. My question is if it is possible for theearliest release to come out by june so that i have the time tobook/buy one? Thank you very much SincerelyAlvin
Hi Adam,
My name is Priscilla, I´m 30 and live in São Paulo, Brazil.
I checked the “into the wild” in the movie theather in July 2008.
I was not expectating anything and I it was an amazing movie! Beautifull images of Alaska, a touch true story! I had many questions inside me: Why he did it? What moved him?Who exactly was him?
I´ve just finished reading the Jon Krakauer Into the wild book!! (Don´t ask me why I took so long to finish reading…) I went to the internet to found out more about it and I found your website!! Nice real pictures!! Congratulations!!!
The book answered me most of the questions I had. I admire Chris McCandless for everything he did except the fact he drop off his family.
I`m not an adventuress woman, not at all! When you are your twenties (years old) some of us need to get lost sometimes in order to find ourselves. When you are twenty you have no fear, life seems to be full of possibilities (we have no prudence)… I would never do anything like he did but I appreciate the way he follow his heart, his struggle to achieve his dream and he was definetly brave! I really wish he could be alive. I really wish he could had held on for more 19 days till the 6 alaskans appeared around the fairbanks bus in August 1992…
Congratulations for the site!