Yeah! my favorite book is now out as a movie, Into the Wild. I first read this book (yes, I have read it twice) about 5 years ago at the beginning of my fascination with Mt. Everest, Alaska and John Krakauer's (from Corvallis) books. After reading Into Thin Air, Eiger Dreams, parts of Under the Banner of Heaven (not so much...) and several of his stories in Outside Magazine, I knew Into the Wild would be right up my ally simply because I like his style of writing (and topics of course). I didn't expect to be so enthralled with the story from start to sad finish, and wrapped up in trying to figure out why someone would give away all their money and belongings and begin such an odyssey, not to mention that he basically divorced his family in doing this. I didn’t really understand it but was fascinated nonetheless.
It was not long after reading this book that I packed up and moved myself to Alaska. I chose to get a job, live with Eric, save my money, wear the proper gear, study up on “survival skills necessary” (how to change a tire in minus 10 degrees, how to ride my bike on ice, how to leave the moose alone when they are in your doorway, you know… the important stuff) and call my family as often as possible… not quite the same but bold and adventurous anyways. Maybe I owe a small bit of my courage to make the move to ‘Alexander Supertramp’ whose footsteps I really didn’t follow but lived vicariously through. Hum…
I remember once asking Eric (my friend and Anchorage connection) his thoughts on the issue, for which he stated that the guy was obviously an "idiot". Seriously, he says, who would attempt a solo outing with improper clothing, no bear gun, inadequate boots (must be the Carhartt minus 40 variety), little to no knowledge of the region and, apparently, make no attempt to learn the much needed survival skills necessary in the harsh Fairbanks climate.. Idiot. Many Alaskans feel this way and to make it more interesting have no interest in hearing any more about it. (I bet that they will show up in droves to see the movie though because living in Alaska is all about going to the movies… and eating out.) I have been following the series of articles written by Scott Jensen, to get another Alaskan opinion. Not everyone feels like Eric does.
I think that I will nickname myself Supertramp in his honor… people can call me silly but I actually think it is sort of appropriate (I am not a tramp, for those of you laughing and mumbling to yourselves). After all, I have tramped my way through Europe, across Alaska and Canada… stop making fun of me. (At least I blogged). And I want to tramp my way to the bus outside of Healy, Alaska, anyone want to tramp with me?
It was not long after reading this book that I packed up and moved myself to Alaska. I chose to get a job, live with Eric, save my money, wear the proper gear, study up on “survival skills necessary” (how to change a tire in minus 10 degrees, how to ride my bike on ice, how to leave the moose alone when they are in your doorway, you know… the important stuff) and call my family as often as possible… not quite the same but bold and adventurous anyways. Maybe I owe a small bit of my courage to make the move to ‘Alexander Supertramp’ whose footsteps I really didn’t follow but lived vicariously through. Hum…
I remember once asking Eric (my friend and Anchorage connection) his thoughts on the issue, for which he stated that the guy was obviously an "idiot". Seriously, he says, who would attempt a solo outing with improper clothing, no bear gun, inadequate boots (must be the Carhartt minus 40 variety), little to no knowledge of the region and, apparently, make no attempt to learn the much needed survival skills necessary in the harsh Fairbanks climate.. Idiot. Many Alaskans feel this way and to make it more interesting have no interest in hearing any more about it. (I bet that they will show up in droves to see the movie though because living in Alaska is all about going to the movies… and eating out.) I have been following the series of articles written by Scott Jensen, to get another Alaskan opinion. Not everyone feels like Eric does.
I think that I will nickname myself Supertramp in his honor… people can call me silly but I actually think it is sort of appropriate (I am not a tramp, for those of you laughing and mumbling to yourselves). After all, I have tramped my way through Europe, across Alaska and Canada… stop making fun of me. (At least I blogged). And I want to tramp my way to the bus outside of Healy, Alaska, anyone want to tramp with me?
1 comment:
You can't give yourself a nickname. Someone has to give it to you (like a gift -- and hopefully a good one).
I am not giving you Supertramp.
I am giving you SUPATRAMP ROUNDYBOUTS!!!!
Consider yourself christened.
:) ^^^^^
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