Chris McCandless: Why Are We Still Talking About This Tragic Story?
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- čas přidán 7. 04. 2021
- Do you like watching outdoor documentaries on CZcams? I've started a new series with empowering stories about interesting people in the great outdoors. Today I'd like to talk about the tragic Chris McCandless story (Into the Wild). I was deeply moved by Jon Krakauer's book when I first read it more than ten years ago and it certainly contributed to my own lust for adventure. The Chris McCandless bus was removed from this location which I mention the in the video. It's also a cautionary tale but let's discuss...
I will be making a new outdoor documentary every week as part of this new series (Outdare Stories) so if you enjoy outdoor documentaries, make sure to subscribe so that you can see the next one.
Thanks for watching....me auld flower :)
Derek
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Always fascinated by this story and the movie is a favourite of mine. Lovely video Derek and so well put together. A real pleasure to watch. 10/10
Thanks Joe, this really means a lot to hear this and glad you enjoyed it so much. I'm still fascinated by the story - although maybe haunted is a better word!
The film literally boke me for days afterwards. The realisation of the hopelesness of his situation i just found so distressing. Great film and unbelieveable book.
Same 😢
Likewise, I watched the movie late last night (July 2024) and I have spent hours this morning reading about Chris, the book, the "true" story, and other related posts. Such a sad story... no matter how much of the movie/book is true (about his family life and relationships formed while traveling), the fact that a smart, strong, healthy 24-year-old young man starved to death while seeking enlightenment and inner peace, is simply tragic. Regardless of his parents' role in the formation of Chris's desire to escape society and find truth in the wilds of Alaska, I feel deep sorrow (pity, maybe?) for them and especially for his dear sister. RIP Alex Supertramp
I read the book, Into The Wild, and saw the movie. Both the book and movie were excellent. From what I got from this story, McCandless was trying to deal with the demons from his upbringing, and trying to find, a sense of freedom from what he thought, was the superficial life, a life that was lacking in meaning that a life full of materalism can bring .He was testing himself, in the Alaska wild, as a way to find his more real self. Same as a few topics you touched on in your narration.
He knew that living off the land in Alaska, had potential danger for him, and that he may not make it out alive.
czcams.com/video/8Z9wB_NHcoc/video.html
Some people find their way out of the mundane materialistic world but when you try to escape to the unknown world of nature there is a great chance to live a very short life under the duress of mother nature.
My grandfather shared this story with me in the 90's when it was in outside magazine (John Krakauer's first writing of this story) He was fascinated by this, and inspired him to got to AK. I now share this story with my 10 year old daughter who is also fascinated by it. We live on the Colorado River in Lake Havasu and have been able to show her some of the places from the movie. Its been a fun journey down memory lane for me and makes me wonder if I ever unknowingly seen or talked Chris during his travels of this area of AZ. I was 19 at the time and spent some time in the same areas he was in during those years. Will never know?
A sad story of a young man who had great vision of life but was not prepared for it.
Very sad story of Chris. I must watch the movie. I feel everyone of us are yearning for something else. We all need love too and a good upbringing helps pave one’s way in life. I feel I just do the best I can every day and try be kind and not pass judgment as we are just learning in this world
I always find it moving to think of Chris ìn his final days coming to the realisation that he was no longer "Alexander Supertramp " and signing his real name on the plea for help on the bus door.
Shame that he burned his money and did not buy supplies...
Great video Derek well done.
Shay, I near mentioned this in the video and thought the very same. It made me feel strangely comforted to know that he was no longer discarding his name/family etc. But yes, not buying supplies and burning money was a strange one! Thanks very much Shay :)
"To call each thing by it's right name."
I went on an Alaskan Cruise that provided the option of traveling to Denali. We stood above the town of Healy and our guide said turn around and see where Chris was dropped off and entered the trail. It was immense woods and mountains. My heart pounded as I thought of him heading to his death. Sad story indeed.
I happened to come across the film by accident a few years ago.never heard of Chris, the book or the film. Changed the channel and it happened to be on. Blown away by how amazing the film was. I love when you discover something new and unexpected like that. Such an inspiring film. I instantly wanted to get outside and head for the hills. What I took from it was the sense of adventure and joy that can come from it. Its something that keeps me going on some of my own adventures.
Cheers Paul, great to hear from you! I'm amazed you never heard about this one :p But yes, very inspiring!
Great video... haven't heard of this story before; but that phot of Chris sitting outside the Bus is haunting!!
Never seen the film. But will have a watch now. 👍
It's a great movie, Tom. Thanks for watching and leaving this comment !
Thanks for this Derek... just watched the film after watching your story on Chris Mcandless.. amazing and sad story. Followed his heart .. not many get to do this ...ever..
Thanks again Derek ..
Thank you Delboy, it’s a sad one alright !
Followed his heart unto his death. Perplexing.
The world has so much to offer. I travelled around Australia in 2012 and 2013 not knowing where I was going or how to do it. Every day was an adventure. I ended up in areas that I never knew existed and to this day, all the good and bad things that happened. When I read this book and watched the film I couldn't help but relate to everything that happened even though it was 20 years apart.
Thanks for sharing Paddy. I think that a lot (maybe most) people can relate to something in this story and Chris's words/actions - even those who strongly disapprove of his decisions. As with you, I still relate to the story :)
Will it dissuade people? The bus was only a tangible element of his story. I read that book many years ago, that book was the catalyst for my obsession with the outdoors. Incredible story.
Wow that was great. One of my favourite films it makes me feel alive but cautious all the same. Keep up the great work.
Cheers Samuel, I appreciate the feedback!
Chris's story inspires, but comes with a stark warning.
Absolutely ...a cautionary tale :)
It's a wonderful message Derek, well done! The first time I read this book I had hiked up to a hut in Jasper. I had the good fortune to have access to this cabin whilst the road up to the glacier was still closed for the winter season. It was just myself. I stayed up all night reading, staying warm by the stove and completely absorbed. At dawn I started collecting snow to melt for water, breaking away from his story. The story made me feel upset. He was so unprepared. As I got on with the day, hiking further up and returning to the hut a feeling of being vulnerable crept over me and I somehow enjoyed it. It was a bit of a reckoning; it felt better to feel this type of vulnerability rather than spending energy projecting it. I no longer felt upset at his story and knew that it would be one that I would read more than once. Thank you for reminding me. This was a ramble of a post...
This was not a ramble - it was a great post. Thanks Ms. Winnie ! I love that you went up to the hut in Jasper and spent much of that time reading - sounds lovely. Well said too - it's a cautionary tale but like you said above re energy, I think it's a waste of energy to condemn someone else for how they decide to live their own life. Thanks for the lovely and interesting comment :)
czcams.com/video/8Z9wB_NHcoc/video.html
Wonderful production Derek, beyond the summary I really appreciated hearing your own thoughts. I'm equally drawn to Chris' story but ended up spending most of my life in the realm of security and traditional society norms. Fortunately, I recognize life is short and reflect on death bed regrets. With that I quit my job two months ago and start my journey hiking the PCT in 11 days. Still having fear & doubt about what I'm doing, but your short production is inspiring and gives some confidence I'm doing the right thing. Certainty is elusive and does not exist no matter what we may think.
Good man, Chris. The PCT is an epic undertaking but such an incredible experience in every way. The first week or two is especially challenging but it's a mental game and you've got this ;) Thanks for the kind words and good luck with the preparations !
Tragic story, but a great soundtrack. It’s now in my iTunes.
I also think it's one of the best soundtracks Ive ever heard! Cheers Tracy
First time i have came across your channel, Love your non judgemental view on the Chris story. In my opinion if Chris made it back from his journey he would have changed a lot of people's lives just by his story. Don't forget he never went of to die. He just never made it home to tell one of the best story's in my life time. Thanks Derek.😎
Thanks for the video, love this movie and book
Despite the heavy subject, I did enjoy the vid. Now, I have to see that film! 😲
Thank you Elle, it felt heavy making this because I was retelling the story over and over in my head! haha thanks a lot - it's a great movie!
Great video. Thanks for posting it. I had never heard of Chris McCandless before.
Thanks Eamo, glad you liked the video - I really enjoyed making it !
I watched the movie recently. Very sad what happened to him. It must have been so scary to die all along out there.
It's true Roses and I imagine he experienced great regret for being stuck out there and unable to return :(
Great new concept, keep em comin...Killakees finest 🇮🇪
Haha cheers my man !!
I didn't know Chris's story before , such a sad one , we all need a bit of luck on our adventures, wish the young lad had had more on his side.
Thanks Derek. Such a tragic story indeed.
My pleasure Joni and yes, tragic!
Great video Derek! This story has always been one of my favs. If you ever want free original music for your channel hit us up!
Brilliant, thank you very much! I just had a listen and sounds like a plan!
Brilliant, look forward to the next one 👍
Thanks a lot Gero and looking forward to making the next one !!
All of us that adventure alone in the Wilderness have something in common with Chris. I get it. Unfortunately it didn't work out for him
Brilliant video derek well done I watched this movie only a few weeks ago and thought it was brilliant . no matter how hard things get in life we should all be inspired by the great outdoors
Thanks a lot James, glad you enjoyed it !!
Never heard of this story before so I just watched the film... brilliant film, very moving.... il try and prepare a bit better when I start my hiking trips sometimes I don't prepare right so I will take that from this film 😁 thanks Derek I enjoyed your take on the film
Cheers Patsy, I'm glad you took this from the story and thanks for the words of encouragement :)
great show, look forward to next one, no great adventure is without risk
That's it, Noel and Helen Kellers saying comes to mind "Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" :P
Brilliant! I think you summed up Chris's inner turmoils and his thirst to find meaning and purpose in life and ultimately contentment. Thanks Derek. Once again, brilliant story telling and superb images!
I enjoy making these and really appreciate your comments, Sherry - thank you!
I love this movie not because of the subject but that it makes one realise how we can be so near but yet so far. It made me realise the possibilities that exist as well as those that really do not. It made me feel.
I read they removed the bus from the area as people were trying to find it, and very dangerous, the film is on netflix at the moment
yeah that's right and I mention this in the video :))
I watched the movie last wk. Really enjoy you telling the story. Well done Derek.
Look forward to more stories 😁👍
Brilliant, I loved the movie and the story still touches my heart ! Thanks Mandy
Very interesting Derek. I look forward to your next story/video.
Thanks a lot, Mairin. Who would you like to see featured in a future episode?
Well done Derek! Great video and lovely put together 💚
Thanks very much John, appreciate the kind words!
It's a sad story, well-told and sent me down my usual rabbit-hole. It seems that he may well have died as a result of misfortune, rather than carelessness, despite his lack of preparedness. Lathyrism from the potato seeds may have taken his ability to walk/forage. Not the length of a life, but what you squeeze into it.
Yes that's right Joe and latherysm is a very interesting theory from Krankauer. Thanks for watching Joe :)
Well that’s still carelessness. Anybody who grew up doing outdoors stuff knows you never eat ANY wild edible unless you’re 100% what it is, and you been shown by another human what to look for. Incredibly reckless to try to learn your wild edibles from a book.
Never seen it or read the book but intrigued to do so now.
The book is far more interesting because the second half debates as to whether or not he was wrong or foolish etc. The author Jon krakaur is a very famous/experienced climber :) But the movie is faster to watch and really good too lol
Great video Derek. I’ve enjoyed the way you tell this sad story and the images you’ve used. Go on editing more videos like this!
Hi Sira, thank you for this lovely piece of encouragement! Is there any person or story that you think I should check out and maybe cover?
This is a brilliantly produced video with excellent, insightful and moving narration. Brilliant images and fantastic use of music. You could work in film/media. You told his story beautifully. I really enjoyed this video Always found Chris' story so interesting and powerful.
You've jumped up a few steps... Fair play and wow 😊
Thanks very much Joanne :)
Thank you for the touching story and for chatting with us during the premiere. It's definitely inspiring and educational. We love outdoors and everything survival related.. and what we learn from this sad story is that we should always have back up plan and rescue options ready for our adventures. It's not a bad thing to accept help from others. So get out there if you dare :-) First Outdare story is incredible.. I can't wait yo see more.
Thanks for this lovely comment Petra! Yes I agree with everything you say above. Is there any adventurer/person/story that you think I should check out and document?
@@DerekCullenOutdoors Dan Osman, free climber was a very interesting character. He was all about the free life on his terms. He kept pushing the envelope. There's a few clips on CZcams you might want to check out. I know you're not about climbing but like you said recently you don't need to be.
@@seeyouthen You're dead right. I watched Solo and Dawn Wall and both of these changed my mind about climbing. Im actually reading mountains of the mind at the moment Aidan. While I don't want to climb myself, Im very interested in the lives of those who do!
@@DerekCullenOutdoors something about history of hiking in Ireland would be interesting... first long distance hiking trail in Ireland, there might be person behind it, first Irish woman tru hiker.. anything related to the start of long distance walking/ hiking in Ireland.
@@HowlingWheelsAdventures great, thank you Petra!! :)
Saw this movie recently thought of yourself. Very true about people's views of others where they view others choices based how they feel life should be lived. I'd say as long as you are not putting anyone else's life in danger or taking advantage of others don't judge others choices as everyone has their own path. Savage Edit and doc and really well told story looking forward to future docs 👊
because he's the man that died but lived forever.
Really enjoyed that. Thanks for sharing
Glad to hear it and my pleasure Phillip :)
Well done my good sir. Great work 🙏
Ah thank you very much mini ;)
Great video😍Gilbert, Arizona
Well done Derek 👏 great video really enjoyed 😊 , tragic story he was so very young and unfortunately not prepared at all for the great outdoors:( I truly believe if he had to live he would have learned or maybe he had that it doesn’t matter where you go that until you can sit with yourself and go inward and face and heal the demons within you truly can’t know the simple beauty of life just like you this morning listening to the birds 😊
Thanks a lot Rosemarie. Yes I think reading his journal confirms what you said re living to realise learn. And although he did have a lot of outdoor experience (far more than most people), he did also go into this last trip ill-prepared/ill-equiped :( Thanks for the kind words and delighted you enjoyed the video !!
Derek, love the format of this series and appreciate all the work that has went into the making of it. That book really touched me when I read it many years ago and I agree that Chris seemed to be a troubled soul that was looking to feel alive. I feel he is in the 'inspiring' camp in that he went looking for something in life with his travels when it would have been so easy to accept what was (as you know well Derek as you are in the 'inspiring ' camp too). A tragic ending and it says something atet so many other young people sought to follow in his journey. Great stuff Derek👍👍
Thanks a lot Gerry. I agree with you and think that a lot of positives can be taken from this cautionary tale for those of us who get to watch from his story from the comfort of our sofas ! Cheers for watching and leaving this comment Gerry ;)
Great work Derek.
Cheers Mike !!
Great video by the way!
haha thanks a lot!
Thanks for sharing very enjoyable 👍
Thanks a lot Kevin!
Great video, well done me oul flower. Stay safe on your travels
Brilliantly told
Appreciate this Jimmy 👍👍
That was brilliant Derek, we'll made and well told. Looking forward to more in the series 👍
Thanks a lot, Aidan - appreciate you saying so!
I really enjoy your videos, Derek and I was so pleased to see you'd made this one about Chris. I discovered his story through the film (and later, John Krakauer's book) a few years ago. It's one of my favourite films, although I'm torn between my admiration for Chris, his ideals & search for meaning, and his lack of planning & underestimation of the hardships he'd face, which ultimately cost him his life. A simple map would have shown him the chain river crossing you mentioned and he'd have hiked out to safety. I'd always hoped to one day make the journey to the Magic Bus on the Stampede Trail, but following it's removal last year, maybe I'll see it at the Museum of the North in safer circumstances.
Great comment Andrew. I agree and while initially there was nothing bu admiration for Chris, I have come to understand some of the great mistakes that he made along the way. He seemed to know this himself by some of the last entries in his journal. And yes, I also planned on visiting the bus while I was living in Alberta but never got around to it....so the museum it is! Cheers Andrew!
Amazing story. Great stuff bud ✌️
Thanks Andy, glad you enjoyed it !
Don't let his ending stop you from dreaming big dreams
Love this new format of video Derek! Keep em comin. Hope you’re not missing Donegal too badly 😜.
Thanks a lot David, Longford is treating me well for now 😛
Great video Derek.
Cheers John, thanks for watching !
Excellent video and thought process!!
thanks mate :)
Great vid!
Beautifully told Derek, fair play to you sir 👏
Thanks for the kind words Tom 😀
What is right for one person may not be right for the next and it didn’t sound like this young man was placing blame on someone else for his circumstances but stated he was ill prepared for this undertaking. Is it sad that he passed away at such a young age and the way he died, I think it is, but look at the adventures he had in his short time on this earth and hopefully others reading his story may prepare better if they too attempt a life like the one he wanted for himself. Thanks to your video I learned a bit of history about a young man I most likely never would have learned otherwise.
Love this comment Dawn. I agree. He lived a very full life for the short time he was here :) Thanks for the kind words - the movie is on Netflix at the moment if you fancy checking it out!
I pretty much agree with your analysis on him. I don’t think it’s conducive for anybody to totally rip on the guy and call him a “dumbass” and all that like a lot of people do, but his story is definitely a cautionary tale. It’s kind of shocking he lasted as long as he did out there with the lack of skills he had. The biggest error Chris made was he didn’t seem to realize how many times he had been in trouble before Alaska where he got lucky that other people were around and bailed him out. He had a false sense of security for his own life, which caused him to be reckless with his life, and as we know, costed him his life. Problem is, Mother Nature doesn’t give a shit if you’re hungry, cold, lonely, etc, she’s not saving your ass.
What always boggles me is Chris turned down the advice and help of several people trying to warn him how gnarly Alaska is, because he wanted it to be an organic adventure and truly have to test his skills to live off the land, yet he brought food with him. Not trying to rip on the guy, that was just always peculiar to me. Also, he wasn’t a saint. The guy was busting into cabins and stealing shit from people. I don’t think that qualifies as “living off the land.”
People talk about the cable car, but also if he had just known how to smoke that moose properly, he would have lived long enough for those hunters to find him, and that would have saved him. By his journal entries, it seems as if he finally came to the realization that he didn’t know what he was doing and how reckless he was being, it’s just sad it was too little too late.
Also blows my mind how people have died trying to reach the bus. Luckily it’s gone now, but I have zero clue how these people read this story about this guy who died because of his lack of skills, and then they decide to try the same things knowing they are lacking in skill as well, and then die. It’s like seeing a guy crash his Harley and die because he wasn’t wearing a helmet, and then deciding “how free must have he been, I want to ride with no helmet too!” And then dying because you didn’t have a helmet on. It just doesn’t make sense to me.
It's been told since that Chris did not break into, trash or steal anything from anyone's cabin. The guy just blamed Chris. The same guy stole Chris's backpack from the bus, and kept hold of it for quite some time before giving it back to Chris's sister. Chris was not a thief or a vandal; he could have been saved by starting a fire to attract help, but he didn't want to start a forest fire and kill the wildlife 😢
Great job Derek
Appreciate it, Fergal !!
Great video Derek, the new equipment being put to good use.
It is a fascinating story, I loved the movie and found it very inspiring & frustrating too. I never knew about the cable cart, I suppose if it wasn't for his tragedy it wouldn't be be source of such great debate. Also didn't know about his family situation (I should really be reading more). I agree with you about how these days it seems to be a case of polar opinions are the ones most expressed as opposed to the ones most held. Looking forward to your next video 👍
Yes exactly right Graham! And we all have our own opinions :p Thanks a lot for your support as always.
A great movie and very sad.
It's very sad alright and a great pity :( Thanks for watching!
Great to see you back with a new video, hope Inishowen is treating you well. We love your content, you're an inspiration.
Cheers David, I appreciate it. BTW I moved to Longford ;)
I can't even believe that anyone would say that he got what he deserved. I do agree that he didn't know what he was in for and was very ill prepared but I don't believe he knew that. A lot of people think that they are prepared for something and have no idea the magnitude of what they are facing. No one deserves to have such a horrible outcome in whatever they're trying to do. I feel that people that have such a void of human compassion are way less prepared for their outcome. People can't comprehend something they've never known and even though they think they might be prepared they may not be even close to prepared.
I totally agree with your sentiment. Thank you for sharing 😢
Amazing story
Cheers for watching Michael!
Really enjoyed that
Francis thanks for letting me know and I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)
where did you find Chris's journal?
Excellent story of a tragic event
Thanks Az, it was indeed tragic !
@@DerekCullenOutdoors having seen the movie and read the book I often wonder what " Bushcrafters " would have done to preserve all that meat
@@azcolby40 I've been meaning to look this up too!
Great film
Brilliant film, Wez!
@@DerekCullenOutdoors you made a good 1 yourself man well done .
@@wezhickey1345 Cheers Wez, I look forward to making these every week from now on !
❤
The movie didn't do the book any justice
Hi Declan, my favourite part of the book was the second half in which he talked about whether Chris was right/wrong or experienced/inexperience etc. That's obviously not in the movie :( Thanks for the comment!
@@DerekCullenOutdoors Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I think reading probably gets ya to use your imagination more than watching a movie..
It's a few years since I seen the movie but remember being a bit disappointed..
Felt the same about the book 'In Cold Blood' by Trueman Capote, absolutely brilliant book, but the movie didn't do it..
Movies can't include all the details or it would be endless..
I enjoyed your documentary, well done..
👍
You only get one life. So go live it.
I'd like to go on a hike with you.
He did what he wanted to and died young. Many people live the way they are told to (myself included) and with a pinch of luck live longer. I do not regret many things, but as I grow older I feel less entitled to say what a good life is.
I'm in the same place, Arantxa. Everything is relative and everyone is different. Thanks for your comment (and honesty)!
What people fail to identify in this whole story that Chris McCandless was sick mentally. In the book his sister wrote, she documents of a time that he disappeared in the middle of the night when he was six years old and was found inside a neighbor's house raiding a candy drawer. Chris McCandless did not want to follow the rules, he had some idea that following rules was an abnormal way to live. If he had had any common sense, he would have realize that human beings have only survived because of rules. I ger he wanted to live off-grid, that's not the issue, the issue is he did not do his research, he was not telling people his real name, he was refusing help and advice, and he had abandoned his parents and his sister. He left a trail of hurt, that's is a selfish, narcissistic thing to do. If he had done his research, he would have realized there's no way you can cross that little Creek in August, that it was going to be a raging River and he would have also realize it two miles up from where he tried to cross there was a manual Tram he could have pulled himself across with in July. 6 miles from the bus was a ranger cabin full of food and firewood and shelter. Chris McCandless with a narcissist and lacked empathy for other people. The fact that we keep going back and blaming his parents is disgusting. He didn't die because of his parents issues, he died because of his own arrogance, he inability to know people dont survive off grid by chance and adventure. Stupidity is not a good recipe for survival. You cant live your life thru books like he did. He was no hero.
We do not know nothing about his pain and demons. He wanted to find peace. And he did at the end. I just saw documentary where his three sisters came ti bus. They had very abusive father- who had two wives at the same time. 6 kids with first and Chris and his sister in another. No one of seven children do not have contact with them. You can find book with his letter to his sister. He was not mentally sick but traumatized young soul who tried to escape.
You are wrong about Chris, he was not narcissistic, but his dad was. Chris, had a form of hubris perhaps, which can develop as a coping mechanism from the constant physical and mental abuse he and his sister suffered from their hypocritical parents. I do believe he was hurting deeply after finding out that his dad was still married to first wife and was still having kids with her at the same time as their mum was having them. This affected his mental health for sure.😢
I think you are rigth. Cris had sometbing wrong in his mind. Nobody can survive completely alone for several months in Alaska.
Read this book a long time ago. I respect his desire to get out in the wilderness. I respect that he didn’t feel the need to get attached to material things. But he really was a condescending douche bag condemning anyone who didn’t see things from his point of view.
Fair point Tony. I read his journal a whole back and he does come across as quite angry and seemed to hold a lot of contempt in his heart toward his parents and the life they wanted him to live :(
@@DerekCullenOutdoors great job with the new vid. Love this new avenue you are exploring. Keep up the good work my friend.
@@tonyobrannigan9784 cheers Tony, it’s my first try and will be making a new one every week :)
@@DerekCullenOutdoors you did great.
I think his father's mental abuse had a lot to answer for for how Chris came across in some respects, and why I think Chris also never bought some' material things' which would have made him better prepared. Something I can personally relate to having had an unconventional upbringing.