I just reread this tale again after about 6 years in prep for watching the DVD.

Chris was definitely carrying over 45 pounds.

Great author, great book, rivetting story in my opinion.

Krakauer could tell bin Laden's life and Christians would argue he was a hero.

Krakauer would probably be interested in continuting his series on polygamist themes with an Osama biography anyway.

Unfortunately, poor Chris was a major wack job - not even considering his actions that led to his final demise.

I dont think Chris was a spoiled moron...

I do.

I hate to resurrect an old thread and this reply isn't aimed at anyone in particular.


Last weekend I watched the Sean Penn docu-drama and this afternoon I watched the Ron Lamothe documentary. Both interesting. So I'm thinking maybe I should read the book. You know, act the the educated-beyond-my-intelligence person that I am.

Is there something substantial in the book not covered in the DVDs?

Is there a difference between the 1996 and 2007 editions of the book?

Thanks.


PS I wish I had been more aware of this in January. I went dogsledding with an outfitter located on Stampede Road. I probably was within 20 miles of the bus.

I just watched the hollywood version last night for the first time. I did not see a documentary.

I would not call the hollywood true to the book.

I would say the additions in the movie were the more prominent aspects relative to the book. I doubt they did more research, so expect those are just B S.

The greatest difference for me was the meagerness of the character development in the movie and not presenting the full story of the determined cause of death.

It did not occur to me that the death site would now be a tourist destination, but that makes complete sense. Probaly have an annual gathering.

For the first time I just read this post in it's entirety.

There are many questions we'll never know the answers to in regards to Chris's death. That said, for all of us with vastly more wilderness experience than Chris, few of us would survive as long in the bush with as little as he took with him into the bush. Beyond the possibility of mental illness, beyond being naive and a rich, spoiled moron, Chris had something going for him that allowed him to survive for as long as he did with as little as he had along with him. I do have a certain amount of respect for that fact.

Well, to be honest, a sheer belief in one's own survival can have an incredible impact on one's ability to survive. Whether real or delusional, Chris believed that he would survive his adventure, and until the very end never had any reason to believe he wouldn't.

Apparently the site is a 'pilgrimmage site' for tourists, for reasons I'll never understand.

MNS

Andrea, I thought Alaskan "officials" were going to remove the bus from that area and place it somewhere close to a populated area so tourists would not be at risk in going on a pilgrimage to the original site?

No plans that I'm aware of, and there was recently an article about it in the paper.

MNS

I'm sure that when he started his journey, his pack was heavy with hopes and dreams. As his adventure progressed and towards the end, his pack emptied of hope and the dreams were long gone by then.

If you've ever been to Graceland (the home of Elvis) and seen people sobing at his grave, you might understand why that site is popular. Myself, I just know that Elvis has left the building. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've been to Graceland and although I did not cry while there, the visit reaffirmed my belief that you can't buy good taste.

I think as a movie it was very well put together and the music really fit well. We may never know what was going though his head but I'm sure he must have enjoyed some awesome freedom from this sometimes draining society we live in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRUGvArWXLk