Into the Wild
The joy in 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.
– Christopher McCandless (Alexander Supertramp)
Over the last few days I’ve been reading Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. Many are familiar with this title as the story was featured in a film by the same name directed by Sean Penn in 2007. I’d heard of it and I believe I even started watching the film once upon a time – but for whatever reason I didn’t finish it, and didn’t know any details of this true, tragic and compelling story.
I’ve been enthralled with this book as the author describes the spirit and adventures of Chris McCandless (aka Alexander Supertramp). Krakauer interestingly tells the story without biasing opinion on whether McCandless was downright crazy, or just a young man passionate about making his own way in this world. He was an adventurer who boldly wandered the world, appreciating its beauty and acting on his deeply rooted internal longing for an original and fulfilling life.
The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences.
– Christopher McCandless (Alexander Supertramp)
I’ve still got a quarter of the book to go and I’m looking forward to finishing that up this evening. I’m sure in the next few days I’ll manage to watch the film and the documentary as I’m hooked in. A great read for those who have a love for adventure and appreciation for the wilderness. While I’m not much inclined to head off on my own into the Alaskan foothills, I’m definitely motivated to get out into world, spend time under the stars and life life passionately. With that, it’s time to reveal my upcoming trips!
Upcoming Wandering
I appreciate everyone’s input on my Where to Next? poll. The results are in and the most votes were for Paris, France. While it was high on my list too – that’s not where I’m going next.
FLORIDA. My next trip will take me to sunny Sarasota, Florida to visit my dearest sister-friend, MJ.
Me and MJ – We goes together like peas and carrots. We met in the sixth grade, both selected for the challenging role (lies) of Icicle in our local dance studios production of the Nutcracker. With a shared love of goofing off and 90s Top 40s, we were instantly best friends. After graduating high school and spending one year at The University of Toledo, Meredith moved off to Florida leaving me in the dust! Just kidding… we still see each other at least twice a year. I told her that this trip must be packed with adventures so I have tons to share with you on the blog – so stay tuned!
TOP SECRET. I have a very special trip planned that I’m not allowed to talk about… yet! I can’t wait to share all the details as this one is going to be incredibly special and full of fun. More information to follow – but first, the big one!
EUROPE. If you follow my blog (which duh, you should – go to the top right navigation menu) you’ve heard all about my travel soulmate, Katy. We made a commitment to each other that once a year we will travel somewhere together that we’ve never been before. These travels have brought us to Italy and Iceland. We’re breaking all the rules and choosing to pursue our passion for world wandering. Just as we were leaving for Iceland, Katy found out about a conference that would be extremely valuable to her as part of her PhD program. That conference just so happens to be in London, a place we have never been. With the prospect of a couple nights of free lodging and some airline miles built up, we thought it might just be necessary to do two international trips this year. So one day, rather impulsively, we just did it. We booked another trip to Europe!!!!!!!!
We don’t have all the details planned just yet – but here’s what I know. We’ll be going here:
AND HERE
AND [OF COURSE] HERE
If you’ve been to any of these wonderful cities and have recommendations of things to do, eat or see – please leave a note in the comments! We take personal recommendations very seriously! We specifically could use some help in finding a hostel in London that is fun, social and centrally located — any tips?
See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. Ask for no guarantees. Ask for no security.
– Ray Bradbury
1 thought on “Endlessly Changing Horizon”