Into the Wild Project
Anza Borrego Trip Reflection:
One highlight that I had from the trip is when Ms. Sonya was checking to see if everyone was in their tents, and she tapped our tent, and my friend Gabs yelled "WHO THE H*** ARE YOU!" She was so loud that people on the other campsite could hear her. Everyone burst out laughing after that. Another highlight that I will always remember is the Palm Canyon trail. I think it was really cool with the 'palm tree hideout' area, and it was really fun when we just got to hang out there for a while.
I learned that even though I think of the desert as an ugly place, it's actually really pretty when we got there. I learned that through the hikes that we went on.
I didn't really make any new friends, but I did find out how crazy my friends get at night.
What I wish I could have done differently is actually putting on sunscreen, instead of bringing it and not using it. I got burnt on my shoulders, but what's worse than that is that I got a really bad tan.
I honestly can't think of anything that I would've done differently as a team/class/group, I really enjoyed our camping trip.\
One highlight that I had from the trip is when Ms. Sonya was checking to see if everyone was in their tents, and she tapped our tent, and my friend Gabs yelled "WHO THE H*** ARE YOU!" She was so loud that people on the other campsite could hear her. Everyone burst out laughing after that. Another highlight that I will always remember is the Palm Canyon trail. I think it was really cool with the 'palm tree hideout' area, and it was really fun when we just got to hang out there for a while.
I learned that even though I think of the desert as an ugly place, it's actually really pretty when we got there. I learned that through the hikes that we went on.
I didn't really make any new friends, but I did find out how crazy my friends get at night.
What I wish I could have done differently is actually putting on sunscreen, instead of bringing it and not using it. I got burnt on my shoulders, but what's worse than that is that I got a really bad tan.
I honestly can't think of anything that I would've done differently as a team/class/group, I really enjoyed our camping trip.\
Elfin Forest Photos:
Anza Borrego Photos:
Artist Statement for Elfin Forest
In our class, we went to the Elfin Forest in Escondido as our first field trip of the year. We were assigned a project which was based on survivalist characteristics. Our assignment was to take lots of pictures of nature for our multimedia class. I came out with about 53 photos. In every photo I kept depth of field in mind the most. This was one of the many different shots that we were encouraged to take. I actually took this photo off the trail that we were originally on. I have been on this different trail before, and I know that it has amazing shots of nature.
When we returned to school we were asked to choose our favorite picture. As I went through my photos, this one stood out the most. It has beautiful lighting, and it really stands out as a “fall photo,” because it has reds and oranges everywhere. It also has the sun shining through the autumn leaves.
I decided to name the photo “Autumn,” because it has this warm, fuzzy feeling of the wonderful colors of nature around us. I am very proud of this photo.
When we returned to school we were asked to choose our favorite picture. As I went through my photos, this one stood out the most. It has beautiful lighting, and it really stands out as a “fall photo,” because it has reds and oranges everywhere. It also has the sun shining through the autumn leaves.
I decided to name the photo “Autumn,” because it has this warm, fuzzy feeling of the wonderful colors of nature around us. I am very proud of this photo.
Journal Prompts
#2 - Galleta Meadows
What struck me about this place was the amazement of the formations of the rocks. I thought it was really cool how the rocks were placed how they were, and how some of them looked like they were going to fall off a cliff even though they weren't. I noticed that there were some really tight/difficult places to get through. Sometimes there were two or more rocks really close to each other, and we had to get our feet within a few inches of space. I don't really have any questions from this trip. My favorite photo of Galleta Meadows that I took was probably the one where the sun was half way on a rock, and the shade on the other half. I liked this picture because the way the light was shining on it was at an angle. It was cool because the little circles that you get when the sun is in the picture, was in the corner of my photo. The sun was going down when I took the picture, so the sunny part of the rock was in between a yellow and an orange color. Sadly, when I was going through my pictures, I accidentally deleted this one, but I still cherish the memory.
#4 - Quote Reflection
“To the desert go prophets and hermits; through desert go pilgrims and exiles. Here the leaders of the great religions have sought the therapeutic and spiritual values of retreat, not to escape but to find reality.”
-Paul Shepard
In this quote, Shepard is discussing the many facets of the deserts. He describes it in ways that evoke a response to make you want to go to the desert. Its beauty, its "majestic sky," the "bold" architecture of the forms, and the vastness beckon you. Contrastly, he talks about how severe and austere the desert can be especially with its high temperatures and wind. He talks about the people who have sought out the desert such as prophets, hermits, pilgrims, and exiles. According to Shepard's quote, throughout the ages, people have gone to the desert, not so much to escape, but to find reality. He compares the desert's vastness to the countryside and forest lands, nothing that the skies are unobstructed. He refers to the clouds a couple of times, stating how they "grandly reflect the earth's curvature," and how the "land forms impart a monumental architecture to the clouds..." this makes me think that he is possibly fascinated with clouds, especially in the desert terrain. When I first think of the desert, I think of a place that is hot, dry, and uninviting. This is not a place that I would choose for a vacation or recreational visit. However, I think I would choose the desert for a place to go and reflect. The desert offers a serenity that I know I would enjoy. During my visit to Anza Borrego, the desert offered a serene environment where I had the opportunity to reflect for this journal prompt.
-Paul Shepard
In this quote, Shepard is discussing the many facets of the deserts. He describes it in ways that evoke a response to make you want to go to the desert. Its beauty, its "majestic sky," the "bold" architecture of the forms, and the vastness beckon you. Contrastly, he talks about how severe and austere the desert can be especially with its high temperatures and wind. He talks about the people who have sought out the desert such as prophets, hermits, pilgrims, and exiles. According to Shepard's quote, throughout the ages, people have gone to the desert, not so much to escape, but to find reality. He compares the desert's vastness to the countryside and forest lands, nothing that the skies are unobstructed. He refers to the clouds a couple of times, stating how they "grandly reflect the earth's curvature," and how the "land forms impart a monumental architecture to the clouds..." this makes me think that he is possibly fascinated with clouds, especially in the desert terrain. When I first think of the desert, I think of a place that is hot, dry, and uninviting. This is not a place that I would choose for a vacation or recreational visit. However, I think I would choose the desert for a place to go and reflect. The desert offers a serenity that I know I would enjoy. During my visit to Anza Borrego, the desert offered a serene environment where I had the opportunity to reflect for this journal prompt.
#5 - Palm Canyon Trail
What struck me about this place, was even though it was so close to Galleta Meadows, they're so different! I noticed that Galleta Meadows had barely any plants, but the Palm Canyon trail had so many plants and cacti, it even had palm trees! The only question I have about this place, is that we were told that there was a waterfall at the end of the trail, and I was wondering was the waterfall the one that was only a few feet high? My favorite photo I took of this place was probably the one with the palm trees. I liked this picture because it had a little bit of everything in it. It had the sky, a desert mountain in the background, some palm trees, and a plant that was closer up in the depth of field.
On the way back from the hike, there was a small group of us who went on a different trail. It was Gillian and Josh's dads who were leading the group. Toward the end of the hike our group split up. My group included Daisy, Santi, Frank, Carson and I and no adults. We got lost along the way, but eventually found the campsite. We were so proud of ourselves, that we decided to take a picture to treasure that moment.
On the way back from the hike, there was a small group of us who went on a different trail. It was Gillian and Josh's dads who were leading the group. Toward the end of the hike our group split up. My group included Daisy, Santi, Frank, Carson and I and no adults. We got lost along the way, but eventually found the campsite. We were so proud of ourselves, that we decided to take a picture to treasure that moment.
Into the Wild Literary Analysis
Savannah Tweed
Have you ever thought what it takes to be a survivalist? That means, having to find food, water, and shelter without any help? This is the story of Chris McCandless who did just that. Into the Wild is a true story based on the survivalist, Chris McCandless. The author Jon Krakauer, wrote the biography from the perspective of Chris’ death. Krakauer was intrigued as to why a wealthy young man, who dropped out of college would suddenly go and “live” in the Alaskan wilderness. Through countless interviews with Chris’ friends and family he put together a theory to Chris’ backstory. According to Krakauer, he didn’t believe that Chris was a amazing survivalist. In his opinion, he was quite the opposite. However, after reading the book, I believe that Chris was actually a very accomplished survivalist. Chris McCandless, in my mind was a survivalist because of his bravery, intelligence, and is a man of nature. He is intelligent because he decided to live in the bus for shelter, and in the wilderness that is a really smart choice. Chris killed many animals for food, and that is a sign of bravery. he is a man of nature, because he is one of the few people in this world that values nature more than money.
Chris is intelligent because he decided to live in the bus for shelter, and in the wilderness, that is a really smart choice “There’s a man back in the bus by the Sushana,” (page 13). I picked this quote to show that Chris McCandless had found shelter in the wilderness for where he wanted to stay. This evidence demonstrates that Chris was a good survivalist, because the first thing that you are supposed to do when you’re lost, is find shelter. Chris kind of went above and beyond, and is intelligent because he found a place that will keep him protected. Chris is intelligent because he had amazing grades, and attended high-rated colleges. “He sustained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average throughout his high school and college. At the University of Washington, and later at Seattle University, he immersed himself in anthropology, history, philosophy, and linguistics, accumulating hundreds of credit hours without collecting a degree. (pages 73-74) I chose this quote, because you can obviously tell that Chris McCandless is a smart person because of what he’s accomplished . I think some people think Chris is not smart because of what he did, but I still think he’s smart, he just made bad choices.
Chris was brave because he killed animals for food. “The diary entries following his return to the bus catalog of bounty of wild meat. May 28: Gourmet Duck. June 1:5 squirrel. June 2: Porcupine, Ptarmigan, 4 squirrel, Grey Bird June 3:...” Chris has the bravery to go and find food. He captured many animals in his adventure, which most people are scared of in the wild. He is not afraid of the weather, or animals that can kill him, he just wants to discover the beauty of nature, and experience it. Chris was brave because of his courage and noble ideas. “Some readers admired the boy immensely for his courage and noble ideals, others fulminated that he was a reckless idiot, a wacko, a narcissist who persisted out of arrogance and stupidity - and was undeserving of the considerable media attention he received, “(Author’s note). I liked this quote, because the author is talking about the opinions of Chris McCandless from the readers. However, think that Chris was brave, courageous, and determined because he wanted to explore life in a way that did not meet his parent’s expectations. He just wanted to get away from society.
Chris was a man of nature because he was experienced with nature, and treasures nature more than anything else. “You are wrong if you think joy emanates only or principally from human relationships. God has placed it all around us. It is in everything and anything we might experience. We just have to have the courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage is unconventional living.” (page 57) I used this quote to demonstrate what chris felt with nature. Chris wanted to have adventure and explore the world. he wanted to relate himself to the characters in Jack London’s book title wanted to see the world with his own eyes, and make memories of his adventures. Chris was a man of nature, and always has been. “Two years he walks the earth, no phone, no pool, no pets, no cigarettes. Ultimate freedom. An extremist. An aesthetic voyager whose home is the road. Escaped from Atlanta. Thou shalt not return, because “the West is the bets.” And now after two rambling years, comes the final and greatest adventure, the climactic battle to kill the false being within, and victoriously conclude the spiritual revolution. Ten days and nights of freight trains and hitchhiking bring him to the great white North No longer to be poisoned by civilization he flees, and walks alone upon the land to become lost in the wild.” Alexander Supertramp (page 163). I chose this quote because I think Chris was proud of himself, and of the adventures he’d been on right before he went into the wild. As he described civilization as poisonous, that’s one of the reasons he is a man of nature, because he would prefer to be with nature way more than with civilization.
In conclusion, I think Chris McCandless is a survivalist because of his bravery, intelligence, and he is a man of nature.
Savannah Tweed
Have you ever thought what it takes to be a survivalist? That means, having to find food, water, and shelter without any help? This is the story of Chris McCandless who did just that. Into the Wild is a true story based on the survivalist, Chris McCandless. The author Jon Krakauer, wrote the biography from the perspective of Chris’ death. Krakauer was intrigued as to why a wealthy young man, who dropped out of college would suddenly go and “live” in the Alaskan wilderness. Through countless interviews with Chris’ friends and family he put together a theory to Chris’ backstory. According to Krakauer, he didn’t believe that Chris was a amazing survivalist. In his opinion, he was quite the opposite. However, after reading the book, I believe that Chris was actually a very accomplished survivalist. Chris McCandless, in my mind was a survivalist because of his bravery, intelligence, and is a man of nature. He is intelligent because he decided to live in the bus for shelter, and in the wilderness that is a really smart choice. Chris killed many animals for food, and that is a sign of bravery. he is a man of nature, because he is one of the few people in this world that values nature more than money.
Chris is intelligent because he decided to live in the bus for shelter, and in the wilderness, that is a really smart choice “There’s a man back in the bus by the Sushana,” (page 13). I picked this quote to show that Chris McCandless had found shelter in the wilderness for where he wanted to stay. This evidence demonstrates that Chris was a good survivalist, because the first thing that you are supposed to do when you’re lost, is find shelter. Chris kind of went above and beyond, and is intelligent because he found a place that will keep him protected. Chris is intelligent because he had amazing grades, and attended high-rated colleges. “He sustained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average throughout his high school and college. At the University of Washington, and later at Seattle University, he immersed himself in anthropology, history, philosophy, and linguistics, accumulating hundreds of credit hours without collecting a degree. (pages 73-74) I chose this quote, because you can obviously tell that Chris McCandless is a smart person because of what he’s accomplished . I think some people think Chris is not smart because of what he did, but I still think he’s smart, he just made bad choices.
Chris was brave because he killed animals for food. “The diary entries following his return to the bus catalog of bounty of wild meat. May 28: Gourmet Duck. June 1:5 squirrel. June 2: Porcupine, Ptarmigan, 4 squirrel, Grey Bird June 3:...” Chris has the bravery to go and find food. He captured many animals in his adventure, which most people are scared of in the wild. He is not afraid of the weather, or animals that can kill him, he just wants to discover the beauty of nature, and experience it. Chris was brave because of his courage and noble ideas. “Some readers admired the boy immensely for his courage and noble ideals, others fulminated that he was a reckless idiot, a wacko, a narcissist who persisted out of arrogance and stupidity - and was undeserving of the considerable media attention he received, “(Author’s note). I liked this quote, because the author is talking about the opinions of Chris McCandless from the readers. However, think that Chris was brave, courageous, and determined because he wanted to explore life in a way that did not meet his parent’s expectations. He just wanted to get away from society.
Chris was a man of nature because he was experienced with nature, and treasures nature more than anything else. “You are wrong if you think joy emanates only or principally from human relationships. God has placed it all around us. It is in everything and anything we might experience. We just have to have the courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage is unconventional living.” (page 57) I used this quote to demonstrate what chris felt with nature. Chris wanted to have adventure and explore the world. he wanted to relate himself to the characters in Jack London’s book title wanted to see the world with his own eyes, and make memories of his adventures. Chris was a man of nature, and always has been. “Two years he walks the earth, no phone, no pool, no pets, no cigarettes. Ultimate freedom. An extremist. An aesthetic voyager whose home is the road. Escaped from Atlanta. Thou shalt not return, because “the West is the bets.” And now after two rambling years, comes the final and greatest adventure, the climactic battle to kill the false being within, and victoriously conclude the spiritual revolution. Ten days and nights of freight trains and hitchhiking bring him to the great white North No longer to be poisoned by civilization he flees, and walks alone upon the land to become lost in the wild.” Alexander Supertramp (page 163). I chose this quote because I think Chris was proud of himself, and of the adventures he’d been on right before he went into the wild. As he described civilization as poisonous, that’s one of the reasons he is a man of nature, because he would prefer to be with nature way more than with civilization.
In conclusion, I think Chris McCandless is a survivalist because of his bravery, intelligence, and he is a man of nature.