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Carine, this is a timeline of my reflections on myself and life during my travels. I hate that I wasn't able to tell you where I went, but we both know it was for the best. I feel a sense of freedom after graduating, and I am soon leaving on the adventure of my life. Can not stand the expectations placed on me by our parents and society.
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Freak flash flood in Detrital Wash forces me to abandon my trusty car. Not worth it to face security, and I answer to nature, not authorities. Surprisingly excited, I see this as an opportunity to get rid of baggage. I have already discovered how freeing it is to get rid of material items.
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I've taken a liking to Wayne, and he offered me a job working at his grain elevator. I work there for a while until he is sent to jail, but we keep in touch. I realize that writing letters to friends I make along the trail keeps me a little less lonely and I enjoy the correspondences.
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Sent letters to Wayne
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I got across the Mexican border without being noticed, and I find the act of sneaking across exhilarating. I write constantly in my journal in the third person as Alexander Supertramp. I think of him as an exciting alter-ego who I've become during my travels. I think you would like him Carine.
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Almost drown after being stuck in a terrible storm. Decide to head back north. Something I discover about myself: I may have overestimated my abilities by going out in a canoe alone. The experience was extremely frustrating and it was frightening to be so helpless to nature.
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Managed to talk my way out of jail, but lost my favorite gun. A little strange to have conversation after 38 days of solidarity.
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Return quickly to traveling because I feel too uncomfortable in society
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I feel like a completely new person after months of traveling. Physically, I've lost 25 pounds, but I've never been happier.
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I come to a realization after I discover my camera is broken: the pictures don't matter. The true meaning of life is the experiences, memories, and the joy of living life to the fullest
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Hate the continuous rain and fog
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Fed up with the demands of society. Unreasonable coworkers complain about my "hygiene" and I have to wear socks.
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Enjoy spending my time working at Jan's secondhand shop. I sell books to customers and chat about naturalist writers. Jan always tries to give me too much help when I leave her and I just cannot accept, I feel bad taking anything from anyone.
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Franz opens up to me and shares his past about his family. I feel sort of bad for him.
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Had to leave before I got too close to Franz. Relationships are not part of my plan, they will just get in the way
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Franz asks to adopt me, uncomfortable with how personal our relationship has become, I avoid the question
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I will do the jobs that no one else wants to do, but machinery based jobs give me trouble. I start to open up to Wayne and Gail, and talk constantly about my upcoming trip into the wilderness.
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A wonderful lady, we had dinner and enjoyed a long talk about our favorite books.
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Beyond excited, but I have to admit that I'm a little worried about the upcoming months. It crosses my mind that I might never see my friends or family again
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After waiting for two days, I meet a trucker who agrees to give me a ride. After several days in the car I start to warm up to him and open up. He tries to talk me out of my plans and then wants me to call my parents. I do not want to talk to my parents, I've made it this far.
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Nice guy, but he tries to push supplies on me. Gallien doesn't understand that I want to survive off the land. A true naturalist doesn't need food and a big gun. Give him my remaining possessions.
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The bus has some comforts like a bed, stove, and basic materials. I am excited to be here and write messages on the bus windows
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It is proving more difficult than I first thought to catch game. Have to spend a lot of time getting food but I am still thrilled to be in the wild
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Reconsider my initial plan after food becomes more and more difficult to find. I may have overestimated my abilities. The bus seems like the perfect place to spend the rest of my time
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At first, I am thrilled, but after failing to butcher and cook it correctly, I have to abandon it. Mad at myself for the waste, but this has been a learning experience. I must accept my failures and move on.
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Not a strong swimmer, and crossing the freezing river would be an impossible. I note this as a disaster, and I'm feeling lonely and a little worried. But I've supported myself so far, I can survive a little longer.
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I can barely stand and I feel weak from starvation. In the past week after reading "Doctor Zhivago", I have had several revelations. All this time alone has made me think that I might abandon my solitary life and return to society. Happiness is only real when shared.
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I'm so excited to have made it to this landmark. However, I've never been this weak and I know death is near. This experience has taught me to appreciate my life, I don't want to die.
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Abandoned the name Alexander Supertramp, as I am in great danger. My body hurts, my hair is falling out, and sometimes I think I'm hallucinating. I've accepted my fate though, and although starting a fire may be the only way to save myself, I refuse to sacrifice nature.
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I was so close to surviving my adventure, but it wasn't to be. My body has been destroyed, I think by potato seeds. I have lived a happy life and I feel at peace. My regret is that I won't be able to see my friends and you, Carine again.