That was quietly epic today. Epic is probably not the right word. Climbing Mt. Whitney is epic; climbing 45 minutes to a cool little cave with a nice view is something a good deal less than epic. BUT, it felt epic... because school keeps us so bottled up, so constrained by the tyranny of the eight-period day, that it felt pretty epic to get on a bus and be on top of a mountain in the middle of a school day.
In case you haven't figured this out already, I'm really enjoying this. Now that I've seen the class, and felt your energy and enthusiasm, I love it even more.
I may add a little more later, but for now have a great night and see you in the a.m.
Today was 'quietly epic'! It sort of felt like the first day of summer to me. Excited to be outside and out of school.. watching people throw rocks at other rocks... sack lunches... sunshine... mud... and a cave. Quite a day. Quite a day, indeed.
Today was awesome. The hike was extremely enjoyable. Not too tough, but not flat land. Running up the hill was the worst decision ever and i immediately regretted it. I loved the cave. i thought it was a cool little nook that 'hid' us from conformity haha. Throwing the rocks at the puddle was also very amusing. I loved being out in the nature away from school and all the drama that runs hand in hand with life. Being out in the wilderness was very rewarding and is a sanctuary. Looking forward to the rest of the week!
The hike was really (for lack of a better word right now) fun. And, even though I may have been a little tired for BASKETBALL PRACTICE (yes, bizzy), it was well worth it. Alia, Salish, and I did some pretty intense hiking to find the cave, and even found a second. So, really, we beat Matt and Bizzy. Not that it's a competition. To get just a few hours away from the "real world"--which, for most of us, consists all too much of organized sports, studying, scholarship and college applications, and other commitments--was liberating. I cannot wait for the rest of the week. :)
A lot of the time, I think of terms of colors. Today, when I looked out from that cave, everything was a marvelous shade of green. In fact, it was slightly overwhelming. Olive green, to be precise. The boulders matched perfectly. They were like off-white polka dots on a prom dress from the 50's. The sky was a perfect light blue and the clouds had a nice gray underside to them. It was as though nature made the perfect color scheme for our viewing, something you might see in the color scheme of a PC, like you know, one of those drop down choices from the setting menu. The olive green, light blue, light grey, and off white reminded me of a book I read called "Olive," which is actually achingly sad. Sometimes, a place like that can make you feel extremely sad.
Also, when we were in the cave, we were talking about how weird and gross it was that a lot of people had been in there. Or rather what they had been doing in there was the gross bit. But I was thinking about it more, and I guess it's just really interesting how countless people have been in that cave, made it there place, attached some sort of special feeling to it, and yet the cave itself remains so pristine, pure. Like no one else has actually ever been in there since it was created in Prehistoric times. To put it simply, twas a lovely cave.
Wow. What a day. I began this day not knowing quite what to expect other than an opportunity to experience nature and basic connection with the world, and what I ended up taking from it was an experience with nature and a basic connection with the world. It was absolutely fantastic. Between huddling in a cool and relaxing cave, sliding down a gravelly slope, and cleaning the blood off of Cami's ear, it was quite an epic day. Can't wait for the rest!
The hike today was surprisingly short to get to such a great spot. I would have expected to be walking for an incredibly long time to find that sort of secluded area. Anyways, the thing that really got me was how calm the valley seemed to be when you looked out on it. Even though all the cars were moving and you could hear horses and other assorted noises in the background, everything seemed so calm. It is weird to know that if you were in the middle of the valley where all the things were happening, it wouldn't seem so calm. That really got at the point of the whole class for me, to see, to understand how the society we live in is so much different than most of the natural world. Today was especially interesting because we got to look at society from a distance, while feeling totally secluded. Most definitely one of the best hikes I've been on.
TRAVEL MUG My travel mug spent the afternoon in an oak tree, wedged gently between branches on a leafy bed, observing the world as an acorn would, still and without comment.
My travel mug spent the afternoon in an oak tree, while the rest of us trudged up to the summit (something less than 500 yards), eyes fixed on the rocky outcroppings above,
where we would descend into a cave that felt more like a living room, the plasma tv replaced by a view of the river valley, framed by boulders that came to rest here, after eons of slow travel, perfectly positioned to delight and amaze.
My travel mug spent the afternoon in an oak tree, and if we could for a moment imagine that it had eyes, and some measure of consciousness, and perhaps words, and a mouth with which to express them, we might hear about what it saw while we were throwing rocks and scribbling notes, perhaps stories about yellow-rumped warblers, or spotted towhees, or even white rumped toddlers on the swings, pushed by erstwhile moms, stories about nature and the way things should be and the way thing are when nobody is looking.
Ah, dear travel mug -- Now that you are down from your perch, we have so many questions. But when I slide the plastic cover clockwise to free your little mouth, you have nothing to day. Instead, you are frozen still, mouth agape, silent and astonished, aching to tell your stories of the world.
Phew. Cool hike today - refreshing to get out of the confines of the classroom during the school day. I don't know about you guys, but I even felt a tad rebellious. Ok, maybe rebellious is a little overkill. Perhaps more like...well a middle schooler. It was like recess, but only in all the good ways.
Anywho, I thought I'd write a little about transcendentalism as I feel about it right now, and, in a self-mocking sort of way, look at it at the end of the week and see if I've changed attitudes at all. (And my feeling is that chances are I will have changed attitudes pretty significantly. But you never know.)
Hmm, let's see. Mr. Henry David Thoreau. Transcendentalism. A philosophy that by nature (oh the puns!) rejects all that we in society stand for and replaces it with a concept totally alien to us, in fact, a concept that we've been running straight away from for centuries - that nature is the key to living a fulfilling life. From the man-in-the-woods colonist days - when blonde-haired, behemoth (always gorgeous) men (Captain John Smith, anyone??) would cut back the horizon daily with their giant machetes - to modern day who-can-build-higher with bulldozers and concrete, our entire history as a country (and I mean the US of A, not North America) has been spent running away from, trying to tame, or even destroying nature. So, naturally, fellows like Thoreau pop up, being all counter-culture and such, screaming, or yawping, at the top of their wide open, nature-filled lungs that we have to stop. That we have to reverse the trend and look to nature for truth. That the only way we will be able to lead fulfilling lives is to...well, not. Stop trying, Thoreau seems to say. Stop trying, and live. Go into nature. Experience.
But, like we pointed out in class, I think Thoreau missed something. I mean, I love my now-and-again (I'm really feeling the dashes tonight...can you tell?) hikes through the woods, my daily sunset viewing, my nightly stargazing. Ya, it clears the mind. Ya, it gives you time to reflect. And, ya, you end up having some pretty profound thoughts. Going "into the wild", if you will, gives you a clarity, or a lack thereof. If forces you to unfocus, to forget life as you know it for a little while. It demands that you put away your nine-to-five day and listen up, to the birds (ya, Mr. H?), to the ocean, to the breeze, to the silence. It demands you lose the focus and concentration on the day-to-day, and then lets you loose in a way.
Oh, wait. Wasn't I un-proving Thoreau?
Right. Well, I think my pal Henry David missed a crucial point. It's not just nature that can do this. I find the same solace in a host of activities. The point is to get outside yourself to find yourself. And that can be done through pretty much anything that busies the body - focusing the mind - but at the same time that isn't to demanding - allowing the mind to wander. Kneading bread, a car ride to LA, yoga, painting, even sometimes typing (sorry H.D., I know that killed you) - all of these offer the same freedom and clarity that nature does. It's a matter of recognizing what can free you, and letting it happen, not fighting it. I get the nature aspect, but I think Thoreau ought to have given the rest of life a try.
Hey hey, I tend to agree that Thoreau missed a lot, and as it said in that article, it was no accident that he never had a wife, husband, family, or close relationship of any kind. This is one of the reasons I have always preferred Whitman's version of all-embracing transcendentalism -- because for Walt "habiting yourself to the dazzle of every moment of your life" can mean a wide array of things. It's more about a certain posture, a certain approach to everyday living, and less about isolating yourself in the world of nature. Whitman is seen by many as a poet of nature, but I think of him more as a poet of the natural, as someone who models a kind of crazy mad loving natural embrace of the world, which includes the people in it. As I think about it Chris McCandless was probably more Whitman-like in his sensibilities, but he had the solitude of Thoreau in his heart.
Today was so nice, just watching one of my favorite movies of all time with the class. I think it will definitely make our next few hikes that more meaningful after watching and discussing the movie. It was so tragic to see Chris finally figure out, through his years of endeavors, that all of his experiences meant nothing if he couldn't share them with another person. I caught myself wondering what his life would be like if he had the opportunity to go back home to his family. Would he forgive his parents for the terrible childhood he had to endure? I think he would have, but then again it is not quite relevant. This movie always hits a soft note for me, calling out to the side of me who just wants t othrow my lifestyle away and do just what Chris did. Go on an adventure to find myself. Everyone has their one big adventure, I just can't wait to have mine.
ps. this may have seemed all over the place, but i fell asleep multiple times in writing this haha.
pps. I am SO EXCITED for tomorrow! it's going to be so insane hiking in the thunderstorm!! It may not be the best idea considering that I was sick enough to go through two tissue boxes in class today, but that's alright. it will be so worth it!
So I had something that I wanted to write about, but I wrote it in that book-type-deal that Mr. H gave us, and that I conveniently left in his room. And my memory sucks, so there goes that.
I figured I could just blog on the movie like we were told. Well, let's see. McCandless is an interesting sort. I think his journey was interesting, a worthwhile endeavor because I think it led him to really find what he wanted in life. Though, I think that this evolved in a sort of lucky way for him. It seemed to me that when he started it was more an act of rebellion than a clear-cut plan to find meaning in life. It was a screw-everything, I-hate-society, let-me-see-what-I-can-find, throw-everything-to-the-wind journey. But it happened to evolve into something deeper, something true.
What made me sympathize with McCandless was his enthusiasm for life. He wanted to live and experience. And whether this is by leading a normal life or trampin' it across the USA, it's an admirable desire. He has a spark, something that makes him really connect, something that makes him the sort that if you met him, you'd trust him, admire him, and want to talk to him. Misguidedness, stupidity, brilliance, carelessness, understanding - no matter what you attribute to him, this must be acknowledged.
And I think what made me feel for him was that what he realized at the end and how the end came about were tragically at odds; "happiness only real when shared" - human relationships, he seemed to say, are what define the moments in life. Then, just after this epiphany, he dies - starving and in pain, but, worse, alone. After Mr. Wilderness finally is "tamed", after his screw-it-all attitude changes to live-it-all, he finally loses the chance to do it. That's tragic.
Into the Wild has really made an impact on me...already. When I left school today, it was pouring rain. So, being the paranoid person/way-too-safe driver I am, I began thinking about how I needed to drive and what route I would take...to be the "safest" or whatever that actually does for me. Then, next thing ya know, I'm thinking about Chris, and what he would think of my worries. Well, he'd probably think they were ridiculous. What am I really worried about? Hurting my dad's car? Having to deal with insurance and other liabilities if I got in a fender-bender? Gosh, now that's embarassing. These are material things, like Chris' car, money, and clothes. Why do I, why do we, care so much?
Chris made it through so many challenges. He wasn't afraid. He was persistant and hard-working to the end. I don't know about you guys, but that's pretty inspiring to me.
Chris truly found himself through his journey. Now, maybe he gave up more than I am willing to do (I like my family too much I guess), but he probably had it right. Or at least he was on the right track. There is something beautiful about being alone, working for yourself, not held down by the constraints of money and other commitments. I think we all forget that too much. We get worried about realtionship problems, deadlines, and bills when, instead, we should probably put a little more focus into the big picture. Searching for who we are. Finding how we fit into society...or out of it...I don't know...I'm probably more guilty of it than most. Chris found his "truth" that he and Thoreau spoke of. He knew what he wanted: first, it was that freedom of the wild he sought. Then, toward the end of his life, realized his desire to be with others...to share his happiness with the ones he cared for. In my opinion, he was pretty damn successful. I guess that's why, like Keerthi and Cami said, his eventual death was so incredibly tragic...he found his truth, but never got to live it out.
It was fantastic. The story about Chris McCandless is one that many people, including myself, often dream of. Living on your own with nothing but the clothes on your back, a backpack, and a few other odds and ins. Living that way, i imagine, would be very difficult and what some may view as impractical. I disagree with those people. Being impractical would be living a life that is not your own. Why would you live out a cookie cutter life, if you hate it. Now, I'm not saying that Chris nor anyone else would hate everything about life, but more so finding things irksome. Every kid dreams about living in the wild, but Chris was a kid who actually did it. I applaud him for this because its not about doing it just because you have the money to and are capable; its doing it because you truly want to live your life that way. Its more about the principles than just the action itself. I think that I share some of those qualities with Chris because I believe in the same attitude towards life. I'm not going to let anyone tell me how to live my life, they have their own life to construct and maintain. Every person has the opportunity to make the most out of one's life by any means possible. These next few days are going to be filled with wondrous sights and i'll be able to appreciate them more now.
Aw man... First, I have to respond to a few other posts. Alia: I love the idea of thinking of the world in colors. What do you think today would be?? Perhaps a cozy yellow or beige? Keerthi: I love what you're sayin and I also love your crazy dash happiness.
Yes, "Into the Wild" is a great movie. Very well done, fabulous story line, good director. Watching it in class today was nice. The pups were a good touch too. There is nothing like resting your head on your dog and watching a good ol' movie. It was a pleasure to meet coco and eddie too. I have seen "into the wild" countless times and each time I notice something different. I never considered the symbolism in one scene that Mr.H pointed out today. The kid on his trike dragging the xmas tree along with him. What a great symbol!!! But, to get on with it, I think what is most important about this film is what you can bring from it into your own life. For me, and many other folks, the idea of leaving 'society' and all that goes with it, is very alluring. I think of the scenes where Chris lifts up his arms and smiles and yells "ANYBODY THERE??? GUESS NOT!!!" How nice. But also, how easy. If a person has a dose of guts and a sprinkle of selfishness and a dash of extremism it is all too easy to up and head off on an adventure. What, though, is real, and true bravery? It is finding what you are passionate about, sticking with it, and making connections with other people. Somebody told me that the most important part of the week is Monday at 8 to Friday at 5. The ability to find people that make the mundane truly extraordinary is so so important. I think McCandless did this pretty well. He lightened up other peoples mundane Monday thru Friday. The people that you can have fun with on grand adventures and ten minute conversations with are just not worth the time. I want a buddy that I can eat a burnt piece of toast with and chug OJ out of the fridge with on a Wednesday morning. Burnt toast is where its at. Today I thought of the article Mattias wrote in the Scribe about Friday Night Lights and Parker. I think it really applies to "Into the Wild" and what I am trying to write about here. Screw college apps, SAT classes, and getting A++ in every class. I like the "blue collar" ideals that Mattias wrote about. Be goofy, have fun, be practical, be less organized, and take care of what REALLY matters. How about that? I think it'd be nice.
Just wanted to say that I'm sitting in front of my fireplace, and I'm feeling a little of Thoreau/McCandless. And the oven alam's a-ringing, and I'm listening to it's music. Ok, but for real, I actually do have to go check out my cupcakes. Toodles.
Every time someone asks me what I want to do in life, I just shrug, look down, and mumble something about not knowing, like I'm the flippant teen who can't make up her mind, or the fervent academic who's drawn in too many directions, or the uninsightful slacker. But it's more than that. Every time I get this question, I think, "what's the point?" What do I want to do in life? Well why? Why do I want a career, what's it for? What do I actually want to achieve, because the answer I'm just interested in something or I want to make money just doesn't quite satisfy me. And without being able to answer this, I always felt that it was impossible for me to pick a career path. After all, how can one pick a path if one isn't certain she wants to even start walking?
In this way, I kind of connect with McCandless. Seemed like, to me, he was feeling a little of the same: faced with more years of schooling at Harvard Law, and already having given society's method for finding oneself (college) a shot, he was looking for something else - for reason.
I distinctly remember having a conversation of this sort with a peer in 10th grade. Having been asked what I want to do, I replied something to the effect of what's the point. I was returned a blank stare. Well, I don't know, maybe this interim I'll find some answers. Maybe not. Maybe at our 20th reunion I'll walk in with a pair of hiking boots strapped on, covered in mud, and shouldering a giant blue pack. Doubt it, but you never know.
What a weird day. I had a handful of reactions to the movie. First was the bizarre contrast between watching Into the Wild and trying to force the constant "buzzing" of math equations in the back of my mind, piggy-backing the stress of my math quiz today, to relax. Mr. Harrington remarked, "after watching this movie, you won't care about your math quiz at all." And, well, it's true. And I guess I've always sort of been guilty of the "why does this even matter?" attitude. But, I've always justified my doubts with the idea that every test, quiz, essay, lecture is a baby step to something bigger that I actually want to achieve...which is...? I'm not sure. It's sort of what Keerthi said, and a line from Mcandless that resonated with me, (I'll paraphrase) "Careers are an invention of the 20th century, and I don't want to have one." Wow. What an interesting concept. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but I think it's worth some thought.
The movie made me think of my brother, who I basically idolize. He has always been an adventurer and I have always been jealous of his long backpacking trips, fearless surfing, and wild (for lack of a better word) spirit. His friends are all their own, respective, crazy characters, each with a spirit similar to Chris'. Into the Wild helped me to get it a little more. I always felt like I had some sort of that in me, but not enough to actually do the wild things they were doing. There has always been something holding me back.
It's extreme to say that everyone should go out into the forest by themselves. There's validity to the argument that happiness is something you share with others, like McCandless says. But, I think everyone should have some sort of outlet, something that makes you smile just to think of it, an escape, something to be excited for, to strive for, to challenge yourself. Actually, it shouldn't just be one thing- go all out! For me, there are many things. I thought about the things that make me truly happy: being surrounded by family, laughing with my very best friends, pick up soccer games, finding a new hiking spot, being at camp, talking about a good book, or reading poetry (Whitman, of course, kudos on the quote Mr. H.)
But I've always felt that I had too many things, because the list goes on and on. And having too many things makes me feel a little like I don't have any at all. Which makes me feel a little like Chris McCandless.
As I skim through what every one else has posted, I can't help but to feel a bit intimidated that mine will not be up to par. I too enjoyed "Into the Wild" today, and have been thinking about it in relation to my life. After school I took my crazy dog home and collapsed on my couch. I was rudely awakened by my phone alarm telling me I had to go to the soccer game against CCA. Dreading the hours that were to come, I bundled up as much as I could, grabbed my blanket, and headed out. Walking onto the field, my eyes were instanly drawn to the fact that each of the poor boys looked like a wet dog. They were soaked, and Seth seemed not to care. So they played - in the pouring rain. And I, as a manager, stood over the boys on the bench with multiple umbrellas. Looking back, I feel a bit immature and out of touch with nature for complaining. it was COLD, however, Chris McCandless dealt with much worse and enjoyed every minute of it (or so it seemed). I guess my time was better spent because I was with my friends and the whole soccer team, where Chris was alone. Although we all have those days where we wish we could get away, I like to think none of us would go to the extreme that Chris did. I am so incredibly grateful for my friends and family, and I wish Chris was able to experience that. Well... It's time for me to go - NCIS is on, and my family is obsessed. We watch every week. Bye for now! :)
Although today was probably the 8th time I have seen Into the Wild, it never ceases to amaze me how oblivious I am. I mean, I complain almost every day to Cami about how I want a newer iPhone and a kindle. Wait a second... I want a KINDLE?! An electronic device to replace something that is so inherent to our society for hundreds of years? Yes. I do, which is kind of messed up. I am at a point in my transcendental thought process where it is a bit fifty-fifty. On one hand, I love the idea of living without materials and really soaking in what life truly has to offer. On the other, however, I can't stand the idea of living without computers, phone, and what have you. I feel extremely hypocritical of course, but there really is so much I can do without making (as Chris McCandless said) "a radical change in my lifestyle." I think that I may one day truly embrace the ideals of transcendentalism and romanticism, but until then, I think I'll just read Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" on my Amazon Kindle.
As much as I like the whole romantic ideal of Chris, I also can't STAND him at times. So, just to mix it up a little, I'll write about that.
He could have found the same happiness he was looking for if he just looked a tiny bit closer at the life he was leading while tramping across the nation. I mean, the reason he left in the first place was to simply get away from his lying parents, because they stood for everything bad and wrong in society. Not that I don't respect him for taking that leap and going out into the world, his style. It just makes me sad that he was shown so many loving relationships, like the one with his sister, like the one with the hippies, like the one with Ron, so many TRUE things, and yet, he decides society still isn't good enough. So maybe I'm being a little harsh on him. He was a kid that wasn't satisfied with his life, and did something about it. But aren't we all not satisfied? Why aren't we all jumping ship? I feel tethered to society, but I don't cut my rope because I feel a responsibility to the ones I love. That responsibility might be oppressive but it's something I don't mind having.
I think it's mainly for that reason, the shirking of responsibilities, that I don't like people like Kerouac and McCandless (Although, thinking about it, I like Kerouc substantially less than I like Chris.) And I also guess it's not fair to judge those two on the same level. Chris, to me, felt a little more "pure" than Kerouac, but they were both looking for the same thing: the truth.
Maybe the truth is always there, you just can't see it when you're trying too hard.
First off, I've really enjoyed reading your posts. It sounds like Into the Wild struck a chord with some of you. It is interesting to see how certain films/books, and particular characters in them, force you back upon yourself. A person/character like CM almost forces you to rethink your assumptions about direction, goals, achievement -- you may not be prepared to make a change, but at the very least, if you're a thinking person, you consider it. (From a psychological standpoint, I wonder if that is one of the reasons why so many people are unsympathetic with, almost hostile toward his story: because it implicitly questions values that they hold to be true.) Reading Jordan's and Bizzy's entries reminded me of what it was like to read about then watch CM's story for the first time. As extreme as he was, his ideas about the world are downright inspiring. Like Thoreau, he missed a lot of things -- but he also had the kind of crazy madman spirit that makes me excited to get up every day. Like Keerthi said, he has a kind of spark for life that is both wonderous and incredibly simple. I really like what Salish wrote about how the hard work in life is bringing that spark, that romantic readiness, back into the "real world." There is a natural tendency to divide our lives up -- the cool part when we really live and enjoy ourselves, and the drudgery that we just try to survive so we can make more time for the other. If you've read the short story "Paul's Case" you know about this. The key is bringing the "crazy dash happiness" into every part of your life, bringing the pure spirit and loveliness of a hike in the woods into your math class.
Here's one of my favorite quotations from Jack Kerouac: "The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, those ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars."
Here's to exploding like spiders across the stars.
I forgot to add: I thought today's push to the top of Fortuna was awesome. It got me wondering about how exertion and hard work add to the wonders of the natural world. Is it enough just to get away? Or do you need to push yourself physically somewhat? I know that I always feel a deeper connection, a deeper feeling, when I've had to work hard to get to the top of a mountain. Other observations: 1) jumping on rocks to cross a running stream is a truly wonderful experience; as I told Luke, I've heard the process of boulder hopping compared to improvisational jazz. 2) Speaking of Luke, he can get to the top of a boulder in no time flat; 3) the three Civil War guys want to come hiking with us tomorrow; just friend them on Facebook; 4) As cool as it was to make that climb, sleeping on a rock might have been pretty fun, too; 5) Having a bus waiting for us in the parking lot is a pretty righteous thing.
Bring a little cash with you tomorrorw and we'll have a lovely lunch somewhere.
Vianey couldn't figure out how to do this, so I'm putting it on for her:
Vianey says:
It was amazing to simply lie down on the classroom floor and watch the intriguing themes of transcendentalism unfold in the movie. Chris McCandless was capable of doing of what so many only dare to dream about: destroy all links tying him to society and plunge himself into the wild. He was completely uninhibited and devoted to the idea of living a life independent from societal pressures and norms. He lived as a true individual, as a transcendentalist. Countless times, I have dreamt of the same thing, of saying no I will no longer do all the school work that constantly bogs me down and places stupid and unnecessary pressures, no I will no longer restrain my emotions and force myself to be awkwardly polite to a person I quite simply cannot stand, no I will no longer follow this predictable, narrow and unwavering path leading to college, grad school, work, family, kids, grandkids, and eventually death. There are times when the simple thought of having to fulfill my expected role in society yet again is so repugnant, my face literally crumples up in disgust and my father begins to worry and ask, "Alejandra estas bien? Que tienes?" From this point of view, Chris McCandless is my idol. He is what I've always dreamed of becoming: an individual unfettered by society- SOCIETY. He had the guts to literally throw everything he knew and had away in order to be liberated from the constraints of society and walk into that that will always remain pure and true: nature.
But, Chris McCandless didn't realize- until he was too late and was dying from poisoned berries- that humans need social activity to survive and thrive. I know that. I am fully aware that I need people around me in order to function properly, to be happy, to find my inner-peace. Isolation in the end will only bring you that and an added bonus: loneliness, or estrangement. It's not that I don't appreciate the self-realizations and epiphanies that come with isolation. On the contrary, I am constantly locking myself up in my room so I can actually have the opportunity to think. But if you're alone, truly alone, who are you going to share all you're realizations and notions with? Are you just going to lock all your emotions and thoughts inside you? From prior experience I can honestly say that is torturous. You need to relieve what's inside you or you go mad. I guess, if you were alone and you needed to unburden your thoughts, you could try screaming at the top of your lungs to the empty air. But is that enough? Or do you need to actually be heard- understood? Personally, I would have to be heard. So, from this perspective, Chris McCandless is careless and ungrateful. He never valued what the people in his surroundings were actually offering: love and comfort. He simply cut off all relationships without really looking back, without knowing what he was really doing, without really what this action meant: loneliness.
So, really, I neither admire or scorn McCandless as a person. I simply appreciate his efforts to transcend.
First: I didn't sign up for the blog until this afternoon so I wanted to say a little about my experience on the cave hike yesterday. I kind of jumped into the course without much thought of what I was doing, and am I glad I did. I have never been a classroom learner, and I can really see myself benefitting from the rest of this week. Although I admit that it is a little bit strange to be in a class without anyone I really know and without any fellow sophomores, I like to think that I am going to find a little part of myself that I didn't know before by Friday afternoon. My favorite part of sitting on that mountaintop was the feeling of pure solitude that I felt I was able to achieve, though there were 13 other people around me. I liked the feeling of companionship that came when I heard the scratch and rustle of pens and paper, but when I focused on a little point on the horizon, I was able to feel a complete aloneness. I really felt that when I focused on my breath, and ignored the constant sounds of the jets passing overhead that I could see why the feeling of being with only oneself has been so popular with people like Thoreau for so long. I think I can relate that very feeling to the ideals of Mr. Christopher McCandless. Though I saw the movie a few years ago, I watched it today with an entirely new perspective. Having just read an excerpt from Haines' essay on the beauty of Alaskan wilderness and country, I was able to see some of what he was striving for in his one-man adventure. And I also know that all too familiar feeling of wishing to escape the pressures of what society thinks I should be doing, what my family and friends think is best for me. It is nice to control my own life for an hour or two a day, without the nagging worry of an overdue paper lurking in the back of my mind. This week, so far, has been particularly liberating, considering my only real responsibility has been to blog about things in which I have great interest, and to share them with a group of like-minded people. After we watched the first part of the film, and took our break for lunch, I found myself wanting to go away and take a walk in the woods, or jump the ocean and take a swim to Mexico. Staying at school to consume the flavorless cafeteria food and wander around with no apparent purpose seemed like such a waste of time. I settled for taking off my rain boots and letting my bare feet roam around the cool pavement and wet grass; at least they (my feet) were experiencing the average day as more than ordinary. I guess I was feeling that desire to run and find something different, something new. To find something entirely unknown to everyone but me. Something that only came out of my within when I was out experiencing nature and the world, out and away from the needless worries that come with the society that the majority of us all live in today.
Something amazing happened today. Before I took my nap I tried to write a little bit, but I was completely devoid of emotions and thoughts. It was wonderful. I haven't been truly in the moment for such a long time, and boy did I need it. Although I was one of the losers who didn't hike up to the top, I thouroughly enjoyed the time I spent in nature today. Looking forward to more tomorrow!
Awesome hike. I am pooped. Also have a college interview I have to go to. But a quick note - today when we were hiking, I wasn't thinking. I was just kind of putting foot in front of foot and taking it all in. It's a nice feeling. Anywho, if I remember I'll bring those pictures tomorrow. If not, definitely Friday.
OK well let me start by saying to Jordan that your camera card is safe and I am looking at it right now. Unfortunately, I have no camera to put it in because I cannot find mine, which is really distressing me, anyways the point of that is to tell everyone that the pictures will not be posted tonight because of the above reason. Moving on... This week continues to get better and better with everyday. Even though we sat inside and watched a movie, it was one that was extremely thought provoking and relevant to the course. It really made me want to get away for a little, kind of like Chris did, but maybe not quite to that extreme. I wonder how long I could survive in the lifestyle that he was pursuing. In general I thought the movie was awesome and actually is up there with some of my favorite, more serious, movies. As for today, by far the best hike I have ever been on. The walk along (and through) the stream was great. Something about that sound of water really completes the natural experience for me. I was so shocked when Bizzy and I (trailblazers) got to the peak and could see pretty much ALL of San Diego, it was really incredible. The cool air on the top was so relieving and getting to sign the peak book, er whatever its called, was really neat. I had no idea things like that even existed. But the view was really just amazing, WOW is all I can say about it, I could have sat up there for hours and just stared at everything. On the way down Bizzy, Salish and I decided to go on our little off-trail, rock climbing expedition, which was awesome even though we were worried about poison oak because none of us really knew what it looked like. Another great part about today was it really inspired me to actually go out and hike sometime. All in all, today was amazing and we are undoubtedly in the best interim class, can't wait for the ocean tomorrow and the snow on Friday.
So, I actually just wrote pretty much about the equivalent to an encyclopedia about how cool the day was and my internet went down. I'm so pissed right now. Fortunately, i am going to write a condensed version of it because you all know how cool todays hike was. So here it is: The hike up the river to the waterfall was really extravagant. There were trees and rocks to climb up and it led to the waterfall. It was the perfect rest stop and lunch break. It let us rest up before the strenuous workout we were about to get. The hill was really steep and I sweated buckets. It was a good workout for my calves because they are really sore. The view at the top was awesome, breathtaking. It was a very successful day. We got to connect to nature and do a cool hike at the same time! Snow...
It's pretty late and I'm not sure if I'm conscious enough to write something that makes any sense...or has any meaning...or how to spell that word...long game...bad result...worse foot...wow that sounds like I hate eveything. Fortunately, I don't. Just my basketball experiences today. and some other days. but i like it enough to keep playing so that's good. As far as mine and nature's relationship (is that even the correct use of mine? i don't know...maybe?), we're going steady. We are no longer in that awkward dating/unsure of whats really going on phase. Today helped that out. Although I feel like I missed out on a momentous hike and great team bonding during it, I feel like my sleeping on rocks, with a waterfall rushing beneath me, birds chirping, and blue skies was a pretty good option too. Actaully, quite lovely. Breathtaking. Perfect. Plus, I got a few dates lined up with the civil war boys. Just kidding. But I did get some laughs. I fell into the water as I was crossing the life and death ocean/lake/river/stream/puddle today. That was even pretty fun. Now that tells you what a great time we were having. Or at least perhaps it does...maybe I should get some rest...
Today was the most exciting day of the three I have experienced so far. I haven't spent a lot of time in nature since school started back up in September, so it was really a joy to be out in the fresh air today. Although the hike was somewhat arduous, it was truly a triumph when we reached the top. I wanted nothing more than to stay there for a few hours and drink in the view, avoid having to make the long trek back down the mountain, but of course it could not be so. However, the walk back turned out to be more enjoyable than I thought it would be; I loved the little detour four of us took through the stream. Although it took a little longer than expected, it was the perfect peaceful end to a physically exhausting kind of day.
It's pretty interesting how the day evolved, from a short hike down to the beach, to an extended trek down the coastline. Nice!
Man, I'm ready for a long Rip Van Winkle like nap. But I'll be here at 7 a.m. tomorrow -- and so will you. Important: bring some kind of lunch; bring warm clothing for the cold early morning; bring yourself at 7:00 a.m.
Note: I think it's kinda lolzies that we have one blog with 40 comments. That said, I'll write about today.
The Sea Is A Good Place To Think About The Future (Taken from a Los Campesinos! song.) The sea is so beautiful and vast, it's hard to take in in one fell swoop. Maybe it's a good place to think of the future because it goes on forever, and we like to think our lives go on forever and ever. At least when you're young. When you look at the horizon, it seems as though the sky and the sea merge into one vast, blue, (or grey, on a cloudy day) mass. "It goes on forever, in perfect symmetry," Gareth Campesinos croons. Although I was not able to walk from TP to LJ, Salish and I had a marvelous time, lounging about in the sand, almost being attacked by red-eyed seagulls, and discussing commonly used objects in Murakami books. I should have jumped into the water, but “Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves - regret for the past and fear of the future,” as Fulton Ousler says. Looking out into the sea, I thought about all the other different countries that lie beyond the Pacific, which then lead me to thinking about when I would travel to all of them, which thus lead me to thoughts of my future, and my fear about it. The future reminds me of that one dinosaur part in Fantasia (The name of the piece is called "The Rite of Spring."). The first part is absolutely terrifying, with the trumpets/horned instruments making loud, dark, stacatto noises. But as the piece goes on, it's gets calmer and more excited, rather than scary. Let's face it, I'm terrified of growing old and infirm and not being to do all the things I want to do. But I'm also extremely excited to go to college, visit new cities, live in places I've only dreamed about. I guess just initially I'm terrified.
anyways, I'm not sure if that's really nature related but... I really hope my rock castle is okay.
I don't know to to properly word my thoughts to describe how awesome today was, minus the dead dolphin/bird and that naked guy was pretty weird too. The trails that we began our adventure were very relaxing trails. They were mainly straight but the view made up for it. Running around down on the beach was very satisfying. Mark and I found this cool cave that Bizzy and Jordan refused to see. But, it made me think about Chris and if i was living on my own with no shelter, that cave would be an ideal candidate for shelter. I'm going to go to sleep now because 7am is really early...
Today was beautiful. Although we started the day with the decision to be at school by SEVEN O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING on Friday, I really enjoyed our experience in nature. Torey Pines was wonderful, and so was our walk. The stark contrast between life and death was beautifully illustrated throughout our walk down the beach (with the exception of the naked man in a sweatshirt!). I would love to keep blogging, however I have a rediculous sunburn and need to sleep. Overall, our hike to the burrito shop was well worth it. :)
I am thoroughly exhausted! The first thing I did when I got home this afternoon was fall asleep. I regret having been woken up by my worried mother, but I suppose she was right in saying that I wouldn't get any sleep tonight. Which will be necessary considering my very early wake-up call tomorrow. Though there are a few negative side-affects of the day (my overheated skin and sore muscles), they are positive reminders of how spectacular the experience was. Walking down that wide, expansive, magnificent beach was magical. The sea-spray on our skin, the breeze whipping at our clothes and hair. The naked man wading in the ocean. (Wasn't so magical... Nor were the dead bird and dolphin. But all these sights contributed to a very natural experience. ) Anyway, by the end of our beautiful walk, I think we had all worked up an appetite and need for some kind of seat. The last hour or so spent in town scarfing down food and relaxing and socializing was the perfect end to a perfect day. (society, SOCIETY.) Each of the past four days had topped the one before, making me extraordinarily excited for tomorrow's snow (fingers crossed) hike!
I really got a lot out of today...including an extremely embarassing and tourist-like sunburn right where my Hanes v-neck left me open to the violent sun rays. Okay, a bit extreme about the sun. We all love it. And, even if we didn't, we need it. So, too bad. But, really, think how ridculous that sunburn is. The only part of me that is open to the sunlight (well besides the part exposed due to the, also embarrasing, hole in my pants) turns as red as a lobster? apple? crab? something that's really red...I mean, really? But, beyond the sunburn, today was great. A few of us got to see Luke fall gracefully, Mr H and Luke solved my mid-life crisis, and I saw parts of San Diego that I never have. Gorgeous cliffs I must say. I was absolutely mesmerized. A naked/half dressed man, Dr. Seuss' house, good burgers, perfect weather. Wow. Okay, so SEVEN AM tomorrow. See yall there. I can't believe it, but I will. :)
jordan! i got a sun burn from my v-neck too! it looks really cool. I would just like to say that today was really amazing. I still can't get over the fact that we decided to hike over three miles to lunch, and when alia asked if anyone wanted to drive with her, salish was the only one who volunteered- and that was because she really had to pee. That says a lot about our class, doesn't it? now that hike was long, and amazing, and tiring, and fun, and sad when we saw the dead dolphin + hawk, and exciting when anna saved the life of a drowning bumble bee...the list goes on. Imagine what life would be like if we took that much time to go everywhere. I may sound old-fashioned but I really do think that I would prefer that. We talked about really random events, laughed, had a good time, and just LIVED. it took me away from the stressful world that we live in, to a better place, where nothing seemed to matter. This week I've felt like a little kid again, because I've been able to take time to play and really do exactly what I want to. All in all, I would have to say that this interim is absolutely amazing.
I would LOVE to blog tonight, but I had to go to work today after our epic trek, so I must resign my blogging expertise for the night and will make up for it tomorrow night, along with Friday's blog. For now, I sleep. See you all at 7!
Now,I will speak of the day. Although today was less of a "Nature, Writing, Solitude" type of adventure it may just be one of my favorite days this week. Why? Well, I think the languid nature of the day had something to do with it, don't you think? I stopped trying to clutch (somewhat)naively at the day. Instead, I let time slide lazily by, brushing up against my legs like a tabby cat on a sultry day, tail twitching, eyes half-closed. I warmed myself on a briny slab of stone. I read a good book and wriggled my toes in the sand. What else can we ask for from a day? Today was a surprise- I guess this is what I'm getting at. I am delighted that I needed to pee with such urgency. I was able to chat up Alia and ride in her oh-so-quiet Prius. Imagine my further delight when I slurped down a oh-so-fruity banana smoothie in the company of Vianey, Rachel, and Mr.H. I had a bit of an epiphany today, as well. I pondered "A Wild Sheep Chase" and the illusiveness of the sought-after sheep. In the book time is never linear, but is all over the place. No event happens as planned and all is chaos. Yet, in the end, the sheep is found and all is well.
My epiphany: stop trying to search for sheep, they will come to you eventually. Baaaa
Just peeled off my cold, wet socks. What a day. What a week. I'm going away for the weekend early tomorrow a.m., so I'll check in on this spot Monday or Tuesday to see your final comments and post one of my own.
Yesterday I was watching the ocean and looking at how the waves clean off those perfect little oval blue-black rocks. This week has left me feeling a little like one of those rocks right now. Ready for skipping.
I'll also email you with the names of all the places we went during the week. :)
Today and yesterday were days that had to happen back to back. Only in Southern California can we be walking along the beach one day and playing in the snow the next. Todays hike through the snow was truly amazing. For me personally, it was great because I hadn't seen the snow in over two years because of soccer and other commitments. In addition the idea of solitude summed up today. I don't think I saw another person that wasn't in our group the entire day, which was awesome. The scenery and views today were awesome. I feel like a broken record using words like awesome and great over and over again but they are really the only words I can use to describe today and really the rest of the week. I enjoyed this week probably more than I will enjoy my break next week. It was so fun and will make it so hard to get back to school and so hard not just to run away to any of the number of spots we went to this week.
On another note, I think Chris had it right when he realized that good times can only be shared with others. This week would not have been what it was without you all and I'm so glad I got to share the great views and good times with an awesome group of people.
Thanks so much to Mr. Harrington for a great week and I know for sure we had the best interim class.
Yesterday was truly an amazing experience. The contrast between the snow and the area we went to for lunch was beautiful. Whenever I am in or around snow, I can't help but to think of innocence. The sheer beauty of where we were was breathtaking. I couldn't have asked for a better week; being able to take a vacation in San Diego was wonderful. :)
This entire week was better than I could have ever imagined. We had an incredible group of people that I really felt I could open up to...laugh with but also have deep conversations with. Each day brought new and exciting experiences that I will never forget. We played in the SNOW. how great is that? it really was the best. I wish i could sum up the week with more coherence and beautiful writing, but I feel at a loss for words. I honestly do not want to be on break or in school or anywhere but our interim class. The hikes were gorgeous, our group was perfect, and...goodness gracious I really have no words for this...it was the best. that's all I can really say...everyone else who thinks they had a good or great interim just...just wasn't with us...just doesn't understand. Plain and simple. or sorta.......
Before i even begin to start writing this blog, I must first acknowledge how awesome this week has been. Our interim was by far the best one offered at Parker. Next year I think it will fill up twice as fast. I'm currently writing this in the airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its a very different atmosphere here than the atmosphere of our hike on friday. I think you all could telljust how much I was enjoying myself. Hiking out in Mt. Laguna in the snow? Who'd a thunk it? This whole week was very eye-opening for me and gave me a better insight into the world that we live in. We are constantly surrounded by nature, but we rarely make the time to stop and say hello. This interim has made such an impact on me that I am going to hike as much as possible in my free time. Although I must go back into the world of conformity when we return from ski break, Being out in nature has moved up a few places in my to do list. Not only was this interim off the hook, what really put the icing on the cake was having Mr. Harrington as a guide. He was just as, probably more, excited than all of us combined. I think that definitely made the interim that much better, having a teacher who cares about what we were doing. Unfortunately, My plane is about to board so I must go. But before I do I want to type something that I wrote while I was out on the secluded rock at the top of the trail: "Its just mountains as far as the eye can see. There is no sound, dead quiet except the susseration-like sound of the wind blowing against the dry bushes. Its sanctuary."
Honestly, last week already feels like a dream. I've been dragged back into SOCIETY, fortunately and unfortunately, by parties, homework, and Beatles RockBand. However short-lived that peaceful week was, it did wonders. Like Luke, I too am more encouraged to take more walks and hikes around where I live. Too often I see the faults of the city of San Diego. I'm constantly trying to find ways to weasel my way out of this large, very surburban city. This week really showed me that "Hey, maybe it's not so bad around here..." Nature is everywhere, you just gotta take a second glance at your surroundings. Thanks Mr. Harrington for one of the bestest weeks evah! Peace, Love, and Gap
I absolutely loved this interim. There are no other words. I'm so sad to see it go :( I've already gone back to Torrey Pines (with the rents, who absolutely LOVED the little rock area - I brought some sandwiches and we ate 'em there) and the Laguna Mountain Preserve (a friend and I took the sunset hike. Aweeeeesome!). More than anything, it reminded me that you can find solace in nature, and it's a nice way to interact with others. Share a little peace.
The interim really showed me how diverse San Diego is, and how much there is to do around here. I'll definitely be a-hiking more often. Thanks, Mr. Harrington. And thanks interim buddies for an amazing week.
Last week was awesome. everyone knows it. Nuff' said.
I'm not sure if anyone is still checking this blog but I have a list of titles that Chris McCandless read on his adventures. (I dorked out when I read the book.)
The American West as Living Space Man in the Landscape: A historic view of the esthetics of nature The Call of the Wild, White Fang, To Build a Fire, An Odessy of the North, The Wit of Porportuk, Walden, or life in the Woods, Solitude; a return to the Self, In search of the miraculous, Up the Black to Chalkyitsik, Doctor Zhivago, The stars, the snow, the fire; 25 years in the northern wilderness, Letter from a Man, The Mountains of California, The Dead Father, Wilderness and the American mind, Author: Eskwick Evans, Ktaadn, The Hungry Summer
Today's hike in lakeside did have some tough parts to it, mainly the last climb. However, once we got to the top to hang out, it was a extremely refreshing experience. Being someone who doesn't go on too many hikes, I find it both strenuous and enjoyable. A good way to get rid of stress. Even though the peak wasn't too high, it was amazing to see what East county looks like from an almost birds eye view. Even architectural society can be beautiful despite the negative impacts it has on the world. I find the most enjoyable experience today was our short writing period out at the point. It was truly amazing how much of a stress release 15 minutes can do for someone. Whether it is writing about what is around you and your thoughts, or simply looking out and enjoying the scenery.
Yay! GAWGEOUS landscape! The Mission Trails hike was a spontaneous decision, which made it all the more agreeable. Yes, I hardly remember the specifics of the hike because I was in a delirium from my 500 mg antibiotics. And yes, a great portion of my skin is now sun burnt. But it was all worth it! Everyone hiked at their own pace and everyone was cheerful and encouraging. It was an excellent atmosphere and I promise you, it would have been much harder for Snaily and I to make it to the top without all the supportive encouragement.
yay for interim!
ReplyDeleteOnly 4 more days!
ReplyDeleteYay, almost here.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone.
ReplyDeleteThat was quietly epic today. Epic is probably not the right word. Climbing Mt. Whitney is epic; climbing 45 minutes to a cool little cave with a nice view is something a good deal less than epic. BUT, it felt epic... because school keeps us so bottled up, so constrained by the tyranny of the eight-period day, that it felt pretty epic to get on a bus and be on top of a mountain in the middle of a school day.
In case you haven't figured this out already, I'm really enjoying this. Now that I've seen the class, and felt your energy and enthusiasm, I love it even more.
I may add a little more later, but for now have a great night and see you in the a.m.
mrh
Today was 'quietly epic'! It sort of felt like the first day of summer to me. Excited to be outside and out of school.. watching people throw rocks at other rocks... sack lunches... sunshine... mud... and a cave.
ReplyDeleteQuite a day. Quite a day, indeed.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteToday was awesome. The hike was extremely enjoyable. Not too tough, but not flat land. Running up the hill was the worst decision ever and i immediately regretted it. I loved the cave. i thought it was a cool little nook that 'hid' us from conformity haha. Throwing the rocks at the puddle was also very amusing. I loved being out in the nature away from school and all the drama that runs hand in hand with life. Being out in the wilderness was very rewarding and is a sanctuary. Looking forward to the rest of the week!
ReplyDeletedont pay attention to the one above mine. My brother was signed in on my computer
ReplyDeleteThe hike was really (for lack of a better word right now) fun. And, even though I may have been a little tired for BASKETBALL PRACTICE (yes, bizzy), it was well worth it. Alia, Salish, and I did some pretty intense hiking to find the cave, and even found a second. So, really, we beat Matt and Bizzy. Not that it's a competition. To get just a few hours away from the "real world"--which, for most of us, consists all too much of organized sports, studying, scholarship and college applications, and other commitments--was liberating. I cannot wait for the rest of the week. :)
ReplyDeleteA lot of the time, I think of terms of colors. Today, when I looked out from that cave, everything was a marvelous shade of green. In fact, it was slightly overwhelming. Olive green, to be precise. The boulders matched perfectly. They were like off-white polka dots on a prom dress from the 50's. The sky was a perfect light blue and the clouds had a nice gray underside to them. It was as though nature made the perfect color scheme for our viewing, something you might see in the color scheme of a PC, like you know, one of those drop down choices from the setting menu. The olive green, light blue, light grey, and off white reminded me of a book I read called "Olive," which is actually achingly sad. Sometimes, a place like that can make you feel extremely sad.
ReplyDeleteAlso, when we were in the cave, we were talking about how weird and gross it was that a lot of people had been in there. Or rather what they had been doing in there was the gross bit. But I was thinking about it more, and I guess it's just really interesting how countless people have been in that cave, made it there place, attached some sort of special feeling to it, and yet the cave itself remains so pristine, pure. Like no one else has actually ever been in there since it was created in Prehistoric times.
To put it simply, twas a lovely cave.
Wow. What a day. I began this day not knowing quite what to expect other than an opportunity to experience nature and basic connection with the world, and what I ended up taking from it was an experience with nature and a basic connection with the world. It was absolutely fantastic. Between huddling in a cool and relaxing cave, sliding down a gravelly slope, and cleaning the blood off of Cami's ear, it was quite an epic day. Can't wait for the rest!
ReplyDeleteThe hike today was surprisingly short to get to such a great spot. I would have expected to be walking for an incredibly long time to find that sort of secluded area. Anyways, the thing that really got me was how calm the valley seemed to be when you looked out on it. Even though all the cars were moving and you could hear horses and other assorted noises in the background, everything seemed so calm. It is weird to know that if you were in the middle of the valley where all the things were happening, it wouldn't seem so calm. That really got at the point of the whole class for me, to see, to understand how the society we live in is so much different than most of the natural world. Today was especially interesting because we got to look at society from a distance, while feeling totally secluded. Most definitely one of the best hikes I've been on.
ReplyDeletea poem entitled:
ReplyDeleteTRAVEL MUG
My travel mug spent the afternoon in an oak tree,
wedged gently between branches on a leafy bed,
observing the world as an acorn would,
still
and without comment.
My travel mug spent the afternoon in an oak tree,
while the rest of us trudged up to the summit
(something less than 500 yards),
eyes fixed on the rocky outcroppings above,
where we would descend into a cave that felt more like a living room,
the plasma tv replaced by a view of the river valley,
framed by boulders that came to rest here,
after eons of slow travel,
perfectly positioned to delight and amaze.
My travel mug spent the afternoon in an oak tree,
and if we could for a moment imagine that it had eyes,
and some measure of consciousness,
and perhaps words,
and a mouth with which to express them,
we might hear about what it saw while we were throwing rocks and scribbling notes,
perhaps stories about yellow-rumped warblers,
or spotted towhees,
or even white rumped toddlers on the swings,
pushed by erstwhile moms,
stories about nature and the way things should be and the way thing are when nobody is looking.
Ah, dear travel mug --
Now that you are down from your perch,
we have so many questions.
But when I slide the plastic cover clockwise to free your little mouth,
you have nothing to day.
Instead, you are frozen still, mouth agape, silent and astonished,
aching to tell your stories of the world.
Phew. Cool hike today - refreshing to get out of the confines of the classroom during the school day. I don't know about you guys, but I even felt a tad rebellious. Ok, maybe rebellious is a little overkill. Perhaps more like...well a middle schooler. It was like recess, but only in all the good ways.
ReplyDeleteAnywho, I thought I'd write a little about transcendentalism as I feel about it right now, and, in a self-mocking sort of way, look at it at the end of the week and see if I've changed attitudes at all. (And my feeling is that chances are I will have changed attitudes pretty significantly. But you never know.)
Hmm, let's see. Mr. Henry David Thoreau. Transcendentalism. A philosophy that by nature (oh the puns!) rejects all that we in society stand for and replaces it with a concept totally alien to us, in fact, a concept that we've been running straight away from for centuries - that nature is the key to living a fulfilling life. From the man-in-the-woods colonist days - when blonde-haired, behemoth (always gorgeous) men (Captain John Smith, anyone??) would cut back the horizon daily with their giant machetes - to modern day who-can-build-higher with bulldozers and concrete, our entire history as a country (and I mean the US of A, not North America) has been spent running away from, trying to tame, or even destroying nature. So, naturally, fellows like Thoreau pop up, being all counter-culture and such, screaming, or yawping, at the top of their wide open, nature-filled lungs that we have to stop. That we have to reverse the trend and look to nature for truth. That the only way we will be able to lead fulfilling lives is to...well, not. Stop trying, Thoreau seems to say. Stop trying, and live. Go into nature. Experience.
But, like we pointed out in class, I think Thoreau missed something. I mean, I love my now-and-again (I'm really feeling the dashes tonight...can you tell?) hikes through the woods, my daily sunset viewing, my nightly stargazing. Ya, it clears the mind. Ya, it gives you time to reflect. And, ya, you end up having some pretty profound thoughts. Going "into the wild", if you will, gives you a clarity, or a lack thereof. If forces you to unfocus, to forget life as you know it for a little while. It demands that you put away your nine-to-five day and listen up, to the birds (ya, Mr. H?), to the ocean, to the breeze, to the silence. It demands you lose the focus and concentration on the day-to-day, and then lets you loose in a way.
Oh, wait. Wasn't I un-proving Thoreau?
Right. Well, I think my pal Henry David missed a crucial point. It's not just nature that can do this. I find the same solace in a host of activities. The point is to get outside yourself to find yourself. And that can be done through pretty much anything that busies the body - focusing the mind - but at the same time that isn't to demanding - allowing the mind to wander. Kneading bread, a car ride to LA, yoga, painting, even sometimes typing (sorry H.D., I know that killed you) - all of these offer the same freedom and clarity that nature does. It's a matter of recognizing what can free you, and letting it happen, not fighting it. I get the nature aspect, but I think Thoreau ought to have given the rest of life a try.
Hey hey,
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree that Thoreau missed a lot, and as it said in that article, it was no accident that he never had a wife, husband, family, or close relationship of any kind. This is one of the reasons I have always preferred Whitman's version of all-embracing transcendentalism -- because for Walt "habiting yourself to the dazzle of every moment of your life" can mean a wide array of things. It's more about a certain posture, a certain approach to everyday living, and less about isolating yourself in the world of nature. Whitman is seen by many as a poet of nature, but I think of him more as a poet of the natural, as someone who models a kind of crazy mad loving natural embrace of the world, which includes the people in it. As I think about it Chris McCandless was probably more Whitman-like in his sensibilities, but he had the solitude of Thoreau in his heart.
Today was so nice, just watching one of my favorite movies of all time with the class. I think it will definitely make our next few hikes that more meaningful after watching and discussing the movie. It was so tragic to see Chris finally figure out, through his years of endeavors, that all of his experiences meant nothing if he couldn't share them with another person. I caught myself wondering what his life would be like if he had the opportunity to go back home to his family. Would he forgive his parents for the terrible childhood he had to endure? I think he would have, but then again it is not quite relevant. This movie always hits a soft note for me, calling out to the side of me who just wants t othrow my lifestyle away and do just what Chris did. Go on an adventure to find myself. Everyone has their one big adventure, I just can't wait to have mine.
ReplyDeleteps. this may have seemed all over the place, but i fell asleep multiple times in writing this haha.
pps. I am SO EXCITED for tomorrow! it's going to be so insane hiking in the thunderstorm!! It may not be the best idea considering that I was sick enough to go through two tissue boxes in class today, but that's alright. it will be so worth it!
So I had something that I wanted to write about, but I wrote it in that book-type-deal that Mr. H gave us, and that I conveniently left in his room. And my memory sucks, so there goes that.
ReplyDeleteI figured I could just blog on the movie like we were told. Well, let's see. McCandless is an interesting sort. I think his journey was interesting, a worthwhile endeavor because I think it led him to really find what he wanted in life. Though, I think that this evolved in a sort of lucky way for him. It seemed to me that when he started it was more an act of rebellion than a clear-cut plan to find meaning in life. It was a screw-everything, I-hate-society, let-me-see-what-I-can-find, throw-everything-to-the-wind journey. But it happened to evolve into something deeper, something true.
What made me sympathize with McCandless was his enthusiasm for life. He wanted to live and experience. And whether this is by leading a normal life or trampin' it across the USA, it's an admirable desire. He has a spark, something that makes him really connect, something that makes him the sort that if you met him, you'd trust him, admire him, and want to talk to him. Misguidedness, stupidity, brilliance, carelessness, understanding - no matter what you attribute to him, this must be acknowledged.
And I think what made me feel for him was that what he realized at the end and how the end came about were tragically at odds; "happiness only real when shared" - human relationships, he seemed to say, are what define the moments in life. Then, just after this epiphany, he dies - starving and in pain, but, worse, alone. After Mr. Wilderness finally is "tamed", after his screw-it-all attitude changes to live-it-all, he finally loses the chance to do it. That's tragic.
Into the Wild has really made an impact on me...already. When I left school today, it was pouring rain. So, being the paranoid person/way-too-safe driver I am, I began thinking about how I needed to drive and what route I would take...to be the "safest" or whatever that actually does for me. Then, next thing ya know, I'm thinking about Chris, and what he would think of my worries. Well, he'd probably think they were ridiculous. What am I really worried about? Hurting my dad's car? Having to deal with insurance and other liabilities if I got in a fender-bender? Gosh, now that's embarassing. These are material things, like Chris' car, money, and clothes. Why do I, why do we, care so much?
ReplyDeleteChris made it through so many challenges. He wasn't afraid. He was persistant and hard-working to the end. I don't know about you guys, but that's pretty inspiring to me.
Chris truly found himself through his journey. Now, maybe he gave up more than I am willing to do (I like my family too much I guess), but he probably had it right. Or at least he was on the right track. There is something beautiful about being alone, working for yourself, not held down by the constraints of money and other commitments. I think we all forget that too much. We get worried about realtionship problems, deadlines, and bills when, instead, we should probably put a little more focus into the big picture. Searching for who we are. Finding how we fit into society...or out of it...I don't know...I'm probably more guilty of it than most. Chris found his "truth" that he and Thoreau spoke of. He knew what he wanted: first, it was that freedom of the wild he sought. Then, toward the end of his life, realized his desire to be with others...to share his happiness with the ones he cared for. In my opinion, he was pretty damn successful. I guess that's why, like Keerthi and Cami said, his eventual death was so incredibly tragic...he found his truth, but never got to live it out.
It was fantastic. The story about Chris McCandless is one that many people, including myself, often dream of. Living on your own with nothing but the clothes on your back, a backpack, and a few other odds and ins. Living that way, i imagine, would be very difficult and what some may view as impractical. I disagree with those people. Being impractical would be living a life that is not your own. Why would you live out a cookie cutter life, if you hate it. Now, I'm not saying that Chris nor anyone else would hate everything about life, but more so finding things irksome. Every kid dreams about living in the wild, but Chris was a kid who actually did it. I applaud him for this because its not about doing it just because you have the money to and are capable; its doing it because you truly want to live your life that way. Its more about the principles than just the action itself. I think that I share some of those qualities with Chris because I believe in the same attitude towards life. I'm not going to let anyone tell me how to live my life, they have their own life to construct and maintain. Every person has the opportunity to make the most out of one's life by any means possible. These next few days are going to be filled with wondrous sights and i'll be able to appreciate them more now.
ReplyDeleteAw man...
ReplyDeleteFirst, I have to respond to a few other posts.
Alia: I love the idea of thinking of the world in colors. What do you think today would be?? Perhaps a cozy yellow or beige?
Keerthi: I love what you're sayin and I also love your crazy dash happiness.
Yes, "Into the Wild" is a great movie. Very well done, fabulous story line, good director. Watching it in class today was nice. The pups were a good touch too. There is nothing like resting your head on your dog and watching a good ol' movie. It was a pleasure to meet coco and eddie too.
I have seen "into the wild" countless times and each time I notice something different. I never considered the symbolism in one scene that Mr.H pointed out today. The kid on his trike dragging the xmas tree along with him. What a great symbol!!!
But, to get on with it, I think what is most important about this film is what you can bring from it into your own life. For me, and many other folks, the idea of leaving 'society' and all that goes with it, is very alluring. I think of the scenes where Chris lifts up his arms and smiles and yells "ANYBODY THERE??? GUESS NOT!!!"
How nice. But also, how easy. If a person has a dose of guts and a sprinkle of selfishness and a dash of extremism it is all too easy to up and head off on an adventure. What, though, is real, and true bravery? It is finding what you are passionate about, sticking with it, and making connections with other people. Somebody told me that the most important part of the week is Monday at 8 to Friday at 5. The ability to find people that make the mundane truly extraordinary is so so important. I think McCandless did this pretty well. He lightened up other peoples mundane Monday thru Friday.
The people that you can have fun with on grand adventures and ten minute conversations with are just not worth the time. I want a buddy that I can eat a burnt piece of toast with and chug OJ out of the fridge with on a Wednesday morning. Burnt toast is where its at.
Today I thought of the article Mattias wrote in the Scribe about Friday Night Lights and Parker. I think it really applies to "Into the Wild" and what I am trying to write about here. Screw college apps, SAT classes, and getting A++ in every class. I like the "blue collar" ideals that Mattias wrote about. Be goofy, have fun, be practical, be less organized, and take care of what REALLY matters. How about that? I think it'd be nice.
Just wanted to say that I'm sitting in front of my fireplace, and I'm feeling a little of Thoreau/McCandless. And the oven alam's a-ringing, and I'm listening to it's music. Ok, but for real, I actually do have to go check out my cupcakes. Toodles.
ReplyDeleteEvery time someone asks me what I want to do in life, I just shrug, look down, and mumble something about not knowing, like I'm the flippant teen who can't make up her mind, or the fervent academic who's drawn in too many directions, or the uninsightful slacker. But it's more than that. Every time I get this question, I think, "what's the point?" What do I want to do in life? Well why? Why do I want a career, what's it for? What do I actually want to achieve, because the answer I'm just interested in something or I want to make money just doesn't quite satisfy me. And without being able to answer this, I always felt that it was impossible for me to pick a career path. After all, how can one pick a path if one isn't certain she wants to even start walking?
ReplyDeleteIn this way, I kind of connect with McCandless. Seemed like, to me, he was feeling a little of the same: faced with more years of schooling at Harvard Law, and already having given society's method for finding oneself (college) a shot, he was looking for something else - for reason.
I distinctly remember having a conversation of this sort with a peer in 10th grade. Having been asked what I want to do, I replied something to the effect of what's the point. I was returned a blank stare. Well, I don't know, maybe this interim I'll find some answers. Maybe not. Maybe at our 20th reunion I'll walk in with a pair of hiking boots strapped on, covered in mud, and shouldering a giant blue pack. Doubt it, but you never know.
What a weird day. I had a handful of reactions to the movie. First was the bizarre contrast between watching Into the Wild and trying to force the constant "buzzing" of math equations in the back of my mind, piggy-backing the stress of my math quiz today, to relax. Mr. Harrington remarked, "after watching this movie, you won't care about your math quiz at all." And, well, it's true. And I guess I've always sort of been guilty of the "why does this even matter?" attitude. But, I've always justified my doubts with the idea that every test, quiz, essay, lecture is a baby step to something bigger that I actually want to achieve...which is...? I'm not sure. It's sort of what Keerthi said, and a line from Mcandless that resonated with me, (I'll paraphrase) "Careers are an invention of the 20th century, and I don't want to have one." Wow. What an interesting concept. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but I think it's worth some thought.
ReplyDeleteThe movie made me think of my brother, who I basically idolize. He has always been an adventurer and I have always been jealous of his long backpacking trips, fearless surfing, and wild (for lack of a better word) spirit. His friends are all their own, respective, crazy characters, each with a spirit similar to Chris'. Into the Wild helped me to get it a little more. I always felt like I had some sort of that in me, but not enough to actually do the wild things they were doing. There has always been something holding me back.
It's extreme to say that everyone should go out into the forest by themselves. There's validity to the argument that happiness is something you share with others, like McCandless says. But, I think everyone should have some sort of outlet, something that makes you smile just to think of it, an escape, something to be excited for, to strive for, to challenge yourself. Actually, it shouldn't just be one thing- go all out! For me, there are many things. I thought about the things that make me truly happy: being surrounded by family, laughing with my very best friends, pick up soccer games, finding a new hiking spot, being at camp, talking about a good book, or reading poetry (Whitman, of course, kudos on the quote Mr. H.)
But I've always felt that I had too many things, because the list goes on and on. And having too many things makes me feel a little like I don't have any at all. Which makes me feel a little like Chris McCandless.
As I skim through what every one else has posted, I can't help but to feel a bit intimidated that mine will not be up to par. I too enjoyed "Into the Wild" today, and have been thinking about it in relation to my life. After school I took my crazy dog home and collapsed on my couch. I was rudely awakened by my phone alarm telling me I had to go to the soccer game against CCA. Dreading the hours that were to come, I bundled up as much as I could, grabbed my blanket, and headed out. Walking onto the field, my eyes were instanly drawn to the fact that each of the poor boys looked like a wet dog. They were soaked, and Seth seemed not to care. So they played - in the pouring rain. And I, as a manager, stood over the boys on the bench with multiple umbrellas. Looking back, I feel a bit immature and out of touch with nature for complaining. it was COLD, however, Chris McCandless dealt with much worse and enjoyed every minute of it (or so it seemed). I guess my time was better spent because I was with my friends and the whole soccer team, where Chris was alone.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we all have those days where we wish we could get away, I like to think none of us would go to the extreme that Chris did. I am so incredibly grateful for my friends and family, and I wish Chris was able to experience that. Well... It's time for me to go - NCIS is on, and my family is obsessed. We watch every week. Bye for now! :)
Although today was probably the 8th time I have seen Into the Wild, it never ceases to amaze me how oblivious I am. I mean, I complain almost every day to Cami about how I want a newer iPhone and a kindle. Wait a second... I want a KINDLE?! An electronic device to replace something that is so inherent to our society for hundreds of years? Yes. I do, which is kind of messed up. I am at a point in my transcendental thought process where it is a bit fifty-fifty. On one hand, I love the idea of living without materials and really soaking in what life truly has to offer. On the other, however, I can't stand the idea of living without computers, phone, and what have you. I feel extremely hypocritical of course, but there really is so much I can do without making (as Chris McCandless said) "a radical change in my lifestyle." I think that I may one day truly embrace the ideals of transcendentalism and romanticism, but until then, I think I'll just read Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" on my Amazon Kindle.
ReplyDelete*really isn't much
ReplyDeleteoops! i knew there was a purpose to editing..
As much as I like the whole romantic ideal of Chris, I also can't STAND him at times. So, just to mix it up a little, I'll write about that.
ReplyDeleteHe could have found the same happiness he was looking for if he just looked a tiny bit closer at the life he was leading while tramping across the nation. I mean, the reason he left in the first place was to simply get away from his lying parents, because they stood for everything bad and wrong in society. Not that I don't respect him for taking that leap and going out into the world, his style. It just makes me sad that he was shown so many loving relationships, like the one with his sister, like the one with the hippies, like the one with Ron, so many TRUE things, and yet, he decides society still isn't good enough.
So maybe I'm being a little harsh on him. He was a kid that wasn't satisfied with his life, and did something about it. But aren't we all not satisfied? Why aren't we all jumping ship? I feel tethered to society, but I don't cut my rope because I feel a responsibility to the ones I love. That responsibility might be oppressive but it's something I don't mind having.
I think it's mainly for that reason, the shirking of responsibilities, that I don't like people like Kerouac and McCandless (Although, thinking about it, I like Kerouc substantially less than I like Chris.) And I also guess it's not fair to judge those two on the same level. Chris, to me, felt a little more "pure" than Kerouac, but they were both looking for the same thing: the truth.
Maybe the truth is always there, you just can't see it when you're trying too hard.
First off, I've really enjoyed reading your posts. It sounds like Into the Wild struck a chord with some of you. It is interesting to see how certain films/books, and particular characters in them, force you back upon yourself. A person/character like CM almost forces you to rethink your assumptions about direction, goals, achievement -- you may not be prepared to make a change, but at the very least, if you're a thinking person, you consider it. (From a psychological standpoint, I wonder if that is one of the reasons why so many people are unsympathetic with, almost hostile toward his story: because it implicitly questions values that they hold to be true.) Reading Jordan's and Bizzy's entries reminded me of what it was like to read about then watch CM's story for the first time. As extreme as he was, his ideas about the world are downright inspiring. Like Thoreau, he missed a lot of things -- but he also had the kind of crazy madman spirit that makes me excited to get up every day. Like Keerthi said, he has a kind of spark for life that is both wonderous and incredibly simple. I really like what Salish wrote about how the hard work in life is bringing that spark, that romantic readiness, back into the "real world." There is a natural tendency to divide our lives up -- the cool part when we really live and enjoy ourselves, and the drudgery that we just try to survive so we can make more time for the other. If you've read the short story "Paul's Case" you know about this. The key is bringing the "crazy dash happiness" into every part of your life, bringing the pure spirit and loveliness of a hike in the woods into your math class.
ReplyDeleteHere's one of my favorite quotations from Jack Kerouac: "The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, those ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars."
Here's to exploding like spiders across the stars.
I forgot to add: I thought today's push to the top of Fortuna was awesome. It got me wondering about how exertion and hard work add to the wonders of the natural world. Is it enough just to get away? Or do you need to push yourself physically somewhat? I know that I always feel a deeper connection, a deeper feeling, when I've had to work hard to get to the top of a mountain. Other observations: 1) jumping on rocks to cross a running stream is a truly wonderful experience; as I told Luke, I've heard the process of boulder hopping compared to improvisational jazz. 2) Speaking of Luke, he can get to the top of a boulder in no time flat; 3) the three Civil War guys want to come hiking with us tomorrow; just friend them on Facebook; 4) As cool as it was to make that climb, sleeping on a rock might have been pretty fun, too; 5) Having a bus waiting for us in the parking lot is a pretty righteous thing.
ReplyDeleteBring a little cash with you tomorrorw and we'll have a lovely lunch somewhere.
mrh
Vianey couldn't figure out how to do this, so I'm putting it on for her:
ReplyDeleteVianey says:
It was amazing to simply lie down on the classroom floor and watch the intriguing themes of transcendentalism unfold in the movie. Chris McCandless was capable of doing of what so many only dare to dream about: destroy all links tying him to society and plunge himself into the wild. He was completely uninhibited and devoted to the idea of living a life independent from societal pressures and norms. He lived as a true individual, as a transcendentalist. Countless times, I have dreamt of the same thing, of saying no I will no longer do all the school work that constantly bogs me down and places stupid and unnecessary pressures, no I will no longer restrain my emotions and force myself to be awkwardly polite to a person I quite simply cannot stand, no I will no longer follow this predictable, narrow and unwavering path leading to college, grad school, work, family, kids, grandkids, and eventually death. There are times when the simple thought of having to fulfill my expected role in society yet again is so repugnant, my face literally crumples up in disgust and my father begins to worry and ask, "Alejandra estas bien? Que tienes?" From this point of view, Chris McCandless is my idol. He is what I've always dreamed of becoming: an individual unfettered by society- SOCIETY. He had the guts to literally throw everything he knew and had away in order to be liberated from the constraints of society and walk into that that will always remain pure and true: nature.
But, Chris McCandless didn't realize- until he was too late and was dying from poisoned berries- that humans need social activity to survive and thrive. I know that. I am fully aware that I need people around me in order to function properly, to be happy, to find my inner-peace. Isolation in the end will only bring you that and an added bonus: loneliness, or estrangement. It's not that I don't appreciate the self-realizations and epiphanies that come with isolation. On the contrary, I am constantly locking myself up in my room so I can actually have the opportunity to think. But if you're alone, truly alone, who are you going to share all you're realizations and notions with? Are you just going to lock all your emotions and thoughts inside you? From prior experience I can honestly say that is torturous. You need to relieve what's inside you or you go mad. I guess, if you were alone and you needed to unburden your thoughts, you could try screaming at the top of your lungs to the empty air. But is that enough? Or do you need to actually be heard- understood? Personally, I would have to be heard. So, from this perspective, Chris McCandless is careless and ungrateful. He never valued what the people in his surroundings were actually offering: love and comfort. He simply cut off all relationships without really looking back, without knowing what he was really doing, without really what this action meant: loneliness.
So, really, I neither admire or scorn McCandless as a person. I simply appreciate his efforts to transcend.
First: I didn't sign up for the blog until this afternoon so I wanted to say a little about my experience on the cave hike yesterday. I kind of jumped into the course without much thought of what I was doing, and am I glad I did. I have never been a classroom learner, and I can really see myself benefitting from the rest of this week. Although I admit that it is a little bit strange to be in a class without anyone I really know and without any fellow sophomores, I like to think that I am going to find a little part of myself that I didn't know before by Friday afternoon.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of sitting on that mountaintop was the feeling of pure solitude that I felt I was able to achieve, though there were 13 other people around me. I liked the feeling of companionship that came when I heard the scratch and rustle of pens and paper, but when I focused on a little point on the horizon, I was able to feel a complete aloneness. I really felt that when I focused on my breath, and ignored the constant sounds of the jets passing overhead that I could see why the feeling of being with only oneself has been so popular with people like Thoreau for so long.
I think I can relate that very feeling to the ideals of Mr. Christopher McCandless. Though I saw the movie a few years ago, I watched it today with an entirely new perspective. Having just read an excerpt from Haines' essay on the beauty of Alaskan wilderness and country, I was able to see some of what he was striving for in his one-man adventure. And I also know that all too familiar feeling of wishing to escape the pressures of what society thinks I should be doing, what my family and friends think is best for me. It is nice to control my own life for an hour or two a day, without the nagging worry of an overdue paper lurking in the back of my mind. This week, so far, has been particularly liberating, considering my only real responsibility has been to blog about things in which I have great interest, and to share them with a group of like-minded people.
After we watched the first part of the film, and took our break for lunch, I found myself wanting to go away and take a walk in the woods, or jump the ocean and take a swim to Mexico. Staying at school to consume the flavorless cafeteria food and wander around with no apparent purpose seemed like such a waste of time. I settled for taking off my rain boots and letting my bare feet roam around the cool pavement and wet grass; at least they (my feet) were experiencing the average day as more than ordinary. I guess I was feeling that desire to run and find something different, something new. To find something entirely unknown to everyone but me. Something that only came out of my within when I was out experiencing nature and the world, out and away from the needless worries that come with the society that the majority of us all live in today.
today: awesome.
ReplyDeleteme: very tired.
more later
Something amazing happened today. Before I took my nap I tried to write a little bit, but I was completely devoid of emotions and thoughts. It was wonderful. I haven't been truly in the moment for such a long time, and boy did I need it. Although I was one of the losers who didn't hike up to the top, I thouroughly enjoyed the time I spent in nature today. Looking forward to more tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteAwesome hike. I am pooped. Also have a college interview I have to go to. But a quick note - today when we were hiking, I wasn't thinking. I was just kind of putting foot in front of foot and taking it all in. It's a nice feeling. Anywho, if I remember I'll bring those pictures tomorrow. If not, definitely Friday.
ReplyDeleteOK well let me start by saying to Jordan that your camera card is safe and I am looking at it right now. Unfortunately, I have no camera to put it in because I cannot find mine, which is really distressing me, anyways the point of that is to tell everyone that the pictures will not be posted tonight because of the above reason. Moving on... This week continues to get better and better with everyday. Even though we sat inside and watched a movie, it was one that was extremely thought provoking and relevant to the course. It really made me want to get away for a little, kind of like Chris did, but maybe not quite to that extreme. I wonder how long I could survive in the lifestyle that he was pursuing. In general I thought the movie was awesome and actually is up there with some of my favorite, more serious, movies. As for today, by far the best hike I have ever been on. The walk along (and through) the stream was great. Something about that sound of water really completes the natural experience for me. I was so shocked when Bizzy and I (trailblazers) got to the peak and could see pretty much ALL of San Diego, it was really incredible. The cool air on the top was so relieving and getting to sign the peak book, er whatever its called, was really neat. I had no idea things like that even existed. But the view was really just amazing, WOW is all I can say about it, I could have sat up there for hours and just stared at everything. On the way down Bizzy, Salish and I decided to go on our little off-trail, rock climbing expedition, which was awesome even though we were worried about poison oak because none of us really knew what it looked like. Another great part about today was it really inspired me to actually go out and hike sometime. All in all, today was amazing and we are undoubtedly in the best interim class, can't wait for the ocean tomorrow and the snow on Friday.
ReplyDeleteSo, I actually just wrote pretty much about the equivalent to an encyclopedia about how cool the day was and my internet went down. I'm so pissed right now. Fortunately, i am going to write a condensed version of it because you all know how cool todays hike was. So here it is:
ReplyDeleteThe hike up the river to the waterfall was really extravagant. There were trees and rocks to climb up and it led to the waterfall. It was the perfect rest stop and lunch break. It let us rest up before the strenuous workout we were about to get. The hill was really steep and I sweated buckets. It was a good workout for my calves because they are really sore. The view at the top was awesome, breathtaking. It was a very successful day. We got to connect to nature and do a cool hike at the same time! Snow...
It's pretty late and I'm not sure if I'm conscious enough to write something that makes any sense...or has any meaning...or how to spell that word...long game...bad result...worse foot...wow that sounds like I hate eveything. Fortunately, I don't. Just my basketball experiences today. and some other days. but i like it enough to keep playing so that's good. As far as mine and nature's relationship (is that even the correct use of mine? i don't know...maybe?), we're going steady. We are no longer in that awkward dating/unsure of whats really going on phase. Today helped that out. Although I feel like I missed out on a momentous hike and great team bonding during it, I feel like my sleeping on rocks, with a waterfall rushing beneath me, birds chirping, and blue skies was a pretty good option too. Actaully, quite lovely. Breathtaking. Perfect. Plus, I got a few dates lined up with the civil war boys. Just kidding. But I did get some laughs. I fell into the water as I was crossing the life and death ocean/lake/river/stream/puddle today. That was even pretty fun. Now that tells you what a great time we were having. Or at least perhaps it does...maybe I should get some rest...
ReplyDeletep.s. matthew I am glad to hear that my little boy is doing well. I look forward to seeing him tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteToday was the most exciting day of the three I have experienced so far. I haven't spent a lot of time in nature since school started back up in September, so it was really a joy to be out in the fresh air today. Although the hike was somewhat arduous, it was truly a triumph when we reached the top. I wanted nothing more than to stay there for a few hours and drink in the view, avoid having to make the long trek back down the mountain, but of course it could not be so. However, the walk back turned out to be more enjoyable than I thought it would be; I loved the little detour four of us took through the stream. Although it took a little longer than expected, it was the perfect peaceful end to a physically exhausting kind of day.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty interesting how the day evolved, from a short hike down to the beach, to an extended trek down the coastline. Nice!
ReplyDeleteMan, I'm ready for a long Rip Van Winkle like nap. But I'll be here at 7 a.m. tomorrow -- and so will you. Important: bring some kind of lunch; bring warm clothing for the cold early morning; bring yourself at 7:00 a.m.
Note: I think it's kinda lolzies that we have one blog with 40 comments. That said, I'll write about today.
ReplyDeleteThe Sea Is A Good Place To Think About The Future (Taken from a Los Campesinos! song.)
The sea is so beautiful and vast, it's hard to take in in one fell swoop. Maybe it's a good place to think of the future because it goes on forever, and we like to think our lives go on forever and ever. At least when you're young. When you look at the horizon, it seems as though the sky and the sea merge into one vast, blue, (or grey, on a cloudy day) mass. "It goes on forever, in perfect symmetry," Gareth Campesinos croons.
Although I was not able to walk from TP to LJ, Salish and I had a marvelous time, lounging about in the sand, almost being attacked by red-eyed seagulls, and discussing commonly used objects in Murakami books. I should have jumped into the water, but “Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves - regret for the past and fear of the future,” as Fulton Ousler says.
Looking out into the sea, I thought about all the other different countries that lie beyond the Pacific, which then lead me to thinking about when I would travel to all of them, which thus lead me to thoughts of my future, and my fear about it. The future reminds me of that one dinosaur part in Fantasia (The name of the piece is called "The Rite of Spring."). The first part is absolutely terrifying, with the trumpets/horned instruments making loud, dark, stacatto noises. But as the piece goes on, it's gets calmer and more excited, rather than scary. Let's face it, I'm terrified of growing old and infirm and not being to do all the things I want to do. But I'm also extremely excited to go to college, visit new cities, live in places I've only dreamed about. I guess just initially I'm terrified.
anyways, I'm not sure if that's really nature related but...
I really hope my rock castle is okay.
I don't know to to properly word my thoughts to describe how awesome today was, minus the dead dolphin/bird and that naked guy was pretty weird too. The trails that we began our adventure were very relaxing trails. They were mainly straight but the view made up for it. Running around down on the beach was very satisfying. Mark and I found this cool cave that Bizzy and Jordan refused to see. But, it made me think about Chris and if i was living on my own with no shelter, that cave would be an ideal candidate for shelter. I'm going to go to sleep now because 7am is really early...
ReplyDeleteThis interim has given me a newfound appreciation for Revolutionary War era soldiers.
ReplyDeleteToday was beautiful. Although we started the day with the decision to be at school by SEVEN O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING on Friday, I really enjoyed our experience in nature. Torey Pines was wonderful, and so was our walk. The stark contrast between life and death was beautifully illustrated throughout our walk down the beach (with the exception of the naked man in a sweatshirt!).
ReplyDeleteI would love to keep blogging, however I have a rediculous sunburn and need to sleep.
Overall, our hike to the burrito shop was well worth it. :)
I am thoroughly exhausted! The first thing I did when I got home this afternoon was fall asleep. I regret having been woken up by my worried mother, but I suppose she was right in saying that I wouldn't get any sleep tonight. Which will be necessary considering my very early wake-up call tomorrow. Though there are a few negative side-affects of the day (my overheated skin and sore muscles), they are positive reminders of how spectacular the experience was. Walking down that wide, expansive, magnificent beach was magical. The sea-spray on our skin, the breeze whipping at our clothes and hair. The naked man wading in the ocean. (Wasn't so magical... Nor were the dead bird and dolphin. But all these sights contributed to a very natural experience. )
ReplyDeleteAnyway, by the end of our beautiful walk, I think we had all worked up an appetite and need for some kind of seat. The last hour or so spent in town scarfing down food and relaxing and socializing was the perfect end to a perfect day. (society, SOCIETY.)
Each of the past four days had topped the one before, making me extraordinarily excited for tomorrow's snow (fingers crossed) hike!
I really got a lot out of today...including an extremely embarassing and tourist-like sunburn right where my Hanes v-neck left me open to the violent sun rays. Okay, a bit extreme about the sun. We all love it. And, even if we didn't, we need it. So, too bad. But, really, think how ridculous that sunburn is. The only part of me that is open to the sunlight (well besides the part exposed due to the, also embarrasing, hole in my pants) turns as red as a lobster? apple? crab? something that's really red...I mean, really? But, beyond the sunburn, today was great. A few of us got to see Luke fall gracefully, Mr H and Luke solved my mid-life crisis, and I saw parts of San Diego that I never have. Gorgeous cliffs I must say. I was absolutely mesmerized. A naked/half dressed man, Dr. Seuss' house, good burgers, perfect weather. Wow. Okay, so SEVEN AM tomorrow. See yall there. I can't believe it, but I will. :)
ReplyDeletejordan! i got a sun burn from my v-neck too! it looks really cool. I would just like to say that today was really amazing. I still can't get over the fact that we decided to hike over three miles to lunch, and when alia asked if anyone wanted to drive with her, salish was the only one who volunteered- and that was because she really had to pee. That says a lot about our class, doesn't it? now that hike was long, and amazing, and tiring, and fun, and sad when we saw the dead dolphin + hawk, and exciting when anna saved the life of a drowning bumble bee...the list goes on. Imagine what life would be like if we took that much time to go everywhere. I may sound old-fashioned but I really do think that I would prefer that. We talked about really random events, laughed, had a good time, and just LIVED. it took me away from the stressful world that we live in, to a better place, where nothing seemed to matter. This week I've felt like a little kid again, because I've been able to take time to play and really do exactly what I want to. All in all, I would have to say that this interim is absolutely amazing.
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to blog tonight, but I had to go to work today after our epic trek, so I must resign my blogging expertise for the night and will make up for it tomorrow night, along with Friday's blog. For now, I sleep. See you all at 7!
ReplyDeleteFirst,I feel truly inspired.
ReplyDeleteNow,I will speak of the day. Although today was less of a "Nature, Writing, Solitude" type of adventure it may just be one of my favorite days this week. Why? Well, I think the languid nature of the day had something to do with it, don't you think? I stopped trying to clutch (somewhat)naively at the day. Instead, I let time slide lazily by, brushing up against my legs like a tabby cat on a sultry day, tail twitching, eyes half-closed. I warmed myself on a briny slab of stone. I read a good book and wriggled my toes in the sand. What else can we ask for from a day?
Today was a surprise- I guess this is what I'm getting at. I am delighted that I needed to pee with such urgency. I was able to chat up Alia and ride in her oh-so-quiet Prius. Imagine my further delight when I slurped down a oh-so-fruity banana smoothie in the company of Vianey, Rachel, and Mr.H.
I had a bit of an epiphany today, as well. I pondered "A Wild Sheep Chase" and the illusiveness of the sought-after sheep. In the book time is never linear, but is all over the place. No event happens as planned and all is chaos. Yet, in the end, the sheep is found and all is well.
My epiphany: stop trying to search for sheep, they will come to you eventually. Baaaa
Just peeled off my cold, wet socks. What a day. What a week. I'm going away for the weekend early tomorrow a.m., so I'll check in on this spot Monday or Tuesday to see your final comments and post one of my own.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I was watching the ocean and looking at how the waves clean off those perfect little oval blue-black rocks. This week has left me feeling a little like one of those rocks right now. Ready for skipping.
I'll also email you with the names of all the places we went during the week. :)
mrh
Today and yesterday were days that had to happen back to back. Only in Southern California can we be walking along the beach one day and playing in the snow the next. Todays hike through the snow was truly amazing. For me personally, it was great because I hadn't seen the snow in over two years because of soccer and other commitments. In addition the idea of solitude summed up today. I don't think I saw another person that wasn't in our group the entire day, which was awesome. The scenery and views today were awesome. I feel like a broken record using words like awesome and great over and over again but they are really the only words I can use to describe today and really the rest of the week. I enjoyed this week probably more than I will enjoy my break next week. It was so fun and will make it so hard to get back to school and so hard not just to run away to any of the number of spots we went to this week.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I think Chris had it right when he realized that good times can only be shared with others. This week would not have been what it was without you all and I'm so glad I got to share the great views and good times with an awesome group of people.
Thanks so much to Mr. Harrington for a great week and I know for sure we had the best interim class.
Yesterday was truly an amazing experience. The contrast between the snow and the area we went to for lunch was beautiful. Whenever I am in or around snow, I can't help but to think of innocence. The sheer beauty of where we were was breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have asked for a better week; being able to take a vacation in San Diego was wonderful. :)
This entire week was better than I could have ever imagined. We had an incredible group of people that I really felt I could open up to...laugh with but also have deep conversations with. Each day brought new and exciting experiences that I will never forget. We played in the SNOW. how great is that? it really was the best. I wish i could sum up the week with more coherence and beautiful writing, but I feel at a loss for words. I honestly do not want to be on break or in school or anywhere but our interim class. The hikes were gorgeous, our group was perfect, and...goodness gracious I really have no words for this...it was the best. that's all I can really say...everyone else who thinks they had a good or great interim just...just wasn't with us...just doesn't understand. Plain and simple. or sorta.......
ReplyDeleteBefore i even begin to start writing this blog, I must first acknowledge how awesome this week has been. Our interim was by far the best one offered at Parker. Next year I think it will fill up twice as fast. I'm currently writing this in the airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its a very different atmosphere here than the atmosphere of our hike on friday. I think you all could telljust how much I was enjoying myself. Hiking out in Mt. Laguna in the snow? Who'd a thunk it? This whole week was very eye-opening for me and gave me a better insight into the world that we live in. We are constantly surrounded by nature, but we rarely make the time to stop and say hello. This interim has made such an impact on me that I am going to hike as much as possible in my free time. Although I must go back into the world of conformity when we return from ski break, Being out in nature has moved up a few places in my to do list. Not only was this interim off the hook, what really put the icing on the cake was having Mr. Harrington as a guide. He was just as, probably more, excited than all of us combined. I think that definitely made the interim that much better, having a teacher who cares about what we were doing. Unfortunately, My plane is about to board so I must go. But before I do I want to type something that I wrote while I was out on the secluded rock at the top of the trail: "Its just mountains as far as the eye can see. There is no sound, dead quiet except the susseration-like sound of the wind blowing against the dry bushes. Its sanctuary."
ReplyDeleteHonestly, last week already feels like a dream. I've been dragged back into SOCIETY, fortunately and unfortunately, by parties, homework, and Beatles RockBand. However short-lived that peaceful week was, it did wonders. Like Luke, I too am more encouraged to take more walks and hikes around where I live.
ReplyDeleteToo often I see the faults of the city of San Diego. I'm constantly trying to find ways to weasel my way out of this large, very surburban city. This week really showed me that "Hey, maybe it's not so bad around here..."
Nature is everywhere, you just gotta take a second glance at your surroundings.
Thanks Mr. Harrington for one of the bestest weeks evah!
Peace, Love, and Gap
I absolutely loved this interim. There are no other words. I'm so sad to see it go :( I've already gone back to Torrey Pines (with the rents, who absolutely LOVED the little rock area - I brought some sandwiches and we ate 'em there) and the Laguna Mountain Preserve (a friend and I took the sunset hike. Aweeeeesome!). More than anything, it reminded me that you can find solace in nature, and it's a nice way to interact with others. Share a little peace.
ReplyDeleteThe interim really showed me how diverse San Diego is, and how much there is to do around here. I'll definitely be a-hiking more often. Thanks, Mr. Harrington. And thanks interim buddies for an amazing week.
i miss interim :(
ReplyDeleteLast week was awesome. everyone knows it. Nuff' said.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if anyone is still checking this blog but I have a list of titles that Chris McCandless read on his adventures. (I dorked out when I read the book.)
The American West as Living Space
Man in the Landscape: A historic view of the esthetics of nature The Call of the Wild, White Fang, To Build a Fire, An Odessy of the North, The Wit of Porportuk, Walden, or life in the Woods, Solitude; a return to the Self, In search of the miraculous, Up the Black to Chalkyitsik, Doctor Zhivago, The stars, the snow, the fire; 25 years in the northern wilderness, Letter from a Man, The Mountains of California, The Dead Father, Wilderness and the American mind, Author: Eskwick Evans, Ktaadn, The Hungry Summer
Today's hike in lakeside did have some tough parts to it, mainly the last climb. However, once we got to the top to hang out, it was a extremely refreshing experience. Being someone who doesn't go on too many hikes, I find it both strenuous and enjoyable. A good way to get rid of stress. Even though the peak wasn't too high, it was amazing to see what East county looks like from an almost birds eye view. Even architectural society can be beautiful despite the negative impacts it has on the world. I find the most enjoyable experience today was our short writing period out at the point. It was truly amazing how much of a stress release 15 minutes can do for someone. Whether it is writing about what is around you and your thoughts, or simply looking out and enjoying the scenery.
ReplyDeleteYay! GAWGEOUS landscape! The Mission Trails hike was a spontaneous decision, which made it all the more agreeable. Yes, I hardly remember the specifics of the hike because I was in a delirium from my 500 mg antibiotics. And yes, a great portion of my skin is now sun burnt. But it was all worth it! Everyone hiked at their own pace and everyone was cheerful and encouraging. It was an excellent atmosphere and I promise you, it would have been much harder for Snaily and I to make it to the top without all the supportive encouragement.
ReplyDeleteWe saw hawks and caterpillars!
I shall post the photos at the end of the week.