Hiking the Stampede Trail

• Home
• Articles
• Trail Reports
• Photos
• The List
• History
• Resources
• Forum
• Contact

Carine McCandless' Letter About the Bus

May 2011

Over the past 20 years I have been asked countless times what my opinion is on whether or not the bus should be removed. My answer is always the same, "It's not about the bus."

I believe what draws individuals to that place is not so much about connecting with something they found in Chris, but rather to reconnect with something they have lost in themselves. I also believe their focus, be it realized or not, is not the bus itself but rather its location. That part of Alaska is certainly not going anywhere. People will still go regardless of if the bus remains there. If it is removed, then inevitably another monument of some sort will simply take its place. It will be something installed by an admirer or, since there is need for nothing else, just the immense beauty of that territory where Chris spent the purest and most peaceful days of his life.

I have been to the bus. For obvious reasons I feel I can rightfully say that the pull of that spot of the Earth has a more powerful draw on me then anyone else. Still, it took me 15 years just to emotionally prepare myself for the trip. From a physical standpoint I am very healthy, strong and fitter than most. I have a love for nature and plenty of hiking experience. However, I had never visited Alaska before nor had I hiked in similar terrain. I fully understood the danger and the reality of such a trek – or rather I accepted my level of naivety. I did not have the time or the opportunity to properly train and prepare. Thus I did not think even once, that I should choose to hike it. I'll admit my adventurous side felt like it was being cheated as I viewed the landscape from above in a safe and warm helicopter. I would rather have immersed myself in the challenge than float above it, but only if it had made sense. I knew the most important goal of that trip was for me to get back home to my children, and Chris's voice in my head was my strongest reminder.

While there is much to be admired about the free spirited manner of Chris's journey, it should not be ignored that he died during it.

If you have made your way to this website, chances are you are considering a visit to the bus. Please study the information on this site and others. Then ask yourself if you are fit for such a journey both in mind and body. Mind – what is your true intent for going? Body – can you really do this safely?

Answer yourself honestly, and listen to that truth.

Chris came very close to making it back out alive, and if he had been better prepared he would have.

That bus has so much history aside from the few months my brother spent there. It has other stories to tell. For some, it is considered sacred ground but that is not why I respect it. For it is not owned by Chris or his memory or his followers. It is part of Alaska and should be revered as such. If and when you get there, please respect it. A few have the potential to ruin it for the many. Leave things in better condition than you found them, don't be a vandal. Most importantly, don't go unprepared.

Some Alaskans want the bus removed, citing rescues of "those idiots from the lower 48". All of us who are fortunate enough to be American citizens have the right to enjoy the freedom to travel wherever we want, including Alaska. Alaskans do not always have the fondest opinions of Chris, but so be it, they also have that right. Listen to their warnings and advice about their land because they know it best.

I personally would like to see the bus stay where it is. But as I write this, sitting in Virginia at the same desk where I used to watch Chris write, my reasons seem selfish. The love and respect I have for Chris and my hope to get out there again lead my desire to see it remain. I entertain no illusion that I have a complete or valid understanding of the reasons that the residents of that area want it removed, and in my humble opinion it should be their decision. If I disagree with that decision, I will still respect it. However, it is my hope that all who plan to visit the final resting place of my brother will do so with respect and intelligence. Go in and out quietly and unnoticed. If all visitors follow this plan then the chance that the bus will live out the rest of its days in that place are far improved.

I thank you for your time in reading my thoughts.

Honor Each Day,

Carine McCandless

info@pathfinderalaska.com

PO Box 2831
Palmer, AK 99645

©2011 Erik Halfacre - All Rights Reserved