Into the Alaskan Wilderness: Alex's Journey

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Questions and Answers

What did Chris McCandless do with his belongings before leaving Atlanta?

Sold them all

Placed them in storage

Gave them away to friends

Packed them into his car (correct)

How did Chris's parents find out that he had moved out?

The apartment manager informed them (correct)

They saw his belongings at the apartment

They received a phone call from him

They found a letter from him

What name did Chris adopt to symbolize his new life?

Alexander Super-tramp (correct)

Chris Traveler

Alex the Wanderer

John Adventurer

What was Chris's primary reason for driving west out of Atlanta?

To start a new life Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of Chris's apartment when his parents arrived?

It had a 'For Rent' sign taped to the window Signup and view all the answers

What did Chris do with the letters his parents sent him?

He instructed the post office to hold them Signup and view all the answers

How did Chris feel about his previous life before his departure?

He viewed it as stifling and constrictive Signup and view all the answers

What was Chris's emotional state towards his family upon leaving?

He desired complete separation Signup and view all the answers

By what time did Chris's parents start to worry about him?

At the beginning of August Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the desert is mentioned as unique in relation to Chris's experience?

It presents a vast and austere environment Signup and view all the answers

What is described as having the most majestic, terrible, and encircling qualities in the desert?

The desert sky Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is described as endemic to the Mojave Desert and classified as endangered?

Bear-paw poppy Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the desert sky enhances the perception of clouds?

Unobstructed view Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary soil type where the bear-paw poppy grows?

Gypsum soil Signup and view all the answers

Why did the National Park Service ranger lead a team to survey bear-paw poppies?

To determine their population status Signup and view all the answers

What motivates prophets and hermits to go into the desert, according to the passage?

To find therapeutic and spiritual values Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of desert landforms contributes to the perception of cloud architecture?

Their angularity Signup and view all the answers

What time of year does the bear-paw poppy bloom in the Mojave Desert?

Late spring Signup and view all the answers

What type of landscape feature does the desert provide, compared to other environments?

Unobstructed visibility Signup and view all the answers

Which activities are specifically associated with the desert environment according to the passage?

Pilgrimages and retreats Signup and view all the answers

What occupation did McCandless take on upon arriving in Carthage?

Grain elevator employee Signup and view all the answers

How did Westerberg describe McCandless's work ethic?

He was one of the hardest workers he'd seen. Signup and view all the answers

What was a potential reason for McCandless's troubles, according to Westerberg?

He thought too deeply about life. Signup and view all the answers

What did Alex prefer to do in his jobs, according to Westerberg?

Complete every job he started Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of McCandless's personality did Westerberg highlight?

He set high standards for himself. Signup and view all the answers

What did Westerberg mean when he said McCandless 'stuck on things'?

He couldn't move on without answers. Signup and view all the answers

How did Westerberg learn about McCandless's real name?

Through a tax form Signup and view all the answers

What insight about McCandless's family did Westerberg possess?

There seemed to be issues between him and his family. Signup and view all the answers

Which activity did McCandless NOT engage in, according to Westerberg's account?

Doing office work Signup and view all the answers

What was notable about McCandless's vocabulary?

He used a lot of big words. Signup and view all the answers

What caused McCandless to gather his belongings quickly?

A flash flood from heavy rain Signup and view all the answers

Why could McCandless not start his car after the flood?

He drained the battery in impatience Signup and view all the answers

What did McCandless have to do after the car would not start?

Walk out to notify the authorities Signup and view all the answers

What were the authorities likely to question McCandless about?

His driving violations Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding McCandless's vehicle registration?

It expired two years prior Signup and view all the answers

What did the rain over Detrital Valley lead to?

A sudden flash flood Signup and view all the answers

What was the situation of McCandless's car after the flood?

It was still in place but wet Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of McCandless's impatience?

He drained the car battery Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma did McCandless face regarding the rangers?

He was afraid of fines for his vehicle issues Signup and view all the answers

Which problem did McCandless not face after the flood?

His car registration was valid Signup and view all the answers

What type of house did Westerberg live in?

A two-story Victorian Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary social activity of McCandless and the inhabitants of Westerberg's home?

Cooking for one another Signup and view all the answers

What profession does Wayne Westerberg NOT hold?

Professional writer Signup and view all the answers

What illegal activity was Westerberg involved in before meeting McCandless?

Selling illegal satellite-television boxes Signup and view all the answers

What did McCandless find appealing about the community of Carthage?

Its unassuming and steady nature Signup and view all the answers

After Westerberg's arrest, what did McCandless choose to do?

Leave town and resume his nomadic lifestyle Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons McCandless developed a bond with Carthage?

Its pool of jetsam beyond the main current Signup and view all the answers

What was Westerberg's reaction after being arrested?

He expressed remorse and accepted a plea deal Signup and view all the answers

How did the living arrangements in Westerberg's home function?

They were loose and convivial Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond did McCandless develop with Wayne Westerberg?

A familial bond Signup and view all the answers

What did Alex think about the government's rules regarding hunting licenses?

He thought they were irrelevant to his life. Signup and view all the answers

How did Alex respond to questions about whether anyone knew his plans?

He expressed certainty that no one knew. Signup and view all the answers

What was Gallien's impression of Alex during their conversation?

Alex appeared overly excited and determined. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of road did Gallien encounter as he continued down the Stampede Trail?

A rough, unmaintained track marked by challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Gallien to stop driving further down the trail?

He was concerned about getting stuck in the snow. Signup and view all the answers

What items did Alex insist on giving Gallien?

His watch, comb, and loose change. Signup and view all the answers

How did Gallien view his attempts to dissuade Alex from his plans?

He found them completely ineffective. Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of the road after passing the last cabins?

It was washed out and overgrown. Signup and view all the answers

What did Alex think about his ability to handle challenges on his journey?

He confidently believed he could deal with any situation. Signup and view all the answers

How far from the highway did Gallien stop driving?

Ten miles. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Alaskan Interior

Jim Gallien, a union electrician, encountered a hitchhiker, Alex, in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Alex, a young man from South Dakota, requested a ride to Denali National Park.
Alex's backpack contained a rifle, but his gear and food seemed oddly light for a long bush trip.
Gallien was initially suspicious of Alex's plan to "live off the land" but agreed to give him a ride.
Alex's destination was the Stampede Trail, an unmarked route.
Alex had very minimal gear and no survival skills, raising concerns about whether he is a safe person to be in the Alaskan bush.

Hitchhiker's Story

Alex claimed to be 24 years old.
Alex stated that he had no one in the outside world to warn them of danger.
Alex claimed he wanted to experience the wilderness.
Alex was very set on his destination despite warnings about the harsh conditions.

Dangerous Trip

Alex's lack of survival equipment was worrisome.
Gallien worried about Alex's safety in the Alaskan wilderness.
Alex's trip turned out to be life-threatening, and he died.
Alex was alone in the wilderness for months.
Alex died from starvation.

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Description

Explore the compelling story of Alex, a hitchhiker who embarks on a dangerous journey into the Alaskan wilderness. This quiz delves into his preparation, mindset, and the concerns raised by a local electrician, Jim Gallien, about Alex's survival skills and intentions. Test your knowledge about this intriguing tale of adventure and risk.