Personal Journal of Christopher McCandless
As I prepare for this tremendous journey in my life, I am left with one thought in my mind. What will my view be like from the top? Will it be too cloudy to see, or will it be clear skies as far my eyes can see. I am left pondering this moment and cannot shake it until I see for sure.
April 12th, 1754. Camp II. Elevation: 14,514 ft.
The journey has just began for me I unfortunately must say. The weather is bad. It has not stopped since we have set foot on this damn mountain. I wish only for warmth and protection from this treacherous weather. I wish only to make it home alive.
May 3rd, 1754. Return to Base. LAST ENTRY.
This is the day my life was taken by cruel mother nature. The weather has only worsted. An avalanche has taken the rest of the crew; I am the lone survivor. As I sit in this snow slowly dying, I have one and only thought left in my mind. Why did I ever decide to take such a journey...
(Moments before Christopher's last breath, A rescue helicopter had taken him off the cruel unforgiving mountain and restored his health. Three years have now passed since this journey and Chris is returning to conquer Mount Everest once and for all.)
Personal Journal of Christopher McCandless (Continued)
March 12th, 1757. Round II: Base.
I sit here once again not thinking about the past, but focusing on the future. I am unsure for what it holds. I am not 100% sure why I have returned, maybe call me foolish. I must defeat this harsh beast after cheating death from it once before. Has my luck ran out, or am I still on a winning streak. The future can only say for sure.
May 9th, 1757. Goal Achieved.
I sit here on the top of Everest, kissing her unforgiving fists. I remembered her all too well on the journey up. Words cannot express the view, if only my words could capture this moment forever. I must not waist this moment writing. I must take in what I have accomplished.
(That was Christoper's last and final journal entry. He died in his journey down from the mountain. An avalanche had taken him and his entire crews lives. Chris paid his life determined to do what he did not finish the first time. Some may call his actions foolish and that he asked for death, regardless he died a happy man having accomplished his main goal in life.)
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| (Mount Everest: Source) |
Author's Note
Okay, so this is a pretty long stretch from the original story. I tried to keep the same moral of the story, but use a completely different style of writing. The original story this is adapted from included two brothers. One of the brothers goes on a journey trying to awake his "luck" so he can live a better life. He ends up helping everyone else besides himself. In the end, he loses his life because he makes foolish decision and does not take advantage of any of the opportunities given to him. I tried to incorporate this into my story as well. Christopher returned to conquer Mount Everest, but it proved to be too much and he had also made a foolish decision that cost him his life.
Bibliography
The Man Who Went to Wake His Luck which was translated by D.L.R. Lorimer and E.O. Lorimer. 
Alex, wow! I loved how you used dates and times throughout your story. This made the story more detailed and realistic. I also loved how your story was written as if it were a diary or journal. This was a very creative format that you used! The ending was wonderful as well! It made me so excited for the author of the story. Overall, you did a great job! I really enjoyed reading this story because I felt like I was experiencing the journey first hand.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great picture of Mount Everest. I find that it's often times hard to do nature justice with just a picture, but you chose a great one! I liked the storytelling style you chose, the diary entry format is one of my favorites! I also like Christopher's detailed entries, it was cool to read his thoughts. I almost felt like I was riding along for the journey in his mind. Good job!
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