Breaking News: Part of Bus 142 Sold on eBay

It's been 15 years since Christopher McCandless died in his sleeping bag inside a Fairbanks city bus and less than a month since Sean Penn released his movie version of the epic first chronicled by Jon Krakauer in "Death of an Innocent" in the January 1993 issue of Outside.

Now, someone's taken a piece of the original bus, still where it was in 1992, and sold it on eBay. The bus's instrument panel ("it is missing the speedometer") went for $177.50, near as we could tell by looking at the auction site.

In one Q&A on the site, one potential bidder questions seller kcmtbike's ethics:

Q:      Hey man, I'm not trying to be a dick, but the bus location is very sacred and I'm not really sure what gives you the right to take things out of the bus and sell them on ebay. Just think with the movie hype that coming around, if everyone went to the bus and just took one or two small things to SELL, there would be nothing left in this very sensitive place. Please don't try to capitalize on a tragedy.    

A:      I cannot disagree with everything you mention in this comment. The story is sacred to many people and the bus plays a part in the story. This area is sacred to me, along with many other areas of wilderness, one of the reasons I spend so much time in the backcountry. The sacredness is not apparent to me as any one event/tragedy or in physical objects as these are all subjective (although so is any other interpretation, such as my own); it is more a combination of many things, some of which cannot be communicated between individuals and are not equitable between persons. As for a permission/right for a particular action, I am honestly not sure which is correct in this situation; legality does not appear to be an issue, morality might. Capitalization on this event (certainly a tragedy to some, although the event would not have near the meaning to most had it not happened the way it did) is probably the main, if not only, reason that this topic is even in the consciousness of nearly everyone aware of what this is all about. Therefore, it is not as clear-cut as first appears. Intent for capitalizing on this story has even been used explicitly by Alaska tourism promoters (Visitors Bureau, Alaska Airlines, etc) in the local papers discussing courses of action. Incidentally, there is serious talk by the authorities of removal of the bus from out on the Stampede trail for numerous reasons, so much of the topic may become moot very soon. In the end, I understand some of how you feel the way you do, but feel you may be missing more of the broad picture and what McCandless was after in the first place. To be honest, my rational for this removal was that the bus and the area around it were becoming littered by material spread around by visitors and animals alike and in appreciation for the amount of effort undertaken by those who successfully make it out there (and those who don’t) some cleaning was in order. Judge me as you may. Thanks for the comment Kasey

He also included a YouTube video on eBay proving the instrument panel is really from the bus. —Christina Erb

Tell us what you think in our comments section below. Should pieces of the bus be sold?

Comments

[s]

If the guy who sold this wanted to "clean up the area" or whatever he said, he could have sold some of the trash he was cleaning up, not a part of the bus that wasn't added to the scene later.
Yes, it's just a bus, and y'all know Chris would think it is ridiculous to make it a shrine because of him.
But I also bet that if he had been to places where people he idolized had died, especially in an accidental way like this, that he would have felt the power of them, as many people feel about the bus.
He made a couple of mistakes, but he did know what he was getting into, and he managed well enough for most of that 100-plus days - and he was just a kid and had that same immortal feeling that lots of people do.
I'm angry at the way he acted for his family's sake, but I do suspect that had he lived, he might have come around.
It sucks that there are so many tiny things he might have done that still could have kept him wildish but helped him get out.
And I definitely don't think Kasey should have sold this.

[Michael from Mississippi]

When I first read the McCandless story in 1992 in Outside Magazine I was moved by the entire thing. Jon Krakauer has real gift for bringing stories to life. This guy is GOOD!

But as time has passed and more and more about the tragedy is written, i've come to feel differently. Chris "Alexander Supertramp" McCandless certaily wasn't a visionary and the bus in which he passed away isn't a religious shrine. It is merely a rusting old bus purposefully placed where it is years ago to be used as a shelter. that's precisely what McCandless did, as well as many other travelers, hunters, adventurers and others that have traveled along the Stampede Trail. The difference being that McCandless, in his ill-prepared insistance to leave civilization behind and "live off the land" for "a few months" was woefully unaware of how difficult that can be and managed to die there. It's a sad, unfortunate, tragic story of mistaken youthful invincibility that has happened many times before Chris McCandless found the bus. Ironic that he was leaving civilization behind (running?) and chose the one thing that represents civilization - a mass transit bus - to make his base camp. I would think that "living off the land" would mean making a shelter from what grew there or was natural to the area. The bus is not indigenous to the area.

While I am still captivated by the story and continue to read other people's postings, I think that Chris was not merely seeking adventure. He was running from what he determined was a bad childhood. I'm sorry but I have a real problem with that but I wasn't there and don't know the whole story. However, it doesn't appear that Chris lacked for anything or was mistreated, quite the contrary. I too, had my problems (I barely knew my father and have few memories of him) but I never had the desire to run off into the woods and seek solitude huddled alone inside a remnant of the past.

Chris didn't deserve what happened to him, but he did set the wheels in motion that made a tragic ending unavoidable. A series of irresponsible, bad decisions and misfortune mixed with inexperience and a head filled with Tolstoy, Pasternak and Thoreau and Jack London, all finally combined to lead to Chris' untimely, and very avoidable death.

The story has so many twists and unanswered questions that it can't help but captivate the reader. And always, will ultimately divide the readers into different schools of thought.

As for selling parts of the bus on ebay or other sites. I can't agree with that simply because now, since the movie has generated new interest in the "Cult of Chris McCandless" it is inevitable that pilgrims will travel to the place where he ultimately managed to truly "break away." Those that make the trek should be able to see it and experience it without it being raped by capitalists such as the Titanic site has been. At least those items were put on display. Chris's (Gallien's) boots are gone. The instrument cluster is gone. it goes on and on. These items weren't attractive until Hollywood glorified the story. Somehow Chris's boots in someone's home just kills the mystique and renders them, well, useless? Is that the word? Morbid? No, they should have remained at the bus.

Chris is gone, but his story remains. The questions will forever remain unanswered. There are some mysteries that should remain mysteries...Amelia Earhart for example. Do we really have to know all the answers?

Chris wanted to disappear into the wild. He managed to do just that - only the disappearance was forever. In that sense, he accomplished what he dreamed of. He found his "Hotel California." He left little behind, a cryptic journal mixed with the words of his heroes, some articles of clothing, a few personal necessities and most of all, a legacy.

Leave the bus alone. Visit it but even though it's nothing but a rusting old hulk with stories of it's own, certainly not a shrine, it's still a destination for those that seek something. Who knows, maybe they will find what they seek there.

I would love to see it myself, not to take, just to see.

[theresa]

On one hand I don't think pieces of the bus should be sold. It's a memorial now, and out of respect for Chris McCandless parents it should stay as it is. Also, selling something like that for money that is not necessarrily needed seems opposite to the life style Chris McCandless adopted in his last years. He only made money when he absolutley needed to. Does this guy on ebay absolutley need this money?? Probably not. On the other hand, idolizing a bus, whether or not someone died there is still quite materialistic. Would Chris McCandless really care if pieces of the bus were sold. I wouldn't think so. If I had to decide, I would say leave the bus as it is and just respect what occurred there.

[john]

the guy who sold the bus stuff is on myspace ....tell him whats up

[Pat Gigglekite]

Assuming that everybody here would agree that McCandless is no better than anybody else, why does his final resting place deserve sacred status? If 5,000 people do the same thing, are those areas then not allowed to be touched? If we deem every final resting place untouchable, we'd better move to another universe, QUICK.

What if a long lost relative of a person that died in 1845 on the site of your home arrives to declare that you are dwelling on a sacred spot? YOU'LL HAVE TO MOVE OUT, JACK!

[Cathy Wilson]

Chris McCandless was on a mission of his own accord. I am very unhappy that he died such a miserable death, and really feel for him. He will be a legend and is honored and noble in my mind.

[Tes2fy]

After reading through the comments, I cannot pass without adding my own.

First of all, those of you who say that McCandless "Deserved to die" are complete idiots. Chris didn't rape a child or murder another human being, so he did not deserve to die. Additionally, there was no death wish or suicide mission. He was a kid who entered a situation totally unprepared. He was stupid for not heeding advice, but this does not equate to "He deserved to die".

He isn't a hero, but I do admire and respect the fact that he chose not to fill the mold created for him by society - he went out and created his own mold, and I admire the heck out of that.

He didn't die of old age sitting in some nursing home reflecting back on his life and wishing that he'd done this or that - he died doing something that he lived for - following HIS dream.

Our personal choices and decisions can often lead to events that we hadn't intended on, but they are OUR decisions and choices to make.

As for the original idea behind this particular comment column, the bus should have been left alone. Granted, it is viewed by some as a decrepit old abandoned bus, but that doesn't mean that it's free for the taking. It is obvious, given the fact that over 200 people have trekked into the wilderness to pay their respects, that some view this place as a sacred spot. What's next, rip out the plaque his parents installed and sell it too?

There are several places in our nation where notable figures have met their deaths, and these places are kept up as sacred, hallow grounds. I see the bus as being no different from those other places.

As for myself, I wouldn't go out and find the bus, but I respect the choice of others to do so. It's their quest, and it's their right to pursue whatever it is that they're seeking, as long as the place is left in the same condition that it was when they arrived.

Someone really should haul the bus out of the woods and put it somewhere where it'll be protected from further vandalism. I honestly hope that someone does that.

Thank you for allowing me the space to share my thoughts, and go in peace.

[Jon Goodwin]

There is are 3 videos on youtube showing the inside of Bus142. I wanted everyone to have a chance to see it before everything else is sold on Ebay. Check it out. JON

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZPoJJ4fs28

[dr]

wrong, thats directed to nevada climber, sorry stephanie

[dr]

I have something to say to 'stephanie', who suggests McCandless was verging on mental illness or words to that effect.

To claim a knowledge of his perspective/condition is fine if thats what you want to do, but what use is it?

Consider that he lived, at least part of a life that; he chose, that he was unafraid to attempt and that he died by his own choices. How many of us will be able to honestly claim that?

It is more useful perhaps to consider the implications of his actions, rather than the why. Was he mentally unstable? Was he a traumatic adolescent? Was he reaching out for a higher purpose? Does it matter?

I for one find it interesting to think about why I'm going into work on Monday morning, to spend the next however many years making other people richer. Is it so I can kick back and say 'its ok, im a well rounded & balanced individual with a happy mix of friends and family'.

His story seems to have distressed you as your language is vindictive verging on nasty, maybe you should stop obsessing over him and turn it to your life for a minute. Maybe you really do appreciate the mountain stream you mention. Do you think everyone wants to appreciate it the way you do? When you die what will you have really achieved on your own and for your self? Legacy, money, property, time with loved ones, ok fair enough. Maybe to some people those things aren't worth living for. You should accept that not everyone wants the same things in life that you do. Whatever they may be.

Open your mind.

[Maureen Fox]

Its more than a beat up bus. It was Chris' last resting place. It should be left alone. You wouldn't want anyone to take something that was not yours off of your loved ones gravesite,then why would anyone want to do that to Chris' family? Leave it alone and let it be as a sacred place for everyone to enjoy, NOT to take things that don't belong to you. Anyone who would do something like that has no soul or heart!!

[atl girl]

I agree with Elke. The kid was self absorbed. It is not that I don't like the kid portrayed, however, people who cared about him thought about his feelings and needs thru out his childhood and development. You can choose your own path without losing basic consideration. I am intrigued by the story and will probably go see the movie but we need to look at both sides. It was irresponsible to go into the wilderness unprepared. He seemed to understand the risk and believe that he was willing to accept it. I worry about the attitude of it is my life.... We are all connected and we need to care about each other and that starts with our families and friends. I have always had wander lust and can relate but there have been many travelers and wanderes that accomplished their goals in much healthier way. Just my 2 cents.

[Greg]

No wonder Chris was torn by a desire to leave everyday human society. The problems Chris had with his father are none of our business.

This to me is as despicable as adjustable rate mortgages knowingly pushed onto people who can’t afford them, but don’t know any better. Secret memos that make it company policy to regularly overcharge customers because they know that only 30% of the people charged will catch the mistake. Mandatory 15 minutes of on-hold time (hoping that another 5% will get frustrated and hang up) for anyone who caught the overcharge and called in to correct the problem. It’s 100% legal but it’s shady as heck. You are a human TURD. I know that these examples have little to do with your ebay sale, but these are just two very small examples of why I hate living in the herd of today’s shady society. I wish I had the balls to leave it all behind and walk out like he did. Have fun with your $177.00, hope it was worth your soul.

[Dan]

I read an interview with Sean Penn (maybe the one in Outside) describing his strong emotions when he arrived at the bus and found most of Chris's personal effects still there, preserved out of respect by the many backpackers who had visited. I thought it was cool that the outdoor community had resisted the temptation to take souvenirs. Seemed to match the "take only photographs" ethos of responsible outdoorsmen/women.

Yes, the item in question is a man-made instrument panel (strange choice, by the way). But ask yourself -- If I hiked out there, would I rather discover a site left in tact out of respect for the deceased and what took place there, or a stripped down frame of a bus? Which is more interesting? Which provides the sense of discovery that we all seek when travelling?

If the instrument panel were kept as a souvenir, I would think it simply a selfish act. But in selling it on eBay, I don't see any possible motivation aside from greed.

[Kathi D]

The bus is just junk and doesn't belong there.

Sacred? The wilderness is sacred.

The bus is just a rusty old bus.

[joseph]

Oh, and by the way, I will not be watching the Hollywood version of events, but will probably read the book.

[joseph]

I just found out who Chris was Octoboer 5, last Friday, while I was bored at work. Since then I've read everything on the internet I can find aobut him.

I have a lot of respect for him.

With this in mind, do you know how I think Chris would respond if asked about the issue we're posting about?

I think he'd laugh, shrug his shoulders with an ambivalent grin, and change the subject to something more meaningful.

[Lawrenc Van Garrett]

Let me correct myself on the sacred issue. We all hold things that are sacred and no one can determine that for us.

[Lawrence Van Garrett]

Everyone here makes some very valid points. Chris's life and the wy he passed should not be judged by anyone. If his life and or path can then how about those of Christine Boskoff, Charlie Fowler, Reardon, Harry Berger. They all died in an act of doing what they loved, something outdoors and extreme. Reardon actually got swept away by water while trying to get to a place he was going to climb. They were all professionals but obviously not bigger than what they were attempting. So for all of you that are critizing fom your office with a latte in hand or all geared up to hike your measly 2 miles, cut it out! I ice climb, mountaineer, rock and boulder and if I die doing it, great. That just means I did not die by some drunk college or high school person. Did this person do wrong by taking this item, the bus was abandoned, left for someoneelse to take was it not. The yelling should be at the people of authority in Alaska for not removing it like the law states it is responsible to do. This is a moot point. Sacred bus, Chris a hero, none of us are an any position to say yes or know.

[Siobhan Clancey Burns]

Somehow this bus site has become an unwitting sanctuary. I would suggest that we use this location to assist travelers seeking shelter and also educating the wandering about the real life issues of living "out loud" in the wild. It's an opportunity to remind everyone of what it means to be respectful of the environment; to be conjoined in honoring the wilderness. As to the sale of "artifacts" if one could call it that, I just think it is another example of mindless capitalism, questionnable ethics and ridiculousness given all that really needs attention in this world. Come on people, let's work on what matters. We have such a thinking body of people here, people that obviously care about the environment, how can this be turned around into an action that benefits Alaska? Ideas?

[Amy]

That decaying old bus is no more sacred than any other abandoned vehicle left for someone else to deal with. Every society has its vultures who clean up the messes that others leave behind, and that's what Kasey is- a vulture. The fact that someone would pay for the trash he picks up is gravy for him. The parties to the transaction are happy and the wilderness is left a better place.

[Kasey]

As the offending/instigating party, I would first like to thank everyone for all of their thoughts and comments. I have received and read many different perspectives from many different people, all of whom certainly have reason for what they write and there is probably truth in more of these comments than many of us (including me) would like to admit. In an attempt to keep this brief, I will try to not repeat what I have already stated as to my reasons and rational. What I want to make clear is that not much of this is very straightforward to me. I did not go into this on a whim, but I also do not have near the intelligence to have anticipated everything that this has brought about. I am open to the possibility that I have erred and while I currently don’t think so, I am willing to listen to arguments to the contrary. I would like to apologize for any offence this may have generated. While I didn’t necessarily intend it, I cannot deny that I expected some.
So, where do we head from here? What I would like to see is more feedback on the topic; tell me what you think, call me names if you like, what I find the most interesting is the reasons behind the emotions and thoughts that this provokes. Maybe you can make me realize my mistakes- yes I am sure I have made some- maybe I can share my love for the land in my way, maybe I can demonstrate how I identify with Chris, as contradictory as that may seem.

[Brian from Michigan]

It appears that people who use it aren't taking care of it. How do they shelter with all the broken windows? Since it's a known shelter, apparently, for trekkers why doesn't someone clean it up a bit? Many of us who grew up using natural areas were taught to respect our surroundings and keep them natural - carry out your trash or at least bury what will rot. Why do so many have no respect for preserving their surroundings for the next person and for their own next visit?

There's nothing sacred about it any more than the places people die along the highway are sacred. It's just a coincidence that it happened there. I would say it's pretty much a disrespected wreck, and while I don't see anyone as having a right to vandalize it for profit, I think it would better be removed and put up a simple wood shelter to be a known safe stop.

[Billa Bong]

I raised my sons with only four rules, period.

Don't lie, don't cheat, don't steal and don't bully. I told them that anything that wasn't specifically covered under those rules, we would talk about.

None of these rules apply in any way, shape or form to this discussion or any of the junk where a kid died of stupidity.

All of you who romanticize this kid and his wanderings, ramblings and preparation work for turning himself into book and movie fodder are pretty pathetic.

If you want to do a Gump-like adoration group worship following thing, then get off your butts and follow, as best you may, his literal, geographical path through the wilderness.

Come back in 40 years and then, don't tell us about it, keep it deeply spiritual and personal. No sat phones, no sat-internet links to elementary schools, no book or movie rights, just go do it for YOUR sake, not mine or anyone else's.

And, when it comes time for you to die, do it somewhere a heck of a lot more practical than a refugee from a junk yard!

[John]

I learned these three rules from my Dad when we first went camping when I was a little kid.

Take only photographs.
Leave only footprints.
Kill only time.

Setting aside everything else about the bus and what it may mean to folks, if you stick to those three, you won't get into trouble.

[John]

I learned these three rules from my Dad when we first went camping when I was a little kid.

Take only photographs.
Leave only footprints.
Kill only time.

Setting aside everything else about the bus and what it may mean to folks, if you stick to those three, you won't get into trouble.

[Chantal]

Anyone get this upset with the trafficking of children, organs, arms, drugs? Sacred hero? You are Americans, your country is built on capitalism.. why critisize this fool. He's walked all the way into the woods, for less than $200? Big deal. How many of you tuned in for the news about Anna Nicole, OJ, and other such nonsense?

It's not about nature, or Chris.. it's about an old bus, where a kid died.. lots of people die, hero's or not, they die in houses, they die in cars.. all of which can be sold, again and again.. is this different?

How about channeling this energy into standing up to companies that are poising your water systems.. unthinkable slaughter houses.. conflict over oil and diamonds.. pesticides in our foods.. hungry children.. come, there is more important issues.. no?

Just some random thoughts after stumbling upon this post, not meant to offend anyone :)

[s b parks, jr]

perhaps the buyer will soon grow a conscience that the seller never had, and return it to the bus. Had I known (as I am sure others), I would have outbid on the damn part and sent it back to where it belongs...this was akin to robbing native burial grounds.

[Billa Bong]

Surprising me the most is that no one has commented on the irony of it all...the young wilderness shaman ending his last days, miserably, in an icon of all that he hoped to escape and avoid.

Apparently he didn't hold that belief too closely to heart or he would have passed by the bus and dug himself a hole in a bank in which to die.

[Billa Bong]

I would buy the IV bag still hanging in the video...and the camp stools outside look to be in good condition. Perhaps even the steering wheel...it drove him to madness and death...get it?

Sell it all, or better yet, find the guy who put the bus there in the first place, (was it McCandless) and let him sell it all.

The wilderness isn't a place for man-made junk nor man-made caches not fashioned form native materials.

[James Phillips]

First of all, I'd like to thank the gentleman for posting the video.

I've read his rationalizations, but can't condone what he did. As regards ownership, if it belongs to anyone, the bus belongs to McCandless's family, Krakauer, Penn, and all the rest of us who've heard this story and been moved by it -whether we go there or not. The bus has acquired a deep symbolic status and should now be preserved, not vandalized, or moved. I've never visited it, but it is important to me to know that it's there, and I suspect that there are tens of thousands who've come to feel the same way. This is a point Kasey seems able to acknowledge but unwilling to validate. And that's a judgement he has no right to make, no matter how often he's been out there.

In his remarks, he claims he removed the instrument panel because the site was littered and "some cleaning was in order." That makes no sense. He removed it to sell, for profit, on Ebay. To suggest otherwise is disingenuous at best.

As ridiculous as it may sound, I'd like to think that whoever bought the instrument panel will someday make the pilgrimage and put it back. And I hope that Kasey, who seems to be a thoughtful person, will experience a moment of moral clarity and understand the disservice he's done to those of us who honor Chris's memory.

[stephanie]

Oops, I misspoke below - it wasn't Elke who said that quote I used, it was Rodrigo Ibarra. Sorry Elke!!

[stephanie]

I'm a little surprised about how vehemently people hate Chris McCandless. Was he stupid to go out to the Alaskan wilderness unprepared and without a map? Yes. But that was kind of the point - he wanted that experience, and knew he might not come back from it. What we honor him for is the courage he had to live his life on his own terms, and follow his heart. As "elke" said above - "He didn't want to live by anyone's rules but his own. This day and age we can't just run off anymore, the world is to small to do so. "On the Road" doesn't exist anymore." Well, Elke, the reason On the Road doesn't exist anymore is because people - like you - have made it obsolete, by insisting everyone follow a set of rules that involve wanting to settle in one place, have a great job, and worship money. People who have the guts to live by their own rules are labelled as crazy and stupid. But I think it's stupid to deny who you are. You can live by everyone else's rules all you want, but at the end of the day, the only person you have to account for is yourself. I'm positive from his last written epigraph {"I have had a happy life and thank the lord. goodbye and may god bless all"} that Chris McCandless died happy, knowing that he had lived out his great adventure and come to a fuller understanding of himself. I only hope that when I'm on my deathbed, I'm not filled with regret that I didn't do what I wanted to do, and instead lived for everyone else - yes, even those that loved and cared for me.

And for those of you who say Jon Krakauer capitalized on Chris by writing this book, if you did a little research you would find that Krakauer donated something like 60% of the proceeds from the book sales to a scholarship fund set up by Chris' parents.

[Nevada Climber]

Where is the point where silly romanticism crosses into mental Illness?

The threshold of death is a pretty logical locus for that realization. I would imagine that young Mr. MacCandless had that particular epiphany while contemplating whether or not he could eat those missing boots.

I love many things; Wilderness, clean water running in a mountain stream, air clear enough to see the Milky Way. How many of those would I die for?

None. I am a sapient being who knows that the use of intellect trumps martyrdom any day.

McCandless stupidly lost his life just as an unprepared expedition loses members on Everest or elsewhere. There was nothing heroic or romantic about starving to death in an old bus in the cold...drunks, derelicts and druggies do it all the time.

If you need a hero, go look into the mirror and then go do something courageous, not ill thought out and juvenile.

[Hozomean]

I missed that on E-Bay, I'd have probably gone to $200 bucks.

Please, you knew it was going to happen. Think of our culture, you are not all that naive.

How much did Krakauer and Sean Penn make off this kid.

[Chris Wagner]

If this guy is guilty of taking property that isn't his, then I say the Fairbanks bus company should be held liable for littering or abandoning property...and they should be required to move the eyesore.

[Jack]

I've never heard of the case. If the bus isn't a protected site under the law and has been abandoned, then the seller may salvage what he pleases from the site. He has the right to do with it what he may. Is it morally correct? No. Is it good old fashioned capitalism? Absolutely! Whatever the circumstances, the State of Alaska should get the bus out of the back country and put up a stone marker or memorial of some sort. The decomposing materials in the bus will do more to harm the environment over the long term than this character selling the instrument on ebay.

[granitest8]

Dear thief, You are full of crap! "This area is sacred to me, along with many other areas of wilderness, one of the reasons I spend so much time in the backcountry." You are a fraud! I would hate to see your definition of Leave No Trace...You trampled on one of the foremost rules of any outdoorsperson and true lover of the wilderness and backcountry. Then you try to explain/justify your actions with a bunch of BS "logic". Are you trying to justify your exploitation of the site because other have done so before (Visitors Burea, etc.)? That is sound thinking Mr./Ms. 3rd grader. OK, so you felt a need to jump and down and yell "hey,look at me!" "notice me!" "I matter!" Great. Now on to the next developmental plateau...Grow up little person. Then you try to further justify by telling us you were cleaning up the place...Haaa! Then you sold the "trash" you cleaned up. Nobody who reads this will take you seriously and don't try to categorize yourself with lovers of the wilderness. What a joke! Leave us and what is not yours...alone.

[Elke]

Regardless of the opinions we all have on how Chris led his life, or how this place may or may not be sacred, I believe we all learned at a very young age "don't take what doesn't belong to you." To take and sell what doesn't belong to you on eBay? Some people never cease to amaze me.

[Rodrigo Ibarra]

After reading the book it appears to me that Chris McCandless was a selfish fool who barely cared about those who cared for him the most. He didn't want to live by anyone's rules but his own. This day and age we can't just run off anymore, the world is to small to do so. "On the Road" doesn't exist anymore. Sometimes in life we might not agree with the curves life throws us but we have to deal with them rather than run away. Chris ran away to find a utopia he created in his mind that doesn't exist. With the money and brains Chris was born into he could have made a much greater impact on the ills of society rather then selfishly running away and dying stupidly. Why is this bus sacred? Because some fool died in it? I don't think so. He was just a dumb rich kid with the means to do what he wanted. How many poor kids would love to run away and live a life that Chris already had and threw away? It's just another story of an arrogant American kid trying to have his way without caring one bit about those who cared about him, most notably his family. How many kids out there don't have money, family, or love in their life? Chris had all of it and threw it away. I have a hard time finding sympathy for Chris, sorry. His lack of humility for the environment he was venturing into cost him his life. Who suffers? The only people suffering are those that cared for him and that sucks for him to do that to those that cared about him.

[Sean]

Chris McCandless is a tragic hero. He died a sad death that he could have easily prevented by bringing a map into the wilderness with him. However we respect him for the way he lived and the journey that he chose. The bus has a history from before Chris and has one from after Chris. At the end of the day it is how Chris lived that matters, not what happens to the bus he spent a brief amount of time living in. The movie studios are going to make a lot of money off of this story, much more than anyone selling pieces of the bus on eBay can ever hope to. Both profit from a tragic and avoidable death. Is one really much different than the other?

[Jeremy]

That is the most thoughtless act ever. I feel that the area where the bus is and where Christopher lived is sacred. The person who took it and sold it is a fool and the person who bought it is a bigger fool.

[Linc]

it is stupid to taken a piece of the original bus and sell it on ebay...... make me angry. leave it alone but look at it IT'S is fine DO NOT TAKE STUFF FROM THE ORIGINAL BUS .THE BUS IS NOT YOURS PEROID !!!!!!!

[AKresident]

This site is sacred? Since when do we make shrines to stupidity? Penn should serve time behind bars for making this fool look like some kind of hero. On the news last night they told us of some brain dead guy down in the lower 48 who has been inspired by the movie. He bought a backpack and is hitch-hiking up here so he can have his own McCandless experience. This guy is even dumber than Chris was. He knows nothing of the terrain or conditions and is headed up here at the start of winter. At least Chris got here at the end of winter and didn't have to go through any real cold. I sure hope the state moves that bus. It should at least be put to the east of the Savage River, preferably, all the way back near 8 Mile Lake so you modern day Daniel Boones won't end up in too much trouble. Why don't y'all just find some place down south to play out your fantasies instead of littering Alaska with your corpses?

[Carl Swartz]

I saw this on ebay and sent a question to the person selling this item. What I got back was a response from a person who cares more about this issue than most if not all of us. He ask me about my interests and emailed me pictures he had taken from areas mentioned in the Into the Wild Book. He has been to the bus numerous times and indicated that items that he removed came from cleaning up the area. The area is a mess from the many visitors that have been to the bus. While I do not agree that these items should be sold on ebay I think that we should get past our first inclination to critize the seller. We should evaluate the situation that has many of us confused and emotionally involved with an old bus 20 miles out in the wild.

[anon]

There are many, many human beings in this world who engage in the buying and selling of just about anything, and who define themselves in terms of how much thing they have acquired. This guy would sell his grandmother's false teeth instead of burying them with her if they were made of gold. There are only a few in this world who have evolved beyond this behavior. I've devised a simplistic test for myself: do I take that $3,700 I've got extra this month and buy that Klepper I've been wanting, or do I instead give the money to the Mission so it can feed a bunch of drug addicts and drunks. You see, I really want that Klepper.

[trevor bates]

The guy should be arrested for theft and serve time......sean penn come on take a crew to alaska and save what's left of the bus before more stupid fools take what should be saved.....People will steal any part of history for personal gain. your stealing from chris's soul and spirit...
kcmtbike should be banned from eBAY!

[rconover]

What a looser. The bus is something sacred for obvious reasons and should be stored some place where people that appreciate what chris stood for can appreciate it. It's not a shrine but chris's story changed my life and I'm sure that other people feel the same way. I feel the person that bought it on ebay is just as guilty. You fools that just don't get it.