The magic bus lifted in the air
Destinations

Into the wild: the magic bus was moved

Have you read the book or watched the movie: “Into the wild“? If yes, then you probably know who Christopher McCandless was and what the magic bus is (it is also known as “Bus 142”). It is where Christopher McCandless had taken refuge in 1992, in Alaska. But on June 18th, 2020, the “magic bus” considered as too dangerous was moved.

Why exactly was the magic bus moved? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiCrcGffWi4&feature=emb_title

Deemed too dangerous for the ill-prepared curious who worshiped him, the “Magic Bus” was moved through the air by helicopter. He was transferred, from his remote wilderness by being lifted by a US military helicopter, the National Guard said. Too many hikers drowned between 2010 and 2019 trying to reach the abandoned coach and made famous thanks to the feature film by Sean Penn. In April, a Brazilian tourist was rescued from the remote site outside of Denali National Park after he ran out of food. Last year, a woman died after being swept away while tempting to cross the Teklanika River to reach the abandoned bus.

Located at the end of the Stampede Trail, the bus ended up attracting more and more people, not well prepared. Between 2009 and 2017, fifteen rescue operations related to the famous vehicle had to be organized, according to local authorities.

We encourage people to enjoy Alaska’s wild areas safely, and we understand the hold this bus has had on the popular imagination. However, this is an abandoned and deteriorating vehicle that was requiring dangerous and costly rescue efforts. More importantly, it was costing some visitors their lives.

Corri Feige, Alaska Natural Resources Commissioner

Preserved before being exposed

As part of a combined effort with the Department of Natural Resources, the Guardsmen rigged and airlifted “the Magic Bus”, a historical icon from book and film, “Into the wild”, out of its location on Stampede Road in light of public safety concerns. The bus will be stored at a secure and secret site while the DNR considers all options and alternatives for its permanent disposition.

An inspiration for many soon a tourist attraction?

In 2012, when I started to think about travelling more often, I started watching more movies and documentaries. And, I finally discovered the film “Into the wild.” I guess, like me, this story has inspired hundreds of you. In 2014, when I travelled to Australia, the only book I kept in my backpack was ‘Into the wild”. I think all the meaning of travelling written in the book pushed me further into my travel. I find it sad to see this symbol removed from its original location, but I understand the safety reasons. Honestly, I am pretty sure that the magic bus will be exposed somewhere in Alaska as a tourist attraction. Unfortunately, far from what could have wanted Christopher McCandless.

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