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I am sure many have read Jon Krakaer's book "Into the Wild". About a young lad in the early 90's who threw away all his worldly stuff and ventured forth a vagabond in the world. Only!, to die in a broke down bus, in the Alaskan wilderness. My thoughts on Christopher McCandless after reading the book was, "what an idiot"!

However, I have experienced a paradox. I have just finished reading the book "On Desert Trails With Everett Ruess" and presently reading "Everett Ruess, A Vagabond For Beauty". My feelings and thoughts for this young man who disappeared in southern Utah in the early 30's is totally different! I cannot phantom the reason why. Other than it is a mystery on his whereabouts; therefore, it is not final.

I do not remember when I first heard or read about this lad. prehaps in a Edward Abbey book. But I will say this, after reading the first book I have felt alive, happy, and joyful, with a slight touch of sadness; and I think it is because of young Ruess love for the wilderness when I read his writings and look at his block art. His is a youthful, naive, innocent, lust, love for the wilds. And he tried to share it through his art and writing.

Walking down Davis Gulch off Hole in the Rock road, one can't help but think about Everett Ruess. A small independent filmmaker has put out an art film on his life, her grandmother apparently knew Everett in his days in San Fransisco. If you "google" him, it should bring some info up on this film if you are interested. "Outdoor Life" network some years ago ran a behind the scenes on the filming in utah. I remember it because of the stunning red rock canyons; some of which I recognized from hiking previously.