http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008319606_nicholas28m.html

Kid was going to hoof it from Washington to NJ to try to talk Tom Brown into letting him study despite being under 18. Was out for 12 days, before he gave up. Got to give him credit- he didn't screw up, and it beats joining the circus to be a clown. :P

That could have ended very badly, but inasmuch as it didn't, it makes a very cute story. It would be really cool if Tom Brown sent him an autograhped something-or-other.

By the way, 12 days in the woods, a lot of adults can't do that. That speaks well for Tom Brown's books -- and for that kid of course.

Oh, I'll go contrary on this - poor mis-beguided kid. He left home, with a "bye mom, see you in six months" note. He headed out into the wilderness above Stevens Pass, not really knowing where he was. "He found a river - he's not even sure which one" and followed it until it became an obstacle. He eventually found his way down, after 12 days on the run. His objective was New Jersey - apparently no one told him how far and how difficult that journey would be during winter months.

One bad slip, he might have been found several seasons by now, by an uninterested hiker or hunter. But he came down, and turned himself in, thinking better of his grand adventure. That's good. He left, not telling anyone where he was headed, no route plan, no game plan. Very little path for SAR to follow, more likely he would be at truck stops long Highway 2. If this was an adventure or survival, it wasn't much - and he violated every rule of giving a loved one an itinerary or at least a sense of direction. Sorry folks, I don't see anything romantic or admirable in what he did.

i don't really know what to add. this is truly impressive. many kids fantasize about doing this, some even make a bindle and hike down the street, but this is the first time i've ever heard of someone actually doing it, just walking out the door and into the woods. wow. *_*

"Sorry folks, I don't see anything romantic or admirable in what he did."

Well, yes and no.

It was a dumb thing to do. But apart from that initial decision, he did pretty well. But get this: he actually THOUGHT about what he was doing, and formed a plan. Most of the kids in my neighborhood would only have taken extra batteries for their electronic toys.

And he was only 13. How many adults have failed even to do as much as he did?

At least he didn't go with the popular 'adult plan' of traveling with minimal gear. Which shows he's smarter than some.

Sue

Good points Sue!

And yes, it could have gone the other way, I shudder to think.

But it cracks me up "he hasn't stopped eating". I'll betcha that was the true determining factor, when you boil it all down.

Determined little bugger, isn't he?

Wonder if Tom Brown might be interested in offering him a summer job?

Sounds like a "made for T.V. movie" just waiting to happen.

Didn't Aaron Hallam need a bar of soap as well as I seem to recall?

Hopefully, this kid has learn't a lesson, being cold, tired, hungry and not being able to handle your own stink isn't like the Hollywood Movies.

I hope his mom, gave him a good clip around the ear when he got home, for what this kid has put his mom through.

Two clips.
One for worrying her silly.
And a second one for being too dumb to realise that soap & a toothbrush are not excess weight. Irrespective of what the lightweight fanatics think.