"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