Ronald Franz: A Great Acquaintance

Before I went onto my journey, I went to different places and lived with different people. People were mostly prejudiced about me and as I explained my lifetime objective they regarded it as nonsense even if they did not try very hard to persuade me out of it. They thinked that I was turning my back to many opportunities that I could face throughout my life. Also they gave advices to me about how I could improve my chances of survival and make my life easier in the wild. They stated that I lacked some of the essential equipment like enough food and ammo, they also gave me tips about the game in Alaska. Among these people Ronald Franaz was a person I really respected and had a good time with.

I met Ronald Franz as when I was walking back to my camp after I had bought some food from the town. Franz stopped by me with his truck and offered me a ride to my destination. Franz was an 80 year old peaceful man who always followed the same pattern in his life. Franz's wife and children were killed in a car accident, therefore Franz did not contain a goal or any mission to accomplish in his life. I felt the feeling that Franz was worried about my situation, about how I lived away from the opportunities of life. Therefore I explained him my purpose of living this way in order to make him comfortable.

We spent a lot of time together, we learned from each other. For example he was a good leatherworker and he teached me some of his unique techniques. When the day that I needed to leave came, he wanted me to stay but after I insisted on going he offered me a ride to San Diego which was my next destination. This offer was one that I couldn't refuse. So Franz and I went to San Diego and I continued my journey.

When I was in my final destination before the Stampede Trail I wanted to write a letter to Franz about my opinions and thoughts. In my letter to Franz I mentioned ways in improving his life. I said that he should get out of his monotonous routine and start exploring new areas, that he should take the joy out of life by making many acquaintances with other people, and seeing sights like the Grand Canyon which every american must see.

This letter made me realize that Franz really cared and respected me. He wanted to get an idea of improving his life with my aid. Therefore I am proud of him and I really respect him for showing such opinions about me. He was a unique person for me because unlike many others, he believed that I had a purpose of going into the wild, and therefore I again thank him with my full heart.