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Departure
This is a tracker of my journey to be given to my parents if found dead as a little explanation. I begin my journey of leaving home and starting my new beginning. I took my prized car and began to drive West to where then I decided to abandon the car after a flood and burned the rest of my money and kept the travels on foot. Burning my money was a very big moment for me it was symbolic of me breaking free of materialism and my past. -
Supertramp
I decide to completely change my identity and leave my past in the past this being a big moment for me where I'm completely letting go and will now be known as Alexander Supertramp. -
Keeping going
I had met a fine lady named Jan Burres who I started to click with but must move on and when I told her I would be going off I did mention I would be sending postcards to keep in touch. Also, I had been ticketed for hitchhiking and now that I think about it I believe I have given them my parent's address hopefully that doesn't lead to anything because I definitely wouldn't want to go back. -
Grain elevator
It is now September and I had just hitched a ride from a gentleman named Wayne Westerberg we talked for a good while and he actually offered me a job which I would normally decline but I am in a bit of a need for a little cash as of right now so I accepted. The job is to work in a grain elevator I am a hard worker and know he'll like my ethic I want to get some money but definitely not a lot. -
Leaving
It is now my time to say goodbye to the grain elevator for now. I had found an old canoe for sale which I bought using my money from my work and use it to travel down the Colorado River all the way to the Gulf of California. From my travels so far it really just makes me realize life isn't about the destination and that to truly live a life you just have to go out and do. -
To the Ocean I go
By luck I had found duck hunters that actually speak English and I told them about my story and desire to get to the sea. One of the hunters was so interested they decided to tow me and the canoe all the way to the ocean which was such a grand offer. It is a whole miracle to have come along these Mexican duck hunters. Now I can continue my journey and travel farther. Hopefully my rice and supplies are sustainable. -
Boarder Patrol
I was held by the immigration police and was forced to stay overnight for a day. They were understanding of my situation and allowed me to enter back into America only confiscating away my gun which was a bit of a bummer but no big deal. Now I am on my way to continuing my journey north towards Alaska. -
Bullhead
I had arrived in Bullhead in May which is a city in Arizona where I decided to settle for just a bit, remaining here for a couple months. I have gotten a job at McDonald's given them my real name, opened a savings account, and used my actual social security number. I don't completely want to settle I will eventually move on when I get bored. I'm going to send out my postcards soon I hope they apreciate them I know they'll remember who I am. -
Slabs
I was in the place called the Slabs which is a place for drifters as well as a flea market. I was here for a bit and I helped Jan sell books at her stand and told many people of my Alaskan Odyssey. I then got bored and have decided to make my way to my last stop before Alaska which will be Carthage. -
Ron Franz
I was hitchhiking into town of Salton City and had been picked up by an older gentleman named Ron Franz. We had instantly sort of bonded and I realized he would get attached to me. However, I did decide to postpone my trip for a little while to Alaska staying with him for a while I will be headed off shortly though. We worked together on craftsmanship and I made a belt representing everywhere I've been so far, it's very special and represents my story I'm going to leave it for Ron. -
Heading West
I am now heading West departing from Ron in search of some good money for better supplies. Hopefully I'll be able to find a job quickly and be able to head north towards Alaska ready to take on Stampede Trail. I will keep in contact and continue to send letters/postcards to everyone. I know I'm about saying no connections but I still write them just because we did have something and have helped me along my new life. -
Grand Junction, Colorado
I was living a hobo lifestyle, was hopping trains and living life it wasn't too bad there just wasn't any job opportunities so I knew I had to go back east. But I did, however, call Ron and he picked me up taking me all the way to Grand Junction, Colorado. I finished the rest of the way back to South Dakota and started working at the Grain Elevator. Hopefully, I can build up some money fast and not have to stay too long, I'd love to be able to get towards Alaska Soon. -
Preparation
I am ready, I have done my final preparations and have the mindset to do this. I am ready to take on the Alaskan trail. I have been hitchhiking harshly for a while but have arrived in Fairbanks now. Not to much longer and I will be at the beginning. -
Stampede Trail
I was able to hitchhike a ride from a guy named Jim Gallien I could tell I piqued his interest and I made him curious. He thought I was crazy but I didn't mind anything new. I told him he'd hear from me when I make it out with confidence. He offered me better equipment but I declined besides the rubber boots because I knew they would be best for my feet. And from there I was dropped off at the start of Stampede Trail ready as ever to make it out on the other side. -
Magic Bus
I've found a bus for me to stay. A perfect place for me to camp in with so much around it for me to hunt and pick it's a perfect place to stay since I can't pass through the trail right now and have done well with hunting. -
Dead shot
I killed a moose, I killed a moose. A 600 pounder and I'm filled with excitement this exhilarates me and makes me feel so proud and strong. I am capable, and I was able to make it this far. I have done so much and learned so much along the way this journey truly does change someone and makes me see life in such a beautiful way. -
Consumption
I have been consuming wild potatoes for a while but they had become a bit bitter and inedible so I started eating the seeds. I believe they should be okay. update I believe they are slowly killing me I am becoming weaker I can tell. -
Weakest moment
I've become so weak. Hunting has become so hard. I need help. I'm leaving behind a note. "SOS I need your help. I am injured near death and too weak to hike out of here I am all alone this is no joke. In the name of god please remain to save me. I am out collecting berries close by and shall return this evening, thank you. All I have is time to sit here and think back on my travels. This has been a long run but I can feel it coming to an end. Looking back I don't regret it at all. -
Death
Chris McCandless suspected death day. RIP -
Final Goodbye
I have had a happy life and thank the Lord. Goodbye and may God bless all. -
Finders
We have a group of hunters that have come across McCandless's dead body and have found his tracker and other belongings. This has been reported and is now under further investigation. We will be returning this tracker to his parents Billie and Walt McCandless hopefully they will be able to see what his philosophy of life had become, living life to the fullest while not worrying about materialistic things truly just being one with nature, truly being happy.