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Graduation
On May 12, 1990, Chris McCandless graduated from Emory University in Atlanta with a grade point overage of 3.72. He was a history and anthropology major, and was very involved in the school and it's newspaper. -
The letter to his parents
The date is unknown, but towards the end of June Chris wrote a letter to his parents containing his final report card and a note attatched. The note didn't have much detail too it, but after this letter his family would never hear from him again. -
McCandless abandons his car
After arriving in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, McCandless drove two miles down the riverbed and set up camp. Due to an immense amount of rainfall, McCandless was faced with a flash flood that happened so quickly he was only able to gether his belongings, forcing him to leave his car. After not being able to start up the car, and in fear of getting in trouble if he went to the police, Chrs decided to instead abadon his car and leave on foot. -
Mexican Boarder
On December 2, 1990 Chris reaches the Mexican boarder, where he sneaks over illegally. -
Stormy Weather
McCandless nearly drowns after facing a harsh storm while canoeing. After 10 days of living in a cave, Chris decided that it was time to get back in the canoe where he nearly died. -
Jail
McCandless is taken to jail after being discovered trying to cross back into the country from Mexico. He spends one night in jail. -
Las Angelos
Chris settles in Las Angelos, applying for an ID and job. He only settles for a little thought, getting bored and heading back on to the road shortly after. -
Leaving Las Vegas
After settling in Las Angelos for a little, McCandless decided to hop right back on the road and continue his travelling. He then decided to bury his backpack and hitchhike his was to Las Vegas where he settles for a few months, until leaving in May. -
Westerberg
McCandless arrives at Carthage Grain Elevator where he works for about four weeks with Westerberg. He informs Westerberg about his plan to travel to Alaska and how he only plans to stay for a short time in order to get enough money and gear for Alaska. -
Bound for Alaska
On April 15th, 1992, Chris finally sets off for his adventure in Alaska. He left with 1000 dollars and a backpack only, walking away in tears. -
The Bus
After finally reaching Alaska, and a three hour drive down Stampede Trail with a man who picked him up named Jim Gallien, Chris finds an old abandoned bus. He decides to set up camp there, and lives on the bus, putting it to good use. -
Attempting to escape
After months of stuggling to find food and warmth, McCandless makes the decision to attempt to hike back to civilization. On July 5, he reaches a running lake that had been frozen when first arriving in April, and attempts to swim across it. The currents are too strong, leaving Chris to turn back and arrive back to the bus on July 8th. -
Discovered
After another couple months of starvation and brutal conditions, Chris McCandless's body is found inside the bus buy hunters with an SOS note atteched to the door.
