-
Period: to
Early Life
Christopher John McCandless was born February 12, 1968 in El Segundo, California. In 1970, Chris moved with his family to Annandale,Virginia. -
Period: to
Secondary School
Chris McCandless was a very good student. He often achieved very high grades. Although, he failed physics. When Christopher's father talked to his physics teacher, he claimed that Chris had not used a proper format for his lab report. Chris thought the format was "stupid", so he did not do it. Furthermore, Chris wasn't only an outstanding student, he also was on a running team for his school. Chris was accepted to a school in Georgia for his post-secondary education. -
Period: to
Post Secondary
This time was difficult. He discovered that his father had been with another woman, and had another child. As Chris did not know this information, he stopped talking to his family. He told his family that he was planning on leaving for a little while. His family did not think much of it. He earned $40,000 in scholarships but proceeded to donate $20,000 to OXFAM; a charity trying to end hunger in third world countries. Christopher's family had last heard from him in June, 1990. -
The Beginning of Chris' Travels
Chris started his journey going West in his Datsun. His car is ruined after a flash flood, he decided to abandon it. He left all of his belongings and carried only a backpack. When his car is found by a Ranger, there is a guitar, saucepan and electric razor found within the car. -
August
Chris started going by the identity of "Alex Supertramp". Also, he started writing journals of where he had been. In addition, Chris was very low on money, so he began to work on a farm for a man named Ernie. Chris did not receive any money from Ernie, as he was a con artist. Chris left the farm in North Carolina and hitched a ride from Jan Burres. Jan was a motherly figure, who Chris got along very well with. They had a connection unlike no other. -
September
Chris was introduced to Wayne Westenberg, as he hitches a ride from him. Chris began to work for Wayne on a farm in Carthage, South Dakota. Chris was in need of money and was very gratful for everything Wayne offered. Wayne and Chris became best friends. As time passed Wayne was arrested, this made Chris leave for Mexico. -
October
Chris successfully passed over the border illegally in his kayak. He spent a lot of time in Mexico exploring. He was very interested in the ocean. -
Period: to
Christopher's Travels
Throughout this time, Chris meets many new people and creates may new friendships. -
January
After Chris spent 2 months in Mexico, he was caught by immigration police. Chris was held overnight at the border and his gun was taken away. -
June/May
Chris arrived in Bullhead City, Arizona. He got a job at a McDonalds and was living in a trailer, as he wanted a break from being homeless. Chris finally wrote to Jan Burres, who he had met earlier on. Jan was very excited to hear from Chris and she came to visit him. -
December
Jan had brought Chris back to live with her and her boyfriend. He had helped the couple sell books outside of their van. Chris began to think about traveling to Alaska. He soon decides that he is had become bored so he planned to leave Carthage. -
January
Chris planned further ahead on getting to Alaska. He set up a site to stay in Salton City, California. He soon came across a friendly eighty year old man, named Franz. This delayed Chris's' journey, as the two bonded. Franz taught Chris many craft skills such as how to carve into belts. Chris left Franz in mid February and headed towards San Diego. -
March
Once again, Chris grew tired of being homeless. He called Franz and asked if he could pick him up and take him to Wayne. Wayne had been released from prison and was reunited with Chris. Chris started to work for Wayne again to earn some money. -
THE MAGIC BUS (May)
Chris was now alone in the wild. He soon discovered how unforgiving nature really is. He crossed the Teklanika river and came across a "magic bus". This bus was used for shelter for hunters, Chris took this bus to his full advantage, as it was vacant. -
Late May- June
Chris did very well at the bus. The hunting had been amazing for the past six weeks. He killed a moose but the meat spoiled very easily. Chris planned on heading home, but when he went to cross the river, the rapids were way too strong. -
July & August
Chris relied mainly on plants and day to day hunting for his food. He had been eating mostly potato root. Although, the root became bitter in late July, so he began to eat the seeds. Chris was unaware, but the seeds have a protective layer of poison that starves and takes nutrients from the consumer. -
TO ALASKA (April)
After hiking for hours, Chris arrived in Fairbanks. Once he reached Fairbanks, he met a man named, Jim Gallien. Jim drove Chris to the Stampede Trail. Little did Jim know , that he was going to be the last person ever to see Alex Supertramp; formally known as Christopher McCandless. -
LAST MONTH (August)
Chris had starved himself and became unable to hunt. He left a frantic note asking for help, and also a note on the door of the bus reading, " I have had a happy life and thank the Lord. God bless all!". Nineteen days later from Chris writing that note, he was found dead inside the bus by six moose hunters.
