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I'm in El Segundo
Hey, mom, this is my first trip on my own. In 1986, I drove out to El Segundo, the old neighborhood where I once grew up. The place looked nice but I don’t remember much about spent my childhood here. I met my old family friends and got to have some words with them. Unfortunately, I learned about dad's divorce and his secret affair. Now I understand that the reason why our family moved East was to avoid conflict with dad’s second family( my step-brother, step-sister). -
I'm in El Segundo part 2
It was lies and secrets that kept our family together since.I felt very mad because what dad did was wrong. I don’t think I can forgive him anytime soon. Also, I don’t want to ended up like dad so I’m going to discover myself. Mom, I’m thinking about quitting school because it’s irrelevant; the important thing is I need to experience life and the only way to do that is to go out in the wilderness. I don’t want to depend on dad nor you anymore. Bye mom! I will updates my new journey soon. -
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My journey
Chris McCandless was a college graduate student who figures that nature is the possible answer to all the flaws in his life. Therefore, after his graduation from Emory University, Chris disappeared into the wild and his body was found on September 1992. What happened during the journey that leads to McCandless's death? What did Chris learn about himself on the trip? Let's find out! -
I'm at Dentrial Wash
I arrived at National Recreation Area and camp beside Lake Mead. I had a bad day mom. Out of nowhere a bore of brown water came rushing down from the high country damaged my car. I tried to start the car without knowing that I drained my battery. All my belongings were fine, but now I don’t have a car! I was very frustrated at first because I didn’t know what to do, and I didn’t want to ask for your or dad help. Therefore, I decided to abandon my precious car. -
I'm at Dentrial Wash part 2
Suddenly, I realized this is a sign and that this is my opportunity to shed unnecessary baggage. The table has turned, I had a feeling that this unlucky day can finally change my life. At that moment I learned that nothing could stop me because with an enthusiastic mind and strong will, I still can continue the journey to the wilderness. I also burned all the money I had in my pocket because money is corrupt and I wanted to prove that money isn’t happiness. It's corrupt like politicians!!! -
I meet Westerberg 1st time
Hi mom! I meet Westerberg on my way hitchhiking. He let me stayed with his workers crew before I head my way. I got to do some hard work but I really liked Carthage. Before I left, I gave Westerberg a treasured edition of Tolstoy's War and Peace. I stayed in touch with Westerberg and I wrote him once a while. I'm glad I met Westerberg, he is very nice man. I learned that there are nice people in the world and it gives me hope in humanity despite what dad did in the past. -
Mexico
I have reached the Morelos Dam and the Mexican border. I was freaking out because I didn’t have identification so I sneaked into Mexico by paddling through the dam’s open floodgates. I was happy for a second before I realized that I have been travel to the wrong direction. Therefore, I asked fellow Mexicans I met. I decided to go out to the sea where there is cool ocean breeze. Unfortunately, violent tides and storms break my will and I returned to mainland. -
Mexico part 2
Mom, I think that Mexican people to be warm and friendlier than Americans. Most importantly, I learned that sometimes I need the help from others to accomplish my goal, for example, in this case, I need the native people to give me directions. I started to understand how you and dad trying to help me before but I still can't forgive dad. Anyways, I finally realize that my journey is much riskier than I thought. Yet, I still need to continue and look for a missing piece of me out here! -
I meet Jan Burres and Bob part 2
.....with the couple makes me laugh to tears. In other words, I felt very happy because after months hiking in the wilderness I finally had some real good moments. As a result, I acknowledged that besides falling in love with nature, I enjoyed the company of people. I felt that I can start to depend on people more that point on: it is totally cool to rely on someone for help! -
I meet Jan Burres and Bob
Hi Mom! I will tell you about the nice couple that I met. It a typical hot summer day and I was reading a book about plants. Suddenly, a couple came out of nowhere, introduced as Jan Burres and Bob, live in California. They offered me a ride to the Orick Beach, and camp with them for about a week. Mom, I really enjoyed the company of the couple and they think that I’m a nice kid. I can’t remember when was the last time that I had a good laugh because the lovely conversation........(continue) -
Bullhead city part 2
These plastics people suggested that I should bathe more, which is very personal. Soon after, I quit because my co-workers drove me nuts. The reason why I stayed at Bullhead City because I missed the company of people and I needed to make money( even though it's corrupt). Through this stop at Bullhead City, I learned that people can have high expectation and less tolerant towards others. Whereas, nature is more open/welcoming; it allows you to be yourself without the fear of judgment. -
Bullhead City
Hi mom after returned for my belongings at Detrital Wash, I decided to stay at Bullhead City for around two months. I applied for a job at McDonald's a burger flipper position, which I signed up with my real name, Chris McCandless.. I drove a bike to work and back to the place I stay. I was very annoyed by the policy that employee must wear socks, but I tried to follow the instructions anyways. Unfortunately, I had problems with my co-workers..........(continue) -
I meet Charlie
I stayed in a vacant mobile home where I meet Charlie, an old poor man who lived in a trailer he doesn’t own. I think he was a cool guy but he doesn’t seem all there. It’s interesting that I got to interact with strangers. In other words, I'm lucky to have a chance to befriend with all kind of people (poor, rich), which is a cool experience because I never got a chance to undergo such thing when I lived with you and dad; I continue to learn about myself as well as others people's life stories. -
I meet Jan and Bob again
I’m thrilled mom! I just heard from Jan that I’m going to meet the couple again. I stayed with Jan and Bob at Slabs, near Niland for a couple weeks. I helped them to sell stuff at the flea markets. I was very excited because I got to sell books include one of my favorite “Call of the Wild.” I also played some songs to entertain the crowd at a flea market. To get to the point, I had a great time mom and I finally found real friends who I can trust and depend on......(continue) -
I meet Jan and Bob again part 2
I talked and to so many strangers at the flea market which surprised Jan and Bob because they didn’t think that I was social. I do enjoy the company of people although I need my solitude sometimes. Lastly, I felt extremely grateful because no matters where I go, I know that there are people who always adore me and got my back. Now, I understand what is the meaning of true friendship. I will try to make some money now for my Alaska dream trip! Bye, mom. -
I meet Ron Franz part 2
....I felt very closed and attached to Franz but I needed to find jobs so I left again. Later, I called Franz and asked if he can give me a ride to Salt Lake City because I faced some difficulties finding jobs. The call I made indicates that I was a lot more open as a person than I used to be. I finally felt comfortable relying on my friends. I didn’t felt bad about the call and asked Franz for a favor, but I’m sure I would two years ago.This journey makes me become a different person! Bye mom. -
I meet Ron Franz
Hey, mom, I want to tell you about another great person I met, Ron Franz. He gave me a ride to the Oh-My-God Hot Springs and we spend a lot of time together after that. Franz taught me how to make a tooled leather belt, which I then made an artful pictorial record of my journey. In addition, Franz took me to lots of nice places to eat and he was really kind to me. Franz also shared his personal past story which was very moving because he lost his wife and kids in an automobile accident.... -
I work for Westerberg
I arrived at South Dakota where I planned to gather an abundant amount of money for my Alaska trip. I came to Westerberg’s workforce(I knew him). It’s felt really great to see Westerberg safe and sound; he was more than happy to give me a job that I worked hard for weeks. After that, Westerberg introduced me to one of his friend, Gail Borah, who soon become close to me. She had me over for dinner many times and we talked a lot. I also met Westerberg’s mother before I departed. She was very.... -
I work for Westerberg part 2
interesting and I enjoyed her stories. I had gotten so close to people here at Carthage. I can’t believe that there were tears in my eyes as I said goodbye to the people. It felt as if I become weak, emotional and become more tolerant to human relationships. I remembered back a few months ago, the idea of being adopted by Franz seem unrealistic. But now I’m crying because I have to left such great people behind and proceed to my most exciting yet frightening destination, Alaska wilderness. -
Alaska part 1
Hi, mom! I feel very good. Finally after weeks of working hard, I get to go to Alaska. I met Stuckey who gave me a ride to Fairbanks. He also took me to the grocery store where I buy a bag of rice. He begged me to call you and dad, but I was too excited that I forgot to. I'm sorry! Anyways, the view looks amazing, I went on a long hike along the Stampede Trail and Sushana River. I also meet Jim Gallien who told me to get better resources but I didn't bother to listen to him........(continue) -
Alaska part 2
I felt very joyful that so many people care about me. Back to the point, I lived in the abandoned bus because it kept me warm! I started to hunt moose and pick berries to eat. I felt as if I become a real survivor. I lived in the Alaska wilderness for months and I'm still safe and sound. But I missed the company of people, Mom. I missed the conversation, laugh, and the good times I had with others that I met along the way. I also miss you, dad and Carine! I will come back! See you soon :) -
Alaska part 3
Hi mom! I'm very frustrated because I can't cross the river, the water is too high, cold, and flow too fast. You know that I'm a weak swimmer Mom! I just want to tell you that I had had a happy life. Throughout the journey, I met great people and faced great obstacles that make me who I am today, a survivor and someone being loved by others. I learn that there are good people in this dark, corrupt world. Most importantly, I learn that life is purposeless without the support and love from others
