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Chris graduates college
Chris graduated from Emory College in May of 1990. His parents wanted him to go to law school, but instead he left and this was the start of his journey. -
Chris begins his journey
After graduation, his parents offer to buy him a car but instead, Chris decides to leave in his yellow Datsun. Chris didn't tell anyone he was leaving to go out west. He packed up all of his belongings and he was officially on his quest. This is when he changed his name from Chris McCandless to Alex Supertramp. -
Chris abandons his car
Chris decides to abandon his car in the Mojave Desert. Eventually it is found by park rangers. This event is important because it marks the start of Chris' journey on foot. -
Jan Burres
Chris begins to hitchhike. He is picked up by Jan Burres and her boyfriend, Bob, in California. They formed a good connection and Chris started sending postcards to her. -
Wayne picks up Chris
Wayne is introduced to Chris after he picks him up in Montana. Chris ended up staying with Wayne for a few days. A few weeks later, he met up with Wayne in Carthage, South Dakota and worked for him for a little while. After Wayne got arrested, Chris continued on his journey but still wrote to him. -
Bullhead City
Chris stops here on his journey for two months and ends up working at a McDonald's, flipping burgers. He ends up really liking the city and considered ending his adventure and staying there. He stays in a trailer while he is in Bullhead City. -
The Slabs
After Chris left Bullhead City to get away from the "plastic people," he showed up and Jan and Bob's campsite. Chris helps Jan sell books at the local flea market, and the two get close. With the help of Bob, Chris starts preparing his body for the harsh Alaskan weather and the two discuss survival tactics. -
Chris meets Ronald A. Franz
While in Salton City, California, Chris meets Ronald A. Franz. Ron was an 80 year old veteran who became a parental figure in Chris' life. This interaction was important because Ron was one of very few that Chris really formed a friendship with. Not only that, but Ron taught Chris valuable skills, such as leatherworking. Chris, in exchange, taught Ron about his philosophy of life. -
Jim Gallien
Chris gets a ride from Jim Gallien from Fairbanks, Alaska to the Stampede Trail and he was the last known person to see Chris alive. -
Finding the bus
On this day, Chris finds the infamous bus. In his journal, he writes this day as the "Magic Bus Day". This is important because he ends up living in this bus for a few months, and this is where he dies. The bus also became where the memorial his parents placed is. -
Chris McCandless' Death
On August 18th, 1992, Chris McCandless dies from starvation. For awhile, most assumed he died from a toxic wild sweet pea plant that look similar to a wild potato. But after his death, they discovered he died from toxic mold on the wild potato seeds that caused him to not retain any nutrients, no matter how much he ate. -
Chris' parents visit the bus
10 months after finding out that their son died, Chris' parents go to the bus with Jon Krakauer. They grieve Chris' death and create a memorial for him. They also leave a suitcase of supplies under it and a note urging travelers like Chris to go back to their families.