Chris McCandless Journey timeline

Dear Carine,
I am super excited to be finally moving out. It's been a real torture living at home, you know, with dad being so manipulative and all. I'm really happy I'm finally getting out of here. I plan on doing really well a school for the next few years and then I'm gonna leave and get further away. Don't worry though sis, I'll keep in contact as long as I can.
Your dearest brother,
Chris

Dear Carine,
I'm doing well at school, my grades are good and I am currently writing about politics for the school's newspaper. I decided to double major in anthropology and history, but I'm not quite sure I want to jump right out into the field once I'm done with college. I might come home and try to talk to mom and dad for a bit, maybe "reconnect" with them. I don't know, I cut off ties with mom and dad when I found out about dad's infidelity. Also tell them I don't need their money!
-Chris

Dear Carine,
Out of school if you didn't notice, I just don't need school right now so why go. Anyways I was driving in my Datsun when the stupid thing broke down. There was some minor flash flooding in Arizona that I guess got the engine wet. Stupid technology. I plan on hitchhiking the rest of the way, I don't know exactly know where I want to go, I was thinking going to Lake Tahoe in California. Please tell mom and dad I don't want their money, even though they just wont listen to me.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
Today was stupid, I got ticketed for hitchhiking! I gave em' mom and dad's address so they can deal with it. I don't get it, what's wrong with hitchhiking, no one is getting hurt and it's an eco-friendly way to get around. We live in a place with some pretty stupid rules. Anyways I wanted to tell you this so you could hear the story from me instead of mom and dad. Also tell them I do not need a new car, I hope they know I won't accept it.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
I spent some time in the desert, but I recently arrived in Oregon where I must say the temperature is much nicer. I met a nice couple here, Jan and her boyfriend. They aren't using property to live off of, they live in their van selling goods across the country. In a way they're just like me. I couldn't live in a van, I've lost faith in driving by myself since the incident with the Datsun in Arizona. I like my new friends and I plan on staying in touch with them.
-Chris

Jan and her boyfriend took me to Slab City, which I think used to be a military base but is now a giant concrete slab. There are various vagabonds and traders, including Jan. Jan was selling books, and I helped her to pass time. I was actually pretty good at it, selling quite a few. There's also this 13 year old girl named Tracy who really likes me, but I'm afraid she has a crush on me. so I don't really like to spend time with her. I'm gonna be leaving in a week, I'll keep you updated.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
While on the road I met a man named Wayne, he offered me a place to stay when it was raining. He operates a grain elevator and offered me a job if I needed one. I think I might work for him for awhile, before I head off to Alaska. I feel like I've found a family here, way better than mom and dad. Anyways I will soon be back on the road and aimed towards alaska.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
I decided to put Alaska on hold and paddle the Colorado River down to Mexico using a second hand canoe. I don't really like water which will make this an even more amazing experience once I'm done. The rapids can be very dangerous but I believe I will make it despite the fact that I am not a strong swimmer. I also hope to make it across the boarder this way in case you were wondering how I was getting to Mexico. I don't want you to worry so I will send this to you in Mexico.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
I made it to the Morelos Dam, I thought I was gonna get rejected from Mexico at the dam because I didn't have any identification on me, but I was actually able to go right through it so now I am in Mexico unnoticed. I'm gonna go hang out in the Gulf of California for a bit before coming back to the States.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
As I was trying to make it to the gulf, somehow I made my way down the Colorado River eastward and ended crossing the border. After I crossed I realized that Mexicans are much more hospital than Americans. Anyway I actually did make it to the gulf later, but a bad storm and close call made me decide to reenter the states.
Chris

Dear Carine,
I applied for an ID to get a job here in Los Angeles. I'm gonna make some money and buy some supplies for my journey ahead. In the meantime I guess I'm gonna be reconnecting with people, and society. But not really society, I'm gonna be living on the streets until I feel the itch to move on and hit the road again.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
I left the city and am now at the Grand Canyon National Park. I'm camping at the bottom with a young German couple who gave me a ride. I've lost about 25 lbs recently, and I need to start traveling again. Keep you updated.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
I decided to burry my backpack in the desert and enter Las Vegas with no money or ID. I wanted to get a fresh start, I even got a job at an Italian restaurant. Hope your life is good!
-Chris

Dear Carine,
I made my way to Bullhead City and found a job at McDonalds, but I used my ID to get the job. The people in this place don't get people like me, I don't like it here. They expect me to have luxuries of showering at such a remedial job as this. It's stupid, civilized life. Anyways I might leave here soon and get back on the road.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
I had to leave Bullhead City and make my way back to California. Here I met someone named Ronald Franz, he's more like a father to me, way more than dad ever was. He provides me with transportation and I provide him with some company. Ronald Taught me leather-working, I even made myself a belt. I think I will make art of my wanderings on this belt, it would look pretty cool. Anyways talk to you later sis.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
I am making my way to Carthage to me Mr. Westerberg again. Franz dropped me off in Colorado and I made my way here myself. He was really nice to me and I really like him, It's gonna be a while before I can make it back to him. I also sent a postcard to Jan, who I met in Oregon, telling her of my plans to go to Alaska. Talk to you later,
-Chris

Dear Carine,
I'm now in Carthage. My friend Wayne gave me a job working at his grain elevator. I worked really hard and got the funds I needed, but Wayne wants me to stay until April, but I have to reach the Alaskan wilderness before the frigid temperatures set in. Two nights before I left I met Wayne's friends and family, I couldn't help cry because they were so nice to me, and I want to be able to return the favor after my trip. Which I will sis, don't worry about me, I'll be fine.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
I found a way to get into Alaska, I met a man also on his way to Alaska who was willing to give me a ride in his RV. So back to the road.
-Chris

Dear Carine,
I finally reached my destination, I'm in Alaska. But before I go off into the wild I am staying at the school trying to read up on the local ecosystem. I cannot wait to be by myself in the Alaskan wilderness, even though I have met some nice people who I will miss for a while, it's gonna be so nice to get away from society. I will send you one more letter before I leave for my true adventure.
-Chris

Dear my lovely sister Carine,
I am beginning my journey into the Alaskan wild! No more will I have to deal with ignorant society, or technology failing me. I will be free form the pressures of a civilized world. It is true there will be some things that I miss, but to escape this ignorant society makes it all worth it to me. Sis, I love you and I will come back and visit you when I'm back. You know me, and you get me, and so I will survive for you. I will write you when I come out.
-love Chris