Timeline of Chris McCandless

By Tayna Klenz

  • Graduated from Emory University In 1990

  • I start my journey

    I left Washington D.C and drove west to start my trip to Alaska. I abandoned my car and my money, guitar, and other belongings.

  • I change my identity

    I started going by the name Alexander Supertramp. Started my job at a farm with Crazy Ernie, who turns out to be a con artist. When I learn this I stole a bike from Ernie and went to Northern California.

  • Started working at grain elevator.

    I meet a man named Wayne Westerburg. He invites me to work at his grain eleveator.

  • I made it to Mexico

    I cross Mexican border in a cheap paddle boat. I tried to make it to the Gulf of Mexico but I hit a rough patch of water so i decided to head back to America.

  • I am caught by border police

    Caught by border police and held overnight. They released me because Ieplained myself and what I was doing

  • I arrive in Bullhead City

    Wanting a break from the road I rent a trailer and get a job as a McDonald's fry cook. I sent a post card to my friend Jan Burres. She has decided to come and see me but again i have gotten itchy feet and decided to leave Bullhead City.

  • Head to the Slabs

    I decided to meet Jan and her boyfriend Bob at the Slabs and i decied to stay here for a bit to help her sell her books.

  • Meet a new friend

    When i was on my way to Carthage I set up a camp outside Sultan City Califonia. I meet a man named Ronald Franz. Me and him got together very well and this put a delay on my trip North. He taught me some crafmanship skills that would help in Alaska.

  • Heaing to San Diego

    I decided to leave my friend Roald and headed to San Diego.

  • Making a call for help

    After being homless for many days I have decided to call Ronald again to see if he can help me. He picks me up and drive me to Grand Junction Colorado. I walk the rest of the way to Carthage.I have reunited with Wayne and i have resumed work for him.

  • The final leg begins

    My final preperations for the trip to Alaska. I arrive at Fairbanksgather my supplies and head onto the Stampede Trail.

  • Made it to Stampede Trail

    I hitched a ride from Jim Gallien to my final destination.

  • Finding a bus

    I cross the Teklanika River I find an abandoned bus and decided to make it my own camp.
  • Period: to

    Good Hunting

    I have many weeks of good hunting plenty of game around.

  • I want to go home

    After these past months I have decided to make my way back to civilization. I tried to make my way back but the Teklanika River is impassable due to high waters from the melting glaciers.

  • Goodbye family

    Knowing that the end is near I write to you this: I have had a happy life and thank the Lord. Goodbye and may God bless all!
  • Period: to

    End of the Line

    I have been surviving on berries and smaller game. Getting weaker have been staying in the bus because I can't move from starvation.