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Emotional Boundary
Christopher McCandless discovers that his mother was his father's mistress, which was very different than the story he and his sister were told growing up. -
It Begins
After donating most of his money to charity, Chris drives his Datsan West. After a flash flood, Chris is forced to abandon his car. He left a note saying that if someone found it, and they could start it, they could have it. He also burned all of his cash and left most of his belongings with the car. -
New Identity
Chris decides to start going by Alexander Supertramp. He also starts writing in journal as to document his adventure. -
The Burres
In Northern California, "Alex" hitches a ride from the Burres. Jan and Alex instantly connect. After Alex leaves, he sends Jan postcards whenever he can. -
Grain Elevator
In South Dakota, Alex meets Wayne Westerberg. Wayne offers him a job in a grain elevator, which Alex accepts. Wayne and Alex became very good friends. After Wayne gets in trouble with the law, Alex heads back on the road and heads to Mexico. -
Mexico
Alex sneaks past the boarder via the Gulf Coast. He can't make it all the way so he hitches a ride from some locals. After losing his kayak, Alex attempts to get back into the U.S. -
Back in the U.S.A.
Alex gets caught by immigration police and spends the night in a holding cell. Alex explains his situation and they eventually let him go, though they take his gun. -
Temporarily Settling Down
Chris goes to Bullhead City, Arizona. He "settles down" in a trailer and gets a job at McDonald's. For the few months he's there he goes by Chris, opens a saving account, and he gives out his real social security number. -
Slab City
Alex meets the Burres in Slab City. He stays for a while and helped them sell books at their stand. -
Mr. Franz
After leaving Slab City, Alex set up camp outside of Salton City, California. While hitching back to camp from town a man named Ronald Franz picks Alex up. Alex temporarily stopped his adventure to spend time with Franz. In their time together, Franz taught Alex a bit of leather work. Alex made a belt. -
Moving Along
Alex leaves Mr. Franz and heads to San Diego -
Meeting Again
Franz picked up Alex to take him as far as Grand Junction, Colorado. Before their final goodbye, Franz asks to adopt Alex. Alex says they'll talk about it when he gets back from Alaska. Alex continues and heads back to South Dakota to work for Wayne again. -
Alaska Bound
Chris decides it's time. After difficult hitchhiking, Chris finally makes it to Fairbanks, Alaska. -
Stampede Trail
Alex meets Jim; Jim gives Alex some supplies and then a ride to the Stampede Trail. -
Magic Bus Day
Chris crossed the Teklanika River and finds the "Magic Bus." -
Moose
Chris mills a moose. Most of the meat spoils from wrongful storage. This takes a huge toll on Chris' mental health. -
Turn for the Worst
Chris eats poisonous seeds that make him unable to get the nourishment he needs causing him to starve. -
Final Outcry
Chris left a note on the bus door stating that he was ill and that he needed help. -
A Tragic End
Christopher McCandless dies. 19 days later, six people find the bus with Chris' decaying corpse inside.
Chris' last note: "I have had a happy life and thank the Lord. Goodbye and may God bless all!"
