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Emory University
Before I set off in his adventure, I graduated from Emory University with almost a perfect 4.0. After I graduated I donated 25,000 dollars to a charity to fight world hunger. I learned at this moment that theres more to life than material possessions. -
Detrital Wash, Arizona
I arrived to camp at Lake Mead from Houston. There I faced unexpected heavy rains that forced me to leave. I had to abandon my precious Datsun and I only took a few belongings. I set on foot after that. When I left behind my so called great Datsun to rot I learned again that nothing really lasts forever in life. -
Orick, California
Here in Orick, I found himself under the shelter of Jan Burres and Bob. Jan and Bob would travel around and sell at local flea markets to make some money. They'd let me stay with them for a while after talking to me. I still kept in touch with them through writing. I viewed Jan as a second mother which helped him learn that someone actually cared for my well being since I was scared with a bad childhood. -
Carthage, South Dakota
I shows up in Carthage where my good friend Wayne Westerberg gave me a job at his the local grain elevator he owned. Wayne described me as great worker with great ambition to do any job he put me up to. I stayed until I raised enough money to keep going on my adventure. -
Bullhead City, Arizona
I arrived in Bullhead City and got a job working at McDonalds. I got a real I.D and a bank account it seemed like as if I finally settled down. This is where I spent the most time in one place. Although, I felt the need to get my things and leave Bullhead City. I learned that I never liked being in one place, i'd rather be on the move looking for more. -
Niland, California
I met up again with Jan and Bob in Niland. They were living in what were called the "Slabs". I helped sell books at her stand in the Slabs. I was constantly talking about his "Great Alaskan Odyssey", I was set to leave to it but I wanted to make one more stop at Carthage. This is where I learned that I needed to get back on his adventure to find my true place in life. -
Salton City,
After living in the desert for some time, I was picked up by Ronald Franz. He takes me under his wing and we become good friends. Franz looked at me as a son and even offered to adopt me. This doesn't mix well with me because I doesn't want any interpersonal relationships. I learned that I can't afford to have any real connections with people because it'll put my adventure on hold. -
Grand Junction, Colorado
Ronald Franz drives me up to Grand Junction, here is where we say our final goodbyes. I promised Franz that'll I'll come back and visit him after my trip. -
Carthage, South Dakota
This is Chris' final stop before embarking on his journey. He goes back to visit his good friend Wayne Westerburg. He starts working for him in the grain elevator, at the end of March he heads north to Alaska. At this moment Chris has seemed to have thought that he'd prepared good enough to start his adventure. -
Liard River, British Columbia
My adventure is put on hold due to the three day blizzard. I stick around a truck station and I'm picked up by a trucker named Gaylord Stuckey. Stuckey decides to give me a ride to Fairbanks a three day drive. -
Fairbanks, Alaska
Before I even stepped one foot into the wilderness I decided to go to the University of Fairbanks' library. I spend three days studying about the wildlife and edible plants in the region. I then purchased a .22 rifle in Fairbanks. This is also where I sent my last post card to Wayne Westerberg. I realized that this may be the last time anyone may hear from me. It gave me a sense that I wanted at least someone to remember me. -
Healy, Alaska
I start by hiking along the south Alaskan Highway going towards Mt. McKinley. I'm picked up by a man going to Anchorage, his name is Jim Gallien. Gallien drives me all the way to Healy, the edge of the Stampede Trail. Gallien is the last person to see me alive, Gallien remarked that my bag looked a little too light for someone going on this type of adventure. Gallien tried to persuade me into letting him by buy me some materials. I refused any donation. -
Stampede Trail, Alaska
I had reached my final destination. After crossing the Teklanika River I discovered an old bus. The bus would be my last home. I wrote in my journal for that day "Magic Bus day!"(163). I had about six weeks of good hunting but from that point it started to become harder. Towards the end of my life I ate seeds that poison me which have a factor in my death. Near death, I wrote that I've had a happy life. I learned that I've accomplished what was set out to do.
