Chris McCandless was an American traveler who, in April 1992, entered the Alaskan wilderness with little more than a backpack, a rifle, and his own ambition. His journey would eventually take him on a two-year odyssey of exploration and self-discovery, and it would ultimately become one of the most famous journeys of modern times.
McCandless was born in El Segundo, California, in 1968. He grew up around the world, as his father was in the Air Force. As a young man, McCandless was a gifted student, achieving top grades in school and earning a full scholarship to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from college, McCandless decided to take a break from the conventional life and head out on an adventure.
In March 1990, McCandless began his journey by hitchhiking from Atlanta to Los Angeles. Over the course of the next two years, McCandless traveled across the United States and Canada, from Alaska to California and from the northeast coast to the northwest corner of the continent. He made stops in Montana, Arizona, and New Mexico, and even ventured into Mexico. Along the way, he worked odd jobs, including a stint as a ranch hand in Arizona.
In April 1992, McCandless arrived in Alaska. He planned to spend the summer in the wilderness, living off the land and exploring the uncharted reaches of the Alaskan interior. He set out on April 28, with little more than a backpack, a rifle, and a few supplies. His goal was to spend the summer in the wild and return in the fall.
How Long Was Chris McCandless in Alaska?
McCandless spent nearly four months in the Alaskan wilderness. On August 18, 1992, he was found dead in an abandoned bus along the Stampede Trail, near the confluence of the Teklanika and Sushana Rivers. His cause of death was ruled to be starvation.
During his time in Alaska, McCandless kept a journal in which he detailed his journey. In it, he wrote of the joys of nature and the challenges of surviving in the wilderness. He also wrote of his longing for companionship and his admiration for the beauty of the land.
In addition to his journal, McCandless left behind a few clues about his journey. In his final journal entry, dated August 12th, he wrote that he was planning to walk down the Teklanika River to the coast. He also wrote of his intention to return to civilization in September.
What Did He Achieve on His Journey?
Though his journey was brief, Chris McCandless's time in the Alaskan wilderness was remarkable. By surviving on his own in the unforgiving wilderness, McCandless showed that it was possible to live off the land and to thrive in harsh conditions. He also demonstrated that a person could find happiness and peace in the wild by living simply and embracing nature.
McCandless's journey also inspired a generation of adventurers and travelers to embrace the wilderness and to seek adventure in their own lives. His story has been documented in several books and films, including Into the Wild, a biographical novel by Jon Krakauer and a 2007 film directed by Sean Penn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Chris McCandless go on his journey?
Chris McCandless traveled across the United States and Canada from Alaska to California and from the northeast coast to the northwest corner of the continent. He made stops in Montana, Arizona, and New Mexico, and even ventured into Mexico.
How long did Chris McCandless stay in Alaska?
Chris McCandless stayed in Alaska for nearly four months. He arrived in April 1992 and was found dead in an abandoned bus on August 18, 1992.
What did Chris McCandless achieve on his journey?
Chris McCandless achieved many things on his journey. He showed that it was possible to survive in the wild and to thrive in harsh conditions. He also inspired a generation of adventurers and travelers to embrace the wilderness and to seek adventure in their own lives.
What did Chris McCandless take with him on his journey?
Chris McCandless took very little with him on his journey. He had a backpack, a rifle, and some supplies. He planned to live off the land and explore the uncharted reaches of the Alaskan interior.
What did Chris McCandless write in his journal?
Chris McCandless wrote about his journey in his journal. He wrote of the joys of nature and the challenges of surviving in the wilderness. He also wrote of his longing for companionship and his admiration for the beauty of the land.
What did Chris McCandless plan to do in his final journal entry?
In his final journal entry, dated August 12th, Chris McCandless wrote that he was planning to walk down the Teklanika River to the coast. He also wrote of his intention to return to civilization in September.
What did Chris McCandless hope to achieve on his journey?
Chris McCandless hoped to achieve a greater understanding of himself and of the world around him. He sought to find a deeper connection with nature and with the people he encountered on his journey.
What did Chris McCandless find in the Alaskan wilderness?
Chris McCandless found joy and peace in the Alaskan wilderness. He discovered a deeper connection with nature, and he found a greater appreciation for the beauty of the land and for the simple life.
What happened to Chris McCandless?
Chris McCandless was found dead in an abandoned bus along the Stampede Trail, near the confluence of the Teklanika and Sushana Rivers. His cause of death was ruled to be starvation.
What has been written about Chris McCandless’s journey?
Chris McCandless’s journey has been documented in several books and films, including Into the Wild, a biographical novel by Jon Krakauer and a 2007 film directed by Sean Penn.
What did Chris McCandless learn from his journey?
Chris McCandless learned that it was possible to survive in the wild and to thrive in harsh conditions. He also learned the importance of self-reliance and of embracing nature. Most importantly, he learned that life is precious and should be lived to its fullest.