Jan Burres
Jan Burres and Christopher McCandless first crossed
paths in the summer of 1990. Jan spotted Chris by the
road picking berries, gave him a lift and he set up camp
with her and her boyfriend at Orick Beach in Northern
California for a time. An instant friendship formed
between them, and Chris stayed in regular communication
with Jan for the next two years during his travels. The
last time they saw one another was in Niland at an
abandoned naval base known as ‘Slab City’ in southern
California. Jan ran a booth selling books and other
miscellaneous items there and Chris stayed with her
there for a time. They laughed, swapped stories of
adventures on the road, and shared a passion for
exploration.
These days Jan works tirelessly at a homeless shelter in
Joplin, Missouri. She strives to make a difference in
the world every day, and does. She speaks fondly of
Chris and of their connection says, poignantly, “he was
my friend.”