It must be a case of very sore feet for British explorer Karl Bushby, who has just reached a new landmark in his bid to complete the longest unbroken path around the world (36,000 miles of unbroken footsteps). Karl has now crossed into the US from Mexico, marking the completion of 10,574 miles.
Karl's unsponsored, solo journey began in November 1998, when the 33-year-old set off from the small Chilean coastal town of Punta Arenas in the far south of the country. Three and a half year's later and Karl's commitment seems undimmed as he leaves Latin America behind him, and according to his family he's still going strong.
The fourth stage of his journey will take Karl through Tucson, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Helena, which should be a walk in the park compared to the walks in National Parks he has in Canada and Alaska ahead of him, before he crosses the frozen sea into Siberia. Yikes..
Bushby's father commented, "Karl burned his bridges on leaving England and with virtually nothing more than a dream, set off on this amazing adventure, determined to complete the journey even if it meant putting his life on the line."
Quite why Bushby decided on this as his dream to fulfil is something only he can tell. One thing's for sure, it's not a trip for the faint hearted, so all the best to him for the next two-thirds. If he continues on at the same rate it could be nearly 2010 when he gets home, so we wish him a speedier, and safe, journey.
Oh, and if he hasn't gone through many pairs of walking boots we'll be wanting to get our hands on whatever he's been wearing (not literally of course).
