After nearly three decades on foot, Carl Bushby is finally close to home in the United Kingdom. The former British paratrooper began his extraordinary journey in 1998. He started from the southern tip of South America with one strict rule. He would walk every step without using flights or vehicles.
Beginning in Chile, Bushby moved north through harsh terrain. Mountains, deserts, forests, and crowded cities tested his endurance daily. Still, his determination never faded. The goal remained clear throughout the journey.
Darién Gap Became His First Major Test
However, Colombia presented its first life-threatening challenge. The Darién Gap blocked his path. This 100-kilometre jungle has no roads and no safe routes. Instead, it offers swamps, wild animals, and constant danger. Despite the risks, Bushby pushed forward and crossed the jungle on foot.
After that brutal stretch, he continued through Central America and Mexico. Eventually, he walked across the entire United States. Finally, he reached Alaska, where another extreme obstacle awaited him.
Frozen Bering Strait Changed the Journey
In Alaska, Bushby faced the frozen Bering Strait. The crossing took 14 exhausting days. Meanwhile, powerful currents pushed him nearly 80 kilometres off course. Even so, he reached Russia successfully.
Unfortunately, Russian authorities arrested him soon after. They later banned him from re-entering the country. As a result, his journey stalled for several years.
Caspian Sea Swim Made History
Then came another setback. The 2008 financial crisis forced his sponsors to withdraw support. Nevertheless, Bushby continued walking through Central Asia. Eventually, he reached the Caspian Sea and faced an impossible decision.
Russia remained off-limits. Iran denied him a visa. Therefore, Bushby chose an unthinkable alternative.
He swam more than 300 kilometres across the Caspian Sea over 31 days. In doing so, he became the first person in history to complete the crossing by swimming.
One Final Stretch to Home
From Azerbaijan, Bushby walked into Turkey and entered Europe. Today, after covering nearly 43,000 kilometres across 25 countries, only one final stretch remains.
After 27 years of relentless effort, Carl Bushby is almost home, ready to complete what may be the longest walk in human history.
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