"In 1998, I set out from South America to forge the longest unbroken footpath in human history," a voice says against the sweeping images of a documentary trailer. It's Karl Bushby, a man I walked four miles with back in 2013. That stretch of Las Vegas asphalt was the tiniest piece of his truly epic journey, a path dotting across the entire world.
He left his native England when he was 29, taking his first step on the tip of Chile. Now in his mid-40s, Karl is still walking, despite the incredible financial, physical and emotional hardships and barriers ranging from frigid ocean to the Russian government. In fact, he was in Vegas when we met as part of a massive detour—3,600 miles from one side of the U.S. to the other to make a statement on his way to the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. When he reached it, he pled his case for a ban on his visa to be lifted, for his walk to continue without breaking the line he traced over 18,000 miles of the 36,000-mile route.
The detour was supported and captured by Hollywood producers Jordan Tappis and Beau Willimon, who were moved by Karl's singular quest. And this Friday, May 15, The Walk Around the World will air on the National Geographic Channel at 9 and 11 p.m.
As for Karl, I'm told he just trekked through Siberia to finish another leg of his historic jaunt. Even knowing him for just a few hours, I feel certain he will go the distance.
