After nearly thirty years of traversing the globe, an intrepid explorer is finally making his way back to Hull, his hometown. Karl Bushby, a former paratrooper, embarked on a mission in 1998 to achieve the unprecedented feat of walking continuously around the world, initially estimating it would take him 12 years. Now, overcoming challenges such as encounters with dangerous wildlife and a stint in a Russian prison, he is on his way back.
Throughout his 36,000-mile journey, Bushby has faced numerous adversities including thefts, detentions, deportations, animal attacks, starvation, and near-drowning incidents. What began as a spontaneous bet in a bar led him to push a custom-made trolley across continents. Now, at 56 years old, he is preparing to conclude his remarkable expedition by returning to Hull, expected to arrive by September.
Reflecting on his decision to head back home, Bushby shared his emotional connection to Hull, recalling the moment he left in 1998 and the anticipation of retracing his steps. Despite the changes in the city over the years, Hull remains his place of origin and the starting point of his global odyssey, which officially commenced in South America but had its symbolic beginning in the UK.
Under his Goliath Expedition, Bushby swam across the Caspian Sea, trekked across the American and Asian continents, and navigated through perilous regions. Notably, his experiences in the Darién Gap, a challenging passage connecting Central and South America, exposed him to war zones, cartels, drug plantations, and dense jungles. Additionally, his encounter with a polar bear during a journey across the Bering Strait underscored the inherent dangers of his ambitious undertaking.
As he prepares to complete his extraordinary journey, Bushby’s return to Hull signifies a poignant conclusion to his decades-long quest, symbolizing the resilience and determination that have defined his unparalleled expedition.