I'm astonished and very respectful to hear of the completion of an almost three-year epic journey of discovery.
After an incredible 859 days and 6,000 miles British explorer Ed Stafford has become the first man to walk the entire length of the Amazon.
The former Army captain reached the Atlantic in Brazil – two and a half years after he started his epic adventure in the jungles of Peru.
. . .
Mr Stafford, 33, from Hallaton, Leicestershire, who suffered an estimated 50,000 mosquito bites, said: ‘It’s been an incredible journey with some amazing highs, but also some pretty horrendous lows as well. But I just couldn’t consider giving up.’
Although the Amazon measures 4,000 miles, he estimates he had to walk an extra 2,000 miles up and down mountains and through jungle to conquer it.
He began on April 2, 2008, with walking partner Luke Collyer, 37, an outdoor activities instructor. But less than three months in, the pair fell out over an iPod and Mr Collyer returned to the UK. Mr Stafford advertised for a new walking partner and was joined by Mr Sanchez Rivera.
Living off piranha and rice, the pair made their way through Peru, Colombia and Brazil.
At one point, in Peru, local tribesmen imprisoned Mr Stafford and his partner on suspicion of murder. They were released after 48 hours.
But then the sponsors pulled out due to the recession, their GPS system failed and their medical insurance lapsed.
Mr Stafford said on Monday: ‘All I want now is a portion of fish and chips and a nice cold beer.’
There's more at the link, along with more very interesting photographs. Recommended reading.
That's one hell of an accomplishment! I can't even begin to imagine the strength of will and determination it took for Mr. Stafford and his partner to complete so arduous a journey. My hat's off to them.
Peter
2 comments:
That is seriously hard core! There's a certain element of luck to the fact that they even survived that walk.
Hats off is right, and I agree with Evyl, it's a miracle they survived that.
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