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    He set out to walk around the world. After 27 years, his quest is nearly over

    (www.washingtonpost.com)
    128 points wallflower | 17 comments | 07 Dec 25 16:26 UTC | HN request time: 0.29s | source | bottom
    1. bolasanibk ◴[12 Dec 25 06:12 UTC] No.46241342[source]▶
    It was not one continuous hike. He takes frequent breaks. But travels back to where he last stopped and continues.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Bushby

    Still very impressive, but a little less impressive than I first thought.

    replies(3): >>46241378 #>>46241503 #>>46241527 #
    2. keiferski ◴[12 Dec 25 06:20 UTC] No.46241378[source]▶
    I don’t really think this would be possible given the nature of visas. Many countries require you to apply for a visa from your country of residence, not merely the nearest embassy. I guess with infinite funds he could fly back and forth to handle that, but doesn’t seem practical.
    replies(1): >>46242238 #
    3. hn_throwaway_99 ◴[12 Dec 25 06:48 UTC] No.46241503[source]▶
    It would be impossible to do without taking breaks, as explained in the article:

    > Due to visa limits, Bushby has had to break up his walk. In Europe, he can stay for only 90 days before leaving for 90, so he flies to Mexico to rest and then returns to resume the route.

    Given that he literally swam across the Caspian Sea in order to avoid Russia and Iran because of legal issues, nevermind bring imprisoned in Russia due to what sounded like bureaucratic BS, it's more impressive than I first thought.

    replies(3): >>46242678 #>>46242913 #>>46242943 #
    4. tennisflyi ◴[12 Dec 25 06:52 UTC] No.46241527[source]▶
    Very common hiking technique - section hiking
    5. rimeice ◴[12 Dec 25 09:04 UTC] No.46242238[source]▶
    Big community of people who motorbike around the world non-stop. It’s definitely possible to prepare beforehand and actually more admin getting a vehicle through borders.
    replies(1): >>46242403 #
    6. alexey-salmin ◴[12 Dec 25 09:30 UTC] No.46242403{3}[source]▶
    Biking is faster, you can arrange for all visas for 6 months in advance but not for years. Even for 6 months to have them all approved with no gaps requires either a lot of luck or a very strong passport or both.
    7. reisse ◴[12 Dec 25 10:19 UTC] No.46242678[source]▶
    From Wiki:

    > They were detained by Russian border troop officers while they were crossing the Russian border near the Chukotkan village of Uelen, for not entering Russia at a correct port of entry.

    Illegal border crossing is absolutely not bureaucratic BS in any country.

    replies(1): >>46242724 #
    8. guerrilla ◴[12 Dec 25 10:27 UTC] No.46242724{3}[source]▶
    That depends on your values. I think it's bureaucratic BS in every country. The world hasn't been like this forever, and still isn't like this for other animals.
    replies(3): >>46242986 #>>46243029 #>>46243242 #
    9. paganel ◴[12 Dec 25 10:56 UTC] No.46242913[source]▶
    > Given that he literally swam across the Caspian Sea in order

    Why didn't he take the ferry there?

    replies(1): >>46242944 #
    10. em-bee ◴[12 Dec 25 11:01 UTC] No.46242943[source]▶
    In Europe, he can stay for only 90 days

    that doesn't make any sense for two reasons. first, he only entered the EU in september this year, so either the 90 days are not up yet or he should be in mexico now. is he? but why would he fly to mexico when he could just go to the UK?

    but more importantly, he is a british citizen. getting a visa to walk through europe, especially now that he already has a track record of walking for so long should really not be an issue.

    replies(1): >>46243055 #
    11. anentropic ◴[12 Dec 25 11:02 UTC] No.46242944{3}[source]▶
    I guess it didn't fit with the goal of 'walking' around the world, probably wanted to avoid motorised transport
    12. mnky9800n ◴[12 Dec 25 11:10 UTC] No.46242986{4}[source]▶
    That would be amazing if some country tried to enforce visa rules on animals.
    replies(1): >>46242989 #
    13. guerrilla ◴[12 Dec 25 11:11 UTC] No.46242989{5}[source]▶
    They do actually, for example with swine in Denmark. They've built fences for that purpose specifically.
    14. uhdhr ◴[12 Dec 25 11:16 UTC] No.46243029{4}[source]▶
    If you enter a bear's den, especially if it has cubs, the bear will likely attack you.

    If you enter the territory of a swan, especially during nesting season, the swan might attack you.

    If a foreign object enters some animal's body, the immune system may attack that object.[0] Allergy might be related to the immune system misidentifying allergens.

    Squirrels can be surprisingly territorial.

    Ants have wars. [1]

    This is not surprising, since the consequences of territory being compromised can be severe. For instance, in this case [2], the territory was compromised through deception, like pretending to be one of them, and it led to the severe weakening or death of the whole colony through the mass devouring of their offspring.

    [0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_body_reaction

    [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_ants

    [2]: https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/123ke...

    15. nly ◴[12 Dec 25 11:19 UTC] No.46243055{3}[source]▶
    There is no Europe wide long stay non-working visa for UK citizens. 90 in 180 days is the Schengen visitor option, no?
    replies(1): >>46243186 #
    16. slow_typist ◴[12 Dec 25 11:41 UTC] No.46243186{4}[source]▶
    90 days within any period of 180 days visa free. Everything else is bureaucracy …

    https://uk.diplo.de/uk-en/02/visa-information-2441822

    17. MrBuddyCasino ◴[12 Dec 25 11:49 UTC] No.46243242{4}[source]▶
    Humans and animals enforce their borders since millennia.

    The idea that borders are unimportant is very very recent. That is to say, its commie gobbledygook.