Camino connections for a walking circumnavigation of the world.

[Kanga]

Today Alexander Campbell starts his epic 40,000km, 30 country, 4 continent walk to circumnavigate the world, starting and finishing in Sydney. His planned route is here, and as can be seen, along the way he will walk the Camino Francés.

He is walking to raise funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation, an Australian charity working in 25 countries to restore sight and eye health to those in need.

Alexander is no stranger to long distance walking, his latest was a 3,750 hike from the Flinders Ranges to Sydney. A bit more about him and the planned walk is here. There was a very nice interview with him on one of our main news bulletins last night.

Not only is Alexander planning to walk the Camino on the way, but he is the son of Narelle, a keen Camino walker, and a member of our local Blue Mountains Camino Supporters group, many of whom were at the Sydney Opera House this morning to start him on his journey.

I have not asked Narelle, yet, but I wonder who inspired who?

I shall follow his route, and let's all encourage him when he makes it to Spain!

Edited to add: Live map here

 

[Kanga]

Also interesting that his university thesis examined the experiences of long-distance hikers reintegrating into life after their hike.

 

[Robo]

Also interesting that his university thesis examined the experiences of long-distance hikers reintegrating into life after their hike.

Has that been published anywhere @Kanga ?
Maybe you also have a donation link for his journey? (couldn't see one on Insta)
The Fred Hollows Foundation is one that many Aussies in particular might want to support.

 

[Kanga]

Has that been published anywhere @Kanga ?
Maybe you also have a donation link for his journey? (couldn't see one on Insta)
The Fred Hollows Foundation is one that many Aussies in particular might want to support.

I found the information about his thesis on the website. He was awarded First Class Honours in Anthropology.

Here is the "DONATE" link for the Fred Hollows Foundation. And some of us will donate to Zan (his preferred nickname) personally from time to time.

I'd post a photo of the local Camino group sending him off, but won't for privacy reasons. Here's a nice shot from the news bulletin instead:

 

[Robo]

Thanks for providing the link @Kanga
Is the map 'live'?
He'll walk past the end of my street shorty!

 

[Kanga]

Thanks for providing the link @Kanga
Is the map 'live'?
He'll walk past the end of my street shorty!

Give him a cheer!
Not sure about the map being "live".

 

[Kanga]

@Robo it does seem to be live.

 

[BlackRocker57]

@Robo it does seem to be live.

G’Day Kanga, can you post me a link to the map please? I would very much like to follow Zan on his journey Thank you kindly ...

 

[Robo]

see the map tab on the website:

About — World Walk Expedition

www.worldwalkexpedition.com

 

[BlackRocker57]

see the map tab on the website:

About — World Walk Expedition

www.worldwalkexpedition.com

merci beaucoup, Robo

 

[BlackRocker57]

crikey, I see that he has already made it past Gladesville ultreïa

 

[Kanga]

Here is the live map.

 

[VNwalking]

Not sure about the map being "live".

Yes! Here it is:

ZeroSixZero | ZeroSixZero

Good on you, Alexander!
Wonderful.

 

[naplesdon]

I think this is an amazing venture and I have a friend in Sydney who is totally blind and I wish to find a way to forward this to her. Her name is Jaci Armstrong and one of the recent post about her is that she had joined the Accessible Arts Board. She is an amazing person as well.
A potentially contentious question regards the map of Sydney on this thread for you Sydneysiders. I lived in Sydney for a number of years and was one of the developers of Australia's Wonderland. When we built the park it was and area called Blacktown. Looking at the map today that area is now called Blaxton. Am I correct, that some not so ancient history has been cleansed over?

 

[DoughnutANZ]

He is walking to raise funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation, an Australian charity working in 25 countries to restore sight and eye health to those in need.

Australian and New Zealand charity. Fred was born in Dunedin.

 

[Kanga]

I think this is an amazing venture and I have a friend in Sydney who is totally blind and I wish to find a way to forward this to her. Her name is Jaci Armstrong and one of the recent post about her is that she had joined the Accessible Arts Board. She is an amazing person as well.
A potentially contentious question regards the map of Sydney on this thread for you Sydneysiders. I lived in Sydney for a number of years and was one of the developers of Australia's Wonderland. When we built the park it was and area called Blacktown. Looking at the map today that area is now called Blaxton. Am I correct, that some not so ancient history has been cleansed over?

Indeed no, Blacktown is still Blacktown. I walked through there recently and the history of the school for Aboriginal children and poor treatment of aboriginal survivors of smallpox and dispossession are well known.

Australian and New Zealand charity. Fred was born in Dunedin.

He might have been born in NZ but Fred died many years ago. The Foundation is an Australian charity, founded here, registered here in 1992, and with its CEO and governance team here.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Indeed no, Blacktown is still Blacktown. I walked through there recently and the history of the school for Aboriginal children and poor treatment of aboriginal survivors of smallpox and dispossession are well known.

He might have been born in NZ but Fred died many years ago. The Foundation is an Australian charity, founded here, registered here in 1992, and with its CEO and governance team here.

Help Restore Eyesight for $25 | The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ

Help us achieve our vision of a world where no one is needlessly blind. Donate $25 today to help train local eye doctors and nurses in the developing world.

www.hollows.org.nz

 

[nycwalking]

Today Alexander Campbell starts his epic 40,000km, 30 country, 4 continent walk to circumnavigate the world, starting and finishing in Sydney. His planned route is here, and as can be seen, along the way he will walk the Camino Francés.

He is walking to raise funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation, an Australian charity working in 25 countries to restore sight and eye health to those in need.

Alexander is no stranger to long distance walking, his latest was a 3,750 hike from the Flinders Ranges to Sydney. A bit more about him and the planned walk is here. There was a very nice interview with him on one of our main news bulletins last night.

Not only is Alexander planning to walk the Camino on the way, but he is the son of Narelle, a keen Camino walker, and a member of our local Blue Mountains Camino Supporters group, many of whom were at the Sydney Opera House this morning to start him on his journey.

I have not asked Narelle, yet, but I wonder who inspired who?

I shall follow his route, and let's all encourage him when he makes it to Spain!

Edited to add: Live map here

Kanga,

Thank you for this post, and the links.

I will follow his journey.

Buen camino him.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

What an amazing feat (feet). I thought planning a long Camino was a nightmare. I couldn't imagine planning an around the world itinerary.
Definitely will be following along..........

 

[Robo]

Give him a cheer!
Not sure about the map being "live".

Just missed him!

I think quite understandably the map delays the syncing a bit.
It would be a bit scary to have people jumping out and saying Hi Zan!

He did well on day 1. 35 kms.

 

[Robo]

Wondering when he is going to turn North.
Or is he taking the 'scenic route'?
Will be interesting to see.
For those non Aussies tracking his progress, the more West he goes, the less infrastructure.
Like........not much at all.

This could become compulsive viewing!

 

[Kanga]

Yes indeed - I know he’s planning to walk through Blackheath about Wednesday. I’m laughing because it took me 5 days to walk from Circular quay to Penrith. Although we were on a circuitous route to avoid roads and walk through parks.

 

[Former member 104756]

A slight tangent ... in February 2011 I walked non-stop the 100 kms Coastrek from Palm Beach to Coogee along Sydney's glorious coastline to raise money for this same charity The Fred Hollows Foundation. That was the hardest thing I had ever done - some say the first 50kms is physical, the second 50 kms is mental -and I certainly found that to be the case. About 2 months later I was listening to a night time radio program where a person was interviewed about the Camino Frances. The next morning I decided 'I'm going to do that' and so I did a few months later. The Coastrek, and the training leading up to it, gave me some confidence that I would be fine on the Camino Frances - at least the walking part. And I was.

After that first 100 km trek, I swore I'd never put myself through that again ... but I did, a few times. Fred Hollows did great work, which is carried on by the Foundation that bears his name. As per above and this link, the mission is simply stated - to put an end of avoidable blindness and improve indigenous health.

The Fred Hollows Foundation

www.hollows.org

What a wonderful adventure this young man is embarking on - and a great cause he is supporting in doing so.

 

[Kanga]

Wondering when he is going to turn North.
Or is he taking the 'scenic route'?
Will be interesting to see.
For those non Aussies tracking his progress, the more West he goes, the less infrastructure.
Like........not much at all.

This could become compulsive viewing!

He did some very impressive bush bashing today.

 

[VNwalking]

He did some very impressive bush bashing today.

Holy moley. He's already in Wentworth Falls?!

 

[Kanga]

Holy moley. He's already in Wentworth Falls?!

Yes. And the section between his camp last night and Hazelbrook was really tough walking. Easier once he got back to the highway. I know the route that runs parallel to the highway pretty well, having walked it a couple of times.

 

[BlackRocker57]

He did some very impressive bush bashing today.

yes, I saw that … and thought … what the heck

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

2 days in and he is at 97km.
That's a lot of mileage

 

[Kanga]

It is really 3 days by my counting - first day was from Circular Quay to Blacktown, second day was Blacktown to the Euroka campground near Glenbrook, 3rd day from there to Wentworth Falls. But a mighty effort. @LTfit could maybe keep up, but not me!

Edited to add: I'll leave the thread open but only come back now and then. Otherwise this will become a very very long thread - assuming Zan keeps walking according to his plans.

 

[Kanga]

Only 22,228 km to go to Santiago de Compostela! The longest ever Camino?



From the Camino distance marker in the garden at Glenella, Blackheath, NSW Australia

 

[Kanga]

I hasten to add, I received Alexander's permission to post his photo.

 

[VNwalking]

He's up to his knees in roses. May the walk continue just like that!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Only 22,228 km to go to Santiago de Compostela!
The longest ever Camino? From the Camino distance marker in the garden at Glenella, Blackheath, NSW Australia

It will be a very special day when he arrives in Santiago de Compostela! He should definitely ask for a distance certificate as well!! The marching bands should be out in celebration!
Thank you Kanga for posting this thread and for the updates, especially the latest photo. Zan looks extremely happy, healthy and fit. We are following his progress daily in awe.

 

[Blister Bill]

Indeed no, Blacktown is still Blacktown. I walked through there recently and the history of the school for Aboriginal children and poor treatment of aboriginal survivors of smallpox and dispossession are well known.

He might have been born in NZ but Fred died many years ago. The Foundation is an Australian charity, founded here, registered here in 1992, and with its CEO and governance team here.

Pavlova, crowded house, Fred hollows...when will it end ?? What a great adventure and an amazing charity.

 

[WGroleau]

Today Alexander Campbell starts his epic 40,000km, 30 country, 4 continent walk to circumnavigate the world, starting and finishing in Sydney. His planned route is here, and as can be seen, along the way he will walk the Camino Francés.

Sorry, South America!
Shortly before I retired (2014), I read about plans to build a bridge between Siberia and Alaska. I thought, “Great—I’ll never need to fly again.” But it’s been ten years, and they haven’t started. Considering the Ukraine thing, I’m confident it won’t ever happen.

 

[Richard Smith]

He did some very impressive bush bashing today.

I have been watching. The ZeroSixZero map doesn't show much more than topology but I know this area.
It has been really hot last few days, makes bush bashing much harder. Another hot day due tomorrow.

 

[Kanga]

I have been watching. The ZeroSixZero map doesn't show much more than topology but I know this area.
It has been really hot last few days, makes bush bashing much harder. Another hot day due tomorrow.

Yes, I’ve been trying to find the live map locations on Google Maps, to work out exactly where he is. He’s certainly not taking an easy route.

 

[Kanga]

Well, that makes a bit more sense. Narelle, Alexander's mother, tells me that he is following the Bicentennial National Trail til just before Cairns, then back roads to Darwin. Poster of the route here.

 

[Bradypus]

Well, that makes a bit more sense.

As Douglas Adams very nearly said "Ah, this is obviously some strange use of the word 'sense' that I wasn't previously aware of." Glorious madness! Ultreia!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Have noticed this morning that Zan has walked over 1000kms so far. He seems to be doing very well. We check his progress daily.

 

[Kanga]

He's walked the length of the Via de La Plata in 32 days with some extremely hot days, thunderstorms, tough terrain and a long way between towns - the last post on his Instagram feed noted that he was setting off from Ebor with 368km until the next town.

I shall pause before I ever again complain about any of the Camino paths!

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Thanks for the updates @Kanga
I don't do any social media so can only follow the progress map & couldn't figure out why Alex is taking that route. Also wondered what he did of a night (ie sleeping wild, people hosting him enroute, etc) but now know he's probably mostly camping due to location.
Any idea of the size/weight of the load he's carrying?
Look forward to more of your updates & my daily map 'fix'.

 

[VNwalking]

I don't do any social media so can only follow the progress map

Same. It sure looks like the hard way. Good going, Zan!

 

[Kanga]

He’s following the National Bicentennial trail which is through the bush. Near Cairns he turns off and heads to Darwin via backroads.

 

[Bradypus]

He’s following the National Bicentennial trail which is through the bush. Near Cairns he turns off and heads to Darwin via backroads.

I took a plane from Cairns to Darwin because my dates didn't fit with the very infrequent Greyhound bus service I had wanted to use. I spent quite a lot of the flight just staring out of the window at the red sandy land beneath us. Not many buildings and not much sign of water out there! A big logistical challenge. Hope it works out well.

 

[Kanga]

For those of you interested but who don't have an instagram account, here is a copy of Alexander's post made 4 days ago:

It’s been a big week. I’ve made it to Queensland. I hit 1,000km. And on my first night out of Ebor, the baffles on my sleeping mattress delaminated, merging into an ever growing big lump.

Guy Fawkes National Park was definitely a highlight of this last section, with its wild horses, misty mountains and river crossings.

It was also the longest distance between resupplies I’ve ever done. Ended up being close to 350km from Ebor to Stanthorpe, which I managed in 7 days with an average of 50km a day. Was glad to see I can do it as I’ve got some long stretches further north on my way to Darwin. So this was a good test.

I’ve enjoyed the last two days off in Stanthorpe eating, resting, and eating some more. Time to start walking again today. I’ll arrive in Killarney tomorrow, where my replacement sleeping mat should hopefully be arriving soon.

 

[VNwalking]

Thank you so much, @Kanga. I'm one of those without Instagram. I can only follow the map, which tells its own story.

But the words definitely add some meat to the bones. Wow. 50km days, carrying weight. Impressive!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Zan is now over the 2000km mark! Looks very happy with his progress and enjoying his new shoes!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Zan has posted in the last few days he has walked over 3000kms now and is over halfway to Darwin!
We continue to enjoy photos and stories of his amazing journey on Instagram.

 

[VNwalking]

Re-posting the map link...

ZeroSixZero | ZeroSixZero

 

[Anne&Pat]

This is an update this morning from Zan’s progress map. He is now in the Northern Territory, you can see the border marked on the map between Queensland and the Northern Territory. He seems to be having an amazing adventure. His Instagram posts are great.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Another update from Zan’s map this morning. Over 6,000kms and getting close to Darwin. He just went through Katherine yesterday. He is still smiling on his Instagram photos!

 

[MARSKA]

Please keep your updates rolling!

 

[Kanga]

I spent the weekend with Zan's mother. She's off to walk the Camino Aragones, and from there is making her way (via a few other activities) to meet Zan when he reaches Borneo. She says he's doing well. Amazing family!

 

[Kanga]

For those of you without Instagram, here is a copy of Alexander's posts, from 4 days ago:

"I'm still making my way through Limmen National Park. It's been about 22 hours since the last car went past! Real quiet out here.

First car came! Didn't stop to say hi haha. Lifted two fingers in acknowledgement and kept driving.

A Swiss family stopped to offer some water and gave me a big can of energy drink.

Had a good chat with the park ranger.

Almost stepped on a snake in the dark! Spotted him laying on the road at the last second. Imagine getting bit so close to the end of my time in Australia need to pay more attention walking at night.

Day 155 /39.17km /5,633.28km
Made it to Munbililla which had great campground facilities. Took a shower and recharged my things, then continued on. Feeling absolutely wrecked today. Very tired and hot.

Day 156 /28.96km /5,663.24km
A few donkeys and water buffalo lurking around my camp in the morning. Didn't realise there's wild donkeys out here!

After walking 400km over the last 9 days, I finally arrived at Roper Bar Store. The owner took me in for the night and showed me around the area.

Day 157/47km/5,709.24km
Left Roper Bar and continued on down the Roper Highway.

I met a couple back at Roper Bar and we had both wanted coffee but the store was out of stock. So today when they drove into Mataranka to buy supplies, they bought some coffee for me and dropped it off!

Met a friendly local named Wayne at the rest area who lives in the nearby Aboriginal community of Ngukurr. Had a nice chat and then continued on my way. St up camp in a dry creek bed perfectly hidden from the road.

Fences are back sadly. It was great walking though Limmen National Park where I could just walk off the side of the road into the bushes and set up. Now with fences on both sides it's a little more tricky finding a good spot.

Day 158/48.17km/5,757.41km
Another day down the Roper Highway. It doesn't see too much traffic thankfully. Got an annoying blister which is fairly rare these days.

A friendly man from WA I met well over a week ago happened to drive past. Nice to see him again. He gave me a packet of dried mango slices that he said were too sweet for him. They were great."

Quite comforting to see that even Zan gets the odd blister!

There are also some beautiful photographs accompanying the commentary. Well worth looking at, if you can.

 

[VNwalking]

Almost stopped on a snake in the dark! Spotted him laying on the road at the last second. Imagine getting bit so close to the end of my time in Australia need to pay more attention walking at night.

Ummmmm. Yeah I'll say.

After walking 400km over the last 9 days

Sheesh. 45km days. Day in day out.
What a walking pace. Inspiring!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Zan reached Darwin yesterday! What a fantastic walk he has had so far. Really looking forward to the rest of his journey. Following him on Instagram is great and as Kanga has already said, he has been posting some beautiful photos and a very interesting account of his travels.

 

[Kanga]

For anyone in Australia who is interested, Alexander's mother had just advised that he is being interviewed tomorrow morning on Chanel 9 (Sydney) at 8:45am.

For those of you not on Facebook or Instagram, here's a copy of his last post on Facebook, before arriving in Darwin:

Tomorrow is the big day! After walking over 6,200km, I’ll be coming into Darwin on Day 170.
Since my last post, I made it to the Stuart Highway which I’ve been following for the last 10 days. It’s been somewhat of a mad dash to reach Darwin in time, as I’ve got two friends and my mum flying up to see me, so I had to lock in a finishing date a while ago. It’ll be so great to see them and have them here to celebrate this milestone

During the week I had the pleasure of meeting Kate and Kieren @places2pedal who have cycled from Adelaide and are also heading to Darwin and onwards to Asia! It was great having some company out on the road and we got to camp together one night by the Fergusson River.
While some days I won’t meet anyone, other days are filled with many friendly encounters. Friday was one such day.
A man travelling with a caravan stopped to offer me a ride and then realised we’d met back on the Savannah Way over a month ago. He pulled off the road and put the kettle on. After a good chat and two cups of coffee, I continued down the Stuart Highway.
Then in the afternoon, I stopped at a rest area and walked out with my waters filled, two mandarins and a bag of dried apple slices thanks to the friendly caravans camped there for the night.
I continued on walking into the dark till a couple pulled up beside me. Steve hoped out and went to the back of his ute to get out a coke, a packet of chips and two chocolates for me

The last two days I’ve had to pick up the pace. It’s been tough in the 34 degree heat but I managed to knock out 55km yesterday and today will be 58km. So it’s only a cruisey 28km into Mindil Beach tomorrow! Can’t wait!

 

[Tassie Kaz]

...For those of you not on Facebook or Instagram, here's a copy of his last post on Facebook, before arriving in Darwin:

...The last two days I’ve had to pick up the pace. It’s been tough in the 34 degree heat but I managed to knock out 55km yesterday and today will be 58km. So it’s only a cruisey 28km into Mindil Beach tomorrow! Can’t wait!...

Wow...astonishing stuff; 55km & 58km in back-to-back days of walking in tropical heat! I know Zan's fitness would be A1 El Primo by now (@ Day 170) but those distances are mind boggling.
He seems an very upbeat & positive person by the snippets I've read...I'm sure he has his low times but his attitude has continued success stamped all over it. An incredibly impressive young man.
Thanks again @Kanga for the updates for those of us not on social media...they are much looked forward to!

 

[Anne&Pat]

An update from Instagram and the map of how Zan is getting on. Kanga may also add something.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

An update from Instagram and the map of how Zan is getting on. Kanga may also add something.
View attachment 155506View attachment 155505

Thanks so much for the screenshots @Anne&Pat.
I had checked the Z6Z map yesterday & wondered how Zan got to Indonesia. I know there was mention 'upthread' (to use @jungleboy's term ) of securing passage by boat so to be able to read his actual post was great.
Zan's enthusiasm evident as always!

 

[Kanga]

Zan got to Indonesia by hitching a boat ride across the straits. He’s walked through Flores with wonderful encounters and hospitality extended by the local people who seem to have taken to this young stranger walking through their villages. Lots of First Communion and wedding celebrations; even village meetings where he has been the star! He has now reached Singapore where his parents flew to meet him. His mother has posted some lovely photos on Facebook (sorry I can’t share). He’s bought a new backpack and looks fit and still has that wonderful wide smile.

 

[VNwalking]

looks fit

Yes, I bet. What an achievement.
Bravo, Zan!

 

[OzAnnie]

I shall follow his route, and let's all encourage him when he makes it to Spain!

Wow. This is really inspiring Kanga
I just checked the live map. He’s walking on water !!
He is a great example of ‘carpe diem’.
Buen camino to him.

 

[Kanga]

Alexander is still going! He’s made it to Nepal. He’s posting very good reels on Instagram.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Amazing!

 

[lovingkindness]

...and where is Alexander now?

 

[Bradypus]

...and where is Alexander now?

According to the live map somewhere between Kathmandu and Pokhara!

 

[lovingkindness]

...and now?

 

[trecile]

...and now?

Here's his website

World Walk Expedition

www.worldwalkexpedition.com

 

[trecile]

And live map

ZeroSixZero | ZeroSixZero

 

[lovingkindness]

And live map

ZeroSixZero | ZeroSixZero

Thank you!