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There is a moment between having an idea and acting on it, when you choose to do something or you won’t… I decided to become the first woman to walk the length of the earth.
It’s a 30 000 km trek from the southernmost point of South America to the highest point of Alaska. When I finish I will be the first woman, and one of only a handful of people to have ever completed it.
I travel only by foot, or where there are ocean crossings, I swim or kayak.
In 2019 I became the first woman to have hiked the length of South America (from Argentina to Colombia) and am still in pursuit of becoming the first to walk the length of the Earth.
I have momentarily returned home to Australia as part of the pandemic response and won’t be able to continue until the Australian travel ban is lifted.
WHY!
It bugged me that in the 35 years since it was first completed, no women had achieved the same feat… so I began planning.
Officially, three men have walked from Argentina to Alaska, and approximately 10 have walked their own variations but… only one (the first) has walked from the polar most extreme cities – This is what I have undertaken.
Three years on, I’ve walked the length of Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and begun Colombia. Some say it’s an impossible dream – but the way I see it is that if he can, I can too.
Closing barriers is one part, but I also started this project for the experience and to see how far I could go. I wanted to attempt something only achieved by a handful of people and I wanted to live adventurously, travel, and have a story to tell.
I share these stories for prosperity and for insight into what the journey is like. I’m honest and I go into depth about the life I’m living, while on a path few have dared to walk because above everything else, I’d like to contribute towards how women are revered by our children.
How
I travel only by foot or where the terrain is unpassable, I swim or kayak. I am self supported, sleep in a tent, am responsible for navigation and logistics, all without an on-road support team. I do have a bunch of friends who help out when I need a new pair of tights sent over, or some other weird logistics. I also turn to them, my family, and the community on social media for support when adventure life becomes mentally tough.
From where to where
Watch the animation!
Even though I mapped out the trail (way back when)… I’ve never stuck to it!
How far have you walked so far
9897 km from Ushuaia Argentina to Pasto Colombia.
Are you walking on your own
Yes.
That said, friends have joined me on the trail but because of the speed I need to travel with visa restrictions, most opt to catch me in town for a fun rest break instead.
What about your dog
Wombat is a Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) who started walking with me at 3 months of age. True to the breed, he is high energy, adventurous and cheeky. Sometimes stubborn, sometimes fierce, he is a quick learner, loves oranges, anything that squeaks, branches 5 times his length, and sneaking into my sleeping bag when I’m not looking.
Pairs of shoes to date
12
What do you eat
I’m a coeliac so this gets tricky. I am limited by what’s in town and sometimes that means
In a typical day I’ll eat: oats, an apple, peanuts, and a main. It isn’t much but I found removing sugar from my diet has stopped me from getting hungry – so I carry less in my pack and then delight in bamboozling the local vendors when I gorge myself in town!
Average steps per day
45 000 – 65 000 (30 – 40km per day)
Steps the whole way
40 000 000
Time
I began on the 19th of February 2017. It will take another three or four years to complete minus time out due to COVID.
Distance
30 000kms – the equivalent of 1/6 the average distance a person will walk in their lifetime.
Age
I was born in 1982
Climates
Cold: I’ve endured -17°C in a snowstorm.
Hot: The Atacama Desert has been recorded to reach 50°C (122°F), and
Altitude: I have reached heights above 5 100M (16732ft).m in Peru.
The world record
On completion I will be the first woman to walk the length of the world; first completed by George Meegan in 1982. George holds the Guinness record for: The longest unbroken march of all time.
NOT WITHOUT YOU!
Wouldn’t it be great if my journey had an impact on others?
Whether it be for entertainment or towards another crazy pursuit, you can help make that happen. Join the community, sign up for notifications on my social pages, share the posts you enjoy and if you would like to get more involved visit my
See you out there,
Lucy + Wombat
51 comments
Hein Eigenhuis
Hey Lucy , I heard you on the radio a day or two ago. Your story resonated with me a lot. You are great for going for it , you must miss wombat a huge amount. I will walk with you in spirit. And will my dog Kodi a three legged bluey who never gives up.
Rich
Hi Lucy – have just been listening to you on the ABC Radio in Sydney – you are a truly insprirational woman & I wish you every success with this incredible challange – look forward to hearing about your amazing travels – all the very best – cheers
marcio jose albino
Hello! My english language no is very good, but I admire you and i have sure that you will end this adventure for the world with succesfull…
Kieron Mills
Hi Lucy
Saw you on the ABC news this morning, you are amazing,.
I am going to follow you for the rest of your journey
You must be having an amazing adventure
Well done, enjoy and good luck
Cheers
Kieron.
Mike Hirsh
Good luck Lucy…. saw your interview on the ABC this Sunday morning Dec 30th 2018. Then read about your accident before you decided to do this walk….!!! Do you listen to music at lonely times…???
Lucy
Yes!! But more so I now listen to audiobooks from my old local library! I love it!!
Lucy
Thanks so much!!!
Muchelle
Amazing – go girl!
Lucy
Thanks!!!!!!!
Robert Harrison
Hi Lucy, just saw you on the ABC. What a great adventure, you have inspired me to fulfill my dream as a sea gypsy, living on my 12mtr sail boat. Starting late at 63 but hope to have 20 years to see how far I can get. Thank you for the inspiration and good luck to you and Wombat. Xo
Lucy
I really love hearing stories like this! Thanks for sharing!!!
Robyn Dear
Dear Lucy, saw your story on ABC breakfast show. How AMAZING ARE YOU? Bless your beautiful heart for inspiring so many with each step you take. I admire your spirit and tenacity. The photos you post are extraordinary, such landscapes are one of the up sides of your adventure I imagine. Love that you are listening to audio books to keep you entertained while you walk. My nephew walked the entire 1000kms of the Biblimum Track at the age of 18 as his own rite of passage into manhood. I thought that was brave. You are taking that to a whole new level. I have been fighting my way back from spinal injury and can walk and talk again after finding a brave doctor to help me. Never thought it was possible, he believed even when I lost hope. I believed when he was feeling despair. We worked hard together to prove it was possible. Bless his brave heart for never giving up on me. It is a gift just to be able to walk from my bedroom to the kitchen and hang out my own clothes, so I am in AWE of your choice to walk from one end of the world to the other. Like HELLO……totally beyond my comprehension. I wish you well in your journey. You are a champion ALREADY. Your beaming smile will travel with me and will inspire me to reach beyond where I am into something I never imagined possible.
Bryan
Love your work Lucy, enjoying following your amazing trek.
Sue
Hullo Lucy. I just saw you being interviewed on ABC TV (Sunday morning here in Oz) – and I love what I saw. Your spirit and your shine. Must admit I also have huge doses of envy. Take care, be safe, and you now have one more person providing some mental good vibes to follow you.
Dave
Good luck. Just saw your beautiful interview live on ABC Australia Sunday morning show. Keep it up. We are all behind you.
mick beckers
Wow! Go girl! Got your story from Backpacking Light and look foward to following you on this incredible journey. Awesome.
Rayleen
Hi Lucy, I saw your story on TV this morning (Perth Western Australia) so inspiring, your exuberant energy leapt out from the screen, I wish you every success in this awe inspiring journey – Best Wishes, Rayleen & Brea (my dog)
Sally
Just seen you on ABC .. what a fantastic challenge. Look forward to following your journey. Good luck from Perth
Jonathan
Luce! What’s been the highlight of the day so far!? I just quit my job & am desperate to walk A to A; thanks for carving a path; please hide me some chocolates.
Paul
Saw ya story on ABC news this morning. Looks like an awesome adventure, really hope ya make it! Your an inspiration!
Colin Cameron
Gees Lucy , I first read of your adventure just today via the ABC News and was blown away by your delightful approach , incredible determination , self effacing humour , oh bugger it … everything you are doing … WTF …!!! I wish you great happiness and love , you are amazing , I mean REALLY amazing .
Rice david
Hi Lucy – I really admire you on many many levels – stay safe david
Kat
Just saw your interview on ABC sunday morning breakfast show. You’re a force to be reckoned with! Totally rooting for you girl! Enjoy your adventure.
Thomas
Good luck Lucy. It will be an awesome trip.
Richard Rheinberger
Hi Lucy – saw your story on channel nine news is Sydney – really interested in your journey and very interested if I understand correctly that you are taking your dog – is this correct?
Warm regards
Richard
Lucy
Thanks!!!!
Lucy
Thanks Carole, I’ll post all about it if I pull it off 🙂
Lucy
Thanks heaps Sarah!! Right back at you!
Sarah Williams (@_TOUGH_GIRL)
GOOD LUCK!!! What an amazing challenge – looking forward to following your journey!
Lucy
Hi Richard!! Not quite, after I have been here a few months I will look into picking one up over here. But first I have to find my rhythm and make sure my body can hold up to the challenge. It’s still early days.
Lucy
Well it’s nice to meet you Helen!!
I started yesterday and recommence on the 21st or 22nd. You can track my progress from the map and track page in the navigation side bar.
Lucy
That’s awesome Mick! Yep, the team there have been super helpful!!
robsimons48
Good luck Lucy , from someone who has done some long hikes but nothing like what you have set yourself. Lots of planning would have to go into this .Love to hear a gear& clothing list. Hope those Armaskin socks keep the blisters away.
Lucy
GREAT IDEA TOO!!!
I’ll be sure to do that when I’m on my way to El Calafate… no doubt the list will have changed by then… it certainly has under gone a few adjustments already!!
LOVE.THE.SOCKS 🙂
Olly Woolrych
Hey Lucy, Great thing your doing. That winter your currently trekking through looks pretty nasty. I ran from Mexico to Panama in 2015, I can tell you that you will be wishing for snow once more when you are up there. Crazy Hot!!! I was only out there for 7 months but the biggest think I learnt was to not wish away the kms, I know it can be hard at times and all you want to do is be 100kms ahead of where you are….but, this is a once in a life time adventure. enjoy every step!
Lucy
Thanks Olly! You’re right… Sometimes that’ll be tough but I agree ☝️
Thanks for getting in touch! Are you still adventuring?!
Lucy
Thanks Thomas!! Keep checking in every now and again… and if you have any ideas, let me know!
Lucy
Thanks!! … I checked out your site. New knees are expensive – I better take care of the ones I have!!!
Helen
You don’t know me but I’m behind your journey! When are you leaving on your trek? Best of luck! X
Mario
Hola lucy me llamó Mario. Me crucé con vos en octubre, sobre un puente en el lago Rivadavia, yo en dirección al sur y tu al norte, ya regresé a mi casa en Santa Fe, pero si necesitas compañía para el viaje te alcazo de toque. Espero estés bien. Un abrazo. The World is crazy
Lucy
Great meeting you too!!
Lucy
Hi Blake, there are some covered in the blog but if you’re after something specific send me an email. Cheers, L
Blake
Hi could i get information about the hardships that were (or will be) endured
Esteban
Lucy after meet you in la alcaldesa square with wombat a few minutes ago I will wish you get the goal and then to became in the first women to reach this BIG challenge and I would like to see you again
Lucy
Thanks so much Kat!!!
Lucy
Hola! Espero que estés bien! Gracias por ponerse en contacto. Manténgase seguro en sus viajes!
The Running Princess
Amazing! Good luck Lucy!
Carole
Thinking of you Lucy as you head off. Good luck catching bunnies…
Medventura
Hey All the Best !! amazing challenge.
Lucy
HAHA!!! Thanks so much!! xo I look forward to hearing from you all along the way