This Man Is Walking Across All 7 Continents With His Dog

Travel

| July 20, 2016 | By Margo Gothelf

Tom Turcich and his dog Savannah are taking one very long walk.

In the next five years, Turcich plans to walk with his dog across all seven continents. Currently, he has spent 472 days walking over 6,300 miles in 11 different countries.

Turcich was first inspired to take this long walk after he lost a close friend at the age of 17.

“Her death reordered my understanding of the world,” he shared on Reddit. “I suddenly saw life as something fragile and fleeting. I needed to make the most of the short time I had.”

Still trying to decide whether to cross those mountains without the cart…for now I'm gonna sit on my balcony with a cigar and a few beers, maybe do some reading too. #theworldwalk #travel #colombia #savannahtww

A post shared by Tom Turcich (@theworldwalk) on May 13, 2016 at 3:03pm PDT

After completing college and saving up enough money, Turcich set out on his adventure.

He began his journey in the United States where he then went to Mexico and Central America. He is currently in South America where he will catch a boat to Antarctica and then fly to Europe. After flying to Europe, he plans to walk through Africa and Asia and then fly to Australia.

His last part of the journey will take him back to the West Coast, where he plans to go cross-country back to New Jersey.

Turcich found Savannah when he was walking through Texas at an animal shelter. He initially brought her along on the journey for protection, but the pair soon formed a very strong bond.

Day 437. Getting into Ecuador was a breeze, probably the easiest border crossing yet. I'm at about 9000ft elevation right now. It's cool, there are pastures everywhere, and the road is mostly flat. So far nothing but good things. #theworldwalk #travel #ecuador #savannahtww

A post shared by Tom Turcich (@theworldwalk) on Jun 13, 2016 at 3:59am PDT

“After spending nearly every minute of every day with her, she’s definitely my best bud,” he shared. “She walks every mile with me and always has energy left over at the end of the day.”

According to Insider, he “walks 24 miles and burns 5,000 calories every day.”

Day 271. Me and Savannah girl on the Pacific. Have been pleasantly surprised by how beautiful and friendly El Salvador has been. Every single person says hi. #theworldwalk #travel #elsalvador

A post shared by Tom Turcich (@theworldwalk) on Jan 14, 2016 at 5:18am PST

“When I started I was walking fifteen miles a day and my legs were throbbing and cramping,” he explained. “Now I’ll do thirty miles some days with stretching at night I’m good to go the next day.”