In the third year of what likely will be a nine-year trek across four continents, I am struck by the persistence of a single question from readers, students, walking partners, barkeeps, shepherds, fellow reporters, baffled police officers in nine countries and, yes, even long-suffering editors demanding my copy: What keeps me motived on a slow foot journey that, at times, seems to have no end?
The answer depends on the day of the week—and the hour of the day—you’re asking.
But at least one reason has grown ever clearer: You.
I’ve described the “Out of Eden Walk” as a 21,000-mile-long conversation with complete strangers, stretching from Africa to Tierra del Fuego. The random people I meet along the trail, from farmers to artists, from refugees to royalty, are this walk’s true destinations. These human encounters offer the thrill of first contact, of a new story, of a new beginning. Each of us has unique lessons and insights to share on this collective ramble that we’re all taking into the 21st century. And in that spirit, I’m inviting you to share yours.
My friend and National Geographic photographer John Stanmeyer and I are curating a community photo contest on the popular National Geographic “Your Shot” platform. This public assignment, called “Built to Walk,” asks you: What makes us so restless as a species? What drives us to look over the next horizon—to simply keep moving? We’d like to see your visual interpretations of human migration. So send us your images—whether they depict your winter vacations, refugee camps, or daily commutes. The contest runs through February 15. We’ve reviewed more than 7,000 photos so far. John and I are offering what advice we can, based on our joint field experience. And we’re learning from you.
This “Your Shot” assignment is part of a deepening effort to give the walk’s sprawling community a more prominent voice on the journey. We will be featuring more “Trail Galleries” featuring my guides’ work. A far more interactive National Geographic website for the walk is slated to launch this summer. And our education partners are pioneering innovative ways to incorporate more diverse voices, young and old, into this global stroll. As that old African proverb reminds us: “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” Onward.
