What is the longest distance you have ever walked? Try to picture that journey in your mind. What mental and physical reserves were required for you to keep going when you wanted to quit? More importantly, how did you feel when you finally stopped? Most of us are fortunate to have some form of transportation, whether it’s a bicycle, car, bus or Uber to take us where we want to go. Long journeys no longer require much effort or commitment. We can’t remember the last time we walked to the point of exhaustion—unless it was at Costco or Home Depot. That’s why I’m fascinated by people who commit to undertake a long journey. What motivates them?
Helen Thayer is a woman from New Zealand who has been named one of the most important explorers of the 20th century by the National Geographic Society.…