HE started on 17 October last year, determined to walk ‘Six Million Steps’ to document the state of the nation’s entire coastline.
And having begun at the mouth of the Orange River, intrepid solo hiker Grant Christie stepped onto Richards Bay sea sand on Monday afternoon with the end of his journey at Kosi Bay just two weeks away and more than 3 200 kilometres behind his back.
Surprisingly, the 27-year-old has had very few mishaps along the dangerous route, although in his ignorance of local waters he did swim across the dangerous currents of the shark-infested New Mouth.
Thanks to the NSRI who fetched him near the south pier in their rubber duck, Grant was brought safely ‘home’, where he voiced surprise at the beauty of the Richards Bay port and recreational environment.
‘This is my first visit and I always had the perception of this dirty industrial hub, but this place is truly beautiful and looks almost pristine,’ he said.
Supported by the Wilderness Foundation, but without any beach back-up, and not doing the walk for fundraising purposes, Grant is simply on a mission to raise awareness on coastal environmental issues.
By documenting his journey via videos, photos and notes, he hopes to inspire many others to ‘take one step’ for conservation.
Grant travels light, with just a backpack containing a few essential items and a small tent.
He prefers to walk bare-footed and carries little food, ducking into shops along the route for provisions.
Grant should arrive at St Lucia today (Thursday), where Riette Bennett of Advantage Tours has arranged a jetski to carry him across yet another dangerous river mouth.
‘I guess the toughest part of my journey lies ahead – the long, isolated coastline to Kosi Bay.
‘But thanks to the many who have helped along the way, nothing is going to stop me now.’
