On Saturday Daren Wendell stepped away from North Georgia College and University in Dahlonega with everything he owns on his back. His plan—don’t stop walking for seven years. Wendell embarked of what he’s calling the Earth Expedition, a journey around the world on foot with the purpose of raising awareness for the global water crisis. He plans to cover over 18,000 miles through 14 countries all on foot except for one flight from Canada to Portugal. The first part of the journey will be a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Track Wendell’s progress or support the journey at www.theearthexpedition.com.