Walking on a dream…
Tell me. What do you know about the Islamic Republic of Iran? Anything? Anyone?
In a few days, after 18 months of planning and preparation, I set out on what will be a most amazing and fascinating journey. Walking solo and lightweight from the northern border of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the Caspian Sea to its southerly border in the Persian Gulf.
Mark Kalch - Expedition Iran
Beginning in the coastal city of Chalus, I cross the Alborz Mountains heading south to Tehran. From here I will continue south-west to Qom, before heading south to Esfahan, through the Zagros Mountains and on to Shiraz before reaching the Persian Gulf at Bushehr.
Iran is one of the most mountainous countries on Earth, and over many weeks I will pass through subtropical rainforest, 5000m+ mountain ranges, plateau and desert on course for the Persian Gulf. Just myself, my pack and a notebook. Nothing more. Will I make it? Maybe, although there is a much better chance that I will not! But, is that not all the more reason to go?
The relationship between Iran and the West has a tendency to polarise opinion which makes for interesting times ahead. I journey with an open mind and heart. I am not a politician or a campaigner. I am an explorer.
The way - Expedition Iran
I do not propose to change the world with my short walk. I am not journeying to raise funds for charity or awareness of climate change. I wish to experience the true Iran. A country of amazing, generous people, not the caricature painted for us by others. I will stay and live amongst its people, explore its diverse geography and experience what was, once upon time, the greatest empire on earth.
Sounds like an interesting expedition huh?
Mark Kalch is an experienced explorer whose determination and thirst for adventure has led him to plan and carry out several expeditions. In the last 12 years he has walked the length of the Omo River in Southern Ethiopia, rafted down the mighty Amazon River from its source in the Peruvian Andes to the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Brazil, run rivers in Southern Africa, trekked in the Andes of Peru, forged trails through dense jungles in East Africa and explored deserted tropical islands off the coast of Australia by sea-kayak.
Mark’s experiences of planning small, unsupported expeditions into the wilderness, far from any help and with only himself and his team to rely on, has given him an incredible insight into successful team dynamics, leadership and risk management.
Best Daze from Mark Kalch on Vimeo.
Immersed in local culture - Expedition Iran
Sky2Sea sponsored Mark to give a public talk at National Geographic in London in October of this year. This talk focused on his recent Amazon expedition (a successful human powered, source to sea journey of the Amazon River):Mark faced acute mountain sickness, dysentery, turbulent whitewater, 30 km wide tidal river waters and being shot at by both the military and narco-terrorists. After the team medic was struck down with a mystery virus and forced to return home, Mark and his other team mate were left to row the remaining 4500km between them, at times rowing 24 hours a day in alternating 6 hour shifts to reach their goal.
Quite a guy!
We’re delighted that Mark will be guest blogging for us during Expedition Iran. Hopefully this has been a good introduction to him and the expedition – get ready for the next blog….coming straight from the field!
You can also follow the journey at www.markkalch.com!
Mark Kalch - explorer, Expedition Iran
