I spotted just lately that it’s uncommon I watch one thing on YouTube until there’s a novel hook or problem connected. In the case of video games, it’s often speedrunning makes an attempt, Nuzlocke runs, catching a shiny of each Pokémon earlier than transferring on — that kind of factor — and this in all probability explains why I’ve discovered GeoWizard, a channel that introduces self-imposed restrictions to exploring the actual world, so entertaining.
His headline collection has a easy premise: trying to cross a whole nation in as straight a line as doable. As you’ll be able to think about, the obstacles when strolling coast to coast throughout European international locations are many and diverse; there are fast-moving rivers, felled forests, acres of farmland patrolled by diligent farmers, and fencing of each the thorny and artifical, barbed varieties. Even with some wiggle room of some meters both aspect of the imaginary path to assist skirt across the worst risks or most severe trespassing, GeoWizard — actual identify Tom Davies — does his utmost to stay to the route, and tackles no matter is thrown his manner with gusto and a digicam in hand.
Whereas every try naturally lends itself to drama at common intervals, they’re additionally a severe take a look at of stamina, with early begins and lengthy days strolling over fields, valleys, and rolling hills. It helps that Davies is an efficient storyteller and snappy editor to make these prolonged expeditions pacy and thrilling, compressing hourslong treks by the countryside into tidy sped-up montages, earlier than deftly teeing up the subsequent spot of hassle to maintain you watching.
In early missions, insurmountable issues ultimately come up and issues are referred to as off. However with extra makes an attempt below his belt and classes realized, preparation improves, largely within the type of a small assist crew who convey with them very important gear resembling kayaks to assist cross lakes, or supply a quick respite from the weather with a snack-loaded van. Finally, the adventures broaden from simply Davies to a wider forged that, like all good collection, you’re delighted to see proceed popping up.
Fortunately, whilst makes an attempt start to succeed and international locations are ticked off the listing, the channel retains its low-budget attraction. The whole lot continues to be recorded on a rain-splattered GoPro, and recaps are annotated with Microsoft Paint-style scribbles over Google Earth footage, giving it a home made really feel 1,000,000 subscribers in.
Should you’re , I’d advocate beginning with Wales try two or Norway, then progressing to extra Wales adventures, Scotland, and ultimately England — and when you’ve had your fill, branching out to GeoWizard’s different problem movies, from exploring cities with out utilizing roads to seeing how far he can go along with simply pocket change. And, in case you desire your adventures extra sedentary, because the channel identify suggests he’s additionally a proficient Geoguessr participant — although a latest video hints that the 2 worlds could quickly mix, and in that case, it might make for his most fascinating set of challenges but.
