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Description of the expedition
On May 7, Belgian adventurer and traveler Louis-Philippe Loncke set off on the first-ever expedition across Poland – from Rysy to the Baltic Sea. He will cover the route on foot, by raft and by kayak – using only his own muscle power. During the 1,200-kilometre feat, Louis-Philip will walk 150 km in the mountains, sail 50 km on a raft and another 1,000 km by kayak.
The first stage of the expedition will lead through mountainous areas: from Zakopane through the Tatra Mountains, the Żywiec Beskids and finally the Silesian Beskids, up to Barania Góra, where the sources of the queen of Polish rivers - the Vistula, the last long, wild river in Europe, are located.
The Vistula River, which is 1,074 km long, flows through more than half of Poland's territory. It divides the country into two parts and forms its natural spine. The Vistula River flows through three metropolises – Krakow, Warsaw and Gdansk. It has a significant significance for Polish culture and history. The Vistula River is also an important element of national identity. For almost its entire length, the Vistula has retained its natural character and has remained virtually unchanged by man. This is quite unusual and distinguishes it from other large rivers in Europe. Along the banks of this natural waterway, you can admire breathtaking views, magical nooks, beautiful mountain streams, meanders, valleys and gorges.
Louis-Philippe would like to meet Poles and learn something about Polish culture. He wants to look at the Vistula from his own perspective. By kayaking, he wants to show the unique, almost untouched waterway, as well as to emphasize the need to protect it. The traveler intends to draw attention to the issues of environmental protection, especially rivers.
On the mountain stage, Luis-Philippe will be accompanied by Polish traveler Tomasz Grzywaczewski. During the expedition, the team, together with photographer and cameraman Natalie Hill, will make a documentary film telling not only about the expedition, but above all about Poland and its inhabitants.
The Poland Trek team invites all those who would like to join him for 1 day - on foot or by kayak - during his 4-week expedition.
A handful of facts
Duration – 07 May 2012 – 2 June 2012
Total route length: 1,200 km
Mountain hike: 150 km
Rafting: 50 km
Kayaking: 1,000 km
1,200 km in 28 days = 42 km per day
You can follow reports and more information about Louise-Philippe's whereabouts on the website: www.polandtrek.com
and on the expedition fanpage facebook.com/PolandTrek
