I noticed not too long ago that it’s uncommon I watch one thing on YouTube until there’s a singular hook or problem connected. In terms 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 most likely 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 potential. As you’ll be able to think about, the obstacles when strolling coast to coast throughout European international locations are many and assorted; 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 facet of the imaginary path to assist skirt across the worst risks or most severe trespassing, GeoWizard — actual title Tom Davies — does his utmost to stay to the route, and tackles no matter is thrown his approach 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 finally come up and issues are known as off. However with extra makes an attempt underneath his belt and classes realized, preparation improves, largely within the type of a small help crew who convey with them important gear reminiscent of kayaks to assist cross lakes, or supply a short respite from the weather with a snack-loaded van. Ultimately, the adventures increase from simply Davies to a wider solid that, like all good collection, you’re delighted to see proceed popping up.
Fortunately, at the same time as 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 selfmade really feel one million subscribers in.
In the event you’re , I’d suggest beginning with Wales try two or Norway, then progressing to extra Wales adventures, Scotland, and finally 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 the event you want your adventures extra sedentary, because the channel title suggests he’s additionally a proficient Geoguessr participant — although a current video hints that the 2 worlds could quickly mix, and in that case, it may make for his most fascinating set of challenges but.