AN ADVENTUROUS couple finally have their feet back on Dorset soil after returning from 858 days of travel around the world.

Emma Smart and Andy Smith from Weymouth faced more setbacks than most in their journey but sheer determination saw them drive 80,975 miles, visiting 51 different countries.

Emma said: “This third phase of our trip started in August 2014 so we were on the road for almost two years. We travel overland by car, sleeping in a roof tent and cooking on the tailgate as we go. We left from Weymouth, sailed across the Channel to France then drove through Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania. We spent time in Greece and Turkey then explored Armenia and Georgia before crossing back through Russia and into Kazakhstan.

“We spent four months in the ‘Stans; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, driving the world’s second highest highway through the Pamir Mountains along the border with Afghanistan. Three months in Iran was followed by four and a half months in India, then through the newly-opened border with Myanmar into Southeast Asia.

“Our final countries were beautiful Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia.”

Emma, 39 and Andy, 40 originally set off in 2012 but returned only four months later as they received devastating news that both of Andy’s parents had been diagnosed with cancer.

After setting off again in August 2014 they then faced yet another setback when the cylinder head of their car exploded so they had to return while repairs were made. Hitting the road once again the couple were brought to a complete standstill after thieves ransacked their car.

But despite it all, they have done it.

Emma added: “We feel very proud to have actually made it, it seems a long time ago we were packing in our garage in Weymouth starting out to follow our dream. To look back now on all the places we have visited, the people we have met and all the amazing experiences is wonderful.

“For me, visiting wilderness areas in the world is always a personal highlight.

“We visited pristine lakes and pine-forested hills in Kyrgyzstan and the tropical magnificence of Southeast Asia’s rainforests bursting with butterflies, insects, lizards and birds. With the future of many of our planets ecosystems under serious threat, it is an honour to visit some of these wild places and enjoy nature first-hand.

“Our feet are still itching so our plan now is a temporary stop gap in the UK.

“We are looking for a sponsor to support our next expedition to ‘The America’s’ where we plan to ship from the UK to Brazil and drive the length of South America, into the United States, Canada and Alaska.”