WATCH: ‘Dead Man Walking’ begins his Wild Coast journey

Adventurous Frank Owen plans to travel – cashless – from Port Edward, along the coastline to Gonubie – with two dogs he adopted from Harmony Hill Rescue, South Coast Herald reports.

Frank (62), who prefers to be known as ‘Dead Man Walking’, grew up in Amanzimtoti before moving to Johannesburg, where he remained for most of his working career.

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His work gave him the opportunity to travel the world, but Frank’s life took an unexpected twist after his marriage ended.

“I decided to walk away from the conflict and trust in the goodwill of the community,” he said.

He left his home with two shirts, T-shirts and a pair of takkies and spontaneously decided to take on an interesting part of the coast, the stretch from Port Edward to Gonubie.

“I thought, I have no money but I have my health and decided to hit the road in faith. My old life is over but a new chapter awaits me. I am now free of worldly possessions and any obligations.”

He departs on foot for the craggy cliff faces, wild and desolate beaches today (Thursday) after acquainting himself with his two new four-legged companions, Syd and Cookseys.

Frank with Syd and Cookseys

Frank spent some 10 days at Harmony Hill, inland from Sea Park, training his dogs to obey his commands and to stay close to him at all times.

“I wanted to give two rescue dogs a second chance and a forever home,” he added.

They will now accompany him on his journey, and both will be fitted out with backpacks containing food, water and first aid kits.

Syd and Cookseys.

Frank is aware a dangerous path that awaits him, but says that if anything should happen he would at least have achieved substance in his life.

“I want to be an inspiration to others, that at the age of 62, I am not dead but alive,” he said.

With fishing equipment he will live off the ocean and scavenge off the natural edible foliage.

“I’ve always been a survivor and have always managed to get out a difficult situation. I have never given up or been afraid of anything.”

Frank says he has so far been lucky enough to have met and stayed with amazing people, like Penny Taylor from Harmony Hill and his good friend Brett Usher.

Along the way, he plans to raise money for projects like Harmony Hill Rescue, educate people about animal abuse and how plastic impacts our environment.

If you would like to follow Frank’s journey, or think you can help with his ‘survival needs list’, follow Frank’s journey on his Facebook page: Frank Owen, or contact him at 064 644 1433.

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