- On your website you describe yourself as adventurer, blogger, author, motivational speaker, film maker and photographer. What’s on your passport?
I guess if I had to pick just one it would be “Adventurer” – that’s where the passion comes from.
- Some young people want to be doctors, nurses, layers, farmers and yes engine drivers. When did you decide what you wanted to do?
Not until I was mid-way through university. No proper career appealed to me, so I decided to just do what I loved.
- What advice would you give to any body interested in following in your footsteps.
Just do it! Have a big idea, then Begin! Don’t expect to get rich quick, be willing to serve your apprenticeship, and remember to always do it for the right reasons…
- You have seen the effect of climate change on your travels are you an optimists or pessimists with regard to our collective efforts to reverse or slow it down..
Unfortunately I am a pessimist regarding the environment, overpopulation and the impact of an urbanised, sedentary lifestyle.
- You have written a number of great books about your trips. I assume you like writing do you see yourself being a full time travel writer?
The writing came before the adventure. I wanted to be a travel writer before I wanted to do out-of-the-ordinary expeditions. I would love to earn enough money from writing to make that my primary activity.
- Do you think the advent of ‘proffessional adventurers’ with their back up systems takes away from the spirit of personal endeavour?
I’mm not sure it’s a new thing. Livingstone and his contemporaries had vast numbers of people helping them. Personally, yes, I prefer to do things the simple and difficult way. But, as a wise man once said, any idiot can be uncomfortable…
- What’s your favourite breakfast?
Posh muesli, croissants, coffee and a newspaper.
- We have read the book seen the blog whens the movie?
Continuing with my predilection for doing things by myself, I have spent the last couple of years teaching myself how to use a video camera and edit the footage. I would really love to make a TV documentary, but haven’t managed to get my foot in the door yet.
- Whats your next challenge?
A four-month, 1800-mile unsupported return journey to the South Pole with two friends, Ben Saunders and Martin Hartley.
- Bike Boat or Automobile?
Hmmm…. I’mm pretty sick of bikes and rowing boats! But I don’t like cars either. Can I choose a camel instead?! That’s a journey that still burns on my To-Do list…
- Your tents on fire what one piece of kit would you save?
Memory cards and diary.
- You must have a lot of outdoor gear, are you a hoarder or do you pass on what you don’t need to someone who can use it?
I’mm a hoarder, but not intentionally – I just don’t get organised enough to sort stuff out.
- Tell us about your chosen charity?
I do all my trips for Hope and Homes for Children (www.hopeandhomes.org) and recently became a patron. It’s a great charity that gets the right balance between compassion, pragmatism, ambition and efficiency.
- What would be your ultimate adventure – the one big one?
I’mve been trying to pull off this South Pole trip for four years now, so that’s pretty massive to me at the moment.
- ‘I heard a rumour that he had such a good time on Atlantic row,that he is considering other oceans.Is that true’?
If anyone ever sees me anywhere near a boat again, they have my permission to shoot me…
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