What does it take to achieve the impossible? Three record-breaking adventurers tell us about the challenges that have defi ned their careers, from enduring starvation on an icecap in Greenland to rerouting an entire expedition through Alaska
WORLD NO. 1 SOLOIST ROCK CLIMBER
ALEX HONNOLD
The humble Alex ‘No Big Deal’ Honnold is a trailblazer. In June 2017, he accomplished the greatest feat in rock climbing history: he scaled the 3,000‰ El Capitan wall in America’s Yosemite National Park — without ropes
I’ve seen a lot of walls, but El Capitan was the most striking, the most inspiring. It was always there in my mind as the ultimate challenge. So I worked up to it.
There weren’t really any nerves. You basically prepare to the point that you aren’t nervous. But you have to prepare for scares: for example, if I suspect that my next step on the rock face is going to be scary, and it is, then I’m ready.
I’m afraid of danger. I don’t want to die. If I’m being driven by a drunk taxi driver, that’s scary. If I’m on a plane that’s about to crash and there’s a real chance of death, then sure, I’d be scared. With climbing I do things that I’m completely used to — it’s totally natural.
For me, the most meaningful moment of the climb was the elation I felt getting to the top. It was such a long-held dream finally realised. There were moments when I was climbing that were tinged with excitement, but essentially I was super focused and nervous. And then, when I got to the top, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness.
El Capitan is my favourite wall for sure, but not because it’s fun. There are plenty of other places that are more fun. Really it’s too big, too tiring.
Being the best in my field as a soloist? I’m not sure I am, but it’s about commitment. I’m constantly trying better myself.
This story is from the Adventure January 2018: Wild ways to see the world edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Adventure January 2018: Wild ways to see the world edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Dianne Whelan
THOUGH NOT A SEASONED HIKER TO BEGIN WITH, THE FILMMAKER BECAME THE FIRST PERSON TO COMPLETE THE WORLD'S LONGEST TRAIL NETWORK
NIGERIA
The country's many communities come together over hearty meals with plenty of heat
Katie Hale
A VOYAGE TO THE GREAT WHITE CONTINENT IS BOTH A DREAM COME TRUE AND A CALL TO ARMS, TO PROTECT OUR ICY POLES AND, IN TURN, OUR PLANET
WILTSHIRE
BEYOND THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF STONEHENGE, WILTSHIRE HAS EQUALLY IMPRESSIVE ANCIENT SITES, GIANT CHALK HORSES AND COSY PUBS IN HISTORIC VILLAGES
BATH
Thermal baths and Regency heritage have put this Somerset city firmly on the travel map - and this year the spotlight will be on former resident and literary great Jane Austen, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of her birth
GRANADA
In this Andalucian city, flamenco is an art form as well as a way of life not just for traditional dancers and singers but also for hip-hop stars, classical guitar legends and street artists
India's Golden Triangle
LINKING DELHI, THE TAJ MAHAL AND THE PINK CITY OF JAIPUR, WITH DETOURS FOR TEMPLES AND TIGERS, THIS IS THE PERFECT ROUTE FOR FIRST-TIMERS. WORDS: POOJA NAIK
FORGED BY FIRE
A SUBTROPICAL ISLAND IN THE ATLANTIC, MADEIRA HAS RUGGED VOLCANIC MOUNTAINS THAT RISE ABOVE THE CLOUDS, NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS DOWN AT SEA LEVEL AND MORE THAN 1,900 MILES OF HISTORIC AQUEDUCTS TRACING THE LANDSCAPES IN BETWEEN
ADRIFT IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
A KAYAKING EXPEDITION THROUGH NORWAY'S LOFOTEN ISLANDS OFFERS WHITE-SAND BEACHES, ROYAL ENCOUNTERS AND THE CHANCE TO CHANNEL YOUR INNER VIKING
the RETURN
ON A PRIVATE GAME RESERVE IN SOUTH AFRICA'S KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE, AN UNLIKELY CREATURE IS MAKING A TENTATIVE COMEBACK - AND VISITORS ARE OFFERED A GLIMPSE INTO THE CONSERVATION EFFORTS TO SAVE IT AND OTHER NATIVE WILDLIFE
