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.
Bu hikaye National Geographic Traveller (UK) dergisinin Adventure January 2018: Wild ways to see the world sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye National Geographic Traveller (UK) dergisinin Adventure January 2018: Wild ways to see the world sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Annette Arjoon-Martins
RAISED BY HER INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHER IN GUYANA, SOUTH AMERICA, ANNETTE BUILT A FEMALE DRONE UNIT TO MONITOR MANGROVES
The Amazon to the Andes
THIS AUTUMN, PADDINGTON HEADS TO PERU ON THE BIG SCREEN - FOLLOW IN HIS PAWPRINTS FOR AN EPIC FAMILY ADVENTURE
Serra de Tramuntana
MAJORCA'S MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGE IS EVERY BIT AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE ISLAND'S COASTLINE - AND YOU CAN HIKE STRAIGHT FROM YOUR HOTEL
CRAFTING PERFECTION
Carlsberg's old brewing district has been redeveloped, offering creative new ways to enjoy Copenhagen
HOTEL AWARDS 2024
IT'S BEEN AN EPIC YEAR FOR HOTEL OPENINGS, REVAMPS AND EXTENSIONS, AND WE'VE SCOURED THE GLOBE FOR THE BEST OF THEM. WHETHER YOU WANT TO TUNE INTO THE JUNGLE FROM A TREEHOUSE, SLEEP IN A PIECE OF HISTORY OR WATCH THE SUN SET OVER MOUNTAIN PEAKS FROM YOUR BED, YOU'RE GUARANTEED A MEMORABLE STAY FROM OUR WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP
MALDIVES
An archipelago of 1,192 coral islands and 26 turquoise atolls looping across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is home to resorts that cater to every imaginable taste, from barefoot escapes to designer digs. The most convenient to reach are located in the South Malé, North Malé and Vaavu atolls, within speedboat distance of Velana International Airport, while more remote atolls are accessible by seaplane or domestic flight. With easy access to the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa and Raa are especially popular. Those around the Equator, including Gaafu Alifu, offer a splendid sense of isolation, abundant marine life and brilliantly starry night skies.
TRANSYLVANIA
The central Romanian region of Dracula fame makes for an intriguing autumn break - sink your teeth into its crafts and culture after discovering its turreted castles.
Audio adventures
FROM OVERTOURISM TO HOW THE OLYMPIC GAMES AFFECTS HOST CITIES, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST PODCASTS THAT EXPLORE THE WORLD
NICE
Historically a place where monarchs and aristocrats would escape the winter in favour of warm Mediterranean climes, this southern French city is at its best in the off season
BELFAST
In the Northern Irish capital, the healing and uniting powers of music and art are being used to reconcile the past, look to the future and bring communities together