The Hills According to Adam Johnson

Another year Starts “2008”and I would like to share a few thoughts with you.

Last year Electrical Engineer Adam Johnson set a number of challenges - find the Great Napes Sphinx and find the direct grade one scramble route to the summit of Great Gable.

Sample the Snowdon horseshoe including Grib Goch another grade one scramble in which I accomplished twice at different times of the year, both with a story to tell.

Had a very rewarding week stomping in the Lake District around Wasdale Head area, with two to three peaks under my belt per day as training for greater events in the future and of course just being in the mountains is a pleasure.

What was your first mountain experience?

My early teens in the Brecon Beacons.

When were you most scared?

I've never really been scared except last year summating Red Pike / Pillar in the Lake District. I was walking solo, the clouds were very low and visibility was down to 5 metes. It was raining really hard and although I had full waterproof gear on, it was pounding my face

After about three hours stomping, exposure was taking its toll on my body. There were the largest hailstones I've seen for a long time. The wind changed direction to hozasontial straight into my path and was hitting my face, about hundred miles an hour, it felt like some one was poking my face with a sick every second.

I had just about had enough when I found a suitable rock and knelt down next to it. The rock did not give me any shelter at all. But I thought about why I was there and what I was going to do! After a few minutes my conclusion was, It’s only me that’s going to get me out of here, dig deep within yourself and gather your thoughts. “The rain is not going to stop, pull yourself together man, get moving”.

My exit route from the mountain had to come into force, sooner rather than later. I stomped on like a cheetah running to catch his next meal. Checked the map, made a bearing & exited off the mountain. I dropped about a thousand feet below the cloud line, every thing seemed so different now although it was and still raining. I meandered down the valley pass where everything was so much calmer. When I think back I wondered what all the fuss was about, but it was a thought process time with all the elements against you.

What was your proudest moment?

Walking to Everest base camp & doing Kallar Patter October 2006. I loved it there.

Has getting lost ever been your fault?

Obviously I always like to know where I am and were I am going. I once took the wrong path off a mountain to find I was in a different valley to get back. It was a long walk back home that day! I always double check now before ascending summits, making bearing even when not required, just in case.

What’s your most treasured piece of kit?

I don’t really have one, but probably my camera is most dear to me.

What has been your biggest disappointment?

Not having the time and resources to explore greater mountain ranges around the globe.

Are you fit enough for what you do?

People always ask me in the gym what are you training for. I am always training for my next mountain experience (Island / Mera Peak Oct 2008). Walking is also a key roll in my job, keeping conveyors/overheads and general electrical plant running in the Land Rover facilities.

How do mountains feature in your life?

I love the mountains. When I am stomping the tracks and ridges all my worries are gone, it’s great to view the splendour of mountains & valleys around the globe. I could always vegetate on the couch & get very fat. Saying that you can’t beat a bit of Call of Duty 4 on the X-box 360.

What’s in your lunch box?

Normally Mars and Alpen bars. I also love dried mixed fruit too.

Who would you most like to climb a mountain with, and why?

Anybody really, it’s about sharing the moment.

Which is your dream mountain?

Everest, of course, not only because it’s the highest but also it’s all the surrounding peaks, a whole spectacle.

What’s your most expensive piece of kit you’ve ever brought?

It’s always waterproofs really.

What’s in your backpack?

Always a bivi bag, whistle, compass, map, water, first aid kit, full waterproof gear, water, spare cloths and a knife. My longest lasting piece of kit is my rucksack, 'Karrimor Hot Earth', 25 years old still going great.

Are you brave?

Yes, always up for a challenge?

Where would you most like to be right now?

Any high mountain, as long it’s away from work.

What’s the worst thing about walking?

Absolutely nothing.

What does the first post walk beer taste like?

Great a long as it’s cold and as long as it’s not lager.

What does a wild camp smell like?

Great, love the out doors, as long as it’s not dried yak shit your burning on the fire.

What does a whiteout feel like?

It’s o.k. If you know where you are going, if not, it's good to have a bearing to follow.

What does getting to the top feel like?

Great, the fun is always returning to base camp safe and well.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt?

Never under estimate the mountain as weather conditions can change in minutes.

What does adventure mean to you?

You must be adventurous, visit the fifty glorious places before you die, life’s too short.

What are your future plans?

Train, get prepared for Mera / Island peak and generally get into the mountains as much as possible.

End