Colonel John Blashford-Snell
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Colonel John Blashford-Snell |
Colonel John Blashford-Snell started his remarkable exploration career on underwater expeditions and in the Sahara then in 1968 he led the first descent of the Blue Nile . JBS, as he is always known, went on to lead the first vehicle crossing of the complete Darien Gap jungle - which is one of only two expeditions which used horses through that infamous swamp. In 1974/75 his team navigated almost all the Congo River. Since then he has organized and led more than 100 expeditions.
But JBS is far from being the average explorer. With a group of friends he set up the Scientific Exploration Society, to foster and encourage scientific exploration worldwide.
Indeed, these expeditions have resulted in hundreds of thousands of people, rich and poor, being given an opportunity for travel and adventure.
I am one of these people.
My name is Basha O’Reilly and I am one of the Founders of The Long Riders’ Guild and a Fellow of both the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers’ Club, because I rode my Cossack stallion from Russia to England, then journeyed on horseback from Mexico to Canada along Butch Cassidy’s infamous Outlaw Trail.
But, although I had ridden all my life, my travels in the saddle came about quite unexpectedly.
As a middle-aged woman I thought “living rough” meant staying in a four-star hotel instead of a five-star one. Then I joined an expedition led by JBS to Mongolia.
Four weeks of living in a tent in the High Altai mountains changed my life. Like thousands of others, Colonel Blashford-Snell opened the doors to a world of adventure which I had never imagined.
I was lucky enough to catch JBS at the headquarters of the Scientific Exploration Society which he founded, where he kindly agreed to answer these questions.
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The successful flotilla at the end of the epic voyage down the Blue Nile in 1968 |
Who do you think was the most
influential explorer in history and why?
There are many, but I suspect Zheng He,
the Admiral of the Chinese fleet that set out to discover much of the world in
1421 may prove the most influential in due course.
Who inspired you to become an
explorer and why?
My parents with their travels and
adventures especially in New Zealand and the Pacific and my regiment, The Royal
Engineers.
What is your favourite exploration
book and why?
The Ascent of Rum Doodle by W. E. Bowman
What is your favourite exploration
film and why?
I love the Indiana Jones films.
Although a little exaggerated they reflect many of the problems we face and are
great entertainment.
| Rafting a range rover during the crossing of the Darien Gap, Panama 1972 |
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If you were travelling to the South
Pole in the “Heroic Age,” would you prefer to travel with Shackleton or Scott,
and why?
I’d prefer to go with Shackleton because
I feel he was really seeking the answers to many scientific questions.
After leading more than a hundred
expeditions, including a crossing of the Darien Gap jungle, what was the most
dangerous situation you survived?
Probably on the Blue Nile in 1968 when
we tackled massive rapids with no previous experience and the prototype raft,
battled with bandits and faced some hungry crocodiles.
What is the single greatest change
you have witnessed in the exploration world since you began?
Space travel and on this planet undersea
research.
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Crossing the Kavaeli on the Great Elephant Quest, Nepal 1996 |
What modern technology or techniques
do you find most helpful?
Goretex, GPS, inflatable rafts,
paramotors and modern medicine
What piece of equipment always goes
with you?
Swiss
Army knife and a bottle of scotch!
Please tell us what prompted you to
start the Scientific Exploration Society.
The concept of bringing together the
Armed Forces expertise in field administration and the ability to conquer
obstacles with civilian scientists
Why was it important to invite women
and disadvantaged youth to take part in these explorations?
Women are very determined, have quick
wits and intelligence and can be almost as tough as men. They can also be very
caring and good company.
| The Airship ‘Europa’ and the SES brigantine ‘Eye of the wind’ on pollution studies in the Mediterranean 1980 |
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What made Operations Drake and
Raleigh unique?
Letting young people tackle physical and
mental challenges under expert guidance and discover their strengths and
weaknesses at a time when they can build on them or correct them. At the same
time doing much to make the world a better place.
Which book would you recommend to
would-be explorers today?
The Springs of Adventure by Wilfred Noyce
What would you tell young explorers
to be wary of?
Greed …. And never believe your own PR.
Why is it important for humans to
continue exploring?
If man is not to become a robot he must
face challenges and seek to save the earth from self destruction.
Which of your many achievements do
you think will be most remembered?
I hope it will be the launching of
Operations Drake and Raleigh which have done so much to develop young leaders
and future explorers who care about people, environment, fauna and flora.
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Carrying the grand piano to the Wai Wai in Guyana 2000 |
What ethical, intellectual or technical
advances would you like to see in the exploration world?
The most exciting technical advance at
present is the development of the paramotor. This really gives explorers a most
valuable birds eye view of their area and way ahead. Hopefully engines will
become lighter and more powerful and pilots more skilful. We have used them
successfully in South America. I’d love to fly one!
Why are you anxious to help others
via the SES and the many charities you support to help disadvantaged youths?
SES is a great organisation bringing
together people of all nations in the cause of science and community aid. I
believe if one can redirect the energy of disadvantaged young they can become
far better citizens. Stanley and Livingstone are great examples of this.
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