Man for all seasons, JB-S is always adventuring. Join him and us at the RGS 12th November for a glimpse into the life of Britain’s finest explorer.
John Blashford-Snell’s Armchair
Fresh from horse riding in Mongolia, the UK’s most experienced adventurer, 87 year old Col. John Blashford-Snell, shared his pioneering tale of the Darien Gap with a wrapped audience at the Armchair Adventure Festival.
Testament to his ability to connect with and inspire adventurers, the book signing queue ran the length of the festival’s field!
Since then he’s been carrying out essential conservation work for the Scientific Exploration Society. Here he is in Costa Rica where – considering the climate – SplashMaps were the only choice of mapping.
John and Always Your Adventure
So what’s the next tale from John Blashford-Snell’s Armchair? Well, he’s back, and, as part of our ‘Always Your Adventure‘ season , we’re joining him… and you’re coming! Keen to share another of his incredible adventures with you at the Royal Geographical Society. Join us there in November!
The Great Zaire (Congo) River Expedition 50th Anniversary
Tuesday 12th November at 1830hrs, at the Royal Geographical Society1 Kensington Gore London SW7 2AR
The SES is commemorating the 50th anniversary of this large-scale expedition that navigated almost all the 2700 miles of the hazardous Zaire (now Congo) river, shooting enormous rapids, and carrying out important research into “River Blindness” eye disease and a wide variety of scientific projects.
Pioneering the use of giant inflatable craft and jet boats, it was supported by the Armed Forces, the Natural History Museum, the Scientific Exploration Society, the Daily Telegraph, Survival Anglia TV, and the RAC. The late Prince Philip assisted the project and helped to obtain the newly produced New Zealand Hamilton Jet Boats for it. The giant 40-foot inflatable craft were used to navigate the huge cataracts.
It also commemorated the centenary of Sir Henry Morton Stanley’s 999 day crossing of Africa.
Led by Colonel John Blashford-Snell, over 170 servicemen, scientists and medical experts from ten different countries took part in one of the largest British expeditions ever launched. Books and TV films were produced and amazingly, no lives were lost. Richard Snailham wrote the official history of the epic adventure for the SES entitled “A Giant Amongst Rivers”,
Following the expedition John Blashford-Snell and the team were awarded the Segrave Trophy at the RAC. The anniversary event is raising funds to assist future generations of explorers.
Tickets can be purchased from Eventbrite, price £24.54.
