1) Have you ever been in danger because of extreme weather conditions?
Not that I can recall.
2) What are both the hottest and coldest weather conditions you have ever experienced?
Hottest – probably Brazil. I’ve not experienced it above about 35 degrees but the humidity is insane. In a nice way, though.
Coldest – the last ever All Tomorrow’s Parties music festival, set in the unparalleled luxury of Pontins at Prestatyn, a couple of years back. It was April and obviously warmer than it is now but it was unseasonably cold, I wasn’t dressed for the weather and that wind…. We had to queue for about 2 hours to get our room key and bedding and it was bitingly cold. The chalet was freezing and, even though the festival itself was indoors, I never seemed to get warm all weekend. By the end, my lips were so chapped they were bleeding.
Worth it, though, to see The Fall, Datblygu, Nightingales, The Ex, Raincoats, Shopping, etc
3) What would be in your…
a) Hot weather survival kit
Water, cold beer, cigarettes.
b) Cold weather survival kit
Coffee, room-temperature beer, cigarettes.
3) How is it where you are now, what does the next 24hrs promise for you and has the weather ruined any plans you had?
I love snow and it’s the best snow we’ve had in Sheffield for years so I’m not complaining! It hasn’t hit us as hard as some parts of the country, so hasn’t really affected my plans.
4) If you could travel anywhere to experience any natural phenomenon, what would it be?
I’m trying to think of an answer that isn’t the Northern Lights. A full lunar or solar eclipse would be cool. I’d love to visit the North Pole too. Or the South Pole, for that matter – I’m not fussy.
Penguins at the South Pole – that’s my answer.
5) We sometimes use the term ‘Force of Nature’ to describe people. Who would you use this term for and why?
Like Gruntius, not a term I would ever use to describe someone.
6) If you could move to live in an alternative climate where would that be and why?
I actually quite like the British climate. I like the unpredictability. You need the cold to kill off all the bugs you get in tropical climes. Sunny weather’s great but I’d find it boring every day – I think you appreciate it more when it’s infrequent. Ditto snow.
I often fantasise about living in Iceland – which is basically British weather but more extreme.
I suppose if I wanted to be guaranteed perfect seasonal weather I’d go to Greenland or Norway for a few months of the year for the snow, and Brazil or Portugal for a few months for the sun. But that sounds like a lot of hassle.
Plenty of warm layers; waterproof and windproof outer garments; seamen’s woollen socks; good boots; high energy food; whistle (no mobile phones in those days); and often a tent. NO alcohol.
