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0:00:12 > 0:00:16- This is the tower of volcanic rock - called Piedra Parada.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22- It stands at nearly 1,000 feet - above the desert...
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- ..in Patagonia, South America.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28- In 2014, two climbers from Wales - came here...
0:00:28 > 0:00:30- ..Eric Jones and Ioan Doyle.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- One of their ambitions - was to climb this tower.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- Eric Jones from Tremadog...
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- ..was one of the greatest climbers - of his generation.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- He made his name in the Alps, - the Himalayas and Patagonia.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- Ioan Doyle from Bethesda - has the mountains in his blood.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- He's a farmer and is one of - Britain's best young climbers.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- The age gap between them - stretches to over half a century.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- This film celebrates - the relationship between two men...
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- ..two countries and one journey.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- There's an exceptional atmosphere - in the mountains.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- I feel I'm in a place - where I'm happy.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35- Some people say they've conquered - a climb or conquered a mountain.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- You will never conquer a mountain.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- Eric Jones and Tremadog...
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- ..formed the starting point - of my climbing career.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- I've known Ioan for eight years.
0:02:01 > 0:02:02- He came to the cafe...
0:02:03 > 0:02:04- ..as a 15-year-old boy.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- He's now quite a famous climber - in Wales and in England.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- He's a likeable boy - who's happy to help others.
0:02:15 > 0:02:16- He's so warm.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23- He's like a warm blanket around me.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- He fills me with confidence...
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- ..and he makes me feel happy - about what I'm doing.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35- He says he's not a climber who farms - but a farmer who climbs.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- He's an old head - on a strong, young body.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48- When a maestro like him praises you - and tells you you're doing well...
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- ..it fills you with pride.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- I never imagined - I'd go climbing with him.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- This is Eric Jones's cafe...
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- ..in Bwlch y Moch, Tremadog, - North Wales.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- Climbers come here...
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- ..to rest, eat and share stories.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- A haven of memories is this
0:03:17 > 0:03:19- Pictures on the walls
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- A museum of a lifetime of adventure
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- The story begins and ends here.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- And somewhere, - between the when and why
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- We'll go walking everywhere.
0:03:43 > 0:03:53- ARGENTINA
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- Being in Patagonia - feels like a dream.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- I've heard a lot about this place.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- I think every Welshman - feels drawn to come here.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15- How is it for you, Eric?
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- I feel the same as you.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- I've been here four times now, - many years ago.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- It was a dream for me to come here, - just like you.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30- I heard about it when I was a boy - through R Bryn Williams's stories.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- He'd lived in Patagonia...
0:04:32 > 0:04:37- ..and I listened to his radio plays - about the place when I was young.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- Patagonia seemed like a magical, - faraway land to me.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46- Years later, I heard that Patagonia - was a great place to go climbing.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- Do you call pine cones 'moch coed'?
0:04:59 > 0:05:00- Do you call pine cones 'moch coed'?- - Yes.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- Wild boar have been digging here.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- When I was a boy, - I went on holiday to Cynwyd...
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- ..and we pretended - that pine cones were sheep.
0:05:11 > 0:05:12- Really?
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- Yes, and we'd put them - in a sledge...
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- Eric is a famous solo climber.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- He's used to climbing on his own...
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- ..but I'm here to keep him company - on this trip to Patagonia.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- This climb was a rehearsal - for the big one.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- Here, in Valle Encantado, I would - climb with Eric for the first time.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- Valle Encantado - Enchanted Valley.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- Alright, Eric? Off we go.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- The first section looks steep.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- It's no problem for you.
0:05:57 > 0:05:58- It's no problem for you.- - I'm not so sure.
0:06:15 > 0:06:16- It's hot in the sun.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- It's hot in the sun.- - Yes, really hot.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19- It's a nice rock.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27- I wish it were an easy climb - so I could enjoy the view.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- We don't do things like that.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- Maybe when we reach the top.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- Is it quite solid?
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- Well, it's kind of solid.
0:06:36 > 0:06:37- You need to be careful?
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- You need to be careful?- - Yes.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- It hasn't been climbed a lot.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- It looks quite steep now.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- When I climb, it has nothing to do - with adventure...
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- ..or the country I'm in.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- It's all about the grade.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- It's all about the grade.- - Yes, I see.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- I haven't given a thought - to how people live in those places.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- That's not a good thing, you know.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- During my travels, I've delighted - in meeting local people...
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- ..and the view - is all-important for me.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- That's why I've never enjoyed - indoor climbing on walls.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- This is part of it.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- It goes beyond climbing.
0:07:31 > 0:07:32- Yes, of course.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- It looks pretty good.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Yes, but it's fragile in places.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- Something tells me - you've climbed before.
0:07:49 > 0:07:50- Yes - once or twice!
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- How's it going, Eric? - Are you alright?
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- It's usually a good sign when - your climbing partner is silent.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- I'm there now.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31- OK. I've got you.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- Your hands probably don't bleed.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- They're hardened.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- They're hardened.- - They bleed sometimes.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39- They can get jammed.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- You get plenty of training - with your sheep.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- Yes, and your hands go hard - when you climb a lot.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- When I was on the farm as a lad, - my hands were hard.
0:08:52 > 0:08:53- Like leather.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- I wash dishes in the cafe - these days, so they're soft!
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- How is it for you, Eric? - How's your foot?
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- A couple of months ago, - I didn't think I'd be able to climb.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- I thought if my foot was bad, - I could just hold the rope for you.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- It's not too bad.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- It's quite painful now, - after climbing...
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- ..but it was fine during the climb.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- I'm sure you've experienced it too.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- If you're in pain and you get to - a difficult section...
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- ..adrenaline takes away the pain.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- Once you reach the top, - the pain kicks in again.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- I knew a young, strong lad - was holding the rope.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- It's like the master - and the apprentice.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- I wouldn't say that.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- I've never been a master and - I wouldn't call you an apprentice.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- Looking at what I know - about your life story...
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- ..I'd have to say it's incredible.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- I really do look up to you.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- Do you often think about - what you've done over the years...
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- ..or do you tend to look forward?
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- I look forward - because yesterday's gone.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- Only today and tomorrow - are important.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- But, looking back, - I've been fortunate...
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- ..to do what I've done in - the climbing and parachuting world.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- It's been a life - that's full of adventure...
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- ..but I've also enjoyed - a lot of luck.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- You need luck when you do this, - as you know yourself.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58- Absolutely.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- Some things are dangerous and - you need to have luck on your side.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- Where did the drive - to climb the Eiger come from?
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- I think it was always part of me.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- Al Alvarez has written a book...
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- ..called Feeding The Rat.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- It's the story of a climber - who had a rat living in his body.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- The only thing - which could satisfy this rat...
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- ..was feeding it with a big dose - of fear or adrenaline.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- This climber had to go out - and climb something.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- When he'd completed a climb, the rat - would be satisfied for a while...
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- ..but it would soon wake up - and demand more adrenaline.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- I'm sure that rat - lives within me too.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- I've always had that urge - to do something else.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- I climbed the Eiger - with some friends in 1970.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- After that, - I did a lot of solo climbing.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- It felt natural for me to attempt - a solo ascent of the Eiger.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- This is the biggest climbing wall - in the Alps.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- It was climbed for the first time - in 1938.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- The north face is 9,000 feet high.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- Seven solo climbers attempted - to scale the north face before Eric.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Four of them lost their lives.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- Eric succeeded in 1981 and his - ascent was filmed by Leo Dickinson.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- The ascent went quite well...
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- ..until I reached half way - and I came across The Ice Bulge.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- I looked at it and I couldn't see - a way to climb it.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- I thought - it was beyond my capabilities.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- When those thoughts - were going through my head...
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- ..a serene calmness washed over me.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- I knew I could climb - this 20 foot piece of ice.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- I still can't explain - how I climbed it.
0:13:22 > 0:13:28- How did it feel to defeat that - north face and reach the summit?
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- It was a wonderful feeling.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- I was lucky enough to do it - without any accidents...
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- ..and to have reasonably - good weather for the ascent.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- I'd dreamed about that climb - for years.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- I thought I'd be a totally happy man - once I'd reached the summit...
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- ..and I'd never want to attempt - another ascent.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- But a couple of days after - I'd come back down to the valley...
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- ..I felt really low.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- I'd dreamed about that climb - for so long...
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- ..but I was left - with an empty feeling.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- A couple of months later, I was - dreaming about a different summit.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- That's how it's been all my life.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- I always look towards the horizon - and to what lies beyond it.
0:14:34 > 0:14:34- .
0:14:37 > 0:14:37- Subtitles
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- It's wonderful.
0:14:53 > 0:14:54- It's wonderful.- - Lovely, Eric.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56- It's better than walking.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- It's better than walking.- - Yes.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- Walking is more of a struggle - than this.
0:15:05 > 0:15:06- There we are.
0:15:07 > 0:15:08- Thank you, Ioan. Great.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09- Thank you, Ioan. Great.- - No problem.
0:15:10 > 0:15:11- It was a nice grade for me.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- We're lucky to be able to - travel the world and climb...
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- ..and to make some good friends - along the way.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- But you lose friends too.
0:15:39 > 0:15:40- But you lose friends too.- - Yes.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- I've lost several friends - in the mountains.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- You feel very sad - when you lose someone.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- At those times, I've thought that - climbing isn't worth anyone's life.
0:15:53 > 0:15:54- But you soon forget.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- That urge to climb and to go - to the mountains is so strong...
0:15:59 > 0:16:04- ..you go again, subconsciously - thinking, "It won't happen to me."
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- That's my way of getting over it.
0:16:26 > 0:16:27- Are you religious, Eric?
0:16:28 > 0:16:29- No, not any more.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- I was raised to be religious.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- I went to chapel - three times every Sunday.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- I've changed my mind.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- When the light is extinguished, - that's the end.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- During our trip to Patagonia...
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- ..Eric was keen to head into the - Andes, to the town of El Chalten...
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- ..not to climb - but on a pilgrimage...
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- ..to see two glorious mountains - - Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- I'd see them for the first time.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- Eric wanted to see them - one last time.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- Do you know the story of Fitz Roy?
0:17:06 > 0:17:07- Do you know the story of Fitz Roy?- - No, not at all.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- It was named after Captain FitzRoy, - who captained the ship...
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- ..which carried Charles Darwin - down the coast to the west.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22- Mount Fitz Roy was first climbed - by an expedition from France.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone.
0:17:25 > 0:17:31- On the way in, one of the climbers - whose name was Jacques Poincenot...
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- ..drowned in one of these rivers.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- Do you see the spire - to the left of Fitz Roy?
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- They decided to call it - Aguja Poincenot...
0:17:43 > 0:17:44- ..in his memory.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- I'm really looking forward to - going up there and seeing it again.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- It brings back lots of memories.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- I can tell you a string of lies!
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- El Chalten - is Patagonia's climbing centre.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- The Andean equivalent of Llanberis.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- It's the playground - of the world's best climbers.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- When Eric and Leo Dickinson - came here during the 1970s...
0:18:54 > 0:19:00- ..it was a remote wilderness, - unlike what you see here today.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19- After reaching El Chalten, Eric - wanted to walk to Laguna Torre...
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- ..which lies below the mountains.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- We would then - camp by the lake overnight.
0:19:42 > 0:19:43- Where are we now, Eric?
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- Where are we now, Eric?- - We're half way to the lake.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- We have another two hours to go.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- This is the first time - you see the valley open out...
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- ..and you see the panorama - of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- On a clear day, it's breathtaking - and your step quickens.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- Do you see the mountain on the left?
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- That beautiful peak - is called Cerro Solo.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- Solo, because it's on its own?
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Solo, because it's on its own?- - Yes, and it's fairly easy to climb.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- I climbed it solo - during a previous visit.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18- It was no problem.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- Just like going up Mount Tryfan.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- But on my descent, - a condor took a shine to me.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- It was waiting for you to die!
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- It must have decided I was too old - and too tough to eat!
0:20:32 > 0:20:33- It left me alone.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- Are you looking forward - to camping out?
0:20:38 > 0:20:39- Yes. It'll be great.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- Yes. It'll be great.- - Yes, under the glacier.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- One of the reasons we love to climb - is being in the middle of nowhere...
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- ..at one with nature.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- How does it feel to be back, Eric?
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- Memories of being here for weeks - in 1974 are flooding back.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- I'm sure this place - has changed a lot since then.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- Not really.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- There were no tents here, of course, - other than our camp.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34- I enjoyed walking here.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- You'd gone ahead of me, - so I walked on my own...
0:21:38 > 0:21:39- ..reminiscing as I went.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- Suddenly, a strange feeling - washed over me.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46- A feeling of deep sadness.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- I looked up at Cerro Solo, - where I'd enjoyed an incredible day.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57- I thought to myself, - "I'll never climb that peak again."
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- I understand.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- No offence to you, - but I enjoyed the seclusion.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- Absolutely.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- I've climbed solo over the years...
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- ..and I enjoyed walking - through the trees on my own.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- When I walked into this camp, - my spirit soared...
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- ..because I'm actually here, - after all these years.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- I can't wait - to get up that glacier tomorrow.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28- Neither can I.
0:23:07 > 0:23:08- Are you tired?
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- Yes, but I'm not too bad.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- My feet hurt.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- It's a sign of old age.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Shall we have a song before bed?
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- Take it away, Eric!
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- # Lord, night is closing in #
0:23:25 > 0:23:26- I'm not religious, you know!
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- # Goodnight, friends
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- # Goodnight, friends
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- # Goodnight, friends
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- # To bed I go now #
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- How was that? Give me a clap!
0:23:43 > 0:23:44- IOAN CLAPS
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- Very good, Eric!
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- I'm bound to sleep soundly - after that!
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- The thing that's affecting you now - is your health.
0:24:57 > 0:24:58- Your legs and so on.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- Yes, but I've been very fortunate - all through the years.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- I've never had serious injuries.
0:25:05 > 0:25:10- I had frostbite on two occasions - but nothing else worth mentioning.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- It's great to look back - on my achievements...
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- ..but I've also failed - at many things.
0:25:18 > 0:25:19- It's only natural.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- You can't win them all.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22- No, you can't.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- It's wonderful to be here - at the age of 77.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28- Between my four trips here...
0:25:28 > 0:25:32- ..I must have spent - two or three months here.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- Ioan, what awful weather!
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- Yes. I want to go back down now!
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- I looked forward to bringing - you here to see the mountains.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- Cerro Torre is over there somewhere!
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- We saw it from the valley, - so I know where it is.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- I've been here - in worse weather than this...
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- ..but I've also been here - when the weather was glorious.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- Our camp was across the lake - when we went up Cerro Torre.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- I first came here in 1971 and we - came within 800 feet of the summit.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- We had bad weather, - so we came down.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23- Two years later, - we attempted to climb Torre Egger.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27- We were the first team - to attempt to climb Torre Egger.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- We went up the wrong way.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- It was dangerous, - so we came back down.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- The following year, - Leo, Mick Coffey and I came here...
0:26:37 > 0:26:42- ..and we climbed the ice cap - which is behind Torre.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- It stretches on, into Chile.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48- We went on a very long, - 50-day expedition on the ice...
0:26:48 > 0:26:50- ..and we climbed two volcanoes.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53- Cerro Lautaro, - which is 12,000 feet...
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- ..and ten miles west, - we came across another volcano.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- It wasn't named on the map.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05- Any ideas what we might call it?
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- It would be nice - to call it Cerro Mimosa.
0:27:09 > 0:27:10- Mimosa?
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- Mimosa was the name of the ship...
0:27:13 > 0:27:17- ..that brought the Welsh pioneers - to Patagonia in 1865.
0:27:17 > 0:27:18- That's a good idea.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- That's a good idea.- - Yes, I think it's good.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- The Welsh settlement in Patagonia...
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- ..is the largest British settlement - in Argentina.
0:27:27 > 0:27:28- That's a really good idea.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18- We were about to turn around, - then it showed itself to us!
0:28:19 > 0:28:21- We're very fortunate.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23- You're seeing it in all its glory.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- This is the highlight of the trip - for me.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29- We went up the ice cap, then left.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- Can you see the area of snow - up there?
0:28:34 > 0:28:36- That's where our ice cave was.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- Just before you set off - on the final ridge.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44- We had an ice cave there - and at one time, when a storm hit...
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- ..I was in it for six days - without coming out.
0:28:47 > 0:28:53- I never imagined that, 20 years - later, I'd return in a helicopter...
0:28:54 > 0:28:55- ..and jump here.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00- I was working on the - Warren Herzog film, Scream Of Stone.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- I did two jumps - down that steep face.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06- It's a 7,000 foot drop.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- I landed on the glacier - in the valley.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12- Wow! This place is incredible.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- It holds lots of memories for me.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19- You may make some memories here.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21- Yes, I hope so.
0:29:34 > 0:29:34- .
0:29:38 > 0:29:38- Subtitles
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- One of the big things - with what we do...
0:29:59 > 0:30:03- ..is the fear you experience.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06- Yes, and I experienced real fear...
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- ..on my first - major solo ascent in the Alps.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14- I was climbing Bonatti Pillar - on the Dru, Chamonix.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18- I'd gone up two thirds of the way...
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- ..when I came across - a sheer section.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23- There was nothing to grip.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- There was a piton in place - around six feet up...
0:30:27 > 0:30:32- ..so I attached a fifi hook - to the piton ring...
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- ..and I climbed up a small ladder.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38- I climbed up.
0:30:39 > 0:30:40- The fifi hook I used...
0:30:40 > 0:30:45- ..is designed to release itself - from the piton ring...
0:30:45 > 0:30:47- ..as you climb past it.
0:30:47 > 0:30:52- I fell when I was above the hook - and I landed on a ledge.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55- I'd lost my balance...
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- ..and I felt as though - I was about to fall off the edge.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01- I thought I was about to die.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- I'd have fallen 2,000 feet - and hit the ground.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09- Suddenly, the cord is pulled tight.
0:31:09 > 0:31:14- For some reason, the fifi hook - was still attached to the piton.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- I've tried to recreate that moment - time after time...
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- ..but every time, - the cord pulls the fifi out.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- I have no idea why it stayed there.
0:31:28 > 0:31:33- The angle may have made it catch - on the side of the rock.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- It really was - a million to one chance.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- Sometimes, you do look back.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- If I'm lying in bed - and I can't sleep...
0:31:43 > 0:31:47- ..my mind goes back to that day - and I break out in a sweat!
0:31:48 > 0:31:50- I came so close to death that day.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53- But that's life.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- There's a risk in everything.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14- # I saw her among the flowers
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- # At the break of day
0:32:20 > 0:32:24- # Cheeks the colour of roses
0:32:24 > 0:32:30- # At the break of day
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- # A smile as bright - as morning sunshine
0:32:36 > 0:32:42- # As beautiful as a lark
0:32:43 > 0:32:48- # She sang a joyful song
0:32:49 > 0:32:54- # At the break of day #
0:32:55 > 0:33:01- We couldn't visit Patagonia without - going to meet a few Welsh speakers.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- Eric had already been to Trelew, - in the east...
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- ..but he'd never been to Esquel, - in the west.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- Eric took a train ride - to Nahuel Pan.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15- Eric Green, the farmer, - kept him company...
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- ..as he took a break - from the mountains.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- I went to Trevelin - to meet the gaucho, Alejandro Jones.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- We got a real taste of the place.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31- An old, romantic train - and Welsh gauchos.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- A whistle-stop tour for both of us.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45- SHE SPEAKS SPANISH
0:33:46 > 0:33:47- How big is your farm?
0:33:48 > 0:33:50- 200 hectares.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- I work on my two sisters' farm too.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55- I'm a farmer's son.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- We had a small farm. - Around 100 acres.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04- We kept cattle, hens, pigs - and sheep in the winter.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08- The sheep came down - from the mountains in the winter.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13- Do you keep cattle?
0:34:13 > 0:34:14- Do you keep cattle?- - Yes.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- Most farmers in the Andes - farm cattle.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- It's too wet here in the winter - for sheep.
0:34:23 > 0:34:28- The heavy rain we have here - is too much for them.
0:34:29 > 0:34:30- Have you been to Wales?
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- Yes, I spent a year in Llangernyw.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- I went to Llysfasi College - one day a week.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39- Did you learn a lot in Wales?
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Yes, and I enjoyed - my fantastic year there.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- Did you miss Patagonia - when you were away?
0:34:46 > 0:34:47- Yes.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- I'm the same.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51- I enjoy going away...
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- ..but I always enjoy - going back home too.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- I've heard about the history...
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- ..and distant relatives of mine - live in Trelew.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- But I hadn't realized - just how Welsh this area really is.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41- The Welsh language - has become stronger...
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- ..since teachers from Wales - came here.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46- It's very nice.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- You grew up with the Welsh language.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- You grew up with the Welsh language.- - Yes, I come from a Welsh family.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- Dad and Mam are Welsh - and they can both speak Welsh.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- I speak Welsh to Mam.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11- I speak Welsh to Mam.- - You speak Welsh every day?
0:36:11 > 0:36:13- Yes, and Dad won't reply in Welsh.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16- I speak Welsh to him - and he understands.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- He doesn't speak - much Spanish either!
0:36:20 > 0:36:22- He doesn't say much.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24- I see.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- I was looking at the mountain - in front of you.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30- What's its name?
0:36:30 > 0:36:31- What's its name?- - Cerro Conico.
0:36:32 > 0:36:33- Yes.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38- It looks similar to a mountain - back home called Cnicht.
0:36:38 > 0:36:39- Cnicht?
0:36:39 > 0:36:40- Cnicht?- - Yes, in Croesor.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43- But it has no ice cream topping!
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- I can't get over these mountains.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48- They're amazing.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53- Our mountains are - very close to my heart, of course...
0:36:53 > 0:36:57- ..but seeing big mountains - with snowy peaks is incredible.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03- It's a really special place to live - and farming is really nice work.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05- Yes. I feel exactly the same.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07- Farming is in your blood.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- Yes - I can't imagine - doing anything else.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13- That's great. - It's nice to meet you.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- Eric is doing a tour - looking back at his life...
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- ..and he'll share some stories - with us.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40- Welcome, Eric.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- APPLAUSE
0:37:46 > 0:37:48- Thank you. Good evening.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51- I'd known about Patagonia - since I was a boy.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57- When I started to climb, - it took on a new meaning.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- I saw it as a place - with incredible mountains.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- This is a picture - of Los Glacieres National Park.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- SHE SPEAKS SPANISH
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- When I returned to Wales, - I received some terrible news.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- Gordon, my friend, - had terminal lung cancer.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39- He passed away two months later.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42- He had a ten-year-old son.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- Excuse me.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52- That changed my attitude to life.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- It hit home - that there were no guarantees...
0:38:57 > 0:39:01- ..and I decided to try to live - each day as though it were my last.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23- Just before you jump out of a plane - and you stand at the door...
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- ..the adrenaline - rushes through your body.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- But once you're out in the air, - you relax...
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- ..and you plummet like a bird.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37- BASE jumping is totally different.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39- It's far more dangerous.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43- When you step off, - for the first second or two...
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- ..there's nothing, - as though you're in a vacuum.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50- It's an incredible feeling.
0:39:54 > 0:39:59- I was lucky to meet Moe Viletto, - a BASE jumping pioneer.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06- Had I not met him, I don't think - I'd have done any BASE jumping.
0:40:09 > 0:40:10- I owe Moe a huge debt.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- His body must be pretty special.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- He must be like a cat - to get up those mountains.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24- Oh, incredible!
0:40:24 > 0:40:26- I can't believe he can do that.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28- I can't believe anyone can.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- Imagine coming down so quickly - among those rocks!
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- I held my breath.
0:40:34 > 0:40:35- It was incredible.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- Very good. I really enjoyed it.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42- It's hard to believe - what he's ventured to do.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45- He told us he wasn't frightened...
0:40:45 > 0:40:47- ..when he was up there, - facing danger.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50- He also said he couldn't sleep...
0:40:50 > 0:40:54- ..when he thought about - what faced him the next day.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56- It was very interesting.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00- There's something special - inside him.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03- He's fighting fit - and he's light on his feet.
0:41:04 > 0:41:05- His head is totally fine.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- Wonderful. Just wonderful.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12- What a man!
0:41:12 > 0:41:14- A real Welsh hero.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- I've always been fond of cats.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- There were always cats on the farm - when I was a boy.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- But my home on the farm - was similar to my home now...
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- ..in that the house - was on the roadside.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58- Our poor cats would be killed.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04- I remember when I was seven - or eight years old, we had a cat...
0:42:05 > 0:42:10- ..and it would come and lick my neck - when I got home from school.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- I was really fond of that cat.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17- I came home from school one day...
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- ..and Mam told me the cat - had been killed on the road.
0:42:21 > 0:42:22- I was heartbroken.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- Jess has been with us - for several years.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32- He's been hit by cars once or twice - but he's still alive.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- He's quite wise - when it comes to crossing the road.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38- He looks both ways - before he crosses!
0:42:39 > 0:42:40- Isn't that right, Jess?
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- Eh, Jess?
0:42:46 > 0:42:48- You're a good cat, aren't you?
0:43:06 > 0:43:06- .
0:43:09 > 0:43:09- Subtitles
0:43:09 > 0:43:11- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:43:57 > 0:44:02- You've seen many different things - in your life...
0:44:02 > 0:44:04- ..as you've travelled the world.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07- You make cups of tea here...
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- ..and you also brewed up - on South Col, Mount Everest.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15- Yes, I made tea for Reinhold Messner - and Peter Habeler...
0:44:15 > 0:44:18- ..after their ascent of Everest - without oxygen.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23- I had the opportunity to go - on that trip with Leo Dickinson...
0:44:23 > 0:44:27- ..to film Messner and Habeler - do that historic ascent.
0:44:27 > 0:44:28- You were there to work?
0:44:28 > 0:44:30- You were there to work?- - Yes, as a cameraman.
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- I harboured a hope - at the back of my mind...
0:44:34 > 0:44:36- ..that I could - go for the summit myself.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41- Unfortunately, I got frostbite - in my toes on the Col...
0:44:41 > 0:44:43- ..so I decided to turn back.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47- Looking back, - I wonder what would have happened...
0:44:48 > 0:44:50- ..if I'd gone for the summit.
0:44:50 > 0:44:54- It would've been nice - to reach the summit...
0:44:54 > 0:44:57- ..but climbing in the Himalayas - was never my ambition.
0:44:58 > 0:45:03- I wouldn't have gone there if - I wasn't filming with Leo Dickinson.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07- I don't regret - not reaching the summit...
0:45:08 > 0:45:12- ..because I enjoyed climbing - in the Alps and in Britain.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14- That was my passion.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31- Rini, you have a great hotel here.
0:45:31 > 0:45:33- Your breakfast is excellent.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35- It's quite comfortable.
0:45:36 > 0:45:41- I came to the east years ago, when - I travelled to southern Patagonia...
0:45:41 > 0:45:44- ..so I'm familiar with Trelew - and Gaiman.
0:45:44 > 0:45:49- I've never been to this area before - but I've heard a lot about it.
0:45:49 > 0:45:53- I thought I'd heard - that you'd been climbing here...
0:45:53 > 0:45:56- ..but having discussed it - with several people...
0:45:57 > 0:46:01- ..we came to the conclusion that - Eric Jones hadn't been to Esquel.
0:46:02 > 0:46:03- This is your first time.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06- This is your first time.- - Yes, but friends of mine have been.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08- What do you think of this area?
0:46:08 > 0:46:09- What do you think of this area?- - It's lovely.
0:46:09 > 0:46:13- I'd heard that it was - more beautiful than Trelew.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16- There are more trees - and more greenery here.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18- Yes, up in the mountains.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22- I had a shock when I stepped out - of the car last night...
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- ..and I heard you speaking Welsh - so perfectly.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28- I had to remind myself where I was!
0:46:30 > 0:46:31- Do you now Bob Pugh?
0:46:32 > 0:46:35- He's a teacher from Brecon.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40- He's a climbing instructor.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- He's been to Piedra Parada, - where you're going today.
0:46:45 > 0:46:47- Have you been there yourself?
0:46:47 > 0:46:51- Yes, I've been there - but I've never seen anyone climb it.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53- Is it a new thing?
0:46:53 > 0:46:57- No, experienced climbers - have been going there for 30 years.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- We're looking forward - to going there.
0:47:01 > 0:47:03- It's a difficult climb, apparently.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05- It's a difficult climb, apparently.- - Yes. Too difficult for me.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08- But you never know, - after that breakfast!
0:47:08 > 0:47:10- Thank you, Rini.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22- Looking forward to this?
0:47:22 > 0:47:24- Looking forward to this?- - Yes, I can't wait to get climbing.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27- I think this will be a harder climb.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30- Don't say that, Ioan!
0:47:50 > 0:47:54- How has climbing affected - your home life - your family life?
0:47:57 > 0:48:00- I'm often asked that question.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03- People ask me how I can be - a family man and a father...
0:48:04 > 0:48:06- ..and yet go on solo climbs.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11- There's no right answer to that.
0:48:11 > 0:48:16- It's easy for people to say - I'm selfish and I shouldn't do it...
0:48:16 > 0:48:20- ..but I'd been a solo climber - for years before I met my wife.
0:48:20 > 0:48:23- I didn't get married until I was 49.
0:48:25 > 0:48:27- It's part of my life.
0:48:27 > 0:48:30- If I didn't do it, - I wouldn't be happy...
0:48:30 > 0:48:33- ..and I think - my personality would change.
0:48:43 > 0:48:49- I owe Ann a huge debt of gratitude - for bringing up our two daughters.
0:49:04 > 0:49:07- The ancient landscape - of Piedra Parada...
0:49:08 > 0:49:12- ..in the desert, - east of Esquel and west of Trelew.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14- This tower of volcanic rock...
0:49:15 > 0:49:17- ..is almost 1,000 feet high.
0:49:18 > 0:49:22- Dinosaurs also - roamed across the pampas.
0:49:24 > 0:49:28- Welsh settlers camped here - in the 19th century...
0:49:28 > 0:49:30- ..en route to the Andes.
0:49:30 > 0:49:34- That's exactly what we'll do too, - over a century later.
0:49:35 > 0:49:36- Here we are, Eric.
0:49:37 > 0:49:39- What a lump of rock!
0:49:39 > 0:49:43- It's like the lump of rock - outside my cafe in Tremadog.
0:49:43 > 0:49:45- Yes, but a bit bigger!
0:49:46 > 0:49:48- What an incredible place, Eric.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52- What grade is the easiest route?
0:49:53 > 0:49:55- I don't know anything about it.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59- It looks like - a strange sort of rock.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02- I've never seen a place like it.
0:50:19 > 0:50:25- You've stayed in lots of shelters - on mountains all over the world.
0:50:26 > 0:50:31- What's the best bivouac you've used - or the most memorable one?
0:50:31 > 0:50:34- Most memorable - for being good or bad?
0:50:35 > 0:50:36- Either.
0:50:36 > 0:50:39- The worst bivouac I've used...
0:50:39 > 0:50:42- ..was on the most difficult ascent - I've ever done.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45- The South Pillar of Brouillard...
0:50:45 > 0:50:48- ..on the south side of Mont Blanc - in Italy.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51- I'd climbed every step - of the new route...
0:50:52 > 0:50:55- ..and I was up on the ridge, - going for the summit.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58- I was caught in a storm - and I lost my ice pick.
0:50:59 > 0:51:01- I was there for three days.
0:51:01 > 0:51:02- I was on a tiny ledge.
0:51:03 > 0:51:04- It wasn't really a ledge.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08- I'd hacked just enough room - to put my bum down.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10- You were stuck there?
0:51:10 > 0:51:11- You were stuck there?- - Yes, and it was snowing.
0:51:12 > 0:51:13- Five feet of fresh snow.
0:51:13 > 0:51:16- Without my ice pick, - I had no chance.
0:51:22 > 0:51:27- Eric is talking about Central Pillar - above the Brouillard glacier...
0:51:27 > 0:51:29- ..on Mont Blanc.
0:51:29 > 0:51:32- It's one of three granite towers.
0:51:32 > 0:51:36- Walter Bonatti completed the - first ascent of the left hand tower.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39- The first ascent - of the right hand tower...
0:51:39 > 0:51:44- ..was completed by Chris Bonington, - John Harlin and Brian Robertson.
0:51:45 > 0:51:49- Eric completed the first ascent - of Central Pillar...
0:51:49 > 0:51:51- ..on a solo climb in 1971.
0:51:51 > 0:51:53- It was the pinnacle of his career.
0:51:55 > 0:51:57- The storm cleared on the third day.
0:51:57 > 0:52:02- My girlfriend was down in the valley - and she called for the helicopter.
0:52:05 > 0:52:06- I was ashamed.
0:52:07 > 0:52:09- Before it happened, - I felt invincible.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13- I was like you, - believing you can climb anything.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17- I had a massive comedown - when that happened to me.
0:52:31 > 0:52:33- Do you dream about climbing?
0:52:34 > 0:52:36- Yes, I have - lots of different dreams.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39- I sometimes dream I can fly.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42- I also have some unpleasant dreams.
0:52:42 > 0:52:46- I dream about being a young boy - on the farm...
0:52:46 > 0:52:50- ..the animals aren't fed - and the shed is on fire.
0:52:50 > 0:52:54- I also have dreams about climbing - which are almost nightmares.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57- I dream - I'm caught in an avalanche...
0:52:57 > 0:53:00- ..and I see it - coming down the mountain.
0:53:00 > 0:53:03- But I wake up - before the avalanche hits me.
0:53:08 > 0:53:08- .
0:53:11 > 0:53:11- Subtitles
0:53:11 > 0:53:13- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:53:23 > 0:53:26- How do you feel this morning?
0:53:26 > 0:53:29- I feel quite good. - I had a good night.
0:53:29 > 0:53:30- What a lovely asado.
0:53:30 > 0:53:32- What a lovely asado.- - Yes, I still feel it on me.
0:53:32 > 0:53:34- We're both liars.
0:53:34 > 0:53:36- Are we?
0:53:36 > 0:53:37- Yes.
0:53:38 > 0:53:40- We both claim we don't snore.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42- We were both snoring last night!
0:53:42 > 0:53:44- It was amazing to wake up to this!
0:53:44 > 0:53:45- It was amazing to wake up to this!- - Yes.
0:53:46 > 0:53:47- How does it look to you?
0:53:47 > 0:53:49- How does it look to you?- - Steep!
0:53:49 > 0:53:50- Are we going to do it?
0:53:50 > 0:53:51- Are we going to do it?- - I'll try.
0:53:55 > 0:53:56- One section juts out.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00- I'll climb when I can - and you can pull me when I can't.
0:54:01 > 0:54:03- Then we'll jump off the top!
0:54:03 > 0:54:05- I would, if I had a parachute.
0:54:07 > 0:54:13- The Argentine mountaineer, Leonardo - Proverbio, joins us on this climb...
0:54:13 > 0:54:15- ..to film on the tower itself.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19- The Welsh settlers who camped here - in the 19th century...
0:54:20 > 0:54:22- ..named the tower Y Llaw - The Hand.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29- The route we had in mind - was graded E3 5c.
0:54:30 > 0:54:32- A modest grade for me...
0:54:32 > 0:54:37- ..but extremely difficult for Eric, - even with his vast experience.
0:55:13 > 0:55:18- Towers are very special - for us climbers.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20- They stand alone.
0:55:20 > 0:55:21- Solo, if you like.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25- The only way to reach the top - is by climbing them.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30- You can't walk around them, - as you can on ordinary climbs.
0:55:31 > 0:55:32- It's a unique feeling.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58- Remember to pause, Eric.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21- Do you feel alright, Eric?
0:56:21 > 0:56:22- No, I don't!
0:56:23 > 0:56:25- No? You're climbing well.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28- No.
0:56:29 > 0:56:30- I'm not like I once was.
0:56:31 > 0:56:33- We all have a few bites sometimes.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35- It's old age.
0:56:35 > 0:56:37- You're doing really well.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44- Are we ready?
0:56:44 > 0:56:46- Yes. Down, across and up.
0:56:46 > 0:56:48- We were born ready!
0:56:48 > 0:56:51- I think I'll try to get this - out of the way.
0:57:17 > 0:57:21- We'd been climbing for some hours - and we'd reached half way.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25- Eric and Leonardo had a discussion - about the next step.
0:57:28 > 0:57:29- You see? Two things.
0:57:30 > 0:57:32- First, it's like a normal ATC...
0:57:32 > 0:57:36- ..so you don't have to - hold completely this rope.
0:57:36 > 0:57:40- With this one, - you give more or less pressure.
0:57:44 > 0:57:46- I'd rather climb down.
0:57:49 > 0:57:51- Take it on.
0:57:51 > 0:57:54- Eric is about to do - a traverse motion...
0:57:54 > 0:57:59- ..where he'll climb across the rock - to reach the desired point.
0:58:00 > 0:58:03- The danger with this situation is, - if you fall...
0:58:04 > 0:58:07- ..you fall across the rock - in a pendulum motion.
0:58:08 > 0:58:12- Leonardo wants Eric - to use a new piece of equipment...
0:58:12 > 0:58:16- ..but Eric has his own ideas - about how to solve the problem.
0:58:19 > 0:58:21- I don't like to try new things.
0:58:24 > 0:58:26- Maybe I can climb down anyway.
0:58:35 > 0:58:39- What attracts you to solo climbing?
0:58:40 > 0:58:45- The greatest attraction for me - is that feeling of complete freedom.
0:58:46 > 0:58:49- You don't need a partner - or any equipment.
0:58:49 > 0:58:53- You're alone - and you rely on yourself.
0:58:53 > 0:58:57- It's the purest form of climbing - and the most dangerous.
0:58:58 > 0:58:59- That element of danger...
0:59:00 > 0:59:02- ..is the biggest attraction for me.
0:59:02 > 0:59:05- You're on a sheer rock face...
0:59:05 > 0:59:07- ..and your life - is in your own hands.
0:59:08 > 0:59:11- Mind control - is vital in that situation.
0:59:22 > 0:59:24- He's a good climber eh, Leo?
0:59:24 > 0:59:25- He's a good climber eh, Leo?- - You bet.
0:59:26 > 0:59:30- I hope we're half as good as him - when we're his age.
0:59:40 > 0:59:42- Great, Eric. Left a tiny bit.
0:59:43 > 0:59:45- Great, Eric.
0:59:45 > 0:59:46- Very good.
0:59:47 > 0:59:48- Very good.
0:59:48 > 0:59:50- Fantastic.
0:59:50 > 0:59:52- It's an honour to climb with you.
0:59:52 > 0:59:53- It's an honour to climb with you.- - The old man lives again!
0:59:58 > 1:00:00- Let's go for the summit.
1:00:00 > 1:00:02- Let's go for the summit.- - Yes. Let's take it steady.
1:00:34 > 1:00:39- We reached the summit of Piedra - Parada after seven hours' climbing.
1:00:39 > 1:00:42- I was 23 - and Eric was 77 years young.
1:00:44 > 1:00:45- Brilliant. Thank you.
1:00:46 > 1:00:49- What an unforgettable day! - Thank you.
1:00:50 > 1:00:52- Fantastic. Incredible.
1:00:52 > 1:00:53- Patagonian bara brith.
1:00:56 > 1:00:58- Torta Negra Galesa.
1:01:01 > 1:01:03- Here you go, Eric.
1:01:03 > 1:01:04- What a treat!
1:01:05 > 1:01:07- Welsh bara brith in Patagonia.
1:01:14 > 1:01:18- I mentioned the R Bryn Williams - stories to you before.
1:01:18 > 1:01:22- He wrote a famous poem - called Patagonia.
1:01:22 > 1:01:23- It goes like this.
1:01:23 > 1:01:28- Before death arrives on my border, - A condor's long wings give to me
1:01:28 > 1:01:31- Live free, from mountain to sea.
1:02:20 > 1:02:23- When I saw the tower, - I had to make it to the summit...
1:02:24 > 1:02:26- ..even if I had to use the rope.
1:02:26 > 1:02:28- You made it to the summit.
1:02:28 > 1:02:30- Yes, but it was difficult for me.
1:02:30 > 1:02:32- You did really well.
1:02:32 > 1:02:34- I was really happy.
1:02:34 > 1:02:36- You made it, every step of the way.
1:02:36 > 1:02:38- How do you feel now?
1:02:41 > 1:02:42- Do you feel differently?
1:02:43 > 1:02:45- Are you better than you'd imagined?
1:02:45 > 1:02:47- Yes, definitely.
1:02:47 > 1:02:51- When I first saw it, I thought - I'd have to pull up on the rope...
1:02:52 > 1:02:53- ..but I coped quite well.
1:02:54 > 1:02:55- My foot was very painful...
1:02:56 > 1:02:58- ..but the adrenaline overrode it.
1:02:59 > 1:03:03- Does it make you wonder - what standard you're at right now?
1:03:03 > 1:03:05- Well...
1:03:05 > 1:03:08- For your age - and considering your health.
1:03:08 > 1:03:11- I think that was - my final big ascent.
1:03:12 > 1:03:14- I bet everyone says that!
1:03:14 > 1:03:16- Yes - I've been saying it for years!
1:03:16 > 1:03:18- No. My foot hurts.
1:03:18 > 1:03:20- Are you feeling it today?
1:03:20 > 1:03:24- Yes, and I've reached the point - where I no longer enjoy it.
1:03:24 > 1:03:28- The pain is greater - than the enjoyment I get out of it.
1:03:29 > 1:03:31- It's high time I retired.
1:03:31 > 1:03:35- I'll still do a bit of skiing - and jumping out of aeroplanes.
1:03:36 > 1:03:38- My climbing days are over.
1:03:45 > 1:03:48- Conqueror of the tower of towers - - That's Eric
1:03:49 > 1:03:51- And the hero of the rocks
1:03:51 > 1:03:54- Great wildness and high crevices
1:03:54 > 1:03:58- This valiant man loves to enjoy.
1:03:58 > 1:04:01- They return to Bwlch Y Moch
1:04:02 > 1:04:04- To the castle of a cafe
1:04:04 > 1:04:09- A haven of memories is this, - Pictures on the walls
1:04:09 > 1:04:14- A museum of a lifetime of adventure
1:04:14 > 1:04:18- And somewhere, - between the when and why
1:04:18 > 1:04:21- They'll return to that same place.
1:04:24 > 1:04:27- According to the final part - of your book...
1:04:27 > 1:04:30- ..you'd like to spend time - in a prison.
1:04:30 > 1:04:32- What do you mean?
1:04:33 > 1:04:35- It's quite a strange thing to say.
1:04:35 > 1:04:41- All through my life, I've tried to - sample every different experience.
1:04:42 > 1:04:43- Very often in my youth...
1:04:44 > 1:04:48- ..I'd go up a mountain and feel - as though nothing could stop me.
1:04:48 > 1:04:52- But then I was caught in a storm - and I was frightened.
1:04:52 > 1:04:57- That made me feel my character - wasn't as strong as I'd thought.
1:04:59 > 1:05:03- That's why I wondered - how I'd feel if I was imprisoned...
1:05:03 > 1:05:05- ..and lost my liberty.
1:05:05 > 1:05:10- I'm sure I wouldn't feel like such - a strong person in that situation.
1:05:12 > 1:05:16- But I'd like to look back - on the experience...
1:05:16 > 1:05:19- ..and see how I coped - with losing my liberty.
1:05:19 > 1:05:24- It's the kind of thing which - makes you search inside yourself.
1:05:26 > 1:05:28- You can't lie about yourself.
1:05:30 > 1:05:31- Does that explain it?
1:05:31 > 1:05:32- Does that explain it?- - Yes.
1:06:52 > 1:06:55- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones