Friday, December 25, 2009

OLL LEWIS: 5 Questions on… Cryptozoology - ADAM DAVIES

Answering the questions today is Adam Davies. Adam Davies is an expedition leader and veteran of several cryptozoological expeditions to locations that include the Congo, Mongolia, Sumatra and Russia, hooking up with the CFZ on recent expeditions. So, Adam Davies, here are your 5 questions on… Cryptozoology:

How did you first become interested in cryptozoology?

When I was about 10 or 11 I first read accounts of Stanley's expeditions in Africa (1871). I became fascinated by the ideas of exploration and adventure. I also used to go tracking animals, especially in the Peak District, not far from where I live. Then when I was 14 I saw Arthur C. Clarke’s Mysterious World series. On it Professor Roy Mackal was mounting an expedition to look for the Mokele-Membe, the Congo dinosaur. I decided that I could combine my passion and my aspiration by going to look for it. So I did.

2) Have you ever personally seen a cryptid or secondary evidence of a cryptid, if so can you please describe your encounter?

Yes. I saw the Seljord Serpent in Norway. At that moment I felt like Captain Ahab and would have jumped on its back and ridden the thing if I could have! One of the most striking things about it is that it looks just like a medieval woodcut, even down to the barbs on its back. Very strange.

I have found numerous tracks of the Orang-Pendek, heard it call, gathered its hair; all of which has been scientifically analysed ect etc. I’ve never seen the damn thing yet though. It owes me a cabaret, man, after all the times I have been after the damn thing….

3)Which cryptids do you think are the most likely to be scientifically discovered and described some day, and why?

The two above, for obvious reasons. I am also aware that the Chinese are doing some serious credible lake monster research. Out of left field, a Yeti , maybe in Bhutan or India.

4) Which cryptids do you think are the least likely to exist?

Sadly, the Loch Ness monster. I dropped a hydrophone in the water there. Ex-military kit, and got zilch. I would rather be wrong than right, but I don’t think so.

5) If you had to pick your favourite cryptozoological book (not including books you may have written yourself) what would you choose?

I want to expand the question if I may. Heuvelmans is an obvious choice but its rather like the `Bible and Shakespeare` on Desert Island discs for me. I read a lot, and what I read depends on my mood or what I am using it for. So if I can narrow it down to favourites – I have used Loren Coleman (with Patrick Huyghe) and Karl Shuker's works on effective field research. I like a laugh and a beer with Nick Redfern!

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