Pill originates from the cold and windswept northern city of Newcastle in England.
For the last 12 years he has been resident in India living six months a year in a cave in Hampi, Karnataka. He is a boulder enthusiast who is spending his seventh consecutive summer in Lahaul and Spiti for the climbing opportunities that they offer. Travelling with his “crash-pads”, heavy duty sleeping bag and a stove, he spends his time here in a series of caves scattered through the region.
Fully self sufficient – he even carries a solar charger for his MP3 and digi-cam, Pill can leave his belongings in places where only shepherds roam knowing that his equipment will still be there next season. He got trapped in one of his caves for almost a week in the early winter snows last year. These are similar caves where Tenzin Palmo spent many years on her self-imposed retreat.
Due to the standard six month visas for British citizens, Pill returns to Newcastle every couple of years, but complains that he feels alienated from British people and British society in general.
Cave-living certainly has its fans if somewhat primeval and lacking in electric sockets for my own personal tastes.
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