What’s first? I’ll take my dog out. I’m totally his servant. He doesn’t leave my side. If I sit in the woods, he’ll sit in front of me and watch in the same way. He’s amazing.
Sunday grub? Maybe a bit of toast. Nothing exciting. I like a Sunday lunch, but it’s a rare event. We might go out, but it’s getting harder to find somewhere that does a decent roast.
What are your complaints? The last time, the gravy was insipid. The potatoes were steamed, not roasted. It was shabby. Sunday roast is one of greatest dishes on Earth. They’re not difficult. It just takes time. It’s convenient to go out, but more often than not I’ve been disappointed.
Sorry to hear that, Ray. Maybe it’s a knock-on from the pandemic. Certainly, when you get a good Sunday roast, you really notice. The last spectacular roast I had was a few years ago on tour at a pub in Yorkshire. The meat was tender. The Yorkshire and potatoes were crisp, the gravy made with love. It was delicious.
Sundays growing up? My mum was an amazing cook, but it was a quiet day. I think our lives were more ordered back then. Sundays meant more. In the 60s and 70s there was a routine to life, which isn’t as strong today. I think that’s partly because technology means so many distractions are available.
Sunday telly? I tend to look for a good movie. I don’t watch much terrestrial television. I’m not a great fan of the output. I think TV has lost its way. There are too many silly gameshows, too much padding, and not much veracity.
Do you work on Sundays? I tend to work into the early hours, then I get up late because there are fewer interruptions. I’ve just written a book on tracking that comes out in May.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever tracked? Snow leopards, in China in 2019 in the Himalayas.
How would I track you, Ray? With great difficulty!
Ray Mears is a speaker at The Holiday & Travel Show, Olympia London, 30 January to 2 February
