As a youngster I was a great dreamer, reading many books of adventure and walking lonely miles with my head in the clouds.

Waihi Beach. It's a lovely beach, and we're right on the shore and I get a lot of pleasure out of waking up in the morning and hearing the waves roll in.

I think the whole attitude towards climbing Mount Everest has become rather horrifying. The people just want to get to the top. They don't give a damn for anybody else who may be in distress and it doesn't impress me at all that they leave someone lying under a rock to die.

Good planning is important. I've also regarded a sense of humor as one of the most important things on a big expedition. When you're in a difficult or dangerous situation, or when you're depressed about the chances of success, someone who can make you laugh eases the tension.

Challenge is what makes men. It will be the end when men stop looking for new challenges.

Many people have been getting too casual about climbing Everest. I forecast a disaster many times.

I hate being called an 'icon.' I just don't like it. That's all there is to it.