It is a truism to say that the dog is largely what his master makes of him: he can be savage and dangerous, untrustworthy, cringing and fearful; or he can be faithful and loyal, courageous and the best of companions and allies.

People who go to the polar regions are statistically less likely to die than salesmen who drive on motorways in England.

I go on expeditions for the same reason an estate agent sells houses - to pay the bills.

No one will pay you for planning an expedition at first: you have to work in pubs at weekends so you can pay the gas bills. I joined the Territorial Army, which paid me when I turned up to drill nights, and so did my wife.

Whenever feasible, pick your team on character, not skill. You can teach skills; you can't teach character.

There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing

There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.