Rivalry is one of the factors pushing me. While my back was turned, the Norwegians managed to achieve the first Arctic crossing in winter. I didn't want the same to happen in the Antarctic.

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

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

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.

As a rule, anything that is pretty you avoid when on an expedition in the polar extremes. Normally anything other than white means a hazard such as a crevasse.

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

There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.