"Great god, this is an awful place." - Scott, referring to the South Pole
"The land looks like a fairytale." - Amundsen, regarding Antarctica
"We took risks. We knew we took them. Things have come out against us. We have no cause for complaint." - Scott, found in his diary after he starved to death
"Adventure is just bad planning." - Amundsen, who didn't starve to death
"Take it all in all, I do not believe anybody on earth has a worse time than an Emperor penguin." - Apsley Cherry-Garrard, from his wonderful book The Worst Journey in the World
"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success." - apocryphal Shackleton, advertising for the Nimrod expedition
