“It is surprising how many times a good feeling can be confused with a bad one. Often one is unsure which feeling it really is until much later.”

“Perhaps the truth was there was no perfect marriage, just some really good ones.”

“One good thing that comes from living the nomadic life demanded by an expedition is that one sheds the fake skin donned from living too closely among society. For those of us who live for the freedom of such a lifestyle, that skin is dry and itchy and ill fitting. From my observances, that skin is much like a callus caused by the pure irritation of being forced to spend so much time with one’s fellow man. Thank God I am spared such nonsense.”

“London is good for two things — excellent Scotch and leaving.I miss them both, especially as I often partake of one while doing the other. I find the company stifling, the streets foul smelling and overcrowded, the houses bland and without architectural merit, and the people banal and filled with their own consequence. No matter how often I leave London, I cannot wait to leave it again. My home is in my explorations. Those always welcome me.”

“It's funny how many little things you get used to - attached to, even - and never realize until you travel abroad and those things are not available.”

“It’s the pure excitement of the find combined with the golden possibilities of what-may-be; one of bated breath, thundering heart,damp palms, and trembling limbs; a mixture of excruciating hope and the painfully exquisite fear of disappointment. It’s a feeling that only another adventurer can truly understand.”

“I’ve noticed that women often have a desire to change men, even the ones they love.”“I’ve noticed that, too.” Dougal frowned. “Which is odd, when you think about it. Because if you didn’tlike the way a man is, why would you attach yourself to him to begin with?”