The next challenge will be the cold—down to minus 50 and funny things happen. Kit and equipment doesn’t work. Nor does your brain—your neural system slows down x 4. It’s the equivalent of downing a good half bottle of whisky. (I wish!)
Bears? Yes, but I’m on their territory. Hopefully I’m too small and boring to be of any interest to them. But as excellent stalkers, they do have a highly developed sense of smell, not something to dwell upon when you’ve been on the ice for weeks without a shower.
Q: After your mission to the North Pole, what will be your next goal?
A: I never think beyond one huge goal at a time.
Q: Who is your role model?
A: I don’t have one. The greatest exploration for everyone in life is that of searching and exploring within yourself—to learn about yourself, and what lies beyond the conventional boundaries that you set yourself. Discover and respect your own strengths, accept and cope with your weaknesses, as you would with friends and family. And love yourself, and there you go: you have the best role model to look to.
