The mountain is a mirror, where climbers look to find themselves. They discover their frailty, take heart from their strengths, drink deep of the insights.

I was attracted to climbing mountains because of the physical dangers, but also the challenges, like 'mental fortitude, physical fortitude, judgement.' It's the intensity of the experience, at a sustained level. The experience is incredibly intense because it is so dangerous.

Climbing had captured my soul.

These days I love to take in the sunset because every time I do so I remember how lucky I am to be alive. That's a great relationship to have with the setting sun.