Bernadette McDonald Quotes & Sayings

... where mountains are sacred & where risk & death are constant companions- the Himalayas. — Bernadette McDonald

He (Tomaz Humar) doesn't conform to existing standards; he creates them. — Bernadette McDonald

... one of the most decisive factors enduring a borderline situation is the WILL TO SURVIVE.
-Reinhold Messner — Bernadette McDonald

A failed attempt on a virgin face of an eight thousander gives me much more than the successful ascent of a known route. — Bernadette McDonald

To be a climber one has to accept that gratification is rarely immediate. — Bernadette McDonald

... I only know that when physical and emotional reserves remain unchallenged, this feeds the spiritual cancer of a life unfulfilled.
-Reinhold Messner — Bernadette McDonald

The american climber Mark Twight, mentor of the Grivel climbing team, commented, "Now every ill-prepared sad sack whose ability falls short of his Himalayan ambitions can get on the radio, call for help, and expect the cavalry to save the day"
- on Tomaz Humar's rescue from Rupal Face of Nanga Parvat. — Bernadette McDonald

There is no single, correct objective in mountaineering; there are only possibilities. One of them leads beyond the impossible.
- Reinhold Messner — Bernadette McDonald

It is said that a man is rejuvenated every seven years- that all his cells are replaced. I wonder, does that also apply to his spirit?
- Reinhold Messner — Bernadette McDonald

Inner harmony is the prerequisite for any climber who seeks to push the frontiers; without it he should give up extreme mountaineering.
-Reinhold Messner — Bernadette McDonald

Only secrets can be conquered'- most of all the secrets that lie within ourselves. — Bernadette McDonald

What counts are merely the experiences one gains along the way.
-Reinhold Messner — Bernadette McDonald