In some warped way, having an embalmed body with us made perfect sense.

Any man who has ever led an army, an expedition, or a group of Boy Scouts has sadism in his bones.

If hot food is they key to maintaining an expedition's stamina, then low grade gut-rot alcohol is the key to sustaining its sense of pleasure.

The forest did not tolerate frailty of body or mind. Show your weakness, and it would consume you without hesitation.

There comes a stage at which a man would rather die cleanly by a bullet than by the unknown terror of the phantom in the forest.

I was no longer troubled when he pulled out a machete in a crowded bar, tried to pick up schoolgirls, or threatened to scalp us, then rip off our heads and scoop out our brains.

Previous journeys in search of treasure have taught me that a zigzag strategy is the best way to get ahead.

The inertia of a jungle village is a dangerous thing. Before you know it your whole life has slipped by and you are still waiting there.

The rain of Madre de Dios is similar to that of the Amazon, but there is a petrifying aspect to it, as if it seeks to wound rather than to nurture.

On a hard jungle journey nothing is so important as having a team you can trust.

On a harsh expedition, there's no space for anyone who does not intend to finish.

Knowledge is a sage’s best friend

Dell is to a degree in the penalty box because expectations and probable results have gotten ratcheted down.

If you only get one song, it has to be Bullfrog Blues

Nobody ever thought about having to protect the passengers from the pilots.

I don't understand myself in relationships and I don't understand relationships. So to continue to explore them and to try and work that out is honestly what I am really doing.

I do not want to die of this disease. So I say to God: "It is seriously time for a miracle."

A man was attacking me with a wet handkerchief.

I don't like being stuck in one situation, day to day.

Many actions calculated to procure fame are not conducive to ultimate happiness.

I don't outline at all; I don't find it useful, and I don't like the way it boxes me in. I like the element of surprise and spontaneity, of letting the story find its own way.