Originally Posted By: hikermor
I think it was Roald Amundsen, the arctic explorer, who said (more or less) that "adventure" was just another word for poor planning.


One of my favorite quotes:

Originally Posted By: Roald Amundsen

"I may say that this is the greatest factor -- the way in which the expedition is equipped -- the way in which every difficulty is foreseen, and precautions taken for meeting or avoiding it. Victory awaits him who has everything in order -- luck, people call it. Defeat is certain for him who has neglected to take the necessary precautions in time; this is called bad luck."


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Amundsen

I do not wish to start a flame war with our British friends about their beloved national hero Robert Falcon Scott, but I believe the difference in the preparations and attitude was paramount in the outcome of the two parallel South Pole expeditions. Every minute tiny detail of the equipment of Amundsen (who succeeded) was scrutinized, tested and improved. They did not include a single item that was not proven field worthy. Compare that with the struggles of Scott (who died in his herculean struggle to get back) to get even started ... (including snow tractors and horses, both of which 1. did not work very well in the snow, 2. broke down/died). I am thoroughly impressed by the stamina and courage of both Amundsen and Scott, but in terms of preparations, it is no doubt that one is a positive example and the other is not.