Polar Dream
The First Solo Expedition by a Woman and Her Dog to the Magnetic North Pole
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4.5 • 8 Ratings
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- $4.99
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- $4.99
Publisher Description
At the age of 50, Helen Thayer was the first woman in the world to travel alone to any of the world's Poles when she skied to the Magnetic North Pole without the aid of a dog team or snowmobile in one of the world's most remote and dangerous regions. Her only companion was Charlie, her loyal husky, who was integral to her survival.
Polar Dream is the story of their heroic trek and extraordinary relationship as they faced polar bears, unimaginable cold, and a storm that destroyed most of their supplies and food. A new epilogue, maps, and many previously unpublished expedition photographs are new to this second edition.
"A page-turner.... Fully captures the drama of what was a remarkable achievement." — The Washington Times
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In March 1988, Thayer, a 50-year-old New Zealander, set out from Resolute, NW Territories, to ski to the North Magnetic Pole, located just south of King Christian Island; she pulled her supplies (160 lbs.) on a sled. Three days before departure, a hunter gave her a black husky, Charlie, as protection against polar bears. The animal proved to be an ideal companion, saving her life and her sanity. It was a grueling journey: woman and dog fought off polar bears, barely escaped drowning, survived storms. Near the end, a gale blew away most of Thayer's food supplies; her daily ration during the final week was a handful of walnuts and a pint of water. After 364 miles, 27 days, Thayer and Charlie were picked up by plane on Melena Island--mission accomplished. This is an exciting story of human endurance and of a remarkable animal. Photos. First serial to Cosmopolitan; author tour (with dog).
Customer Reviews
Polar Dream review; second time around
This is one of the best written books in this genre that I have read. Now finishing my second reading, I found it as fascinating and thrilling as the first time I read it. Helen has made history and lives to tell a tremendous story that no work of fiction could ever match. The details are many but riveting and leaving me anxious to know more. I was so mentally involved in this journey that I took out an atlas and tried to follow along. I felt her fear of polar bears and her love for Charlie drawing me close to the moment by moment action she experienced. The reader will not be disappointed!