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About Helen Thayer
In 1988 New Zealand born Helen Thayer became the first woman to walk and ski to any of the world's poles when she trekked solo to the Magnetic North Pole without dog sled or snowmobile. She was the first woman and first American to circumnavigate the Magnetic North Pole. Her best-selling book Polar Dream tells the story of her historic adventure with her beloved companion Charlie, her protector from the ever constant threat of polar bear attack. Helen has gone on to explore far corners of the world. This website is a showcase of her achievements and adventures.
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EXPEDITION UPDATE
Bill and I recently returned from an expedition in which we walked 900 miles through four Sahara countries leading our four camels. Our route followed an ancient trade route that was first documented in the eleventh century. We accompanied a twelve member Berber family as they moved across the desert to an improved water supply. Drought and dropping water tables are an increasing concern in a desert that is a hostile place of little rain.
As we walked we were confronted by horizons that at times seemed impossibly far. We crossed vast plains that stretched before us in naked folds and in places the baked earth was nearly sterilized by extreme drought that had long ago chased all living creatures to more friendly environments.
The Sahara is a place that can consume the careless traveler. But the desert Berbers are survivors in this hard unrelenting land. They are a hospitable and friendly culture and welcomed us into the folds of their daily life. It was an opportunity to study and document an ancient culture's lifestyle and beliefs for another project for Adventure Classroom, an educational program in which we take the four corners of the world to students from grades kindergarten to high school grade twelve.
We will include a complete update of our experiences on the Adventure Classroom web site, www.adventureclassroom.org
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 Affiliate Professor of Geography, University of Alaska~Fairbanks Geography Program
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 Our Lead Partner - CORDURA® fabric is used in a wide range of products, including luggage, backpacks, boots, military wear and performance apparel. For more information, click the logo to visit the website.
All written material and photographs in this website are copyright by Helen Thayer; nothing may be reproduced without written permission.
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