Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #639503 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-01
• Released on: 2002-09-01
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .59 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 254 pages

From 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).
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
In 1988, 50-year-old Thayer became the first woman to ski alone to the North Pole. In this account, she tells of pulling all her food and gear on a sled, without the use food drops. She is accompanied only by her dog, Charlie, who provides protection against polar bears. Charlie not only saves her life but shows trusting companionship and heartwarming love. Thayer describes lyrically yet unromantically the dreamlike quality of the Arctic landscape, with its fluctuating ice conditions and eerie, depth perception-skewing atmosphere. Recounting terrifying encounters with polar bears and ferocious icy storms, she tells a gripping tale of courage and determination. She faces severe frostbite, winds, dehydration, frozen clothing, loneliness, and shifting ice with gentle humor, remarkable patience, and welcome modesty. Readers will be enthralled and inspired. Recommended for public libraries.
- Kathy Ruffle, Coll. of New Caledonia Lib., Prince George, B.C.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ingram
This first-person account of a woman's grueling 27-day odyssey, trekking 345 miles across the Northern ice cap with her dog, is a both a remarkable adventure story and a testament to the intense bond of love and trust that developed between Thayer and Charlie, her beloved husky. 8-page photo insert.