An Expedition of Optimism, Humility and Responsible Action

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In 2 days we will set foot on the Arctic Ocean and begin trekking North.  We have just left Iqaluit, Nunavut Territory, Canada, located on Baffin Island.  There we spent two weeks totally focused on the expedition and free from the day-to-day distractions of our offices.  On  Wednesday, February 25th, we flew north to Resolute.  From here we will fly to the expedition starting point, Ward Hunt Island, on March 1.

It is thrilling to be moving fully into the execution phase of the Victorinox North Pole '09 expedition project.  Our project has come a long way since its inception 3 years ago. We feel a strong feeling of success having brought the expedition to this point and we feel a strongly that we will be successful in our endeavor to become the first Americans to ski unsupported to the North Pole.

This project would not been possible without the generous support of countless individuals and organizations.  We never cease to be pleasantly surprised by in-flow of offers of assistance and inspiring acts of support.  However, we are still in need of a big boost from individual donors.  If you believe in our mission and values please consider supporting our expedition with a financial donation.  All gifts, great and small, are sincerely appreciated.

The past few weeks we have been flooded with the conflicting emotions of parting from our loved ones  for a few months and enacting what was only a dream a few years ago.  We consider ourselves truly blessed to have such supportive families.  From an early age they have encouraged and empowered us to passionately follow our dreams and pursue challenge.

It is with this same inspiration in mind that we pursue the expedition project, with the hope that it can similarly inspire school children and people of all ages to live to their fullest potential.  Although skiing unsupported to the North Pole is a physical challenge, it is our mental interpretation of this challenge that will determine our success and daily happiness on the ice.

It is this mental story that we hope to tell in our daily expedition blog.  This story is now posted on the front page of www.northpole09.com, along with expedition photos and the expedition map.  While we are on the ice, we really enjoy thinking about those positive-minded folks who are following us at home.

Thank you for being one of those people,

John Huston and Tyler Fish
Victorinox North Pole '09 Expedition Team

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Contribution levels:	$ contribution	Contributors receive:
1. Inspiration (It all starts with a spark)	Up to $100	Your name listed on our website and in newsletters, name entered in raffle for a Bergans of Norway fleece
2. Optimism (Belief in positive potentials)	$250	All of the above + Expedition T-Shirt
3. Humility (Adaptability, modesty)	$500	All of the above + Signed Expedition Photo + Victorinox/Swiss Army Multi-tool
4. Responsible Action (Action with regard to impact)	$1000	All of the above + Victorinox/SwissArmy Watch + Bergans of Norway fleece
5. Leadership Circle	$5000 and above	All of the above + DeLorme GPS + Bergans of Norway outerwear jacket with expedition patches, Invitation to January 2009 send off party in Chicago and to May 2009 Expedition Wrap Party in Oslo, Norway

Contribute a Gift or Assist with Networking: Do you have goods, services or contacts that can support the North Pole '09 project? You also can contribute products of financial value or donate stocks and bonds. Contact Us

Tax Deductible Contributions	Non-Tax-Deductible Contributions
Mail a check (preferred method) Make check out to: Ely Nordic Ski Club Mail to: North Pole '09 545 E. Wilson St. Ely, MN 55731	Mail a check (preferred method) Make check out to: Forward Expeditions Mail to: North Pole '09 545 E. Wilson St. Ely, MN 5573
Online Contributions Click Here	Online Contributions Click Here

Questions? Contact Us

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CaringBridge.org We are using our expedition to raise at least $100,000 and awareness for CaringBridge.  Caringbridge.org offers free personalized websites that support and connect loved ones during critical illness, treatment and recovery. The goal of this service is to ease the burden of keeping friends and family updated, while also providing a way for them to send their love, support and encouragement. Help us raise funds and awareness for CaringBridge. Learn more by clicking here.

Victorinox/Swiss Army Makers of the Original Swiss Army Knife, high quality affordable timepieces, peerless cutlery and travel gear of superior engineering. 2009 marks Victorinox's 125th anniversary.  In 2009, Victorinox Swiss Army will begin selling a redesign of the classic original Soldiers Knife.

We are joining forces with the Will Steger Foundation and Reach the World to bring our expedition into classrooms in Minneapolis and Chicago Public Schools.  We identify strongly with the missions of these two organizations.  Through the past few months Tyler and John have been visiting area schools to provide a direct connection to the online expedition journal.  The mission of our education program is to inspire children to embrace challenge, follow their dreams and learn about climate change.

 

Chicago Tribune - Ski trip to the North Pole may hold key to space travel 2/6/2009

 

NASA interested in mind-sets of pair as they trek north

By Russell Working | Tribune reporter
February 6, 2009

 

 

It won't all be like this!  John pulling 300 pounds over a snow bank on Frobisher Bay, Baffin Island.  February 18, 2009.  Photo:  Tyler Fish