North Pole Tenderfoot. Doug Hall
Reactions to North Pole Tenderfoot from four who were on the expedition
Thrills and spills abound on each of the dogsled treks I’ve guided to the North Pole. But the one recounted here resulted in something extraordinary—Doug Hall’s maverick perspective that sparkles fresh as sea ice on why a regular guy would pit himself against one of the world’s most extreme challenges and, more importantly, how Doug has employed that experience to expand horizons for both himself and others. You’ll want to don a sweater and warm socks for this lively read (and maybe a life jacket for that upcoming plunge in the drink). Be prepared to journey with Doug beyond the North Pole—to the realm of what’s possible when you put your mind to something big.
—Paul Schurke, Aspirations Expedition Leader
Doug Hall, one of America’s most creative business minds, “freezes” his way to enlightenment. Laughing at 62 below? Why not, tears would only freeze that panicked look on your face. Doug illustrates why adventurers have extremely short memories. He is always looking ahead.
—Bill Martin, Aspirations Expedition Co-Leader
So I’m sitting around one day when Doug Hall says, “Hey Craig, let’s go to the North Pole!” “Sure, Doug, I’ll go.” Ten months later we’re standing at thirty-something below zero! North Pole Tenderfoot is not your average adventure story of an executive schlepping his way to the North Pole just to impress his friends. Rather, it’s a story of honest failures and flubs mixed with a healthy dash of fun and inspiration. The story is so real you’ll get frostbite just reading it! And I know something about frostbite.
—Craig Kurz, CEO The HoneyBaked Ham Company and Fellow North Pole Tenderfoot
Just finished reading your draft of our Arctic adventure. I am sincerely amazed at the accuracy of miscellaneous comments. My reaction is that it’s a great chronicle. It should be of interest to anyone dreaming of an extended bike trip, a mountain climb, or any other physical exertion—where turning back is not an option.
—Corky Peterson, Age 69 at the Time of the Expedition The Oldest Man to Walk to the Pole
Copyright © 2009 by Doug Hall
All rights reserved, no portion of this book may be reproduced in any fashion, print facsimile, or electronic, or by any method yet to be developed, without express permission of the copyright holder.
Published by Clerisy Press
Printed in the United States of America
Distributed by Publishers Group West
First edition, first printing
For further information, contact the publisher at:
Clerisy Press
An imprint of AdventureKEEN
302–306 Greenup Street
Covington, KY 41011
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Hall, Doug, 1959–
North Pole tenderfoot : 18 dogs, 62 below, 200 miles : a rookie’s adventures and misadventures traveling in Admiral Peary’s footsteps to the North Pole / by Doug Hall. — 1st ed.
p. cm.
ISBN-13: 978-1-57860-328-2
ISBN-10: 1-57860-328-5
1. Hall, Doug, 1959– 2. Explorers—United States— Biography. 3. Peary, Robert E. (Robert Edwin), 1856– 1920. 4. North Pole--Discovery and exploration. I. Title. II. Title: Rookie’s adventures and misadventures traveling in Admiral Peary’s footsteps to the North Pole.
G635.H22A3 2009
910.911’3—dc22
2009015590
Cover designed by Stephen Sullivan
Interior designed by Donna Collingwood
Ziggy cartoons are © 1999, Ziggy & Friends, Inc. They are reprinted by permission of Ziggy and Friends, Inc. Ziggy is a registered trademark of Tom Wilson, distributed by Universal Press Syndicate, all rights reserved.
Dedication
THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF MY MOM, JEAN HALL.
In her memory, 100 percent of my net profits from this book will be donated to programs that encourage the four Great Aspirations! principles.
Doug Hall
Springbrook
Prince Edward Island, Canada
December 28, 2008
Thank You!
Special thanks to the following incredible people who made the expedition, this book, and the theatrical play of the same name possible.
Paul Schurke – Leader of the expedition and Arctic explorer extraordinaire.
Craig Kurz – Friend and fellow “tenderfoot” on the expedition.
David Wecker – Expedition base camp commander and friend whose humor, encouragement, and writing wisdom helped this book come to life.
The rest of the Aspirations Expedition Team: David Golibersuch, Alan Humphries, Bill Martin, Celia Martin, Corky Peterson, Paul Phau, Randy Swanson, Mike Warren.
Thank you to my family for all of their love and support: Debbie, Kristyn, Tori, Brad; my siblings Pam and Bruce; and my mom and dad, Buzz and Jean Hall.
Erskine and Pat Smith – Victoria Playhouse creative director and general manager who shared their stage and wisdom with me.
Richard Hunt and Jack Heffron – The world’s best book publisher and editor.
Ziggy, Fuzz, and Tom Wilson – Thanks to Ziggy and Fuzz for making the trip so much fun, and for Tom’s never-ending support of helping inspire children’s aspirations.
Special Thanks to the Great Aspirations! Charity Sponsors: American Express, Bicycle Playing Cards, Curel, Eureka! Ranch, HoneyBaked Ham Company, Johnson & Johnson, M&M’s, Mercy Health Plex, Pringles, Nestle’s Quik, Qwest, University of Maine, Valassis Communications, Viking Ranges, WBK Design, Wintergreen Lodge, Ziggy.
Expedition, Book, and Play Support Team: Kevin McNamara, Kari McNamara, Sarah Hawkins, Corie Roudebush Spialek, Judith Hokanson, Tom Ackerman, Chris Stormann, Sean McCosh, Mike Salvi, Kara Gibson, Maggie Nichols, Scott Dunkle, Jeff Stamp, Bruce Forsee, Margaret Henson, Teresa Cosby, Leah Hunter, David Nicholson, Ron Quesnel, and Dick Steurweld.
Writing Base Camps: This book was primarily written at four spectacular locations.
Anthony’s Key Resort, Roatan Honduras www.anthonyskey.com
Hotel Hana-Maui, Hana, Hawaii www.hotelhanamaui.com