Wednesday, August 26, 2009

TO THE END OF THE EARTH : OUR EPIC JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE AND THE LEGEND OF PEARY AND HENSON
by Tom Avery

There's been quite a bit of controversy concerning U.S. Naval Commander Robert Peary over whether or not he did make it to the North Pole back in 1909. It took him thirty-seven days. Opponents have argued that his speed was impossible and there was no viable witness.
Tom Avery, a polar explorer, decided to see for himself, along with three men and one woman, if it could be done. So, in 2005, his team re-created the same journey as Peary, using the same equipment (replica wooden sleds tied with cord) and dog teams.
Along the way Avery kept a diary noting the day, the date, the temperature (always in negative degrees), miles made and miles to go.
The journey was treacherous, dangerous, brutally cold (they all suffered from frostbite in one form or another), and almost lost their lives.
The team completed 413 miles in thirty-six days and twenty-two hours, which means they beat Peary's record by four hours.
To The End of the Earth is a terrific story. It's very well-written and Avery did his homework regarding background information on Peary, plus other polar explorers.
Fourteen and a half pages of color photographs of Avery's team, the dogs, the terrain and a couple of black-and-white ones of Peary's journey are sandwiched in the middle of the book.
Right before the index can be found a complete log of Avery's adventure.
If you're looking for a way to cool off during the oppressive heat of summer, get a copy of this book. You won't be hot for long.
Highly recommended.