Daily Dispatch: Leaving
Feb 15, 2005
Beginning in February 2005 Ann and Liv will attempt a historic first for women: an approximate 1,240-mile (1,996-km) crossing of the mostly frozen Arctic Ocean. From the northernmost point of the Severnaya Zemlya islands off the coast of Russia, Ann and Liv will ski, sail and even swim their way across the Arctic Ocean reaching Canada in early June.
The Arctic Ocean is a dynamic environment with humidity, shifting ice, pressure ridges and even wildlife factors which Ann and Liv did not encounter during their Antarctic crossing in 2001.
During the first several weeks of travel, it's important for Ann and Liv to travel fast and light away from the ocean's currents. These first weeks are expected to be the most difficult because it's dark, cold and ice is unpredictable. Ann and Liv will begin to see the sun cresting over the horizon in March and temperatures will begin to rise. As they leave the North Pole, it is a race with Mother Nature to avoid melting ice and adverse travel conditions. Please join us and support Ann and Liv's mission to ignite the imagination in kids to see that anything is possible.
Arctic Ocean 2005
Arctic Stories Fuel Programs for Kids
Despite Shortened JourneyMarch 2005 Ann and Liv set out to attempt a historic first for women: an approximate 1,240-mile (1,996-km) crossing of the mostly frozen Arctic Ocean. Educators and pioneers, Ann and Liv are inspired to share their journey as a way to ignite the imagination in others, particularly girls and women. Millions of educators, women and girls around the globe eagerly embrace this journey as a testament to the human spirit, the importance of women role models for girls and the power of a childhood dream.
Educators, Ann and Liv rely on the many Arctic stories from the first 19 days of their journey to fuel the education programs in place for kids around the globe. It wasn't the bears that tracked Ann and Liv nor the lead opening underneath their tent, which caused their journey to come to an end. The unfortunate news came on March 30; expeditions traveling from Russia toward the North Pole were to be evacuated due to mounting conflict over economic power of Russian polar travel. Ann and Liv's education programs continue to be timelier than ever. Journeys to Peace curriculum shares the tools and mindset necessary to resolve conflict peacefully. Lessons of courage, hope and perseverance in the face of obstacles are themes in the BAE programs. Please, join us as Ann and Liv share their stories from the Arctic first hand with exciting programs for Classrooms, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Explore with Ann and Liv on their journey to the Top of the World.
Route Map:
Follow Ann & Liv as they cross the Arctic Ice.
Did you Know?
Roald Amundsen was a Norwegian polar explorer who was the first person to fly over the North Pole in a dirigible (May 11-13, 1926) and was the first person to reach the South Pole. He was the first person to reach both the North and South Poles. To learn more about Norwegian culture go to Norway.com and learn about Norge 2005!
Expedition FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about the weather, food, gear and technology that Ann and Liv are taking with them as they cross the Arctic Ocean. click here