North to the Pole

An account of the first expedition to reach the North Pole without resupply since the start of the 20th century. Recounting their difficulties and victories, it relates how they sustained their spirits, energy and unity and also the health and spirits of the dogs on which the expedition depended.

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On 7 March 1986 seven men, one woman and 49 dogs set out on one of the most spectacular adventures of our time: their aim was to become the first expedition to reach the North Pole without supply since Robert Peary's historic journey in 1909. Seeking to reaffirm the self-sufficiency and resoluteness of those early days of Arctic exploration, they would be entirely dependent on the three tons of supplies they brought with them: there would be no airlifts with rested dogs, no new equipment, no extra food or fuel. After 55 days and 1000 gruelling miles, enduring temperatures of -70 degrees, six team members completed the journey - including Ann Bancroft, the first woman ever to reach the Pole.