North to the Pole

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.