Finding Their Way Navigation was another challenge. Eric taught Jade how to fi gure out their direction by noting the position of the sun and the way her shadow fell on the ice. When the sky was overcast, he showed her how to use a GPS navigational device to determine their location. During the journey, they were constantly


battling something called negative driſt . Because they were on fl oating ice, the ocean current and the wind made them driſt toward the east. On some days, it seemed like they were taking steps backward. Once, Eric spotted polar bear tracks. T at


made Jade a little jumpy. T e team carried a rifl e and fl ares. She had been taught how to use them to scare away a bear if they should stumble across one. But she didn’t want to actually use them! T e biggest challenge was the cold. Her


braided hair froze. So did her eyelashes. Jade wore a parka, thermal underwear, and windproof pants. She wore two pairs of socks and special boots. But even with gloves and mittens, her hands never stopped aching. T e cold also made going to the bathroom


complicated. Unzipping her clothing was tricky. And it was diffi cult to avoid frostbite, an injury caused when your skin freezes.


A Little Perspective


Success! Aſt er 11 days of tough conditions, Jade and her team reached their goal—the North Pole! T e spot turned out to be in the middle of a huge compression zone. T ere was nothing there to mark the place, because the polar ice is always fl oating and driſt ing. But with the help of GPS, Jade found a latitude of exactly 90 degrees north, which is the geographic North Pole. Jade marveled at how her dream


had become a reality. She was standing at the top of the world. T ey didn't stay long. Soon, a helicopter picked them up. T ey fl ew back to Barneo just as the ice was beginning to melt. Mission accomplished!


What’s Next? T e North Pole expedition was only Jade’s fi rst step. T ere are two other journeys she must make to complete the Polar Hat Trick. In April 2017, she will attempt to ski across


Greenland. In December 2017, she will attempt to ski from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole. Jade is currently training for her next expedition. Stay tuned!


As of mid-2016, a little more than 4,000 people have reached the summit of Mount Everest.


22 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER


About 550 people have been to outer space.


Only about 230 people have gone on foot from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole.


Just a handful of people have completed the Polar Hat Trick.


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