Finding Their Way Finding their way in the Arctic was another challenge. Eric taught Jade how to use the sun and her shadow to guide her. She also learned how to use a GPS device for directions. T e biggest challenge was the cold.


Jade’s braided hair froze. So did her eyelashes. Jade wore a parka. She wore thermal underwear and windproof pants. She wore two pairs of socks and


special boots. She wore both gloves and mittens. No matter how many layers Jade


wore, it never felt like enough. Her hands ached from the cold. It was hard to avoid frostbite. T is is an injury caused when your skin freezes.


Success! Aſt er 11 days of tough conditions, Jade and her team reached their goal. T ere was nothing to mark the North Pole. T at’s because the polar ice is always driſt ing. But they used their GPS to check their position. It was correct. Jade’s dream had become a reality. She was standing at the top of the world. 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. Jade is training right now. She will leave soon for her next trip. Stay tuned!


A Little Perspective


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


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.


22 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER


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