KIDS NORTH POLE EXPEDITION

"What was I expecting? Flat, cold, white and windy. Exactly the same than the last 50 kilometers. But not only, it was so much more. The feeling that came from inside was incomparable and unique. The tingling in my fingers and toes disappeared and a whiff of warmth traversed my body. I felt satisfied. Adding on to this sensation, knowing that we were the youngest children accomplishing such an experience was simply unbelievable. Being on top of the world with the people that count the most is a life-time opportunity.
An overwhelming sense of security follows me where ever I go accompanied with my father. After this experience I felt capable of doing much more. All you need is a set goal and to be with the people you love to be successful. " Annika Horn

Mike Horn, together with his wife Cathy and two daughters, Annika (14) and Jessica (12) successfully reached the North Pole on the 14th of April 2007.

This expedition is the youngest unassisted expedition recorded to the North Pole, traversing the remaining 54km from the Russian base of Barneo to the North Pole. This is an amazing feat for any explorer, and will be recorded in history as an act of pure endurance and courage for such young explorers.

After months of preparation the family set out on the expedition and set foot on ice on the 10/04/2007 to start their journey. They had specialized equipment made according to Mike Horn’s specifications as per reference from his experience in previous expeditions.

The equipment and food supplies were pulled in sledges respectively weighing 20kg (Annika and Jessica), 60kg(Cathy) and 120kg(Mike Horn).

The Horn family faced many challenges and extreme conditions such as snow storms, ice drifting in the wrong direction and dangerous water leads. They also came across polar bear tracks and had to constantly on the lookout for these predators. Pulling their laden sledges the skied around 10 hours a day at remarkable speed.

After reaching the North Pole Mike Horn contacted the Russian base via satellite phone to announce that they were ready to be picked up. Unfortunately due to the incoming storm the Russian's were not able to pick them up at the pole that day. The following morning they woke to find themselves in a terrible storm and had drifted 26kilometers throughout the night. It was only four days later that the storm subsided and the Russians were able to airlift the family and take them back to the shelter of Barneo base.

KIDS NORTH POLE Expedition