Blog written by Lani van Niekerk

This year, the Young Explorers celebrated the end of 2012 and the coming of 2013 with the traditional hike up to the hut in Lai Da Vons, Switzerland. With our bags packed, 26 explorers set off to conquer the strenuous climb (just over 1000ft in altitude!). Once we reached the hut we made ourselves at home. I couldn’t have imagined a better setting to end off the year! The hut was nestled next to a rocky wall and everything around us was covered in a fluffy blanket of snow. In the distance you could see the numerous snowy peaks of the Alps as they rose majestically from the valley below.

The next day involved some hiking (well, to be honest, we were rolling, jumping, skiing, falling and playing) in the snow. Some YEPs even dared to summit a peak nearby! As the wind picked up we headed towards the hut to warm our frozen fingers and wet clothes. We started preparing our last meal for the year – traditional Swiss raclette! I firmly believe that everyone had at least one portion too many, but we still managed to cram in some of Livio’s delicious birthday cake!

As the clock struck twelve, we all gathered outside under the light of the moon and started celebrating the new year in different ways. Torches were lit, snow fights were held and merry voices were heard as we sang into the early hours of the morning. Life is a wonderful thing!

My favourite part was seeing the sun rise the next morning. I ran outside and my jaw dropped. I was gazing, fascinated, at a completely pink sky. The clouds formed impressive patterns across the vast heavens and reflected their colours on the crispy snow. This was beauty beyond limits. And as I stared at this glorious display of nature, I couldn’t help feeling that 2013 is going to be an incredible year!

Broaden your comfort zone to the horizon. It is never ending.

Mike Horn features in the December edition of Gstaad My Love.

To view the article click here

This is where I found my inspiration for 2013!

If you learn something new everyday, you will never grow old!

The end of one thing is the start of something new!

Never in my life I will forget the feeling of sailing into Monaco harbour on board Pangaea surrounded by the best friends in the whole entire world!

After a four years expedition around the world Mike sailed Pangaea into the harbour where everything had started. On the boat were fifty young explorers from all around the world to celebrate the end of this incredibly successful project.

The moment when all the other yachts started honking was so emotional that it caused goose bumps all over and even made some of the YEPs cry.

At Monaco Yacht Club we were awaited by journalists from all over the world who were anxiously waiting for Pangaea to arrive.

We even had the big honour to meet Prince Albert II of Monaco who welcomed Mike and the boat after this great accomplishment of four years of exploring and showing us the beauty of Earth.

After the young explorers had shared their personal experiences with students of the Prince Albert Foundation the day before it was now time for Mike to tell the press about the last four years of exploring, learning and acting.

The formal dinner in the event was definitely the highlight of this incredible final in Monaco.
Together with the Horn family, sponsors and friends the Yeps spent an amazing night in Monte Carlo, dancing, singing and celebrating.

This event was just as mindblowing as any other event during the last four years and definitely worth the travel even though some young explorers came from overseas to show Mike their gratitude and respect.

And that's what we are, thankful for all we got and everything we experienced through Pangaea.

This project was not only about the expeditions but more about the people we got to know: inspirational personalities like Mike and his whole team, important people from the sponsor companies and our new best friends.

We grew together as a big international family and I can't imagine what my life would look like without Pangaea. This project turned my life upside down and showed me the right path to walk on in order to change the world.

On behalf of all the young explores I'd like to thank Mike, his team, the sponsors and everybody who was involved in the PANGAEA Young Explorers Program for their inspiration, motivation, organisation, experience, trust, for their believe in us, their friendship, support and last but not least all the fun times we've spent together!

You've all changed our lifes completely and now it's our turn to change the world!

"Now we've gone and seen the world
and we know that it's an Earth worth saving.
So now let's just go,
Go out and take control!

Pangaea is the one thing we can't get enough of
So we'll tell you something
This could be love!

Because we've had the time of our lives
And we owe it all to you! "

If you cannot be the best, be the best in helping others to be it!

After a windy ride, Pangaea, Mike and his crew, arive at the port of Santa Margherita in Italy. It's the home run now – back in Europe once again and an extraordinary expedition will soon be coming to an end.

Amazing moments flash by in seconds, but when experienced last forever!