My Polar Dream
Page 15
Approaching the Transantarctic Mountains from the coast.
A slow grind up the headwall at the end of the Kansas Glacier, close to some pretty serious concealed crevasse danger.
This ‘parhelion’ is a circular rainbow with sun reflections at multiple points. It happens in Antarctica when wind blows ice crystals high in the sky.
Heath’s official role was assistant to the Nat Geo cameraman for Greenland and the South Pole. Unofficially he became my mentor and a true friend.
The challenge of trying to eat noodles with a large plastic spoon while wearing polar mitts with my back to the wind.
White-out on the Antarctic plateau.
Sastrugi – wave-like ridges of hard ice, caused by wind – on the Antarctic plateau.
This was my standard resting position when we had a break at the end of each long session of skiing. Everything ached.
Celebrating Christmas on the way to the South Pole.
Eric, me and Dad at Union Glacier on the way home after reaching the South Pole.
At the South Pole – my Polar Quest finally complete.
Serving up a sandwich for the internet trolls.
ABOUT JADE HAMEISTER
Jade Hameister began her Polar Hat-Trick quest in April 2016 at the age of 14, when she became the youngest person in history to ski to the North Pole from anywhere outside the last degree and was awarded Australian Geographic Society’s Young Adventurer of the Year as a result. In June 2017, she became the youngest woman to complete the 550-kilometre crossing of Greenland, the second largest ice cap on the planet unsupported and unassisted. In January 2018, Jade skied 600 kilometres from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole unsupported and unassisted, after an epic 37-day journey via a new route through the Transantarctic Mountains and up the Kansas Glacier, from the Amundsen Coast.
In finishing this incredible journey, Jade has set a number of world records, including:
• the youngest person to ski from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole unsupported and unassisted
• the first Australian woman in history to ski from the coast to the South Pole unsupported and unassisted
• the first woman to set a new route to the South Pole unsupported and unassisted
• the youngest person to ski to both Poles
• the youngest person to complete the Polar Hat-Trick.
In 2018, she was recognised by Vogue magazine as one of the year’s Game Changers, was awarded one of ten Women of Style awards by InStyle magazine, alongside Elle Macpherson and Delta Goodrem, and spoke on behalf of Oceania at the Opening Ceremony of Pope Francis’ International Climate Change Conference at the Vatican.
Jade lives in Melbourne and is currently a year 11 student.
PRAISE FOR JADE HAMEISTER
‘What an extraordinary adventure Jade is on! When people say it cannot be done, think of Jade and you will realise that anything is possible with bloody hard work, single-minded focus, courage and determination. Well done, Jade, you are a true inspiration.’
JANINE ALLIS, founder of Boost Juice
‘Jade is a remarkable young woman in every sense of the word. Not only is she achieving things no one else like her ever has, she is determined to shift the focus from what we look like to what we do. In a world that tells everyone, but particularly young women, that their value is in their appearance, Jade’s kick-butt, can-do attitude and record-breaking achievements are a welcome breath of fresh air. She is a role-model to many, and rightly so!’
DR SUSAN CARLAND, academic and author
‘Congratulations, Jade! Against such extreme conditions amongst a big, beautiful dream, we can all see your determination and we are so happy for what you are doing for young people all around the world. Xx’
EMMA WATKINS, Wiggle
‘Jade Hameister is courage personified. What an awesome achievement.’
JAMILA RIZVI, author, presenter
and political commentator
‘What an incredible achievement by Jade. She has proven that age is no barrier, her tenacity is something we can all admire and learn from. It takes a very strong-willed person to set themselves a challenge like this and to then see it through, despite all the physical and emotional obstacles. Jade is a remarkable role model for women everywhere. I can’t wait to see what she does next! Congratulations!’
JESSICA SMITH, Paralympian
First published 2018 in Macmillan by Pan Macmillan Australia Pty Ltd
1 Market Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000
Copyright © Jade Hameister 2018
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Cataloguing-in-Publication entry is available
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EPUB format: 9781760782344
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