Reaching for the North Pole

To escape from your everyday life is what vacations are all about.  "DayCations" are short trips to places that offer fun, excitement and a local blend of adventure.  But once the taste for travel is developed, the eye automatically seeks new horizons both in our "backyards" and beyond.

I want go to the North Pole.  Really, this summer, at the end of June and the beginning of July. Through daily articles, photographs and video, I want to take you not of the longest "day trip" ever but a trip to the "longest day; the North Pole in the middle of summer." But it is up to Patch readers to "take me there!"

Quark Expeditions has been taking people to both ends of the earth since 1991.  They are the leader of polar adventure travel with access to a fleet of ice breakers to explore the Arctic and Antarctica.  For the next few weeks they are sponsoring a contest called "Blog Your Way To The North Pole."  I want to win and take my readers with me for the trip to the top end of the world. Just vote for me. 

 The Quark Contest can be accessed by clicking here. The rules and all of the entries are there. Each contestant has to post an essay on why they should go, along with a photograph. Go to my entry page, titled “Fire and Ice” and read my essay.  My Quest for the Pole page is here. From there, go to the “Vote for Entries” icon and follow their directions.

The top five vote getters become finalists.  I will take it from there. My travel partner on this trip, Karen Allen and I will then show the judges why two retired educators from Long Island can best capture the excitement of a polar adventure.  Our goal is to show that the only limits to our lives are those we place on ourselves. Everything is possible, including a barbecue on the North Pole, with a champagne toast and burgers. 

While my adventures focused on sailing the local waters of Long Island, my companion for the Pole will be a world traveler.  Last winter she visited Antarctica and before that Europe, South and Central America, Africa, the Galapagos Islands and Australia.  Her inquisitive spirit and lifelong quest for new experiences make her the perfect counterpoint to my "local" adventures.  Together we will tell the story of this polar expedition from the eyes of both a novice and a seasoned explorer.

Karen's and my experiences in reporting, travel, sailing, photography and videography have prepared us.  Together we can inspire others to live the adventure through our eyes. Let us bring our fire to that world of ice. 

Remember, I need to be in the top five so tell your friends, email your entire contact book, post this link on your Facebook or Tweek your thumbs off.

Get me to the Pole and I’ll give your hours of stories, videos, photographs and a unique view from the top of the world.