Mount Vaughan
Antarctic
Expedition update:
We have dreamed big and dared to fail, but unfortunately have
not met our goal. To get to Mount Vaughan we needed a plane
– and not just any kind of plane. We needed a plane with
skis and extended tanks to not only fly over but have enough
fuel to return should we not be able to land. We knew this was
going to be a huge undertaking, but had high hopes of finding
investors for the plane. It hasn’t happened. So short
of a miracle that could turn things around, it is with great
reluctance that we have to announce that we are not going to
be able to go to Antarctica for Norman’s 100th.
Everyone has been so supportive
and had such faith, particularly our main supporting sponsor
AT&T Alascom. We are truly grateful to Mike Felix and
his great crew who have been there for us at Norman’s
99th birthday party with a phenomenal live video conference
across 16 time zones, to the absolutely beautiful time lines
paralleling Norman’s life with history over the past
100 years, and of course, for the tremendous job they have
done with our website.
You and many, many others have
been such true fans and supporters who really wanted Norman
to reach his goal and to have that first drink of champagne
on the summit of Mount Vaughan!! “Thank you” is
a meager expression of our sincere gratitude.
When we gathered our stalwart
and dedicated team to make this hard decision, Norman’s
response to our not being able to go was, “Oh, you mean
this year!” That’s Norman!! So who knows….maybe
we’ll be there for his 101st!
No matter what – Norman,
the quintessential gentleman, doesn’t linger in the
disappointments, but is always looking ahead to new challenges.
I guess that’s why we are inspired by him. It’s
that attitude which he exemplifies by daring to go after the
big dreams that is his legacy.
So you won’t be surprised
to know that we do have new plans to kick off his next century!
If we can’t get to the south, then we’ll head
north.....going to the North Pole in April of ’06! Norman
will drive the last few miles to the pole by dog team. Stay
tuned to the website for the new and upcoming plans!
For his actual 100th, Norman
will be celebrating on top of a mountain - at altitude, but
in this hemisphere with friends and family in Telluride, CO.
Come join the party on Sunday, December 18th, and join him
in a toast with champagne! As an added bonus, the skiing is
great! Using adaptive equipment, we may even get Norman out
on the slopes!! Let us know if you’d like more information
as plans unfold.
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