“I have the attitude, if I want to do something and if it’s difficult, well I’ll just figure it out, I’ll find a way.” ~ Helen Thayer
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Today’s conversation is with Helen Thayer.
I don’t think you can listen to this conversation and not be affected, changed or inspired on some level. It’s very likely that you’ll make different decisions today and going forward after you listen to today’s episode.
I’ve known of Helen for, gosh, at least 20 years but likely much longer than that. She’s been on my radar for such a long time because some of the really amazing things she’s accomplished. And even though she lives in the Seattle area and we’ve been in touch over the years—like via email, I’m fairly certain this was the first time we met in person.
But our sit-down was like slipping into a conversation with an old friend. Someone with whom I have common interests and am on the same wavelength but also someone whom I really admire and can look to for inspiration.
So who’s Helen Thayer?
Though she’s not a fan of promoting herself as the first person to do this or that, there’s no denying her accomplishments.
At age 50, she was the first woman to travel solo to the magnetic North Pole in an unsupported expedition, meaning she pulled all of her own supplies and gear. She ventured solo to the South Pole on a trek where she had to abandoned the trip just shy of completing the journey.
Along with her husband, Bill, she walked across the Sahara on a 4,000-mile trade route (and where she had to be led by a local through 600 miles of landmines). She walked 1,600 miles across the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, she kayaked 2,200 miles in the Amazon and, beginning on her 80th birthday – her 80th birthday – she walked across Death Valley.
She was named One of the Great Explorers of the 20th Century by the National Geographic Society.
Helen was influenced by not only her very athletic parents but by Sir Edmund Hillary (Ed as she calls him). And though most of us don’t have those kinds of people surrounding us and influencing us, we do have Helen.
She’s now 81 and, as you’ll hear, she has many more projects ahead of her that keep her going and excited.
I could go on about Helen and her accomplishments but I’d rather this conversation with her speak for itself.
Please enjoy this conversation with Helen Thayer.
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Connect with Helen
Mentioned in this Episode
Adventure Classroom
Walking the Gobi by Helen Thayer (Amazon)
Polar Dream by Helen Thayer (Amazon)
Three Among the Wolves by Helen Thayer (Amazon)
WA State Chaplain Foundation
Sir Edmund Hillary (Wiki)
Arctic movie (Amazon)
Commencement speech at WGU in Las Vegas
Connect with me
Support the podcast through Patreon and get access to special audio and written content, be part of a private Facebook group and enjoy other benefits only for supporters of the podcast!
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Be Bold,
Beth
Ive read all of Helen’s books, and they were all great. I am a few years younger, and cannot imagine doing any of the things she has done. She is a tough lady, for sure, and also admire Charley. He was a lifesaver, for sure. So good that she had him along on her Polar Dream. My son and family live in Lynden, Wa., so are near to Helen. Would love to meet her.