Mast General Store is proud to host National Geographic Explorer Helen Thayer as she visits the High Country to present Polar Dream, a dramatic presentation and best selling book that recounts her struggles to reach her goal of being the first woman to walk solo to the Magnetic North Pole.
 
Polar Dream recounts Thayer’s adventures accompanied only by her beloved husky dog named Charlie through storms, a tent fire, breaking sea ice and encounters with polar bears. These and other thrilling and harrowing expeditions have made Thayer a dynamic and engaging storyteller, who uses her incredible photographs to help draw the listener into her exciting adventures.
 
There will be two opportunities to meet and talk with Thayer on Tuesday, July 1st. Mast General Store on King Street in Downtown Boone will hold a book signing from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., Thayer will present Polar Dream at the Watauga High School auditorium. Admission for the presentation is free, but donations are accepted for the Adventure Classroom.
 
Springing from a desire to share their experiences, Thayer and her husband, Bill, founded Adventure Classroom, an educational program designed to bring an awareness and respect for different cultures to young people. Through this program, Thayer hopes that, “…although kids often see the world in a negative light without hope for their future, we work to inspire them to set goals, plan for success and never give up. There is not only hope, there is a bright future ahead for those who are prepared to set goals and work toward them."

For more information please contact Mast Store at 828-963-6511.  
 

About Helen Thayer:   Born in New Zealand, Helen’s neighbor Sir Edmund Hillary introduced her to climbing at an early age and sparked her love of adventure. In addition to being a National Geographic Explorer, some of her accomplishments and recognitions include: First woman to walk solo to the magnetic North Pole 1988; First woman to walk across the Sahara Desert following an ancient camel trade route of 4,000 miles 1996; Honored at a White House Reception for “Pioneer Women in Sports” 1999, Named one of the “Great Explorers of the 20th Century” by National Geographic 2002, Recipient of the Explorers Club Vancouver Award for the Pursuit of Knowledge and Exploration 2006.  

Her compelling photography and gift of storytelling delight audiences of all ages. Committed to education, Adventure Classroom is a program to bring respect and awareness of different cultures to children.  Helen will inspire you. “A dream is just a dream without a plan. Make it happen…Achieve your ultimate success!” For more information about Helen and her adventures, please check out her websites - www.helenthayer.com and www.adventureclassroom.org.