In early May 2005, the One World Expedition embarked on what was intended to be a four-month unsupported journey across the Arctic Ocean. Seasoned polar explorers Lonnie Dupre and Eric Larsen had planned to travel from Cape Arctichesky, Siberia, to the geographic North Pole, then on to Ellesmere Island, Canada. Their objectives were threefold:

• to become the first expedition in history to complete a summer crossing of the Arctic Ocean.
• to create awareness of global climate change and collect relevant scientific data.
• to produce a documentary film and book that will focus on global climate change, teamwork and the spirit of adventure.

Then on June 3rd, their unprecedented arctic journey ended abruptly when unusual ice conditions and backwards drift forced an early evacuation. Explorers Lonnie Dupre and Eric Larsen were forced to cut short the first attempt to cross the Arctic Ocean in summer, but have vowed to continue campaigning for action on human-caused global climate change, including work with expedition partner Greenpeace. Unexpected weather conditions, including unusually deep snow and a steady southerly ice drift, led the explorers to call for an airlift.

Since leaving Cape Arctichesky on Siberia’s coast May 10, the team traveled 150 miles but made just 45 miles northward toward the North Pole, unable to maintain the pace required to complete the trip before winter storms arrive. They had only a few days of conditions where they could use their skis, and even then could not make the daily distance required by the expedition plan.

Most Successful, Unsuccessful Expedition:

Though the expedition was unsuccessful in dealing with the ocean conditions off the Russian coastline it was successful in reaching its main goal of bringing attention to the Global Warming issue. With figures still coming in, the One World Expedition garnered 21 million media impressions worldwide on Global Warming.

Next Step - North Pole to Greenland 2006:

On July 18, 2006 OWE will make another summer attempt at crossing the ocean's broken sea ice from the North Pole To Cape Morris Jessup, Greenland. The 50 day expedition will cover 540 route miles pulling 160 pound modified whitewater canoes. Lonnie and Eric expect to reach landfall by September 5th, the last day of 24 hours light and the start of fall storms and precipitation. The route was picked due to favorable southern drift of the sea ice.

The team will be flown to the expedition's start at the North Pole by Russian Helicopter out of Norway's Spitzbergen Island. At Cape Morris Jessup, Greenland's Northern most land and expedition's finish, the team will be picked up by twin otter aircraft and flown back to Canada or Iceland then home.

The One World Expedition will travel through a place far removed from most life. The white expanse of the frozen Arctic Ocean provides little context for any of us; ironically, it is also the one place that connects us all. At the North Pole, lines of longitude begin, grow and extend south through every nation on the planet. Desolate and delicate, the Arctic Ocean is where the world unites. The One World Expedition’s mission is to play at least a small part in uniting the world to protect this pristine environment and to combat global climate change.

As one of Costa Rica’s premier tour operators, Costa Rica Nature Adventures is proud to be a sponsor of the One World Expedition. In an effort to promote environmental awareness, Costa Rica Nature Adventures invites you to enjoy a dynamic multi media presentation from the One World Expedition Team at our enchanting Pacuare Jungle Lodge in Costa Rica. This inspirational talk will bring the One World Expedition right to you. Emphasis will be placed on global warming, setting and achieving goals, teamwork and overcoming obstacles. Breathtaking slides, Arctic gear and a variety of other props complement the presentation. A prominent local speaker will also be invited. Experience the thrill and adventure of this epic Arctic journey as you bask in the midst of one of the world’s most exotic jungle settings. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be an Arctic explorer, then this is an event you won’t want to miss. Get ready for an unforgettable time of adventure and discovery!
To further the awareness of global warming, Costa Rica Nature Adventures will donate the proceeds from the presentation to Greenpeace, the expedition’s environmental partner.

*Price includes:
Day 1: Transportation from San José with bilingual guide, typical Costa Rican breakfast in route, Pacuare River rafting tour (or ground transportation to the lodge), professional bilingual guides and equipment, welcoming cocktail, lunch at the Pacuare Lodge, gourmet dinner with wine, hot beverages, an in-depth presentation by renowned Arctic explorers Lonnie Dupre and Eric Larsen, overnight bungalow stay.
Day 2 includes: (A healthy) breakfast, river rafting
(or ground transportation), equipment and rafting guides, lunch along the river, use of private installations at river take-out, return transportation to San José with guide.