Without the support and encouragement of my wife, Penny, my Alaskan adventure would not have been possible. Her love and understanding kept me going then, as they continue to do today. I hope I have proved worthy.
Thanks so much to my friend Glen Colclough, who helped me get ready in Vancouver and who went with us to Nome. I am indebted to the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard station at Port Clarence for their kindness, and to Laban Iyatunguk and Bobby Iyatunguk, who befriended me on an overnight stop in Deering. In Kivalina, I owe much to Chester Bundy, Sylvester and Alice Swan, Martha Swan, Caleb Adams, Ron and Virginia Adams, and Jimmy Hawley, plus North Star crew member Chris Volkle. In Point Hope, my warmest thanks go to Jim and Mitzi Woods; to Eric, who spread the news of my capsize; to Irma, who warmed my icy feet; and to all the others, whose names I never knew, who went out in a storm to search for me. To all of you I offer these few words: I can never repay you for your friendship or for the help you gave me when I needed it most. All I can say is “Thank you.” I hope this book will help in some small way.
My love and gratitude goes in memoriam to my late brother Geoff, who always believed I could and would succeed in my adventures. He, and his confidence in me, is sadly missed.
I am also indebted to David “Rocky” Rocksborough-Smith of Vancouver, who saw the potential in my expedition. Rocky helped me get a boat and a motor, and he gave me workshop space in which to prepare for the journey. Thanks also to Peter Gleissner from Auto Marine Specialties, Ltd. (of Calgary), who supplied the German-manufactured Metzeler Tornado speedboat that became Audacity, and to the Johnson Outboard Motor company for the engine. Thanks also to the following companies (some no longer in existence, others now absorbed by larger corporations) that assisted with equipment or other areas of support: ArmourClad, Blue Johns Ltd., Robert Bosch Co., First Air, Mustang Industries, Pacific Western Airlines, Tapatco, Inc., and the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver.
I have enjoyed working with Audrey McClellan, who edited this book. She has my gratitude. And thanks again to Vivian Sinclair, managing editor of the Heritage Group, and to publisher Rodger Touchie for their continued confidence in my work.