Jerry has logged some 4,000 miles on foot over the course of some 25 expeditions, more than anyone alive. His writing and photography appear around the world in such publications as Outside, National Geographic Adventure and Condé Nast Traveler. His critically acclaimed book, The Horizontal Everest: Extreme Journeys on Ellesmere Island, recounts the author's 15-year love affair with the Canadian High Arctic.

"Part of the Canadian Northwest Territories, Ellesmere is the tenth largest island in the world and lies west of northern Greenland. Canadian journalist-photographer Kobalenko has extensively explored the Arctic island on foot pulling a sledge filled with provisions, and he here documents his findings. After describing why he was drawn to such a desolate place, he examines the motives of historical and contemporary explorers, from those seeking the fame of discovering new lands to those extreme adventurers seeking a challenge for the record books. As he journeys from place to place, he discovers evidence of earlier journeys, which he describes and documents, including the failed attempt of Adolphus Greely to find the lost Franklin expedition, Frederick Cook's false North Pole claim, and Robert Peary's success. In a touching passage, Kobalenko describes a long wait in the snow for the first-ever picture of arctic hares nursing their young. Also included is a modern discussion of scurvy and a contemporary observation of the typical Victorian British explorer as the 'ultimate gentlemen amateurs... No dogs, no Inuit helpers, no skis or snowshoes, only ponies, manpower, thousand-pound sleds, and naval issue clothing...' "From a review by John Kenny published in the Library Journal.

Jerry's Ellesmere travels are the subject of a Discovery Channel documentary, also called Horizontal Everest, that will be aired on Feb. 7th. Arctic enthusiasts may enjoy his Arctic Adventure 2003 calendar, published by Firefly Books. We will have a limited supply of books available for signing and purchase.

As usual, this Tuesday, February 4th event will be held at The Union Club, 8 Park Street, in downtown Boston. Park Street is the short street, at the upper, "Park Street Station" end of the Boston Common that runs between the gilded dome of the State House and Tremont Street. There is parking at street meters (free after 6PM), in the Boston Common Underground Garage (all night for $8), and in other local garages off upper Beacon Street (past the State House).

The Social Hour begins at 7 P.M., with the presentation at around 8 P.M. There is a $10 donation per person requested to help defray the costs of room rental, which is payable at the event. There will be a cash bar available. All guests, friends, family, and interested parties are welcome. If you let us know ahead of time that you intend to come, that would be helpful; but regardless, do come. Gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie (no jeans) for entry to the Union Club.

For any further information, or to let us know that you are coming, please contact Program Chairman, Mark Allio at 401-351-4555 or markallio@earthlink.net. Also, please check out our website at http://www.neexplorersclub.org. See you on the 4th!