Alvah Simon
For 10 months he was trapped by crushing ice. For five months he endured soul destroying solitude. For three months he lived in total darkness. For one hour he will have you on the edge of your seat.
Adventurer Alvah Simon is a fascinating and inspiring speaker. He tells a frightening, breathtaking and ultimately triumphant story of one man’s dogged pursuit of his dreams, his ensuing battle for survival and the life-enhancing discoveries he experienced along the way. More than just inspiring you, Alvah compels you to test the borders of your own potential and to think anew about life.
In his widely acclaimed book, 'North to the Night: A Spiritual Odyssey in the Arctic', Alvah chronicles his harrowing expedition with his New Zealand wife Diana, high above the Arctic Circle to face this last frontier on its own terms.
Unexpected events left Alvah to face the polar night alone, his boat trapped in the crushing ice and with a kitten as his only companion. His world was soon circumscribed by minus 65-degree temperatures, deadly blizzards and marauding polar bears; the smallest mistake would have immediate consequences – death.
Alvah Simon has spent 13 years sailing the world, finding adventure in Borneo's jungles, Africa's deserts, and Cape Horn's ship graveyards. For their Arctic journey, he and his wife, Diana, received the 1997 ‘Cruising World’__ __Outstanding Seamanship Award.
Alvah shares these experiences, and the universal lessons learned, through his spellbinding presentation and spectacular photography. Experience this utterly unforgettable and moving story of courage, fortitude and discovery.
Testimonials
The packed room was spellbound.—The Direct Marketing Association
Simon's gripping story held the crowd enraptured.—The Washington Post
Wonderfully entertaining ...—Seagate Technologies
The audience was spellbound for the whole time. Gave us an insight into teamwork, courage and commitment.—Gill Lockhart, Tourism New Zealand
Everyone was in awe of him! There was fantastic interest, laughter & appreciation from the audience. Most people said afterwards that they wished that they had done more in their lives like Alvin had. His presentation was talked about all afternoon.—Natalie Rea, Satara Co-operative Group Ltd
Favourite quotes
Death is only one of many ways to lose your life.
The best time to take action towards a dream is yesterday, the worst tomorrow. The best compromise is today.
Diana and I followed our dreams deep into the landscape of our imaginations. And while our presence only momentarily changed the Arctic, the Arctic forever changed us in an elemental way. Earth, wind and water combined to create fire in our souls, in that wilderness of Arctic ice.
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