ALONE AT THE NORTH POLE, MITSURO OHBA

I wrote my will at the North Pole. I figured that it wouldn’t be too strange if I died there. Ice can flow 30 kilometers in one night, and bears can sneak up on you. At times I felt as powerless as a small bird with its legs pulled off. I could hardly move under my own power. All I could do was pray. Out there, I realize how weak I was. Three times I was defeated by nature trying to reach the Pole. I went feeling too sure of myself, and going to the North Pole with the attitude that “I can take on anything” is dangerous. I was lucky to only lose some fingers and toes. Others have died. When you fail three times , no matter how stupid you are, you realize that feat, humility and gratitude are important. After finally figuring that out, I was able to successfully complete my solo trek on the fourth attempt.

If I were to express in a few words what adventure has given me, it would be the simple realization of how wonderful it is just to be alive. I have learned how precious life is, and how fleeting. On my treks I felt like I was living in the ice age, having arrived from the present. If I had to decide which time is better I would choose this one. There are hot springs, all sorts of delicious foods, my girlfriend, friends, and a warm house. Living with others in harmony and friendship, and at the end, during at home surrounded by the ones you love- I think that’s a good way to live.

From now on I want to live within the reality of the present, and make that my adventure. I feel like I’ve spent the last twenty years in the ice age, completely absorbed with trying to cross the North and South Poles, and now I have returned to the real worl. I want to get married and have children like everyone else. I just want to enjoy life, teaching others about my adventures at the school that I have built in Yamagata. That’s my dream. And I’d also like to travel around the world. As always my desires run pretty deep.

Mitsuro Ohba started the Global Edventure school in Yamagata Prefecture located at Mogami-gun, Mogami-cho, Oaza Mukaimachi, Yamagata-ken, 999-6101