Polar Quest

Acknowledgements

In the course of writing this story, I received generous assistance from a number of people. In particular, I wish to thank:

Dr Vladmir Papitashvili for an insider’s view of research at both poles and life at Vostok Station.

World-class ice boater Ron Sherry, who taught me much about winter’s fastest sport.

The men and women of the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard, who flew me around Greenland in LC-130s and put me down on top of the glacier, and Major Bob Bullock for his help in understanding the logistics of servicing research stations on both poles.

The fine staff at Kangerlussuaq International Science Support (KISS) for providing me with a base of operations in Greenland.

The Honorable Daniel P. Ryan, Michigan 3rd Circuit Court, for his guidance on matters of criminal justice.

Forensic scientist Leslie Nixon of Michigan State Police Crime Lab for an education in the handling of DNA evidence.

Professor Buford Price of the University of California, Berkeley for explaining the AMANDA project and opening the door for me onto the world of polar research projects.

Hana Odeh, a research scientist at the University of Michigan, for her help with laboratory procedures.

Paul Cousins of Cousins’ Heritage Inn for his gourmet advice.

Geppetto’s Workshop for some insight to the Enth platform which provides real-time access to data, anywhere, over the Internet.

Dr David Gorski for his advice on medical issues and a tour through New Jersey’s Research Row.

My thanks also to:

Rob McMahon, who saw me through the crafting of most of this story.

Mitchell Ivers, whose editorial guidance aided me in the final stages of this book.

Louise Burke, Seale Ballenger, Lisa Keim, Louise Braverman, Barry Porter, Steve Fallert, Staci Shands, and the fine people at Pocket Books for their support.

Esther Margolis for your generous gifts of time and insight. I will be forever grateful for all that you have done.

And — My wife, Kathy, who dreams the dreams with me.