Today@DS
News Feed
Author Speaks of Epic Trek Across Canada
Anders Morley, author of This Land of Snow, an account of his Nordic ski trek across northern Canada in winter, spoke of his experience at the February 13 Community Meeting. Morley is a native of New Hampshire, and attended Derryfield for one of his middle school years. His book is described as, “A seasonal meditation on wilderness, solitude, and how access to wild places can help us find our way back to our most authentic selves.”
Dr. Brandon Gauthier, Director of Global Education, introduced Morley, who began alpine skiing at age five. As a child Morley was fascinated by accounts of the great Arctic and Antarctic explorers, particularly Fridtjof Nansen, who was the first to cross Greenland’s inland ice.
The trip Morley undertook began in late 2021 in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and lasted four months. Towing a sled with all his supplies, he climbed through steep mountains, traversed frozen lakes, and battled winds on the unprotected plains. Both friends and strangers stepped up to drop supplies, or provide a night of lodging. Morley said he initially set off on his solo journey to “embrace the importance of human connection” to the outdoors, and learned that “trails are metaphors for how we move through life.”
The Derryfield School
Located in Manchester, NH, The Derryfield School is a private day school for grades 6-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.