Where to go when life gets loud
For the first two weeks of July, I found myself deep in the northwoods of Minnesota, near Ely—surrounded by tall trees, the sounds of loons, I was one of eight women enrolled in an advanced timber framing course led by the remarkable Jenna Pollard. Jenna is the kind of teacher who brings both head and heart into her work. Jenna is not just a master craftswoman—she is a leader who teaches with integrity, humility, and heart. She’s spent over 14 years in timber framing, running her own building business and school, and it shows in the way she holds space for learning and connection. She’s a rare gem—a leader who lifts as she builds.
We all met to handcraft the timber trusses for a very special structure: a full-scale replica of Shackleton’s 1906 Antarctic hut. It's being built on Will Steger’s breathtaking 230-acre homestead as part of the Steger Center. The original hut survived the worst Antarctica could throw at it—100-mph winds, bitter cold, and time itself. To recreate it, by building the trusses with a group of empowered, skilled women? That felt like an expedition in itself. It reminded me of 1993, when I last set foot in Minnesota after returning from the South Pole with Ann Bancroft and three other polar sisters. I stayed with Ann overnight on my way up to the Steger Center—she’s still one of the most grounded, hilarious, and inspiring humans I know. Stay tuned as we plan our Minnesota 35 year reunion !
Ann’s 1986 expedition with Will to the North Pole made her the first woman to ski there on foot. (And no, she’s not the actress—but she is one unforgettable character.)
Meeting a Legend
When I finally arrived at the Steger Center, I had the chance to meet Will for the first time. He came up to me with a twinkle in his eye and said, “You’re my hero.” I looked at him, totally stunned, and replied, “Wait… YOU are my hero!” And just like that, a friendship was born.
Will Steger is one of the greatest living polar explorers—a title he never asked for but wholly embodies. His expeditions are the stuff of legend: the first confirmed dogsled journey to the North Pole without resupply, the 1,600-mile traverse of Greenland, the 3,741-mile Trans-Antarctica crossing, and the first solo dogsled journey across the Arctic Ocean. But what struck me most wasn’t his resume—it was his presence. Calm. Centered. Committed.
Will understands isolation like few others do. I think part of our initial bond is that we both understand isolation. He’s spent months at a time alone in extreme wilderness, learning to embrace discomfort, silence, and stillness. Facing weeks or months alone improves your capacity to tolerate uncertainty, he said, and helps you find small joys in everyday tasks, like brewing coffee or reading under the dim glow of an oil lamp. He believes that solitude reveals who we are, and that routine, creativity, and a flexible mindset are key to thriving in uncertainty. “On thin ice, you have to be in the moment at all times,” he once said. It’s not just a survival tactic—it’s a way of being.
Timber Framing Crew- Shackleton Hut -Steger Centre Minnesota
Our team was a powerful cross-section of women ranging in age from mid-20s to mid-60s- (yes me) each of us bringing our own stories, skills, and sparks. We were:
Abbyzak (31) – precise, singer/songwriter, and a natural team player
Aria (29) – curious, natural leader and quick to master every tool
Abbey (28) – thoughtful, steady, and full of heart , music and gifts unlimited
Wendy (58) – wise, strong, very witty, full of warmth, a true gem of a woman
Michelle (56) – vibrant, grounded, caretaker/ caregiver with a deep heart
Maisie (26) – thoughtful, full of heart, always ready to lend a hand, amazing cook and friend
Ellie (29) – creative thinker, pure grit, gets it done, full of joy and life
Jai (43) – calm, capable, visionary and quietly powerful in her approach
Jenna (37) – our fearless and gifted instructor and pull up gal
And me, Sunniva (64) – grateful, inspired, and always learning
The Steger Center: A Sanctuary for Solutions
And now, at 80 years old, Will is pouring everything he has—his land, his wisdom, his time—into the Steger Center. This is the expedition of his lifetime. Originally dreamed up during a storm delay in Antarctica back in 1988, this five-story wilderness retreat is built from stone, timber, glass, and vision. It’s part sanctuary, part strategy lab. His goal? To gather small cohorts of climate leaders, scientists, policymakers, and educators in nature—not to escape the world, but to reimagine it.
This isn’t just a building. It’s a physical embodiment of Will’s values: simplicity, sustainability, and deep listening. He’s hired students from Summit Academy to help build it—many of whom have never been this far into the wilderness. He teaches them carpentry and, maybe more importantly, how to relate to the Earth.
The Shackleton Hut, which we helped build trusses for will be used to house visiting collaborators. It's modeled after the hut used during Shackleton’s 1906 Antarctic expedition and will be filled with historical images, warm bunk beds, and stories passed down through wood, work, and wonder.
Will has already donated all but 10 acres of his 230-acre land to the nonprofit that will steward this space.This is a place for transformation and the invitation is open to those who are doing the hard work of climate leadership and need a space to reset, rethink, and reconnect.
Just part of the Steger Centre- a vision designed to ignite all senses- it’s absolutely amazing!
Will helping me put up the Canadian Flag on July 1st Canada Day! x
Read a recent story written by Stephanie Pearson called “ The Race of Will Steger's Life” The world's greatest living polar explorer is working to complete a project he's pursued for decades.
How You Can Help
Will’s vision is big—and the need is urgent. The Steger Center still needs support: funding for construction, resources for programming, and partnerships that align with the values of courage, cooperation, and climate action. If you’d like to contribute, you can make a donation here: stegercenter.org/donate
If you’re a woman working in climate, science, education, or policy, and you're looking for a space to deepen your leadership in community—reach out to me. I’m organizing a women’s leadership retreat at the Steger Center in 2027. Let’s gather in this extraordinary place, bring our wisdom to the table, and build something that lasts.
Sometimes when life gets loud, the best thing we can do is step into the woods, pick up a chisel, light a fire, and listen. There’s wisdom in the trees. And hope, I promise you, in the people building huts beneath them.
With gratitude,
Sunniva
📬 sunniva.hiti@gmail.com
Team Timber 2025!
