November 17

Pierre Gaultier de Varennes was born in 1685 in Canada and served the French colonial administration. Known as Sieur de La Vérendrye, he led expeditions beyond the Great Lakes, established trading posts, and mapped uncharted territories. He fostered alliances with Indigenous communities and laid the groundwork for his sons’ later explorations into the western interior. His leadership advanced the fur trade and strengthened French influence in North America. Varennes’s contributions are remembered as foundational to the continent’s early exploration.

Angelika Machinek was born on November 17, 1956, and became one of Germany’s most accomplished glider pilots. She set multiple world records, including a remarkable altitude record, and completed challenging cross-country flights. Machinek was known for her precision flying and passion for aviation, inspiring many in the gliding community. Tragically, she lost her life in a mid-air collision during a record attempt in 2006. Her legacy endures through the records she set and the pilots she motivated.

Kinga Baranowska has successfully climbed multiple eight-thousanders, including Annapurna, Nanga Parbat, and Manaslu without supplemental oxygen. She rose to prominence as one of Poland's leading female alpinists. Baranowska began her high-altitude career in her early twenties, demonstrating remarkable endurance and technical skill. Her achievements have inspired aspiring climbers and elevated the profile of women in extreme sports. She actively advocates for environmental preservation in mountain regions and leads safety workshops. Baranowska's dedication to exploration and resilience in harsh conditions exemplify the spirit of adventure.