December 31

In 1534, under commission from King Francis I, Cartier embarked on his first voyage to the New World, exploring the gulf region and establishing relations with indigenous peoples. On his second expedition in 1535-1536, he navigated the Saint Lawrence River as far as present-day Montreal, charting key waterways and securing valuable maps. His detailed accounts and maps laid the groundwork for future French colonization in Canada. During his third voyage, he attempted to establish a permanent settlement on Île de Montréal, facing harsh winters and scurvy among his crew. Although the colony failed, his work was instrumental in opening North America to European exploration and trade. Cartier's legacy endures in the many geographic names that commemorate his contributions to cartography and exploration.

Wilfrid Noyce was an English mountaineer and author. Born in 1917, he was a key member of the 1953 British expedition that first summited Mount Everest. His skills as a climber and teacher earned him great respect among his peers. Noyce documented his adventures in writings that combined travel narrative with mountaineering insights. Beyond Everest, he led expeditions to the Himalayas and the Andes. His books continue to inspire climbers and readers interested in exploration.