Visitor Comments

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# whatever...

"jimbo"

By Nikki on Wednesday, 14 April - 03:46 pm -0700

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# and...

thank you Tony. A most appropriate reply. Enough said.

By Nikki on Wednesday, 14 April - 03:40 pm -0700

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# By the way...

I hope "John's" message got deleted on it's way to you. Such slag. But that's my opinion.

By Nikki on Wednesday, 14 April - 03:38 pm -0700

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# JEEZ

I'm sorry I missed you yesterday, Ben! Nice pic...it's getting to look tropical up there! It's been raining here in New England for a few days...I think I saw Noah at the local lumberyard yesterday, as a matter of fact. I'll catch you later when your day is over on 14 April. Keep hoofin'! -- Nikki :-D

By Nikki on Wednesday, 14 April - 03:35 pm -0700

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# Thanks Ben

Ben, thank-you for your incredible strength. Having people like 'John' voice their unsupportive opinions makes blatantly obvious the courage it takes to undertake your adventure. I can think of someplace I like to toss some of that polar bear poo! Keep going and take care of that foot.

By George Fudge on Wednesday, 14 April - 02:49 pm -0700

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# You will meet them too

Sorry for all of you guys who read this posting before. It comes from Idly and was sent on Saturday 27th of march... But it is worth reading if you havent..

You Will Meet Them Too
===================

MountainWings.com has over a million subscribers in over 2,000
cities and 125 countries. The vast majority is silent and most
that do speak are very kind and complimentary.

Approximately one in every few thousand is totally Obnoxious
and vulgar. They will write and the email will be loaded with
curse words, and derogatory statements; you name it, they write
it. They rudely demand to be removed from the list when all it
takes to be removed is about 10 seconds with a quick click to
the website.

It no longer bothers us, it did at first, but you get used to
it. You begin to see the spirit behind it and eventually feel
more compassion than anger. They are often hurting very deeply
themselves and only know how to lash out as they have been
lashed out against.

The reason that I am telling you this is that sooner or later,
you will meet them too, just as MountainWings does.

At work, in the family, at the mall, on the golf course, in the
gym, at church, or even a faceless foreign enemy, sooner or
later you will meet someone that for reasons that have nothing
to do with you, will violently lash out at you.

The first temptation when that happens to you is to fight fire
with fire. The key to that phrase is "fight." An angry violent
person will draw you into a fight, if you let them.

You have three choices when you meet them.

1. Fight - Return blow for blow, an eye for an eye. They curse
- you curse, they swing - you swing, they glare - you glare,
that's the essence of fighting. In a fight, not only do you
return blow for blow, but also you try to get in more blows.
You end up trying to out curse, out shout, out glare, and out
hate the enemy.

2. Ignore Them - Say nothing, do nothing, become numb to them,
and hope they go away.

3. Return Love for Hate - Each of these gets harder to do.
Loving your enemy is not an easy thing to do. It goes against
every nerve cell in the body and our cultural training.

Jesus told us to do that. I now understand why.

Anger and hate kill, not just the other person, but you.

Anger and hate will raise your blood pressure, irritate your
nerves, tense your entire body, and even constipate you.
There is a long list of physical illnesses that are caused by
mental stress. Anger and hate lead the list in causing stress
just as love leads the list in relieving stress.

I thought Jesus said Love Your Enemy to help the other person.
It helps the other person, but the greatest benefit is to you.

There was a particularly nasty note from a 12-year-old boy.
I was astounded that a 12-year-old would talk that way.

Each time I see a virulent email, I now bow my head and pray for
the peace of that person. Hopefully the prayer helps them.

I too have the three choices: I can get mad and respond in the
same violent manner, I can ignore it but not really, it will
still burn inside of you with a small flame, or I can pray for
the peace of that person.

When I pray for their peace, it brings my peace.
I understand now that loving your enemy is really loving
yourself.

Remember this when you meet them, for surely you will.

They will curse and fuss, huff and puff, and stare and glare,
criticize and taunt you for something that is not your fault.

Remember it's not you who has caused the real pain, those
wounds are more likely from an age long before you.

Learn to pray for them, learn to love them, for surely as you
read this, sooner or later, you will meet them.

Be prepared to Love them; you need it.

By Telma on Wednesday, 14 April - 11:26 am -0700

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# Attention

The best thing we ought to do is to ignore those negative comments. I guess they just come from people who some way or other really need some attention and think that what Ben most likes about his whole expedition is the "Media he is getting"... (easier to run after the Queen naked if you really want some media coverage..)
It is so easy to criticize..... But I just feel sorry for those who instead of enjoying , are looking for points to just take credits off. Bitterness is not good for anyone...

By Tete on Wednesday, 14 April - 09:34 am -0700

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# Sorry

I didn't exactly plan for my making fun of John to turn into a feeding frenzy. I was venting some personal frustration and anger. You see, I understand what Ben's going through. While not polar in nature, I have my own leads and fields of ice rubble to negotiate.

My particular lead today is the medicaid system. I'm in a loaned, 9 year old, power wheelchair that's falling apart and medicaid refuses to purchase my new one. I'd sue but after said and done it would be cheaper to just purchase the new chair myself. Of course if I could do that then I wouldn't be on medicaid now would I?

So Ben, sorry this turned into a seal bashing. This is your site, your expedition, your dime. Not mine or our's,... even though we like to think you belong to us and we've become protective of you. I hope you notice that you have some very loyal supporters.

Gut it out, the rest of us love ya,

DB

By Paul Christian on Wednesday, 14 April - 09:14 am -0700

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# John's comments

I do think that John's comments are a little harsh but I also think that in light of such criticism Tony's explanantion is completely inadequate. If as you claim there is nothing to hide then why not tell us exactly when the sled was ditched and the decision to go supported taken. I also think that blaming a weeks delay at the start of the expedition for that decision has to be a joke, everyone who knows anything about polar travel knows that you have to plan for far greater delays than just a week. Finally I think that given that Ben's aim is now to make the longest solo Arctic journey (supported/unsupported?) it would be appropriate to make this clear on the website and not just in the comments which are unlikely to be read except on the day they are posted. Borge Ousland is a great athlete because of what he has achieved and a great man becuse of the humility he has displayed. Exaggerating your aims and experiences may grab headlines in the short term but ultimately it does you no favours.
By the way, how much longer can Ben realisticly go before he needs a resupply - the Pole solo and unsupported would be a major achievment even if reaching Canada becomes impossible.

By Jimbo on Wednesday, 14 April - 08:53 am -0700

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# Keep it up!

Hey Ben...

Greetings from the top of the mountains.

Keep up the great work... I look forward to your post, and confirmation of your well-being.

: )

Could someone on the team maybe brief us on how Ben is equipped to deal with bears? He's mentioned them once or twice in passing, and my own (limited) understanding of them doesn't exactly paint them as a minor concern.

- sG

By Silus Grok on Wednesday, 14 April - 05:20 am -0700

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# GQ Ben

Hi, Ben
Keep those feet in shape! Your latest dispatch is breathtaking - alas a bear and bird - good to see a grin. Too, are you wearing ultraviolet sensitive shades, sunlight and snow, combined add extra urgency to eyewear? Congrats, the 600 zone is here, soon the magic 500.
Best,
-Scot

By Scot Morrison on Wednesday, 14 April - 03:13 am -0700

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# Big Buts and Little Buts

Dear Ben,

'But you dumped a sled!', 'But you didn't tell us immediately!' But, but, but. Big but or little but, the best place for a 'but' is behind you, so leave those negative comments from John back there and keep on doing what you're doing.

Cheers,
Jas

By Jas on Wednesday, 14 April - 01:44 am -0700

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# Good traveling for tomorrow!

Bear prints are NOT FUNNY but you have protection really handy don't you?

I take it the day was one to be grateful for--no sighting of a bear, no splat in the eye nor a fall in the water! Congrats on the progress!

You spoke of a bird and wondering what it was. Since it was a small bird, I'm thinking a Black Turnstone or one of the many Sandpiper birds?

Good traveling for tomorrow Ben.
Cissy,
Texas

By Cissy on Tuesday, 13 April - 11:15 pm -0700

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# Poo??? :)

Maybe that bird was just adding a little "color" for a change of scenery?

Lots of interesting posts today.

Michelle - you wrote what I was going to post, only better. I'm amazed that ANYONE would accuse Ben of keeping his trip "shrouded in secrecy"??? Good Lord, man, he's on the INTERNET, posting daily dispatches! Show some respect for what he's trying to accomplish! If people took the time to read this entire web site, they'd learn a lot and not have to ask so many questions.

Tony, you went above and beyond giving an explanation, and I think it's great that you defended Ben, as some of us feel compelled to do too, NOT that he needs it.

DB - Your post is a riot! I wish I could be that glib.

Ken Powell - you wrote what I've been telling friends for weeks. Once he gets to the pole, it's all downhill from there! :)

This is a very special place that I come to more than once a day, and I'm so happy I found out about it, and Ben's adventure. I too am extremely grateful to Serco and all it's people for all their hard work.

As for what kind of bird that was, I have no idea, but my vote, after looking up other bird suggestions posted is the Black Guillemot. It hangs around pack ice, and looks like what you describe, Ben.

Ben - take care of those feet and keep smiling. You're doing great, and we're behind you one hundred percent!

By Gwen on Tuesday, 13 April - 11:01 pm -0700

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# Faster downhill......

Not sure why people are confused about the trip from the pole to Canada going faster than from Russia to the pole.
Bit obvious, I've looked on my inflatable globe.

After the pole it's all downhill!

Look after the feet Ben, you'll probably need them.

Ken. (Superflid)

By Ken Powell on Tuesday, 13 April - 10:17 pm -0700

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# Ben, that is why you are on the ice...

To John (if that is your real name, is your last name Doe?) If you think that Ben has "let you down" possibly by not keeping you personally "up" on all his decisions and think that you can do the task better, faster, completely unsupported for the whole expedition, while keeping all of your fans (not sure you would have any) abreast of all your moves and actions, before and as they happen, then sir ~ I invite you to step away from your computer, slap on some skis and don't let the door hit you in the bum on the way to the North Pole!

Sorry Ben ~ had to release some tension. Keep up the GREAT work, watch out for the Special Agent of the Russian Polar Bear Police's Anti-Super Secret Squirrel Squad that DB talks about, I hear they are dangerous! Watch for your wonderful dispatches daily. It is honestly the highlight of my day! Ever in Virginia (you know it is a little warmer here)~will treat you to a frosty (bad choice of words) beverage of your choice! God speed, stay safe, keep that foot under control.

By Michelle - Va. Beach, VA. on Tuesday, 13 April - 10:00 pm -0700

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# It's an imposter

Hi Ben - that pic doesn't look like you at all ;-)

I bet it makes a change seeing something else other than ice and water. Hope your feet get better soon and there is no mommy bear on the horizon :-)

By Mrs Fish on Tuesday, 13 April - 09:43 pm -0700

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# The Bird

We think the Black Guillemot is the bird you saw today. We found out it was as big as a pigeon, it is usually black with white wing patches.........
Alex and Thomas

By THOMAS AND ALEXANDER ECKL on Tuesday, 13 April - 09:36 pm -0700

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# PS

To: SERCO and all the rest,... You guys rule for supporting Ben like you have. Not my dime so I'm not naming everyone, but man... definetly cool. (No pun intended)

DB

By Paul Christian on Tuesday, 13 April - 08:40 pm -0700

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# I'm glad Tony answered because I wouldn't have been polite.

Ben,

Forget the naysayer's. They're the same ones who armchair quarterback Sunday's game on Monday morning. Pick apart a cop's shoot/no shoot decisions. Make everything in government a huge conspiracy.

Yeah, Ben's behind schedule because he's planting super secret squirrel radar devices on the pack ice for US and British Intelligence Services. That's why he no longer has the second sledge. It's empty now, no sense hauling it around. You think that was a flare that almost got him??? No way man!!! It was a Special Agent of the Russian Polar Bear Police's Anti-Super Secret Squirrel Squad. He was armed and attacked Ben with a new and devious weapon. The POLAR POO FLAME THROWER. Thank God Ben is armed and licensed to kill.

Get real Man. Ben has to make real 'life or death' decisions every day. Decisions that would have Solomon, himself, polar poo'ing golf balls.

No matter what your decisions Ben, the rest of us support you and your right to make them. Afterall, you're the one on the ice, not us.

Gut it out, styling with you red/gold glasses,

DB

By Paul Christian on Tuesday, 13 April - 08:36 pm -0700

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# Shearwater.

Hi Ben,

I reckon the bird may have been a Shearwater, they show white underwing, and are generally otherwise dark, about small pigeaon size but with much sharper wing formation. Keep at it, I read your report every day and find the whole thing most enthralling.

Regards and best wishes, John Marshall, Boston, England

By John Marshall on Tuesday, 13 April - 07:57 pm -0700

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# Replying to John

Thanks John for your support, it makes a difference to Ben to know that people are out there following him. I’ll try and clear up as many of your questions as possible.

Ben’s original intention (as was Borge Ousland’s before him) was to make a solo unsupported crossing of the Arctic Ocean. The delays in Khatanga meant that the ice around the Russian coastline had deteriorated significantly, but it was felt it might still be possible, so he gave it a shot.

A few days in (not on day 1) Ben found himself in a position where he was dragging his main sledge over ice that was disintegrating underneath him, then skiing back over that disintegrating ice and then dragging a second sledge over it. This began to put Ben’s life at risk and he made the pragmatic decision to leave the second sledge. Considering that similar ice conditions caused the early evacuation of Frédéric Chamard-Boudet with severe frostbite and the death of Dominick Arduin, I have no qualms about the decision Ben made.

Ben did not keep his decision secret for a fortnight, he put it up on the website on day 8 of the expedition. This was a few hours after I had been able to fly back to the UK and brief Serco our sponsors, who should naturally be the first to be made aware of the situation. That Ben waited at all was out of courtesy to the company that has put so much faith in him.

Furthermore, for those who are worried about Ben’s progress, it is fairly normal for the first degree or two to be pretty slow before expeditions speed up as they reach the older pack ice and the drift begins to work in their favour. The great Polish expeditioner Marek Kaminski made similar progress before massively increasing his speed to the Pole.

Another rule of thumb is that the trek from the Pole to Canada takes about half the time of the trek from Russia to the Pole, despite the similar distance. Attempting to extrapolate how far Ben can get from the distance he has done so far is a little like extrapolating how fast your car can go on a motorway from 20 miles on a cross-country dirt track. Ben is behind schedule but only by a few days.

Even if poor ice conditions or concerns from our Canadian logistics company about the safety of a pick up force Ben to leave the ice before he reaches Canada, he is still in a position to break the record for the longest solo Arctic trek under his own motive power; no dogs, kites or vehicles. Not something to look down upon I would argue!

By Tony - Expedition Manager on Tuesday, 13 April - 07:54 pm -0700

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# . Reality TV .

I promised I'd never look at a reality TV show but find myself compelled....Still tuning in daily Ben.

Stay safe.

Johnny - France

By John Newman on Tuesday, 13 April - 07:52 pm -0700

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# The Ancient Mariner

Hi there Ben
I reckon it was an Albatross!! Don't shoot the bugger.

You're nuts but my admiration for you is expressed in hyperbole only.

NIck

By Nick Hickson on Tuesday, 13 April - 07:26 pm -0700

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# Birds

Most likley you saw a Ptarmigan (pronounced tar-mi-gun). A grouse with feathered feet. It's also the Official State Bird of Alaska.

By Doug on Tuesday, 13 April - 07:23 pm -0700

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# hey!

A smiley Ben.We liked that Piccie.
Keep safe and smiling,and of course yomping.

By jessie(Alfie aged 9) on Tuesday, 13 April - 07:13 pm -0700

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# Remember, folks...

He said don't panic. You can spare him the "Oh I love you I hope your foot makes it!" routine.

By Myke on Tuesday, 13 April - 05:59 pm -0700

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# Uncertainty

I have to take my hat off you for your perseverence Ben. You are battling hard against the elements and making good headway.

However, I can't help but think you are keeping us, the public, in the dark about your expedition. Your trip is shrouded in secrecy - for example it took you nearly a fortnight to admit that you had ditched a sled in the ocean on Day 1 and a further 3 weeks to tell us that you were going to be resupplied. You would have made this decision on Day 1 when you jettisoned half your supplies.

Considering your big sales pitch to the media was the first "solo, unsupported crossing of the Arctic Ocean", I think it is a pity that you gave up this plan on your first day - and even worse to let us believe all was going according plan.

I am sure you will keep plodding on until you are forced to call it a day. But I wonder when the time will come when you admit that it is now impossible for you to reach the Canadian coast? With 700-odd miles to go to Canada and the northern summer fast approaching, a resupplied trip to the Pole from a random spot in the Arctic Ocean is about as far as you can hope to get. This would be a fine achievement in itself - it would just be nice to know what you are hoping to achieve in the coming weeks.

By John on Tuesday, 13 April - 05:42 pm -0700

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# -16 warm

-16 warm your having a laugh Ben in my book thats cold.How you do it ill never know, keep it up :)
Look after yourself :)

By Pies on Tuesday, 13 April - 05:24 pm -0700

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# Such motivation!

I follow you daily and am delighted to see the progress you are making! Keep up the good work! You are an amazing man and I know you will make it to the finish!

By Linda on Tuesday, 13 April - 05:14 pm -0700