Visitor Comments

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# Mrs Fish (touching the void)

Thought i would let you know that Simon Yates of Touching the void is giving a lecture at "Rheged Discovery Centre" in Penrith (Lake District) I very much hope that when Mr Ben completes his journey he will do a lecture there also. Ps Rheghed is also home to the Helly Hanson National Mountaineering Exhibition and has a huge Imax screen. If you think Touching the Void is good go and see "Everest" it will take your breath away. For your information the screen is the size of 6 double decker buses. There is also an Imax film of "Shakleton" ((not the channel 4 version) which i here is also very good. If ever you get to the "Lakes" make sure you go.
With best wishes
Master Daniel and his little helper daddy pete!

By Master Daniel Wright on Sunday, 25 April - 02:44 pm -0700

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# Touching the Void

I've just been reading up on Wave Vidmar's website, it's a pity he has had to stop due to lack of funds, it also seems he has been having a tough time of it too, broken ski bindings and his eyes swelling shut due to an infection from frostbite etc. Hope you have all the funds available to be able to finish this epic journey.

Keep that stiff upper English lip and keep on plodding, things can only get better :-)

I'm actually watching Touching the Void whilst typing this, and although it's not the same as what you are going through, it's helping me to try and imagine what you are going through when you talk of white outs and strong winds etc.

For all of you reading these messages, I highly recommend the book and DVD it is eye opening stuff, and brings home to you the amazing human spirit of not giving up, no matter what nature and circumstance throws at you.

My thoughts are with you Ben, keep up the good work, YOU CAN DO IT :-)

By Lisa (Mrs Fish) on Sunday, 25 April - 12:42 pm -0700

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# Sweet Borneo

Hi, Ben
Stoked, your resupply went well at Borneo. What a fantastic experience meeting with Serco's Chief, at an office without walls, and an executive view. Enjoy your letters, wiggle those toes, and save the sweets!
Best,
-Scot

By Scot Morrison on Sunday, 25 April - 06:16 am -0700

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# Bath, who needs it?

There's no one with you to complain about the B.O., and what's a little crust here and there? The benefits of a bath are highly over-rated, just roll in the snow for awhile, that'll fix you right up! Cheers Ben.

By George Fudge on Sunday, 25 April - 01:35 am -0700

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# Cheers Ben1

In canada we have been picking up some wonderfully positive Karma from the visiting Dalai Lama. I wanted to pass as much as possible of this positive energy on to you to keep your spirits up as you drift in the wrong direction today. I hope that the wind will blow in from the south to push you north. Hope it gets colder too so you don't sweat as much and the open water freezes up. You're amazing and my 6 year old son Jimmy really wants you to say hi to Santa claus at the north pole. Cheers Ben!

By Andy Stokman on Saturday, 24 April - 11:52 pm -0700

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# Of course you fixed your dry suit...

...we all know that would get accomplished. You know you're not ready for Longyearbyen. Sounds fabulous, but think about how you'd feel if you did that...NOW. Don't you think you'd get that empty feeling? Almost like after you do all the planning and preparation for a school prom or wedding or trip of your dreams? The anticipation...the experience...then ask yourself how you feel after all that's over? Now apply it to your situation...see what I mean? You're not THAT willing to get on that helicopter, now, are you? There's plenty of time for bathing once you reach Canada. THAT'S when you'll be ready! ;-) Rock on, Ben...you're healthy and in excellent spirits...quite an athlete. You'll be there before you know it...then think about how THAT feels! :-) Catch you tomorrow! -- Nikki

By Nikki on Saturday, 24 April - 11:12 pm -0700

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# Stranded

Hi Ben,

I got myself into a little trouble today and could not help but think about how you might have found a solution to my problem. I live in an area where it tends to get windy. Each year, I have to climb onto the roof of my two story home to make repairs to a few shingles that are damaged over the winter season. Well, today I decided to make my annual climb and make my repairs. After I had ascended to my roof top, I heard a loud crash- seems a gust of wind had blown over my only means of reaching earth again. Sure enough, I peered over the edge of the roof and saw my ladder laying on it's side, parallel with the ground. There I was, alone, with no one in the area who could come to my aid. My only supplies were some shingles, a hammer and some roofing nails. Quite the predicament. That's when I thought of you and the thought of technology came to mind. I was smart (or lucky) enough to have placed my cell phone in my back pocket. One phone call and about 20 minutes later, thanks to a friend, I was rescued and safely back on solid ground. Next time I make my annual climb to my rooftop, I am assembling a support staff, and, if budget allows, an expedition manager!

By Bob on Saturday, 24 April - 10:38 pm -0700

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# Same here......

Last weeks deluge and gales have turned into day-long sunshine and 18 degrees.
Unlike you, I'm hoping it continues!
Decided to take a full weekend off. No wall building, no concreting, no workshop building. Spending a few days trying to find a boat to replace the one I've had to scrap.
Hope it gets much colder for you.

Ken. (Superflid)

By Ken Powell on Saturday, 24 April - 08:53 pm -0700

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# Good for you, Ben

I can understand how enticing it would be to hitch a ride on the helicopter. I don't think I could turn it down.

According to the Arctic weather map, it's "warm" up there. I hope there's a change in the weather soon so all that open water freezes over.

Good to know they're picking up Wave. I hope he recovers from his ailments without any lasting effects.

Get some rest and wait for your new supplies. I have no doubt you'll have the fortitude to press on.

Take care, Ben. We're behind you no matter what.

By Gwen on Saturday, 24 April - 08:08 pm -0700

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# Ben Ben Ben

Baths aren't all they're cracked up to be. Then again I haven't gone for 6 weeks without a bath since my time in the womb.

Do well, play hard, do some praying and we'll figure this out together.

By brian on Saturday, 24 April - 07:21 pm -0700

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# Ben knows best!

Ben:
Your decisions have always been the best so far, whatever you decide we are all in your corner!

Clean, warm bed and lots of your favorite things to eat may be better for the short term but long term? You will always wonder how far you could have gone. Only you know the important factors for your continued excersion. It has always been that "can do" attitude of yours that Serco talks about which personifies just who you are.

We are proud of you!
Cissy,
Texas

By Cissy on Saturday, 24 April - 06:46 pm -0700

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# Onwards! The bath can wait!!

Ben,

There was a bloke in my street wearing a fluorescent jacket with SERCO emblazoned on the back. He was holding a broom in one hand and dragging a rubbish bin behind him. Naturally – and I admit a bit over excitedly, I rushed up to him and asked if he was training for a trip to the North Pole too.
He wasn’t! He wasn’t training for anything. Turns out he cleans the streets.
It was an easy mistake to make and I don’t understand why he looked at me so funny!
Anyway, I digress from the fact that I’d like to thank Serco for not only cleaning my streets but for sponsoring you.
More than ever this world needs people like you to inspire us and more than ever people like you need companies like Serco who have the bravery of vision to believe in, and support you so fully.
So thank you both. Ben, for doing what you are doing and Serco for helping to keep this website going and so giving me so much pleasure.
(And Tony! Thank you too. Big thanks!)

Onwards! – And Longyearbyen can wait! Glad to hear you’re going to wait a little longer for that bath!

By sharky on Saturday, 24 April - 06:33 pm -0700