Visitor Comments

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# School kids!!

Dear Ben, i thought i would get in touch to let you know that Tony has been up to sunny Scotland and presented workshops to 3 local schools. They went very well and the kids were really excited about the whole "adventure". Some of the younger ones were particularly concerned about you when you meet the polar bears and how you would get away from them!! Good luck Ben and hope that we have the opportunity for you to visit Scotland soon. Lisaxx

By Lisa on Monday, 26 April - 02:58 pm -0700

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# Great Going........

hi ben,

I work for serco in Bahrian - Middle east.
Never seen snow in my entire life.

But having seen a program on Extreme Survival (in Snowy conditions)- by Ray Mayers, on BBC world.

I have started realizing what u are up too!!!!!.Bhoy this is tough going.
Wish u all the best .

Following ur daily dispatches.

U take care and god bless.

cheers
harish

By Harish Pillai on Monday, 26 April - 02:23 pm -0700

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# GREAT

GREAT Ben,

Is that what Tony the tiger says, GRRRRREAATT! I am so happy to hear the resupply went so well, now did you get a new pair of boots? Your eyes, feet and hands are the most important thing that can be exposed.....Those would effect your expedition faster than all else, I am sure you are watching your heart rate and all, so that doesn't concern me. I can't wait to see you reach Canada, and watch that CBS interview. If you could find out when it might air, maybe we could all tune in. How does the Borneo air strip closing at the end of the month affect you? You had said you wanted to reach past there before they closed. Mentally how do you feel now? Sorry to hear about WAVE he was trying so hard and doing so well, until this thing took over. HE made a smart decision though, because if didn't seek help and it got worse (we won't think about it) it might not be up to it again. However I have a feeling this won't be the last we will see you attempt and complete a North Pole Expedition. It's a shame Global Warming is taking shape! One day the disbelievers and those with lackisdasical attitudes will see the affects of Global Warming right in thier backyard. I know there are those fanatics about conversation, then there are those like myself, conserve when you can the most you can, the supplies aren't endless. My daughter asked me when they celebrated Earth Day at school, " Mom, where doe water come from?" I told her, then she said, "(9 years old) If we keep using the water everyday, will it run out? I said as long as there is rain we get supplies." Now she said, if it stopped raining so much, would we run out of water? I don't know the scientific answer to that....Anyway just small talk! Keep up the good work and see those pics soon.

By Christy on Monday, 26 April - 12:13 pm -0700

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# You are a star.

Hi Ben I am glad that all went well with the resupply and you enjoyed the jelly babies! they should be on every exploreres kit list!
It was such a thrill to hear Tony's voice calling from the North Pole.
Can't be too many of us that have received such an unnusual treat. I felt excited and privileged! Gives call a friend a new slant! I look forward to seeing him and catching up when he gets home this week. So well done Tony and Serco for reaching the Pole, and soon it will be your turn Ben.
I was sad for wave his disappointment must be great but he has made an amazing effort and like yourself is an inspiration to us all.
Hope the conditions improve to make life a bit easier for you.
I am doing lots of nice thick flat ice dances to the Polar Gods and wishing you warm hugs.
Hello to Valeria, Brenda and family you all must be feeling very proud.
Babs X

By Babs Powell on Monday, 26 April - 12:04 pm -0700

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# Relief !!!

Hey Ben !

Just a quick note to say I'm glad all went well on the re-supply. From a personal (and purely selfish) point of view I wanted to say thank you for meeting Chris and thank you for giving me the opportunity to work on such an exciting project. I have found it a privilege and a joy - if a little nerve racking at times! As for how your mother and Val are coping I can’t even begin to understand!

Whilst you’re out there bearing the brunt of the weather the Serco team continue to be here to help you and support you, Tony and your family in any way we can. You’ve already had a substantial impact on us as an organisation and as individuals.

I wish you all the best and am counting down the days to see you at home, safe and warm with a congratulatory beer in hand !!

By Nikki - Serco on Monday, 26 April - 11:48 am -0700

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# Hurrah from Texas!

I'm so glad that the resupply went well! I continue to check on you every day and to vicariously live this incredable adventure. That's the only way a 68 yr. old lady could do it! I truly admire you and wish you well. Did you get new boots? I'm also alarmed at all the water you're encountering. The very best of luck to you! Melba

By Melba on Monday, 26 April - 05:31 am -0700

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# Well....I'm still here too...

Greetings to Ben, and the Serco Team,
and everyone else here as well!!

I've been following this expedition since about March 8, (Demolition Man)
and shared a comment only once initially wishing Ben the Best, as well as some comment related to the music that Ben said kept him going on a daily basis.
While I do visit this site on a daily basis, I find myself unable to comment every visit as some of you do, because quite honestly, I'm at a loss for meaningful words....I sit here at my computer, in totally awe and admiration for this fine gentlemen, who is an inspiration to us all. On a daily basis, he reminds me what the words "Courage" and "Perseverance" mean.
I'm a musician, so initially I wasn't surprised to hear Ben say that the music he has with him inspires him along on his journey, but, what was a surprise to me, was how so many people, from so many different places, come here everyday to offer Ben support and prayers. I find that to be quite inspirational as well..
So after reading Ben's account of the resupply, and his renewed positive karma, "Life is Good", I felt compelled to write again today, to wish Ben once again "Best Wishes" and "Godspeed" for a safe journey home. I know when its over, and I won't be able to visit here everyday, it will leave an empty place in my heart. In the meantime, I'll continue to be inspired by Ben, and continue working hard on my first CD which I'll be sharing on my site, www.jamesdalymusic.com and perhaps on some future expedition, I'll have the privilege of knowing that one or two of my tunes is on Ben's MP3 player giving to him, what he has so freely given to us all....Thanks so much for all your inspiration Ben, you are truly a "Hero" in an age when we could use some!!
Again, all my prayers are with you, Godspeed, and Best Wishes for a safe journey the rest of the way!! We all know you can do it, and we're all here with you, with our spiritual support everyday!!!
Keep Rockin!!!!!
Best Regards, James Daly

By James Daly on Monday, 26 April - 03:36 am -0700

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# Three cheers for the resupply!!

Glad to see the resupply went well, albeit a little exhausting. Sleep well, and know we are rooting for you! Go Ben Go!

By George Fudge on Monday, 26 April - 03:11 am -0700

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# PRESENTS

DID YOU GET NEW BOOTS?

By Tommy Baby, Michigan on Monday, 26 April - 02:25 am -0700

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# Go Arsenal!

Thanks for your message, and congratulations on the Arsenal win. I don't pay much attention to football in the US, let alone in the UK, but I know how great it is when "your" team wins. Maybe they could loan a bit of that winning spirit to our Yankees? :)

By Gwen on Monday, 26 April - 01:06 am -0700

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# Project Team Response

HI

As you have all read, the re-supply was very successful and Ben was really motivated to see Tony and Chris fully laden with supplies and extra goodies. Ben is one of the most resilient and driven chaps I have ever met and if anyone can do this he will, I have no doubt.

Your support and commitment to him is a real source of strength and I am sure will continue to give him that extra push each day.

Marc (Serco Project Team)
PS In case any of you were wondering Arsenal won the UK Premier Football League today, unbeaten all season in the league - Truly they are the Ben Saunders of Football Teams- Yeah Woohoo!!!!!

By Marc @ Serco on Sunday, 25 April - 11:04 pm -0700

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# Don't give up!

GO GO GO! Don't give up! Listen to some Stratovarius music, if possible! Never give up, Never give in!

By Sami Lilja on Sunday, 25 April - 10:56 pm -0700

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# GUNG HO!

A rebirth for you. Now you can storm the Pole then dance the rest of the way home. Powerful is your determination. A full salute to your valor.

-Bushwillie

By Ron Ricker on Sunday, 25 April - 09:39 pm -0700

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# Reflection

Hi, Ben
A whole bag of jelly beans, duuude! Awesome. My best to Wave - Arctic Rookie of the Year - absolutely, and right on. I am all adrenaline, and endorphins, as your quest takes on a new dimension. The force is with you, Jedi Master. Powered by presents, letters, photos, and treats i.e. jellybeans, a new day dawns in the Arctic. Please bro, don't get a tummy ache, ok? Enjoy your good vibrations, you deserve it!
Warmest Regards,
-Scot
P.S. Tony, Chris, Marc, and Christian - a stellar thank you for keepin' Ben's quest on time, on target.

By Scot Morrison on Sunday, 25 April - 09:27 pm -0700

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# Second Wind

Great to hear you received your new supplies AND that there were so many goodies in it too! It doesn't surprise me that you have so many good people behind you, who know you personally and care about you so much.

I'm a little concerned about all that water instead of ice, but I know you have an incredible amount of common sense, so I'll trust you will listen to your instincts.

Helen, how exciting to get a call from the North Pole! That's so great! The little bit I've gotten to know Tony from his postings on this site; he sounds like a great guy. You must be so proud of your son, and all the people involved in Ben's adventure, not to mention Ben, of course!

Based on Lisa's recommendation yesterday, about "Touching the Void", my local library has it but it was checked out by someone else. However, I did get "Artic Crossing" by Jonathan Waterman, who journeyed through the Northwest Passage. I'm looking forward to reading it. On the jacket cover is some advice that was given to him by an Inuit shaman, who said that "those things hidden from others" are discovered only "far from the dwellings of men, through privation and suffering."

Ben, you have such a rare opportunity to do just that, and I'm sure you're taking full advantage. How wonderful.

Safe trip home for Tony, Chris, Wave, and everyone else.

Ben, good trekking tomorrow, and I'll hope for colder weather for you. (never thought I'd say that to anyone!)

By Gwen on Sunday, 25 April - 09:14 pm -0700

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# Plenty of Pans ahead!

Ben: It would be wonderful to see the interview with CBS but it is NOT wonderful to think the warming is REALLY an issue.

Well, Ben you can't teach what you don't know, and it looks like you are learning lots. My best wishes for you tomorrow.
Plenty of Pans!
Cissy,
Texas

By Cissy on Sunday, 25 April - 07:33 pm -0700

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# Surreal...

...an accurate description of the recent events, I'm sure! Imagine that...Wave, a fellow polar explorer, emerging from the helicopter...along with your expedition manager and your sponsor's CEO! Words can not describe it! I'm sure we all feel for Wave, he's got a bit of recovering to do. He's been suffering thru this, I'm sure, but with the same attitude and positive outlook. (You polar explorers are one of a kind, that's for sure!) He's accomplished a great deal on his expedition and I'm sure it's not going to be his only attempt. Something tells me you guys don't quit very easily. It seems that Wave would've kept going, had it not been for the close of Borneo at the end of the month...frostbite, swollen eyes and broken ankle didn't seem to get in the way!

Wave did say you looked very strong, Ben (dedicated one of his dispatches to you!), and from being a part of your adventure vicariously, I would have to agree. You're solid physically and mentally...and your about halfway now, right??!!! GOD THIS IS SO EXCITING!!! I'm so happy that you are enjoying all of the presents and treats from home!! How wonderful for you! See? Re-supply wasn't such a bad idea, now was it? ;-) Peaceful slumber for you tonight, Ben, and I wish you a renewed vitality to begin your remaining trek across the pole! Smiles and cheers to you!

NIkki

p.s. Hello Helen! ;-)

By Nikki on Sunday, 25 April - 07:09 pm -0700

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# Sorry

Wave's website is www.northpolesolo.com

By Jonathan and Helen Haile on Sunday, 25 April - 06:44 pm -0700

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# WOW PHONE CALL FROM THE POLE!

What a thrill! Chris and Tony (and Wave?) are standing at the North Pole and the weather is beautifull! They send their best wishes to all Ben's supporters and say they are thinking of everyone back home whilst they relish this awesome moment. Ben - you will be there too soon!! Tony's mum

By Jonathan and Helen Haile on Sunday, 25 April - 06:20 pm -0700

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# Still going strong.

I have been away so had some catching up to do.My thoughts were still with you even when I was not on the computer.I hope you got a new change of underwear.
Good luck Ben for the rest of the way.Prays for your safety.Gloria.
.

By Gloria on Sunday, 25 April - 06:04 pm -0700

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# In good shape

Great to hear from Wave's website and his independent testimony that you looked in great shape Ben! Glad that the resupply went well and that you can now enjoy some treats from home. It must indeed have been a surreal experience with human contact after all these weeks but we admire you for staying to continue your quest - but then we really all knew you would as you are made of such stern stuff Ben, but still it cannot have been easy for you.
For those of you are interested, Wave has written a detailed account of his pickup and Ben's resupply on his website www.thenorthpolesolo.com, which I know some of us have been following - hi Nikki! Wave showed considerable guts and detemination and we are sorry that his expedition has come to an end, but I am sure we all wish him well in his future endeavours. Helen

By Jonathan and Helen Haile on Sunday, 25 April - 06:01 pm -0700

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# Now for the final push!

Glad to see that your re-supply went well. I have been following your trip since the beginning, checking every day on your progress, and I have to say I am amazed by your determination. But then if you did not have so much, well you would not make a very good explorer!

Good luck for the rest of journey.

By George on Sunday, 25 April - 05:38 pm -0700