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Dispatches: Demolition man - Monday, 8th March 2004


Day's Statistics

Expedition & Environmental Statistics:
Position:82.05.40N 096.09.40E (view route map)
Daily distance:3.2 nm
Total distance:18.7 nm
Distance to go:890 nm
Travelling time:5.5 hours
Temperature:-38°C
Conditions:very tough lots of rubble, some large open leads
view large image
view large image

I keep breaking things - my ski skins are coming loose, I've torn part of my left boot off, broken my sleeping bag zip and bent a tent peg. And I'm only on day bloomin' four...

A tough day today (can you spot a recurring theme here?) and a hard won 3.4 nautical miles in the bag. The ice was worse today - loads of rubble and a fast opening lead (crack in the ice) at the end of the day. It was too wide to jump and too difficult to ski around, so I decided to do something really bonkers. Swim.

I have a specially designed drysuit for this very occasion, but I'd only tried it in Putney swimming pool and in the Serpentine for a photo shoot. Both times, my feet could touch the bottom; here the ocean is two miles deep and black as ink. Gulp. I suited up and edged in, shaking with fear... IT WORKS!! I bobbed across like a rubber duck and clambered out grinning like a loon. Not many people have done that, I thought to myself.

Today is dedicated to the St. Rita school for the deaf in Cincinnati, to Kim Komando for the overwhelming support, to Gerry Horn for encouraging me to push my limits (on a bike rather than on skis!), to my brother Steven, and to Alain Hubert for giving me his ski boots.

It made my day hearing about the messages on the website - thanks! Keep 'em coming and I'll keep skiing, how's that for a deal?

Lastly, apologies for the photo (of my stove roaring away) - I took loads as I swam the lead, only to find I'd left the memory card out of the camera. D'oh!

Visitor Comments


# tripping

I suppose you'll fly back.

By Bill on Wednesday, 10 March - 01:40 am -0800


# JOIN THE CLUB!

Well done, Ben - you've joined a noble breed of photographers and film-makers who have all exposed phantom films/tapes/memory cards with some of their best work!!
As the Director of your (Serco's) video on your expedition, I'll save my confession for your return!
Huge respect for what you're doing, and many good wishes. Robin

By Robin Marriott on Tuesday, 9 March - 08:22 pm -0800


# Quiet Time

I was wondering, during this time alone, how much time do you spent with our Lord, Jesus Christ? If you don't know Him personally, I can introduce you. He will travel with you and give you the strength when times get tough.

By Clif on Tuesday, 9 March - 05:17 pm -0800


# fan club

Ben, you have a fan club here in Wilmington, North Carolina. We are cheering you on every step of the way. Good luck!!

By Linda on Tuesday, 9 March - 02:00 pm -0800


# SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well i am going to wish u good luck and hope u make it back safely

By brooke on Tuesday, 9 March - 01:55 pm -0800


# WOW!!!!

i think its really cool what u r doing good luck u r brave!!!

By nicky on Tuesday, 9 March - 01:52 pm -0800


# PS

Question , Why is it always the guys who break their kit?

By Babs Powell on Tuesday, 9 March - 11:22 am -0800


# DIY!

Hope you packed DIY kit,needles and thread, safety pins,
screw driver hammer and a few nails......!
Glad your water wings worked!
Keep on trucking
Babs X

By Babs Powell on Tuesday, 9 March - 11:21 am -0800


# You Have Already Succeeded!

Hi Ben!

You have the strength, courage, and determination to succeed - so do it! You are already a champion in my eyes!

I'll ask God to send you an extra guardian angel as one of those already assigned surely needs a break!

Keep your thoughts positive - we're all with you!

Here's a big H U G from Debi in San Diego!

By Debi on Tuesday, 9 March - 11:05 am -0800


# walking a fine line

The thrill of completing such a journey will have no rival I'm sure. But 1/4 of that energy, drive and sheer egotism, properly focussed, could do the world much good.
Hope we don't lose you too early, you loon.

By Joe O'Neil on Tuesday, 9 March - 07:15 am -0800


# insane challenge

you are very brave man having read scott shackelton
mawson fiennes and amundsen i cant help wondering if they
would have tried this god speed & good luck my goodman

By lazymuvva on Tuesday, 9 March - 07:07 am -0800


# Dude!

Your gear is not tested well enough if it is breaking on the 4th day. Your makeing mistakes by not putting the film in the camera. People have tried doing this for 100s of years and never done it for a very good reason: this is the super-bowl of exploration it is the Mt Everest of feats, it is the Moon Shot, it would be the final feat in a lifetime of experience leading up to this the greatest challenge of all.

By steve on Tuesday, 9 March - 05:42 am -0800


# Don't look back

The only time you look back is if you're going in that direction. Keep your thoughts forward and I think it's wonderful you can keep in touch with others.
May God Watch Over You

By Jean on Tuesday, 9 March - 05:36 am -0800


# brave

you are one brave person...i'd be scared crazy!
best of luck...

By Debs on Tuesday, 9 March - 05:32 am -0800


# Drive on!

My worst day is your best day! What songs do you sing to keep your mind at ease during the trip?

Drive on and keep the faith!

By Rob Fraser on Tuesday, 9 March - 04:48 am -0800


# Freezed dried chili rocks!!

Don't forget it! You are a true inspiration. Never question your mission. Keep it up!!

By BBB on Tuesday, 9 March - 04:47 am -0800


# Ice Capades

It's easy to sit here in a warm house in early spring and cheer you on - your daily struggles are almost unimaginable. Here's luck to you and hope for some "fast" ice in the days to come. Hope also the neighbors aren't too noisy. And after your swimming exploits, what's next? Ski ballet? Not b----y likely, eh? Ski on!

By ginny on Tuesday, 9 March - 04:32 am -0800


# Before

Your whole experience is at your service. I hope you will make use of it.
Kind regards,
Teodor

By Dr.Teodor Gh. Negoita on Tuesday, 9 March - 03:56 am -0800


# Praying for you

Saw your site on Komando. Always admired & envied someone trying what you are. Will be praying for you, and keep track of you. Trav

By Travis Simpson on Tuesday, 9 March - 03:49 am -0800


# Good luck and May God keep you safe!!!

Wow, heard about your trip from Kim and had to check it out. You are truly amazing to even give this a try. May God be with you and keep you safe. I will keep you in my prayers. Take care and stay as warm as you can. When you get discouraged remember we are all pulling for you. Way to go!!!!!

By Susan on Tuesday, 9 March - 03:33 am -0800


# For all us dreamers

Dear Ben, I had to give up mountain climbing and skiing years ago. I "ski" with whatever racers are televised, I sail with "The Dove", I climb with those that write books after a climb, and I adventure from Russia to Canada with you. I will check in often to get a dose of what makes life worth living...adventure and following dreams. Know that my electronic thoughts and hugs are with you as you travel during the day and bed down each night.

By Patty on Tuesday, 9 March - 03:32 am -0800


# challenge + success = lifetime

Choice not Chance
Determines destiny!
Congratulations on your choice.

By hugz on Tuesday, 9 March - 02:42 am -0800


# Rule Brittania!

From one Brit to another, I think you're awesome, and I will be cheering for you from sunny Mesa Arizona! God Bless You...
Jeanette Mould Marlow (originally from the North East of England.)

By Jeanette Mould Marlow on Tuesday, 9 March - 02:40 am -0800


# Ranger all the way!

Good Luck & God bless, heard of your adventure reading Kim Komando's site. You must be an Army Ranger, so full of courage, you're non-stoppable, keep going, don't look back,the light at the end of the tunnel is coming closer.
hooahhhhh!!!! Be All you Can Be!!
Harry in Rhode Island.

By Harry Rea on Tuesday, 9 March - 02:33 am -0800


# Hello from Nebraska

I am 8 years old and my mom is showing me the website of your trip. I hope you get home safe and have a good trip. We'll be watching and praying for you.

By Brennan Rasmussen on Tuesday, 9 March - 02:19 am -0800


# May the Lord shine upon you

Ben,
Remember when all else fails, or so it seems there will always be someone looking after you.
You are way cool man and keep up the good fight I will be watching and praying that you are safe and not (shreezing) your @$$ off.

By Bob Hunt on Tuesday, 9 March - 02:18 am -0800


# Too the Loon...

Hi, Ben
That is incredible, absolutely fantastic, and a roarin' risk! Truly, a testimony too the loon, and brillant in execution. Keep up the good work and iron will. Strength and honor to you.
-Scot
San Luis Obispo, Ca.

By Scot Morrison on Tuesday, 9 March - 02:06 am -0800


# you crazy son of a @#$%

You sure there isn't some Marine Corps Semper Fi oohrah stuff in your blood? There the only breed I thought capable of such types of insanity and actually pulling it off. You are indeed part of the elite (or purely insane) out there. Gods speed to you, and Semper Fi.

By Matt on Tuesday, 9 March - 01:59 am -0800


# May the Good Lord Bless and Keep you

I also found your info on the Kim Komando site. Her vision for enlightening her readers is fantatic. And you are on a fantastic journey. I am praying for your safe journey.
Dan G

By Dan Greig on Tuesday, 9 March - 01:44 am -0800


# brave man

I will say a prayer that you complete your missiom. It is something all of us watching you wish we could do and are waiting for you to finish for all of us that can not accomplish this type of feat ourselves.
thank you vrey much

By Dick Ott on Tuesday, 9 March - 01:34 am -0800


# Hello from Missouri

You're amazing man, and if you make your journey you will go down in history, I admire your courage and your spirt to do something that most of us would never do, or could do for that matter. What makes a person want to do something that is so dangerious and to be alone in such a god forsaken enviroment? May God be with you, you're going to need him on this trip. Susan

By Susan on Tuesday, 9 March - 01:23 am -0800


# You are the embodiment of human spirit

I look forward to following you in your challenge of body mind and spirit. The best of luck and God's speed to you

By Walter Stansky on Tuesday, 9 March - 01:17 am -0800


# Aloha from Maui!

Warm wishes from Maui! I'll be praying for you and stopping by your website regularly to follow your journey. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

By Lisa on Tuesday, 9 March - 12:59 am -0800


# I stand in awe

You are an inspiration! When I think about how tough my life is, I will think about your quest to conquer the impossible. With faith and determination, the soul is unstoppable. My prayers are with you.

By Leslye Evans-Lane on Tuesday, 9 March - 12:43 am -0800


# One day at a time...

Waiting to see you at the other end! Keep on Keeping On!

By Emma Fontenot on Tuesday, 9 March - 12:38 am -0800


# One more step.

Courage to keep putting one foot in front of the other. God speed, The MacDonalds from Algonac, Michigan. U.S.A.

By The MacDonalds on Tuesday, 9 March - 12:30 am -0800


# KEP GOING!

YOU ARE AMAZING! We talk about in our class how we are amazed , youre very brave to swim a cross tha GIANT CRACK! Well, we wish you all the luck down here in Ontario

-Brett

By Brett on Tuesday, 9 March - 12:29 am -0800


# You're the best

All I can say is you are awesome. That must of been really cool swimming with that dry suit, to bad about the film. There will be another time. Good luck and stay healthy.

By LindaMae on Tuesday, 9 March - 12:16 am -0800


# Amazing Adventure!

What a thrilling (?) trip - esp with the bears and the cold. I envy you the exp (that is except for the bears & cold) Best wishes for success. My prayers go with you, and I also found you thru Kim Komando (it's snowing lightly here in CT, but not as cold or as much snow as you have I bet!...Lois

By Lois Dich on Monday, 8 March - 11:37 pm -0800


# Blessings from Wisconsin

Blessings to you from Wisconsin where our winter is dwindling, and your winter is just beginning. Fight the good fight!

By Marie on Monday, 8 March - 11:34 pm -0800


# Think Warm thoughts

Today its 80 or so degrees in San Clemente , My Prayers are with you Ben. You are an inspiration to me, God Bess.

By Russ Lawless on Monday, 8 March - 11:32 pm -0800


# Howdy,

Greetings from Aggieland ie Texas Aggies that is. You give new meaning to putting your ear to the ground, eye on the ball, shoulder to the wheel and nose to the grid stone. As the favorite Cowboy of my day would say "...and may the good Lord take a liken' to ya". Roy Rogers.

By Hank on Monday, 8 March - 11:25 pm -0800


# Be of Good Cheer!

I will keep you in my prayers for your success. You are undertaking a great and thrilling adventure and I envy you and your fortitude.

"Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourself a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. "
--Helen Keller

I will keep track of how you are doing and wish you the best in your difficult task that I am sure you will succeed. Emily


By Emily on Monday, 8 March - 11:13 pm -0800


# You're quite a man!

I don't know anyone as brave as you. Just the thought of Polar bears would keep the average man away!!!! Go for it!!

Cathie T.

By Cathie T. on Monday, 8 March - 11:13 pm -0800


# Good luck Mate!

Keep going dude! you can do it, were all cheering for you. Stay warm and safe.

By Robert Stoico on Monday, 8 March - 10:47 pm -0800


# Hang in there!

You know I hate cold! I love camping but my bag is only rated for 20 deg F and there's a reason for that lol. And that's why I live in South Carolina! I also got here through Kim Komando's site, btw. I just want you to know I'll pray for you to make this journey. I hope you have a better day tomorrow and your equipment stay together! I'll log in here occasionally to see how you're doing. God bless.

Nydia

By Nydia on Monday, 8 March - 10:38 pm -0800


# amazing

its amazing what people are doing! all those guiness book of world records! youd think we were board or something!! whatever the case of which you are doing this i think you have major thrill issues but whatever works for you. i promise i will pray for you but it will only be answered along with these many other comments if your doing this for a Godly reason! but a good luck and ROCK ON!!!

By Dani on Monday, 8 March - 10:12 pm -0800


# Keep Going! You are Amazing

I wish you all the luck in the world! You are amazing to do this. Keep the faith.

By Damon Tofte on Monday, 8 March - 09:36 pm -0800


# Hola Ben!!!!

I have not words !!! Keep going.
I´m so proud of my sister`s boyfriend.
Take care and keep warm

By Ana on Monday, 8 March - 09:08 pm -0800


# God speed

My God speed you through you journey, Ben. And Chalk another one forKim Kommando sending me your way thru her cool site of the day e-mail.

By Joe Prince on Monday, 8 March - 08:55 pm -0800


# keep going and dont look back!

You are modern Hemmingway, Clark & Lewis, Napoleon, Caesar! Keep the learning, conquering faith and quest on my friend!

By william on Monday, 8 March - 08:49 pm -0800


# hello there

great to see you finally were able to get started!
Good luck!

By gm class on Monday, 8 March - 08:38 pm -0800


# Inspiration

You are an inspiration to all of us. My son told me that he would not live his life in fear because he had to many things he wanted to do in his lifetime. You are an example of how life should be spent - taking on new challenges because that is when we really feel like we are live. You are in my prayers. I found this website through Kim Komado newsletter. I will be checking in each day to see how you are. God bless you!

By Carolyn Montoya on Monday, 8 March - 08:17 pm -0800


# Hell Yeah, Ben!!

Do it, brother!! Do it!!
I'll be with you in this technological box the whole way. I'm stoked I found out about you and your adventure, ya' nut!!
Cheers,
Dan

By Dan Lovato (Wash.DC) on Monday, 8 March - 08:14 pm -0800


# Inspirational and remarkable

I find your endeavor thrilling, remarkable and consummately inspiring. As I work an achieving my life long personal goals, which do not involve a nearly minute by minute risk of life and death, I am awestruck by your aspirations and actions. Godspeed to you. May HE bring you to complete and safe achievement of your goals. Thank you for your example and the courage it brings me to continue on my path to success. (FYI: I also heard about this from Kim Komando)

RN in PA

By RN in PA on Monday, 8 March - 08:02 pm -0800


# KEEP ON, KEEPING ON

Hey Ben, may God Bless you richly in all of your endeavors on this extraordinary expedition!!

By Robby on Monday, 8 March - 07:20 pm -0800


# Awesome

Keep up the good work. All our prayers are with you! You are an incredibly brave young man. Good luck, Mike Turner Scituate, MA

By Mike Turner on Monday, 8 March - 07:10 pm -0800


# wow

I can't find the words to express my admiration and envy.Rock On!

By tom turner on Monday, 8 March - 07:00 pm -0800


# Tall tales

I remember the tall tale from Paul Bunyan where it was so col, when he talked the words froze in the air and fell to the ground! Does it work? jk

By susan p. on Monday, 8 March - 06:56 pm -0800


# Our prayers are with you for a successful conclusion.

While scanning the internet, we just became aware of your effort . We tremendously admire your courage and spirit of adventure. The best of luck to you, and God speed.

Bob and Judy Wiesmann
St. Louis, Missouri (50's here today)

By Bob and Judy Wiesmann on Monday, 8 March - 06:50 pm -0800


# Just wondering...

Hello Ben,
I linked to your site from the Kim Komando site. You are a brave soul! I noticed that many folks on here are praying for your safety, as I will do also. Maybe when you a finished you could visit Alaska and climb everest. That would be a walk in the park after when you are experiencing now! I could not help writing and asking you about something more important than your journey, but about your soul. Do you know where you will spend eternity when you die? You can visit www.godssimpleplan.org/gsps.html . I will check in often to see how you are doing.
Val

By Val on Monday, 8 March - 06:42 pm -0800


# Safe return

Praying that you have a safe adventure and look forward to hearing more from you. God Bless

By Ruth Mathias on Monday, 8 March - 06:30 pm -0800


# Unbelievable

You are unbelievable! I am reading your updates and cannot believe what you are doing. I live in Ft Worth Texas, and Friday night I was working on a broke clutch. It got cold =) (it was in the mid 50's) I was complaining. I cannot fathom the conditions you are experiencing. Makes me feel pretty silly. I learned of your journey through Kim Komando, as I see many have. I wish you the best of luck. Your courage is amazing...I am not sure if it is courage or insanity! =) I will follow you journey over the next several months and pray for you! I would be interested to know if you are still in sight with the other teams. You mentioned on the web site you have a fire arm. I was wondering what kind. Good luck, stay safe and be smart, and GOD BLESS!

By Lewis on Monday, 8 March - 06:04 pm -0800


# Another interesting day I see!

So glad that suit of yours did the trick! Still had to be a challenge. Happy sooo many people are following your journey via the web. Hope that mp3 player stayed dry!! Wondering if your seeing any northern lights? Keep it up Ben, you have what it takes! Hope your getting rest at night..no mention of how your sleeping at night. Stay strong! Peaceout! Tina

By tina..NH on Monday, 8 March - 05:57 pm -0800


# Good Luck

Ben I just now read about your adventure. I'll be praying that everything goes just the way it should to give you a completed and safe journey.

By JDWalker on Monday, 8 March - 05:56 pm -0800


# Shock and Awe!

Ben......If you complete this adventure, you will put a whole new meaning to the term "shock and awe" !
Men go through their whole lives and never earn what you have earned: admiration. We are with you!!
By the way, it's in the high 80's here in Southern California.

By R. Michael Jones on Monday, 8 March - 05:49 pm -0800


# Keep Goin'!

Great going Ben! It is so amazing to find a human that will push themselves beyond the limit. Our highest praise and good luck to you.
Keep pushing and God Speed and God Bless

By Warren and Judy Battistelli on Monday, 8 March - 05:46 pm -0800


# Well done So far Mate

Awesome stuff so far - bookmarked in now, so will keep abreast of your daily mutterings.

Smoke me a kipper and all of that!

Good luck

Phil (Mannginger)

By Phil Mann on Monday, 8 March - 05:38 pm -0800


# Way to go, Mate!!!

The temps there remind me of Korea fifty-two years ago.....Minus 40 plus....Wish I were there :-) ......I've been around the world seven times and through it twice......Where's my hat? I'm ready to go again!

By Duane Baumgartner on Monday, 8 March - 05:30 pm -0800


# Unbelievable !

I spent time in the north Atlantic off northern Greenland, while in the USN & I would not care to be doing what you are doing. You are a brave soul.
Good luck.

Gene

By Gene on Monday, 8 March - 05:26 pm -0800


# God Bless you Ben.......

Ben....I has pretty much been said that we all wish you the very best and will be praying for you. Most of us are the type that say we would like to do things, but, for one reason or another, do not go and DO IT! You are one of the "special" individuals that go against all odds and GET IT DONE! I will keep up on your adventures and .............God Bless You!!!! Go make history!!!

By Al Pabst on Monday, 8 March - 05:23 pm -0800


# Go For It!

God's Speed! My heart and soul are with you. At 79 and I thought I was doing smothing when I rode my Harley from Dayton, Ohio to Fairbanks, Alaska and back. GO. Go GO! Bob

By Bob Wagner on Monday, 8 March - 05:12 pm -0800


# We're all pullin for ya kiddo!

Thanks to Kim Komando for making this a "Cool site of the day"...I'm sure she never had 49 below zero in mind when she started her newsletter! But just wanted to say when times are tough I hope you remember all of us are cheering you on!

By Markski from Iowa on Monday, 8 March - 05:10 pm -0800


# Waiting for your safe return.

Ben,
Wishing you the best of luck during this AWESOME journey! There's a couple of Margaritas waitin' here for ya when your ready to warm up on the beach!

By BigKahunaFL - Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Monday, 8 March - 05:09 pm -0800


# Good luck!

Keep it going Ben! I've heard about your exploits through one of the motoring forums you used to frequent. All the best of luck in the world to you.

By Brian Taylor on Monday, 8 March - 05:05 pm -0800


# Wishing you all the luck in the world ol buddy

what a fearful thing your doing , dont feed the polar bears. Pray a lot.

By Lester Daniels on Monday, 8 March - 04:58 pm -0800


# Keep it up

Hello mate

I frequent some of the motoring related forums that you have posted on in the past- Just a quick message from everyone on these forums-

Go on my son!!!!

Keep it up mate!

By sam on Monday, 8 March - 04:51 pm -0800


# Un-freekin-believable!!!!!!

I sit warm and comfortable at my desk sipping my coffee and can be updated minute by minute by a great adventurer in the midst of a once in a lifetime adventure. It boggles!

By Brian Turbity on Monday, 8 March - 04:51 pm -0800


# And I thought I Was Cold

What a brave young man you are. Got your info from Kim Komand0's site. Wish I could have done something like this, but at 55 I can only wish you the best and may God follow and protect you on your journey.

Mike

By Mike in South Carolina on Monday, 8 March - 04:49 pm -0800


# Power

How are you keeping your electonics powered? Have a great journey.

By Seth on Monday, 8 March - 04:30 pm -0800


# What a challenge

I recieved the link to your site via my must have Kim Kopmando emails. I am reading about your journey in absolute awe. What strength, courage and sheer determination you have Ben. I applaud your efforts and hope that your goal comes to frutition. You are truly an amazing individual. Good luck and stay safe.

By Kimberly Ward on Monday, 8 March - 04:28 pm -0800


# Keep Going !

I am 12 years old and am homeschooled. I would like to know why you decided to do this?

By Sean McClean on Monday, 8 March - 04:22 pm -0800


# God Bless You

My dream, before I die, is to go to the arctic. Even if it means just stepping foot across the arctic circle in Alaska, I want to say I have been to the arctic. In the meantime, I will live vicariously through you. Kim Komando shared your site with her listeners and Im glad she did. I am excited for you and somewhere within me, I truly wish I was with you to experience what you are experiencing. I'll keep tabs on you through your website. God be with you every step of the way. Theresa

By Theresa Cramer on Monday, 8 March - 04:21 pm -0800


# Hi

Hi Ben. A friend gave me a link to your site to read about your adventure. I think it's just amazing. Thank you for sharing with us.

By Heather on Monday, 8 March - 04:06 pm -0800


# entertainment?

do you have any computer games with you?

By Dale Spring on Monday, 8 March - 03:58 pm -0800


# Bravo

I was curious about the firearm in question too.

A shame about the pictures of you swimming not making it. Best luck next time. I pray for your safety.

By brian on Monday, 8 March - 03:58 pm -0800


# Go Ben!!!

Not much to say except good luck Ben, and I'm looking forward to finally buying you a beer when you get back!

By Ed Hasler on Monday, 8 March - 03:49 pm -0800


# Better you than me...

There's NO WAY I would be up there in minus anything temperatures. But, you're a better man than I am for doing this.

God bless you and keep you safe. Stop by Chicago sometime (it's much warmer) and get a free one from me.

By Ken Greene on Monday, 8 March - 03:33 pm -0800


# what kind/caliber of firearm for bear safety ?


Carrying or draggin nearly 400 lbs, I was wondering what type of firearm was selected for safety. Best wishes in your adventure.

By David Williams on Monday, 8 March - 03:32 pm -0800


# We're with you!

Ben,
You're one of the many "fools" we read about in history but unfortunately don't live at the same time to really know the "temperature of the time". Hang in there...I am pulling for you (as are many) and if you're ever in Tulsa, OK, U.S.A., I'll buy you a beer...or, a "hot toddy" if you prefer...Ha
My best
Jerry H.

By Jerry Hatley on Monday, 8 March - 03:21 pm -0800


# God be with you ...Keep the Faith -- You're Awesome

I stopped by your site to wish you well in your journey after visiting Kim Komando's site.. You are awesome for doing this and as a mother, I will pray for your safety and well being.. God Bless you... Good Luck... and as the old Irish saying goes.. "May the wind be always at your back.....to help you along the way......"

By 56 YO Mom.. in San Diego on Monday, 8 March - 03:09 pm -0800


# swimming the lead

Did you pull the sled whiile swimming? Silly question-how else would you have gotten it across? I presumw it is also watertight. I liked your comment about the Big Brother show!

By Nell on Monday, 8 March - 02:52 pm -0800


# guts

You're a good man! I won't even go to Wisconsin in the winter. Good luck!

By Bill on Monday, 8 March - 02:52 pm -0800


# Keep going!

I'm 10 years old and think you're way cool (or is it way shreezing)!

By Colin Beard on Monday, 8 March - 02:50 pm -0800

Dispatches Archive


The following dispatches are an archive spanning the 4-5 months that Ben spent prior to the expedition, the expedition itself, and the returning home period.


Wacky races

Wacky races - Saturday, 6th March 2004

I shared my drop off flight yesterday with Wave Vidmar, Bettina Aller from Denmark and her boyfriend Jean-Gabriel. Bettina and J-G set off first, with light sledges (they are being resupplied) and the four of us have been within view of each other ...read more

Perspective

Perspective - Sunday, 7th March 2004

A really tough, soul-searching day, for a number of reasons. The ice conditions are ok, with a mixture of recently frozen leads, 'rubble' ice and a few big pressure ridges. The weather's pretty good too, although it feels colder today. The physical ...read more

Demolition man

Demolition man - Monday, 8th March 2004

I keep breaking things - my ski skins are coming loose, I've torn part of my left boot off, broken my sleeping bag zip and bent a tent peg. And I'm only on day bloomin' four... A tough day today (can you spot a recurring theme here?) and a hard ...

It's grim up north...

It's grim up north... - Tuesday, 9th March 2004

Telltale signs you've chosen the wrong holiday destination no. 12: you start using your freshly filled pee bottle as a hand warmer before tipping it away. The weather in the high Arctic has taken several turns for the worse, and high winds ...read more

Oh what a night!

Oh what a night! - Wednesday, 10th March 2004

I'm writing this at the end of day two stuck in the tent. The bad weather seems to have blown over and I'm revving up for a good day on the ice tomorrow... Last night was unreal - the kind of weather I'd expect in Antarctica rather than up here - ...read more

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“Everest is very dangerous, but crossing the North Pole, which I attempted to do...is ten times more dangerous” - Reinhold Messner