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Dispatches: When the going gets tough... - Monday, 15th March 2004


Day's Statistics

Expedition & Environmental Statistics:
Position:88.22.1N 96.54.4E (view route map)
Daily distance:0.5 nm
Total distance:34.7 nm
Distance to go:872.9 nm
Travelling time:5hrs
Temperature:-39°C
Conditions:northerly wind decreasing; new ice, lots of rubble
view large image
view large image

...Ben gets down in the dumps. Well I was for most of the day, anyway. Overnight I'd drifted back to where I was THREE days ago and it was so cold this morning that I thought my toes might get frosbitten INSIDE my sleeping bag.

The wind was still blowing, although not as hard as yesterday, so I thought I'd better get on with the job. What a day it turned out to be - headwinds, -39 (before windchill), ridiculous rubble ice, snot, sweat and tears.

Today is dedicated to everyone that wonders why on earth I'm doing this. For most of today, I could completely understand your point of view.

The good news is that after a pep talk from my girlfriend, I'm feeling up and at 'em now. I'd better get my skates on tomorrow...

Visitor Comments


# On On and Further On

Hi Ben,

I have just read your last 2 days, you are a shining star, and what do those do? they keep on going, just like you. I am thinking of a few sayings like never give up, well, if you have to then that is it, however you have been an insperation to many prople already, I am glad you are listening to your girlfriend!

You may need encouragement, but hey we all do, when I have a difficult decision/situation, I do not take it on my own.

Keep warm, keep moving, keep dry, keep going, but last of all keep safe.

If we work together we can win!!!!

Cheers mate.

Pete G

By Peter Goddard on Wednesday, 17 March - 11:57 am -0800


# anything worth having is worth fighting for

It's easier said than done, keep that positive attitude, don't let it get you down. CHIN UP, CHEST OUT, FORWARD MARCH.

By LindaMae on Tuesday, 16 March - 05:13 pm -0800


# GET GONE

Ben,
You have the highest respect from all at Doncaster prison. The task you have chosen is massive but we are all convinced that you are the one ethat can achieve it..Best of luck and in good Yorkshire slang.....GET GONE

By Ian Hillman on Tuesday, 16 March - 04:45 pm -0800


# Good Luck

Sending you lots of warm sunshine & koala bear *hugs* from beautiful Queensland Australia.

By Koala Bear *HUGS* from RAOK on Tuesday, 16 March - 01:19 pm -0800


# Think you had a bad day

Hello Ben,
Reckon you had a bad day yesterday - check this for a monday morning -
Woke up to a crashing sound in the kitchen ran downstairs thinking one of the cats had knocked over some glasses -( i wished) - no the waste pipe from the washing machine had come loose and emptied water all over the litchen floor, into cupboards, under the fridge and the hallway carpet - so there i was splashing about cursing my luck spending a good 45 mins trying to clean up - i then heard a dripping noise - thinking it was the waste pipe (but no) there was leak in the pipework water spraying so reached for the stop-cock which upon turning promptly came off in my hand! No way to stop the water - couldn't lift the mains cover outside the house took half an hour to find a plumber who would come out an hour later and £100 lighter and with much bailing out - all was sorted - and all B4 work!!!
Hope that'll put a smile on your face ;)
U R AMAZING ONE STEP AT A TIME WILL KEEP YOUR DREAM ALIVE

By oscar on Tuesday, 16 March - 12:46 pm -0800


# You and the others

Hello Ben,
Have you met Dominick Arduin, Bettina Aller, Wave Vidmar and Frédéric Chamart Boudet on your way to the North Pole ?
Some of them left Cape Arktikcheski (or something like that) on the 5th of march.
Dominick Arduin is lost for 10 days and has no more contact with her support team.

By Alain on Tuesday, 16 March - 11:44 am -0800


# Position and plans

Ben,
Your website says that you are at 88 21' which I assume is an error, look forward to getting an actual position this afternoon.
We are all pretty keen to know how your plans are evolving - with this bad weather your daily mileage cannot be nearly as good as you had planned, added to that there is the fact that you ditched a sled early on - are you still sticking to your original plan of going unsupported all the way to Canada?

By Jimbo on Tuesday, 16 March - 08:23 am -0800


# Keep going

Hi ben its me this is short all i wanted to say was YOU'RE A BIG COOL DUDE SO PEACE OUT!!!!!!!!!

By Warwus on Tuesday, 16 March - 07:58 am -0800


# You only live once ...

or so they say.

whenever darkness falls upon you, and you're just about to quit, look inside to find that tiny torch that will guide you. you are now standing tall on the shoulders of giants--and you are not alone. go BEN go!

:-)

peter
the born 2 design
design guy

By nunatak on Tuesday, 16 March - 05:30 am -0800


# You have our support

Hi Ben,

Just wanted to stop by and let you know you were in our thoughts and prayers. Your courage and determination gives hope to all those too afraid to take a chance.

The members of an on line act of kindness group salute you and are rooting for you.

By The RAOK Group on Tuesday, 16 March - 04:34 am -0800


# Don't give up!

Keep going for all of us!! We're all cheering you on!

By Jon Fulk on Tuesday, 16 March - 02:42 am -0800


# KEEP PUMPING.............

Every time it gets really tough you can add a bit more glory onto the finish. And don't worry about that 2nd sledge - 1 sledge is much twice as hardcore!

By Stef on Tuesday, 16 March - 02:30 am -0800


# Look on the positive side...

When the weather breaks and you are at it from "Can See" to "Can't See", these last few days where you spent some time in the tent resting will seem like heaven...

I wish you the best and also wish I was there with you - but only for a few miles!!

Keep the faith, we are all wishing you the best.

Brooks

By Brooks King on Tuesday, 16 March - 02:06 am -0800


# 'Feed your Faith and your Fears will Starve'

Hi Ben,
I have been reading your daily logs with interest. I can't imagine what it is to be out there all alone with mother nature. I don't know where your faith lies, but I am praying for you. Be wise and stay safe.
An Admirer,
BarB from Camano Island, Washington USA

By BarB on Tuesday, 16 March - 12:54 am -0800


# Go for the goal!!!

I think what you are doing is excellent!! Keep up the good work, and go for the goal. Your truely and inspiration to me and everyone else!!

By Anne on Monday, 15 March - 11:59 pm -0800


# position

BTW I would be delighted if you were at 88N, but I doubt it unless you sprouted wings.

By Bill Kenny on Monday, 15 March - 11:46 pm -0800


# cakewalk

Come on Ben. You didn't think this was going to be a cakewalk did you? It's just good old mother nature kicking up her heals that's stirring up all that bad weather. How about just kicking back in your tent until the weather breaks and you awake to find a good day for traveling. It seems that the only harm would be that you would use up critical supplies, but there would be know shame in having to be resupplied near the end of your journey. I know you have the guts to make the trip, but I think you need to rethink your tactics. Easy for me to say sitting here in this nice warm house. If you could just get one good day under your belt, I think it would do wonders in lifting your spirits. Kick back and think about those island girls bringing you fancy drinks with lots of fruit sticking out of them. May tomorrow be the best day yet. lots of luck.

By Bill Kenny on Monday, 15 March - 11:43 pm -0800


# Following you along your journey

Sounds so discouraging! Keep up your strength, though, I am praying for you every day and following your progress online daily. You are so courageous to take this mission on! I can't imagine what it might be like, trucking across the North Pole on skis. Take care, and keep the faith, you will make some progress tomottow maybe.

By cateye on Monday, 15 March - 11:30 pm -0800


# Go Ben!

Ben,

Do not listen to any discouragement, what you are doing is great and is inspiring so many people!

By charly on Monday, 15 March - 09:25 pm -0800


# What else would you be doing?

We are with you Ben, each of us carry your dreams in our hearts as we move throughout our day.

Any decision you make will be supported by each of us, we can see the success in you.

With each transaction, you know our compassion. We know you make good choices.

Respectfully Ben; what else would you be doing? As long as you can stay as safe as possible. . . regroup, rethink, move forward. . .you know YOU can make it happen.

Cissy,
Texas

By Cissy on Monday, 15 March - 09:00 pm -0800


# Hang in there!

Hi Ben,

Just want you to know that I'm thinking of you and really enjoy reading your daily updates.

Sorry to hear you're having a bad run at the moment, but stick with it - we're all rooting for you back here in the UK and hopefully knowing this will help spur you on!

There's a cool beer waiting here for you when you get back!

Cheers,

Ed

By Ed Hasler on Monday, 15 March - 08:41 pm -0800


# Keep on keeping on...

Ben, I'm so happy to hear of the support you recently received from your girl! She's someone special to let you go and do something so extreme like this...and for helping keeping your spirits up! She's great!! I've been telling all my friends about what you're doing and how exciting this is...I feel like I know you! You are truly an inspiration and don't give up! Take your time and stay in a good mental place...no cutting corners or anything like that! I enjoy your sense of humor...keep that sense of humor...it will be your best friend. I look forward to more reports...don't get discouraged, stay inside that humor and good thoughts. We're all with you!! I will send you positive energy every day! You'll be fine! :-)

By Nikki on Monday, 15 March - 08:28 pm -0800


# ur da best

Hi Ben how are you doing i'm from Danes Hill School in Oxshott do you remember visiting us? i think your really brave doing this,(i could never do it i hate being cold) you will feel great when your trips over and don't give up i'm counting on you! lots and lots of love from sarah age 10 from Danes Hill School.

By sarah mcdonell on Monday, 15 March - 07:50 pm -0800


# In awe....

I have the pleasure of working with and recently seeing your girlfiend, (I am her counterpart in Boston). She told us of your expedition and now that I am hooked on your website, I have been following you daily. In my wildest dreams, I could never imagine what you are going through. You are truly inspirational and I will continue to pray for your safe and successful journey.
Nancy

By Nancy Kuchinsky on Monday, 15 March - 06:24 pm -0800


# YOU ROCK

Hi Ben
I'm from Danes Hill and we've been looking aat how you're doing! we have a special display board just for you in our classroom 5EAC.The weather here isn't so good so you're not missing out on a lot.I acttually came here to say that YOU ROCK so keep on hanging on. WE believe you can do this._PEACE OUT and look to the good side of things!!!If you need some we will send you over some chocolate (only if you run out of it).YOU'RE A DUDE SO KEEP GOING!!!!!!
From Waura the Warwus
And all your friends from Danes Hill!!!!PEACE

By Waura the Warwus on Monday, 15 March - 05:45 pm -0800


# Keep the Faith

An incredible undertaking, mate. God's speed! We'll be watching and praying for your continued success! All the Best, Andy

By Andy McCarl on Monday, 15 March - 05:41 pm -0800


# The darkest day is just before the dawn

Keep at it, Ben! Everyone who knows you is aware how many years of preparation and training has gone into this challenge. No greater accolade could there be than for Borge Ousland to have personally commended you on the level of your training and commitment. So don't listen to anyone who says otherwise. The weather conditions can spoil the plans of anyone, however experienced they may be. Every day out there you are proving that you are a survivor - don't focus too much on the big picture but take every day one at a time - even if occasionally you seem to be 'going backwards'. We are all rooting for you - you seem to be occupying the nocturnal thoughts of quite a few of us apparently! It was great to hear your cheery, relaxed voice on LBC on Saturday morning. Keep smiling!

By Helen Haile on Monday, 15 March - 05:40 pm -0800


# Down in the Dumps

I am so very glad to see your girlfriend can cheer you up. I can't believe you are feeling like that. Come on look at the BIG picture, you might be back where you were three days ago, then that's a chance to do it different this time. You can do this. I am sure it's easy for us to sit back here and say that because we aren't doing it. Don't listen to poorly trained, You can be trained by the best and your surviving would still depend on your performance and human instincts. Don't let your spirits get you down at all. When they do think of someone very beautiful in your life and imagine they are standing at the midpoint waiting on you! Set the goals little, day by day. You'll be fine.
God Bless Ben
Check in tomorrow.

christy

By Christy on Monday, 15 March - 05:09 pm -0800


# Hang In There Iceman!

Hang in there Ben! We're all rooting for you! I couldn't wait to get online today and see how you have been doing.
I can't believe some of the messages out there, some people that are more discouraging then encouraging. shame on them!!!
So here's for all the people sitting in their warm homes, drinking their coffee, watching t.v. and writing out such comments as you are destroying the enviroment, or they hope you freeze or that you shouldn't have even tried this because you are poorly trained.
WHAT WIMPS! to sit at home and berate a fellow human who has had the courage to actually get out there and live their dream with conviction and determination!
GO FOR IT BEN! Show them all what they are missing..
be a hero!
You are already ours,

Megan, Haley (2) and Katie (3 months)

By Megan Tredway on Monday, 15 March - 04:45 pm -0800


# keep it up

the weirdest thing is i also dreamt of you this morning, probably as an effect to going to sleep at 5am last night after reading your previous dispatch. Don't give up Ben, but don't endanger yourself too much either. I wish i could send some warm vibes to you whenever i put clothing on. I'm sure everyone feels a little guilty when they're complaining about temperature under zero. My thoughts are with you.

By Rhea on Monday, 15 March - 04:18 pm -0800


# you can do it..

keep going think worm thoughts

By grace on Monday, 15 March - 03:55 pm -0800


# You can do this

Ben,

The Ben that I know is not the Ben that feels sorry for himself, it's one that when he's up against it, will face the challenge head on and overcome it.

I've been fortunate enough to experience first hand, the amount of work and preparation that you've put into this project.

Don't let yourself down now mate.

Keep your spirits up.

Cheers,

Neil

By Neil Edge on Monday, 15 March - 03:36 pm -0800


# chin up

hey Ben Idid 500 cals in the gym this morning.i was only going to do 300 but then Ithought hey Ben Saunders is freezing ,alone and in a tent and I am nice and warm in this gym and it's only another 200 cals.it wont hurt.I intent to do the same again tomorrow.
don't give up dreams are never easy.take it a few hours at a time then it wont seem so unsurmountable.

By Jessie on Monday, 15 March - 03:09 pm -0800


# further in and further on

Hey Ben,
We're just two recreational types from a small town in Wisconsin, with two kids that have been captivated by your amazing adventure! I hope your expedition continues to inspire our kids, both under 5, to dream big as they grow into adulthood. Passing along one of our favorite quotes; "There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going". Keep it up! Pam & Andy

By Pam & Andy on Monday, 15 March - 02:45 pm -0800


# down in the dumps..

You think you're down in the dumps mate! Well so am I. Last night I dreamt about you!! Now I don't mind being distracted by your fantastic adventure at work. Indeed, I can't stop mentioning your name to everyone I meet. (You're a hero in my local.) But to be dragged off that pacific island with all those lusty maidens and into your freezing tent in the middle of the night is not on. So keep up the good work, tick off those miles but please, for the love of God, give me my maidens back!

By Sharky on Monday, 15 March - 02:37 pm -0800


# The tough get WHAT?

Dear Ben,
Julia and I understand the theory of 3 steps forward and 2 steps back it seems that our lives haved been filled with that lately also. We pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and keep going.
Our thought's and prayer's are with you today as you continue your journey.
Peace be with you.
Sincerely,
Brian & Julia

By Brian Chrans on Monday, 15 March - 02:36 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.


One day at a time

One day at a time - Saturday, 13th March 2004

Today is day nine on the ice. The hardest decision I've had to make so far happened a few days ago. I was skiing over a huge area of very new ice - miles and miles of it. Because of the combined weight of the two sledges, I was forced to pull one ...read more

Frustration

Frustration - Sunday, 14th March 2004

I woke up with a start, my heart pounding. What the hell was that noise? 'Shhhhlick... plumpf... shhhhhhlick... plumpf.' After a minute or two, it dawned on me - it snowed heavily last night and as the sun started to rise, the snow on the roof of my ...read more

When the going gets tough...

When the going gets tough... - Monday, 15th March 2004

...Ben gets down in the dumps. Well I was for most of the day, anyway. Overnight I'd drifted back to where I was THREE days ago and it was so cold this morning that I thought my toes might get frosbitten INSIDE my sleeping bag. The wind was still ...

It worked!

It worked! - Tuesday, 16th March 2004

A big thank you to everyone hoping, praying and raindancing for better weather - the wind stopped completely in the early hours of this morning and the sun has been shining all day. Now, if you could just do the same for the ice, I'd be ...read more

Tent Moose

Tent Moose - Wednesday, 17th March 2004

The Royal Marines have a great expression for someone that's unusually clumsy whwn living under canvas - a tent moose. Well, that was me yesterday. I managed to spill boiling water twice, and to knock a half empty flask of drink all over the tent ...read more

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“I'd rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed.” - Robert Schuller