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Dispatches: I am SO proud - Thursday, 18th March 2004


Day's Statistics

Expedition & Environmental Statistics:
Position:82.39.0N 97.11.1E (view route map)
Daily distance:7.4 nm
Total distance:51.6 nm
Distance to go:856 nm
Travelling time:6.5hrs
Temperature:-29°C
Conditions:slight southerly wind, combination of ridges, leads and pans
view large image
view large image

Not of my skiing, the mileage I've covered, or the fact that I've been out here two weeks, but of the repair job I've just carried out on the charger for the iPAQ I write these updates on.

I use Energizer lithium batteries to power the iPAQ, my phone, camera and GPS. The charger for the iPAQ looks like the kind of thing you'd plug into a cigarette lighter and has a little red light to tell you it's working.

This evening I realised it wasn't working. No red light. No power. No spare charger. No more updates.

With nothing to lose, I opened it up with my Leatherman, thinking there might be a lose connection. Only there's a whole bloomin' circuit board in there. Yikes.

After a few minutes of poking, I found a soldered connection that had snapped. I knew I had to fix it, and after nearly two hours of bodging with a safety pin, a red hot knife blade, some super glue and a few other odds and ends, IT WORKS!!!!

The rest of the day? Dragged a sledge for a few hours, lots of ice, stupidly cold, shivering in a sleeping bag. Same old same old ;)

Today's dedication: Dorian Perry, the MD of Arbor International - sponsors of my 2003 expedition and the first financial contributor to this expedition. I wouldn't be here without his support.

Visitor Comments


# Power for the batteries

Like Calvin Clift above, I don't understand where you get the power to recharge your batteries. Are you using solar or wind power, or are you hand cranking a generator? I can't imagine that you are lugging a gas powered generator or a lead/acid battery. Whatever you are doing, keep it up. It is amazing to be able to share your adventures as they happen.

By Michael Natale on Thursday, 25 March - 05:19 pm -0800


# Yeah, Ben!! Go, baby!! GO!!

Dude, every time I hear that you've slid back to where you started three days ago, I think about lyrics from the "scientist" by Coldplay, "...nobody said it was easy.. nobody said it would be this hard.. take me back to the start."
You are a true inspiration!! A nut... but inspiration, none the less!!
Do it, bud!

Dan(DC)

By Dan Lovato (Wash.DC) on Friday, 19 March - 03:48 pm -0800


# Keep On Going

Ben, you are very couragious for trying this unbelieveing stunt across the arctic. But even though there are many difficulties heading your way, you can always find a way to surpass it. Keep on trying and in a short amount of time you'll be back at your home appreciating life in a whole different way and sharring the experience and pictures with friends and relatives. Don't give up, just keep on going even though there are many frostbites and your butt is freezing cold but you'll get to the end.

By Danielle Irizarry on Friday, 19 March - 02:04 pm -0800


# Power source

Just what power source do you use to charge the batteries? I looked at your list of equipment and don't understand how batteries are recharged.

BTW: good job of field repair

By Calvin Clift on Friday, 19 March - 01:19 pm -0800


# Go Ben

Glad to here you got it sorted,Lisa is right PH collective will be rooting for you.
Ted are you allowed to join PH with a Sleigh?

LOL..

keep up the pace you have been and you will be there in no time.
Go Ben.

By jessie(Alfie aged9) on Friday, 19 March - 01:12 pm -0800


# You are the best!

Nor only are you brave but you have luck on your side as well! Come to think of it, it is we who are lucky! If you weren't so diligent and creative, we'd all miss your dispatches and worry sick about you!

Still in my prayers - ski on!

By Debi on Friday, 19 March - 12:43 pm -0800


# Big ap!

that's so great! Barvo! Big applause! :) Take care and good luck to you! Can't wait for the next dispatch.
Rhea

By Rhea on Friday, 19 March - 09:10 am -0800


# Yay, Ben!

Yay, Ben!

By Dave Terry on Friday, 19 March - 07:34 am -0800


# Can't live without

Why wouldn't your charger be on a small list that if a catastrophic breakdown occurred you'd have another.
Do you have two of anything because of their importance?
I get chills just reading your dispatches.

By Arty Abbott on Friday, 19 March - 07:11 am -0800


# you rock, you ROCK!

Iron Courage. In these times there are so few people with the determination and will that you are exhibiting. Thank you so much for showing us the way. You must think, sometimes, about giving up. I cannot imagine the cold. The difference between you and so many of us is that you will not give in. May Spirit bless you on this journey!
peace and warmth from Florida

By catie cunningham on Friday, 19 March - 06:27 am -0800


# Good Job

I've been reading about youre stuff and it's great youve fixed youre charger! I could never do that. I'm 11, and even I think you have a great website. You have been the most bravest, skilled, and confident pearson I have ever heard of! So, youre going all the way to Canida, with out support? Thats great! I have been praying for you and I still will. You are fantastic! Good Luck, and have fun!

By Kristie McKenzie on Friday, 19 March - 02:37 am -0800


# You Go Guy

I cannot imagine what kind of mental strength this takes. I was fascinated that my daughter could finish the Boston Marathon knowing it takes "mind over matter." I don't have what it takes. I admire you. The reward will be fantastic - to say the least. I read a quote once pertaining to a movie (I forgot which one). It went like this: "There are always two roads to take. One is easy and its only reward is that it's easy. The other is hard but the reward is truly, truly great!! I know you'll get it. Keep your mind active with positive thoughts.

By Carol on Friday, 19 March - 02:36 am -0800


# Wowee!!!

I think its pretty cool about what you've been doing lately. I'm 9 years old and want to know if you see Santa. Good luck on your journey to Canada and have fun.

By Kristie McKenzie on Friday, 19 March - 02:27 am -0800


# Just shows u know more than u think

And to think you were worried about this trip...HA. The Arctic should fear YOU ! Amazing what the human spirit can accomplish when the need arises. Warm wishes and a pat on the back to you. We are in awe. Practicing for your next career when you complete this one? ;o)
I now have students at the local middle school following your trek so it would have been awful to loose the dispatches. Keep up the good work!

By Angela on Friday, 19 March - 02:08 am -0800


# Good for you!

wow I'm excited for you! Shows you how ingenious you have to be, if you're going to do what you are doing, all alone with no support out there.
Still, it feels good when you tweak with something and actually get it to work! Good for you, you get my paws up today!

By cateye on Friday, 19 March - 01:45 am -0800


# here's one I made earlier

The charger was only project one. Next week, using some sticky backed plastc and an empty washing up liquid bottle we'll be making an all terrain arctic vehicle!!! Tee hee hee...
Keep all your bits toasty,
Kate xxx
(powell)

By Babs Powell on Friday, 19 March - 12:30 am -0800


# Fantastic!

Wow, that's amazing, but I'm not at all surprised at your ingenuityl. I'm so glad you were able to fix your charger. What would we all do if we couldn't get your updates every day! No matter how my day has gone, reading your daily logs at the end of the day is such a special treat. I'm probably old enough to be your mother, and I will worry about you like a mother would, until your journey is complete. In the meantime, I am so in awe of what you're doing. As long as you keep your wits about you and don't lose that great sense of humor, you'll succeed.

Press on!

By Gwen on Thursday, 18 March - 10:42 pm -0800


# THE NEXT "MCGYVER."

Lady's and Gentlemen, we present: The Next McGyver

Sleep well and stay the course.
Cissy,
Texas
(McGyver, a television character that could get out of trouble in the MOST creative ways)

By Cissy on Thursday, 18 March - 08:35 pm -0800


# Aren't you going to be a handy hubby! :~)

Great news on your success fixing your iPAQ! Congrats on a job well done! One more unexpected challenge..and you've overcome it. Funny, I was wondering the same thing, Christy asked. Re: Whether you actually get to read these? Or are you gonna have to spend a few months reading them when you get home? We hope you can read now & we all hope they help you get thru the day. But..even if you have to wait till you complete you journey ..at least you will know..how you've, inspired, encouraged, and amazed us all! Your one tough cookie, dude! And we all can't wait for you to hit Canada...what a great day that will be! Celebrating with & For you all around the globe! So glad you've been covering ground, getting good weather & staying positive! Until next time...Keep making tracks! Peaceout...Tina..NH

By tina..NH on Thursday, 18 March - 07:54 pm -0800


# CLARIFICATION REQUEST:

Being a card-carrying member of the very distinguished Arcticophiles Club, and myself a North Pole alumnus, I am kindly requesting an official definition for the technical term: STUPIDLY COLD...

[wink] Rhetorical question, naturally, 'cuz I know all too well. "Noses are Red, Fingers are Blue".

More power to ya. GO, BEN, GO! I am just a few steps behind ya... See? I am in your shadow.... proudly so.

By Moki Kokoris on Thursday, 18 March - 07:26 pm -0800


# IZZE

hi ben
u probably heard from my mate george he is lying i dont fancy u well u hav a godd body but that is natural for a guy!
What ever he says about me he is just joking.
i'll write soon
Issy E

By IZZY AND ABI on Thursday, 18 March - 07:06 pm -0800


# Something to be proud of!

Feels great to accomplish such a thing, doesn't it? I'm sharing that feeling with you! Imagine how you'll be feeling when you hit Canada! Smart guy...you sound like a regular McGuyver! You don't know how you'll approach such a thing until faced with it...and I'm ecstatic that you were able to fix your equipment. The days wouldn't be the same for me if I couldn't keep in contact with you! I'm an addict here, now...I'm on your website day and night...work or no work...to get the most updated information on your trek! Get some rest when you're next day is done, be safe, be smart...you're gonna kick @ss on this trek...I'm trying to decide which bottle of champagne to ready...

All the best to you...catch you tomorrow! :-) Nikki

By Nikki on Thursday, 18 March - 06:57 pm -0800


# Thank Goodness

Thank goodness you are better at mending things than my dad! I have started keeping a file with all your dispatches, stats and maps in so it would have been a disaster if you hadn't mended your IPAQ!!!!!
When I saw the photo today I thought it was a polar bear....then I saw serco on the head!
Don't forget it's Mothers Day on Sunday - where's your nearest post box?
Happy skiing, sledging, etc and I hope soon you can write that you're proud of the skiing and mileage. My class, 5ELB hope everything goes well.

By Thomas (without Alexander) Eckl on Thursday, 18 March - 05:26 pm -0800


# The PH massive will be very proud

How very British of you Ben, well done ;-)

Lisa

By Lisa (Mrs fish) on Thursday, 18 March - 05:21 pm -0800


# Thank God for your DIY Skills

Pleased to hear you managed to get your iPAQ working - come to really enjoy reading your dispatches each day. Not sure what I'd do without my now daily fix. Keep up the good work Ben and as always, you've been an inspiration today :-)

By Katy on Thursday, 18 March - 04:59 pm -0800


# Way to go Mcguyver

Hello Ben,

Let's see your a spirited adventuer, a maverick at challenges and a talented mechanican able to repair something from a few resources ( Mcguyver) :-)
Way to Go !!!
Thank you for your daily messages
Our thought's and prayers are with you
Brian and Julia

By Brian Chrans on Thursday, 18 March - 04:52 pm -0800


# Ben of All Trades

Hi, Ben
Totally missed your dispatches from the top of the world. Stoked to read, that you continue moving forward, making progress one day at a time. Outstanding repair, demonstrating again, that you are a "Ben of all Trades". All the best...
-Scot
San Luis Obispo, Ca.

By Scot Morrison on Thursday, 18 March - 04:10 pm -0800


# Just like the A-Team...

Well kind of...good work fixing the charger - very resourceful. I work with Valeria and was highly impressed to discover that her boyfriend is a real-life, honest to goodness explorer. I've only just checked out the website properly and am totally hooked on your journey. Flipping marvelous and obviously totally barking. What a star!

By Suzanne on Thursday, 18 March - 03:41 pm -0800


# me too

I am the first one finally again. You look so bloody cold! I am glad you fixed it or I would have to send fed-ex (air) to drop one at your coordinates! WE need daily updates. Some of us follow you faithfully. I see your degrees have changed a bit. Making great progess, it's been only 2 weeks, good job. You only 993 miles (US) to go. Doing great. That would be like leaving PA and driving to the Florida Keys. Keep that though in your head! Florida KEYS. Write more later, at work right now. Do you see these anyway? Does anyone read these to you, or after 90 days are you going to have over 2000 messages to read through? Let us know you read these comments, somehow, give a shot to the much warmer EAST COAST.... Take care Ben, and much admiration and love.

Best,
Christy

By Christy on Thursday, 18 March - 03:40 pm -0800


# hang in there!!

glad to know you got it fixed and can keep the posts coming! you are an inspiration to us of what you can do if you set your mind to it. hang in there...will be praying for your progress and safety.
kw

By kirk whitaker on Thursday, 18 March - 03:39 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.


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

I am SO proud

I am SO proud - Thursday, 18th March 2004

Not of my skiing, the mileage I've covered, or the fact that I've been out here two weeks, but of the repair job I've just carried out on the charger for the iPAQ I write these updates on. I use Energizer lithium batteries to power the iPAQ, my ...

Rubble trouble

Rubble trouble - Friday, 19th March 2004

Incredibly, my dodgy repair to the battery charger is still working, although I suffered a nosebleed last night which I suspect resulted from inhaling all that solder (or perhaps it was just the excitement)... Anyhow, a crazy day today - loads of ...read more

Crawling north

Crawling north - Saturday, 20th March 2004

Once again, the Arctic made me fight for every inch of every mile north. I've never seen ice as bad as this - impenetrable rubble stretching as far as either horizon, topped off with plenty of fresh, sticky, drifted snow. A bombed out metropolis ...read more

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“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” - T.S. Eliot