Visitor Comments

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# Taxi

Hope you find a good LZ. Congratulations. on reaching your goal. Safe journey home. Will be praying for you till you finish. Will miss your exciting dispatches when you have completed your adventure. You are a very strong, brave young man & deserve a huge welcome. Best wishes for your next venture.

By Dorothy on Saturday, 15 May - 07:41 am -0700

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# Congrats, Neighbor?

Ben,
I'm in Alaska and my mom, in Phoenix, Arizona, sent me your web site, and it has been fabulous to watch your adventure! You are amazing, and very inspirational! Good Luck!
Sandy

By Sandy on Saturday, 15 May - 12:03 am -0700

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# Great approach

Congratulations here from Denmark, although you unfortunately have to stop the journey. I believe you have had a great approach to the "job", and it is amazing how you manage the mental part. Good luck on your remaining travel plans.

By Ivan Andres on Friday, 14 May - 12:04 pm -0700

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# Well done

Well done mate. PistonHeads has missed you. Safe journey home

By watkid on Friday, 14 May - 11:23 am -0700

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# Good job Ben!

All the best, Ben, keep it steady and safe journey home. Amazing thing you have achieved.

By Miniman on Friday, 14 May - 09:33 am -0700

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# Take Care

Hi Ben,

No need to tell you that a lot of people are going to miss your dispatches? I hope you stay open until we here of your safe return.

Please find a safe LZ, I will be thinking and praying for you. I only hope through serco we can meet and chat about your amazing adventure, and thanks for keeping the communication channels open.

Good Luck, God Speed.

:)

By Peter Goddard on Friday, 14 May - 09:01 am -0700

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# Well done and Safe returning, Ben

This is my first message though been following your journey since day one. It has been a privilege to be allowed into your icy world and I sure will miss logging to the site as a start of the day. Your writing is descriptive and fun to read, hope to see some more from your coming adventures ;)

Now be careful on the last strecth and please let us all know when you are safely off the ice! Thank you for this diary, thank you Serco for making it possible and choosing to support this fabulous guy and thank you everyone who have posted here, I've enjoyed reading the comments as much as Ben's daily dispatches.

Warm hugs to everyone from the northern Finland,
Tiina

By Tiina on Friday, 14 May - 06:17 am -0700

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# SO WE"RE ICE CLIMBING TODAY ARE WE?

Ben,
Congratulations, you freezing freak of nature!
I missed the big moment(nothing new). Thankfully 'The Wetass Chronicles' have been keeping me up to date on your progress (nice tan, by the way).

Whatever you do, don't say 'it's almost over'...that's a jinx in all the war movies.

Please be careful out there. I'm waiting faithfully for your return (and I'm wearing nothing but hot cocoa...ah...temptation!).

Keep in mind that 'ICE IS SHARP' and I don't want you to be attacked by one of those man-eating seals! Great White Seals, that is....
you know they can smell blood.

See you in the morning, dear.
Tricia

By Tricia on Friday, 14 May - 05:30 am -0700

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# God is with you Ben

Ben thankyou so much for all you've done. You are a great adventurer and a great writer and will go on to do greater things. Peace and love to you Ben. Will miss your dispatches and look forward to follow up. You are not alone. Love Bonnie

By Bonnie on Friday, 14 May - 04:53 am -0700

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# Waiting to hear that you are safe.....

Hi Ben! I have checked on your progress every day since the site was recommended by Kim Komando. Your daily diaries were the best reality show going! I really had no idea that so many people attempt to cross the Arctic Ocean each year. It has been fascinating and educational reading. You write extremely well. Your descriptions and photographs are extraordinary. And I know that everyone will remember your phenomenal wit and sense of humor, even in the face of frustration, exhaustion, and danger. You really have a good head on your shoulders! I will be watching this site (and saying a prayer) until I know that you are safely off the ice. Thank you so much for letting your many readers around the world share this experience with you. It's been a fantastic trip for all of us.
Joellyn Leget ~ Medina, Ohio USA
PS: Hi to another of today's comment writers ~ Joellyn Lazarek. I was so surprised to see my first name in the comments today. It's not a common name ~ especially with the same exact spelling. I'd love to hear from you at JoLeget@aol.com

By Joellyn Leget on Friday, 14 May - 03:46 am -0700

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# your're the man

well done ben,
its been so long since khatanga but myself and dan have been watching you all the way we will raise a glass to you from south london xxx Robbie the
soundman and Dan the cameraman

By robbie johnson on Friday, 14 May - 01:59 am -0700

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# Ben

What are you waiting for? You made the pole, now get your butt home. Can I say butt here since it's the last day? Hope so. If you get to the US via Washington D.C. I'd love to hoist a brew or five with you. I'll even wiggle my toes for you. And actually, I can raise my left heel off the floor now too.

Keep me advised of travel and/or speaking engagements.

Guttin' it out, with a brew soon,

DB aka Paul

PS. A special shout too all the nice people who emailed me worried because I haven't posted in a while. You have a great crew of Ben Fans.

By Paul Christian on Friday, 14 May - 01:37 am -0700

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# waiting

Good luck! Have a safe trip... Will be looking forward to your next post, hoping you'll be safe

By Iria on Friday, 14 May - 01:01 am -0700

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# Buenos Noches - and Buenos Dias in a safe place!

You have certainly faced the elements, Ben, and now deserve a good warm-up and rest, before your next big adventure in life.
We thank you and Team Serco and all those who believed in you and supported you. It is lovely to read of those who have been praying for you, too.
May you use what you learned in this adventure in positive ways. Your site notes were always interesting, and you wrote well -- nice to see the special thanks and dedications you gave. I should think you are "a bit of a hero" ! - of our times.
May God's blessings go with you. We'll be looking for your safe recovery.
Betty Adamson, an American in Costa del Sol, SPAIN

By Betty Adamson on Thursday, 13 May - 11:49 pm -0700

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# The Road...

...less travelled. What an understatement in your case. Keep pushing Ben, you have moved mountains in your courage and perseverance.
PS: Hope you find a suitable LZ, cause it looks like that's gonna be tough too!

By George Fudge on Thursday, 13 May - 11:43 pm -0700

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# Fingers crossed for a safe pick-up

We shall be anxiously waiting news of your safe pick-up - our thoughts and prayers are with you and those you love - and also the pickup crew - for a safe return to Canada. Thank you for enriching the lives of so many of us these last few months. We shall miss our daily glimpses into your arctic world through your vivid dispatches and photographs. God bless. Helen

By Jonathan and Helen Haile on Thursday, 13 May - 11:25 pm -0700

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# You call that ice? That's crazy!

Ben, I'm excited for you, and I'll bet you're looking forward to a nice warm bath, eh? I pray you find a good landing spot, and have a pleasant trip back. Let us know how it goes.
Praying,
Brian

By brian on Thursday, 13 May - 11:06 pm -0700

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# Be safe!!!!

U have given us a great insight into your world.I hope to meet you one day Ben....

what an adventure.......

Thankyou so very,very much.
regards Jessie xx

By jessie on Thursday, 13 May - 10:57 pm -0700

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# What a guy... WHAT A GUY!

Ben, I have faithfully been following your every step even though I didn't always leave a comment. I, as is everyone else here, am beyond proud to have been a part of your adventure. What a journey! You deserve to feel only pride for having accomplished what you have under such conditions.....

GLOBAL WARMING BE DAMNED!

But with you in mind, hopefully there will now be many more people who will feel compelled to do something about it.

When you're ready and recovered, contact me. I am a representative at the United Nations and shall be addressing environmental issues in the near future. Having statements from people like you will give my cause infinitely more clout! SERIOUSLY!!! Let's work together on this!!!!

And...... do not, for one minute, think that I will let you slide on holding the auction on that broken boot (autographed, of course!). Pick an environmental charity to benefit, and that boot is mine, baby. ALL MINE!!!! I begin the bid at $1000!

I genuflect to your valiant perseverance, Ben Sanders! Yes, even with a bum knee....

Moki

By Moki Kokoris on Thursday, 13 May - 10:32 pm -0700

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# Congratulations!!!!

Congratulation for your wonderfull trip though the pack and the water...
Having crossed the same broken ice as you, I know that you didn't only ski to the north pole, but mainly climbed and swimed...
The north pole is no longer what it used to be. Because of the global warming effects I'm afraid what we did will soon be a boat trip.
I wish you a nice trip back home and I'm looking foward to hear from you soon.
Big, big, big congratulations!!!
JG

By JG Leynaud on Thursday, 13 May - 10:10 pm -0700

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# Good Luck Ben..

Good Luck on your return journey home Ben. I have really enjoyed visiting this site daily to see what you have been up to. Congratulaitons on a job very well done...All the best to you and A big Thank You to Serco for making this happen for everyone..Cheers Mate...Dave...

By Dave on Thursday, 13 May - 09:44 pm -0700

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# Hang in there...

Ben, your courage is inspiring. Hang in there and all will be okay!! We are extremely excited over here in the Ottawa office to have a chance too meet you.. Looking forward to your many stories and adventures..

Take care,
Louisa : )

By louisa giampaolo on Thursday, 13 May - 09:39 pm -0700

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# best of luck

Hi Ben, This is my first post but I could not let your adventure end without telling you what an amazing young man you are. My son and I have been watching you every day and will really miss seeing what you are doing. I think you should keep this going even after you get home. Some how I think you could make a trip to the dry cleaners an adventure!!!!! Best of luck to you in whatever comes next. Joellyn and family

By Joellyn Lazarek on Thursday, 13 May - 09:39 pm -0700

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# God be with you

I am praying for you and the pilot that will pick you up.

By Calvin Clift on Thursday, 13 May - 09:16 pm -0700

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# it has been a fun ride...

hate to see it ending...be sure to post where we can send you more mail later to find out whatzupppp next!!
kirk

By kirk whitaker on Thursday, 13 May - 09:08 pm -0700

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# Keep safe

Be careful on this last leg, keep us posted please as to your safe return

Jane, the Yorkshire Family & Stockton-on-the-Forest Scout Group

By Jane Pike on Thursday, 13 May - 08:42 pm -0700

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# It's been a great run

Ben it's been wonderful to follow your adventure and jimmy and i will really miss this. You have been a very positive part of our lives in the last 2 + months. Your have accomplished so much in these extremely tough conditions. Thanks so much for sharing this experience with the world. In some small way we have lived your challenges and triumphs and in the end you have come out literally and figuratively in a place you so deeply deserve, On Top of the World. Bravo. Well done and we are saying a little prayer that your pickup will be successful. Please let us know if you are going to write a book or doing a speaking tours of your trip. We would love to participate in that if we could. Thanks and all the best wishes to you Ben!!

Andy

By Andy Stokman on Thursday, 13 May - 08:25 pm -0700

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# Well done, Ben.

Great journey, brutha. Thank you for keeping us posted everyday. It was a fun cyber trek. You've accomplished something that it is simply amazing. Good luck to you!!

Thanks, again.

Dan Lovato

By Dan Lovato (Wash.DC) on Thursday, 13 May - 08:03 pm -0700

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# Fingers crossed!

Hi Ben,

I've not posted that often, but have been checking in on your progress every day.

Congratulations on getting to the pole in such difficult conditions, and good luck for the ride home!

It'll be good to see you back on PH soon!

Ed

By Ed Hasler on Thursday, 13 May - 07:24 pm -0700

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# Our prayers are there

Ask the angel, she (shaman old lady) will help you find a place.
Embrace Each Exciting Moment
Cissy,
Texas

By Cissy on Thursday, 13 May - 06:21 pm -0700

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# Praying like crazy....

Ben, please know I'll be praying with every breath for your safe return.

By Karen Tynes on Thursday, 13 May - 06:21 pm -0700

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# God Bless You!

Here's to your safe pick-up and return! What a story for the grandkiddies!!

By tess on Thursday, 13 May - 06:16 pm -0700

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# What more can be said...............

..........about you, Ben, and your quest for the Arctic crossing - Russia - North Pole - Canada.

A to Z, from your Adventurous spirit to your Zeal for life experiences.

It has been an absolute pleasure and rare privilege to get to know you and participate, however remotely, in your epic conquest of the Arctic.

Thank you, Ben! And thank you to each member of your expedition Team! WELL DONE, WELL DONE.

Heather o t hill in southwestern Ontario, Canada
-30-

By Heather on Thursday, 13 May - 05:51 pm -0700

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# Hi ya Ben!

It was really hot on Monday we are just looking at your latest updates. today in school (larissa) i had to write an artical about you, it was really hard! Good luck!
Larissa Currie and Jenny Currie, wishaw

By Larissa Currie on Thursday, 13 May - 05:50 pm -0700

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# Sunny Scotland

It has been really sunny in Scotland, now thats a shocker! It ws thunder and lightning on Monday, i thinkit was because of the suprising heat! I think that you must be freezing, but you are probably used to the chilly temputure! Good luck!
From Jenny Currie, Larissa Currie, wishaw

By Larissa Currie on Thursday, 13 May - 05:46 pm -0700

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# ice-cracking!

Dear Ben,
hope you are having an ice-cracking time! Say hi to the seals for me. We wish you all the luck in the world and hope things are not to difficult for you!
from larissa and jenny currie

By Larissa Currie on Thursday, 13 May - 05:40 pm -0700

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# All Aboard

Never a dull moment reading your dispatches! This is much worse/better than reality TV, because we've all come to know you so well.

My fingers crossed for you as well. Hope everything goes well and "safe home" (an Amish phrase I love) for everyone involved.

By Gwen on Thursday, 13 May - 05:35 pm -0700

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# Fare Thee Well

Hi, Ben
May the force be with you! Thank you for an extraordinary journey, in fact, I am going to miss reading your dispatches, and who can forget - Ben's air guitar photo! You're da' man.
Fondest Best Wishes,
-Scot
P.S. Thank you Team Serco

By Scot Morrison on Thursday, 13 May - 05:35 pm -0700

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# will miss you!

yikes, that is looks scary!nervous? i bet you are, but just remember everything you've been through so far! the end is in site!
thanks again for taking us along for the ride.
be careful and congrats on a job well done! will miss "visiting" with you and the others each day!
hugs to you!
Deb

By Deb on Thursday, 13 May - 05:30 pm -0700

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# P.S

P.S - Nicky and Robert are now running on Red Bull!!!! (But enjoying evry minute!)

By Jenny on Thursday, 13 May - 05:25 pm -0700

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# Hang there

Ben - we will all be thinking of you overnight...be safe.
Tomorrow is the Big Walk at Serco in Hook, not quite on the scale of your expedition but we will have you in our thoughts. When everyone is worrying about the snakes and bugs in the "Hook Outback" I will remid them of what you have gone through!!!! Looking forward to seeing you back safely. : ) J

By Jenny on Thursday, 13 May - 05:23 pm -0700

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# Fine job done.

The conditions really have been unbelievable, to have reached the pole at all when others have been hit by tradgedy shows how your sheer determination has paid off.
Best of luck with the ride home Ben, take a rest!

Ken. (Superflid)

By Ken Powell on Thursday, 13 May - 05:21 pm -0700

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# FAIRWELL TO ARCTIC

All the best for you, Ben! We are all keeping our fingers crossed for you to get safely back on land. You`ve had an amazing adventure, thanks for sharing it! Although I would have enjoyed to read your dispatches for a lot longer.. ;) But hey, I`m truly glad the ice wasn`t this bad before you reached the Pole.. You`ve most definitely earned it!

Staying tuned,

Sari from Finland

By Sari on Thursday, 13 May - 05:13 pm -0700

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# Good work

Fingers crossed allready. Let's hope that they have a large portion of nice food on the plane... Just find those pans!

By Ingvar Sjoethun on Thursday, 13 May - 05:05 pm -0700

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# Good Luck

We're sorry your expediton is ending.
Lots and lots of luck for the pick up and enjoy your long soak in the bath!!!!!!

We'll miss the dispatches.

Alexander and Thomas

By THOMAS AND ALEXANDER ECKL on Thursday, 13 May - 05:00 pm -0700

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# Best effort!

I hope you are able to find a good landing spot and get to Canada safely. You put forth a tremendous effort, despite travel delays, a broken boot, attack sledges, dodgy ice, snowstorms in what's supossedly an arctic desert, and nasty winds. Thanks to you and to the Serco team for sharing all of this and making it happen!

By Maria, KG4JBJ on Thursday, 13 May - 04:53 pm -0700