Visitor Comments

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# Life, the universe, and everything

After your 'Captain Caveman' musings about life, the universe and everything, it occurred to me that such philosophising may result in your main sponsors having major problems. If a large number of Serco staff deicide that you have the answer, that 'the back to basics' scenario is for them, then Serco will end up with no employees, 'cos we'll all be on top of the nearest hill contemplating our navels.

I'm sure that was not the intended result, but when you get back to terra firma and to shouts of 'It's all Ben's fault', you'll know why.

I have the utmost admiration for your insane journey, and wish you safe success. Remember the answer is 42 (or is it?); more likely to be 'We apologise for the inconvenience')

By bill on Monday, 19 April - 02:55 pm -0700

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# Hell Yeah, Ben!!

It's always important to keep things in perspective,dude.

I don't know how it happened, but you attracted some cooky-ass people to your site. Kinda scary. Damn internet. And here I thought you were the nutty one.

Anyway, keep pushing forward, brutha!!

By Dan Lovato(DC) on Thursday, 15 April - 09:11 pm -0700

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# Innapropriate joke perhaps more appropriate for Tony!

A guy is forced to live in a remote Eskimo villiage but is having trouble interacting with the villiagers. Finally he corners one of them and asks why they won’t talk to him.

The villiager responds that he has not been initiated as a man. He ask’s what do I have to do?

The villiager says, first you have to drink 2 bottles of Russian Vodka, then you have to go into a cave and kill a polar bear with your bear hands, then to seal your induction into manhood you have to make love for 10 hours straight with one of our women.

The man says he will do it. That night there’s a big party to initiate the stranger. Everyone sits around the fire and they pass him a bottle of Vodka. He down’s about half without much trouble, bet the second half is much more difficult. Finally he finishes it, and they pass him another. He finally manages to finish off the second bottle and the crowd claps and sings. Then he tried to get up but fell over drunk.

The Cheif picks him up and points him in the direction of the polar bear cave. He staggers over and climbs in. Suddenly there’s a huge commotion from within the cave. Bears growling and him screaming and wailing in pain. Half an hour later he stumbles out of the cave, Torn to shreds, bloodied, and half dead. He turns to the crowd and drunkenly says,

Okeee now where’s the woman I gotta kill?

Well I am back from a hot and sunny spell in Cyprus with the husband
believe it or not we won this break in a raffle prize!
Hubby didn't want to sit by a pool so we went exploring which was fun.
Thought of you and thought of us as we attempted to drive the car up mountains, across tracks and streams. What would happen if we got stuck I pondered all I have is a packet of sweets and chewing gum and a cosmetic penknife some lipgloss and some tissues. I wonder if the stream water is drinkable why didn't I pack iodine?
Of course the mobile didn't work though the mosi's did!
Talk about being ill prepared but at least I wasn't cold.
Lady luck was with us and each day we made it safely back to the Hotel and a large V&T with lemon & plenty of ice and a hot bath.
Next time I thought I hope we hire a jeep!
So I had lots to catch up with your adventures and am sorry you had such a scary dunking but it's good to see you are still going great guns
and morale is good. You continue to inspire amaze us all.
Warm hugs to You Valeria your Mum and Tony XXXX

By Babs Powell on Thursday, 15 April - 04:46 pm -0700

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# amazed...

Hi Ben, best wishes from all at the dental practice, Cecile, Anthonia & me. We've been checking in daily, it is truly hard to comrehend how single minded & focussed you are able to be. A genuine inspiration to anyone who things their life is directionless

By Adrian on Thursday, 15 April - 03:34 pm -0700

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# I am glad you r doing this

would you do something like this again.I don't know how you live with tv.(I know I can't).I kinda feel bad for you.Gotta go.bye.

By Tay-tay on Thursday, 15 April - 03:22 pm -0700

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# keep it up ben !

I like the confidence in you.I know you can do it.I had thought you were crazy at first,but know i know why you did this.I have one question,are you going to go on a another trip like this?

By Angel Rodriguez on Thursday, 15 April - 03:14 pm -0700

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# Wise young man

Your are a wise young man. you have no fear to show your feelings. That is admirable, as much as the adventure you are taking. Wish you will someday be able to hear from the peple you mention. Be patience.

By Laurent on Thursday, 15 April - 11:17 am -0700

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# Thanks for the dedication!

Dear Ben,
Tarka must have passed my message through to you--that I wanted to be remembered and VOILA, the dedication. You are more than welcome for "the support". You're like my "UK Kid", just a few months older than Ryan, and I am so proud of the two of you. Can't wait to meet you.

You did not mention your foot today. I pray it is better.
Love from your USA Mum

By Nancy Hannigan on Thursday, 15 April - 01:06 am -0700

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# Our Urban Plight

Hi, Ben
Score! Thank you for reminding me, there is much in the bumper sticker, keep it simple. Your dispatch touched on the cornerstone of haste, busyness, and material. The summation, what really counts in this world, is each individual's remarkable contribution, to each other. Motor on, dude...
Best,
-Scot

By Scot Morrison on Thursday, 15 April - 12:53 am -0700

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# Trying to find yourself?

Funny things happen on this site, they lose me?

No person is totally content, that is what makes us discover, partake in adventure, follow the stars. Don't lose your sense of humor and remember the angel beside you.

More meditation will tell you what you want to know.
Cissy,
Texas

By Cissy on Thursday, 15 April - 12:36 am -0700

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# life is....

Living the kind of life you love, now there is true happiness.
Chin up and boots buckled, live the life.

how are the boots, BTW?

By Stephen on Wednesday, 14 April - 11:48 pm -0700

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# Greetings from Portland, Oregon USA

Hello Ben,
I'm not Russell, Aaron, Oliver, or Dad, but I'd like to say hello and let you to know that your courage is inspiring. Your words of April 14 touched my heart, as has your entire journey. The first thing I do in the morning is look for your previous day's dispatch--you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Even though your journey is a solitary one in the physical sense, so very many of us are with you in spirit. Before signing off, as a mother myself I'd like to acknowledge the courage your mum has shown in seeing you off on your incredible voyage. She must be a woman of great wisdom and character to be able to "let go" and allow you to pursue your dream. Best of luck to you, I know you will succeed not only in this journey, but in all the journeys of your life.
Elizabeth Abernethy

By Elizabeth Abernethy on Wednesday, 14 April - 11:41 pm -0700

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# Happy

I guess that it is like this as well,,,,,

Happiness is not getting what you want,,,,
But wanting what you get....

Very moving updates Ben. Please, continue to share yourself so we can see ourselves clearer. Few dare to do so.
My motto is

Dare To Soar

and you certainly do and the spirit bird reminded you of that.

By idly on Wednesday, 14 April - 11:39 pm -0700

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# I agree

Ben,
I so hear what you are saying: Wise words indeed.
However, if any of your readers feel inpired enough to through out their DVD and wide screen then I'll have 'em!

By sharky on Wednesday, 14 April - 10:49 pm -0700

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# Nothing to add.

I've been there Ben, not the arctic, but where you are.
What a place.

Ken. (Superflid)

By Ken Powell on Wednesday, 14 April - 10:39 pm -0700

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# thoughts to live by...

great life realization there....i was thinking back. how much complex stuff we crave...when the simple stuff is usually so much better. I started hunting this year with a long bow...wood bow, wood arrows..and got sort of laughted at by my hi tech compound bow shooting buddies...just a simple stick and a string. i spent a number of hours in the backyard learning how to operate by instinct only...now it is pure joy...simple. if we are doing something we love...and doing it by instinct...by feel...achieveing is so much sweeter than having all the advantages. simple is good, simple is fun....it is much easier to approach life with childlike wide eyed wonder when things are simple...like sitting on the dock with a cane pole fishing...just you, a can of worms...and hopefully a few fish.
kw

By kirk whitaker on Wednesday, 14 April - 10:12 pm -0700

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# Ben the philosopher.

Wow! How do I say what I want? It's been a crappy week and a half, and in the span of a few short sentences you put all things back into perspective. I'm still mad, of course, but you made me realize there is more to life than just what I think I need.

It is the simplest things in life that give us the most pleasure. Family, friends, good snow, the color of the sky, or the touch of the wind on your face. In the truest forms of the words,... SIMPLEY AMAZING.

Ben, you're one fine human being. Spirit, body, and soul. Imagine if we all strived as you do,... the world would be a better place.

On a lighter note: Remember, when looking for good snow to melt,... avoid the yellow snow at all costs.

Gut it out, philosophizing (did I make that up??),

DB

By Paul Christian on Wednesday, 14 April - 08:38 pm -0700

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# Great message

Ben you hit the nail right on the head. When someone is on their deathbed they never say i should have worked harder to get more things! That is when it becomes very apparent that family and friends are the most improtant things in life. The KISS (Keep it simple s.....) principle is the best way. You're doing great. keep up the good work!

By Andy Stokman on Wednesday, 14 April - 08:26 pm -0700

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# GO GO GO!

Way to go, Ben! :D I'll drink one beer dor you today (Or several, if you will ;) Anyway, Take care, and keep up the good work!

P.S. Do you read these comments? ;)

By Sami Lilja on Wednesday, 14 April - 08:18 pm -0700

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# Living the dream

As my father told me many years ago,before we went our seperate ways.Live each day as though its your last, for one day you will be right.
To me i read that as do whay you want to do not what others want of you
Keep trecking Ben :-)

By Pies on Wednesday, 14 April - 08:12 pm -0700

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# Karen keiting

Not sure II spelt that correctly,but Karen Keiting died today at the tender age of 40.....(if u dont know who she is Gloria hunnifords daugfhter aka Blue Peter fame).Makes me take stock and realise how mortal we are.
You live your dream... We are here for a short while and what we do leaves an imprint for those who follow us....
I think you leaving a bloody darn HUGE imprint Ben!!!!

Keep Yomping

By Jessie on Wednesday, 14 April - 08:03 pm -0700

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# Meaning of Life

It seems you understand the real pleasures in living. Friends, family, and challenges...what more could a guy want! (Maybe some good ice ; haha). Keep plugging Ben.

By George Fudge on Wednesday, 14 April - 07:28 pm -0700

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# Fatherly thoughts

While I am not your dad I suppose I could be. I have two sons, 23 and 26. I have been reading your dispatches every day and most of the comments. I didn't think I would comment but just follow along silently. You touched a heart-string with your dispatch today so I decided to have a say and perhaps offer some fatherly advice. Please humor me.
Whatever you choose to do in life and on this journey of yours make it be YOUR choice. Everyone has expectations for other people. I have expectations for my sons. Your sponsor has expectations for you. Your friends and family have expectations for you. People who monitor your daily progress have expectations for you. It is only human. But the only expectations that mean anything are your own expectations for yourself. You sound like you are truly happy doing what you are doing right now even with the hard times that sometimes show up. You sound like there is no other place you would rather be right now. You see the beauty in what is around you. Hold onto that throughout your life. Each step you take is your step, your journey. Not Serco's, not your dad's, not mine, not anyone's. Just yours. You may share it with us but it is still yours. Enjoy it. And thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. You are truly awesome.
And if you do happen see a bear, please do me a favor. Smile and tell it that Jimi says "Hello".

By Jim W. on Wednesday, 14 April - 07:21 pm -0700

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# A hundred years ago

Fine sentiments young Ben, but don't forget that your current adventure is made relatively (I repeat, relatively) easier by the fact that you are availing yourself of all the accoutrements of the 21st century including instant communications etc. It would have been far more dificult and dangerous, that which are doing, a century ago when one could not be rescued easily, if at all, should anything, God forbid, go wrong.
You are very fortunate in being what you are and having the aspirations that you have, but don't knock the things that we mere mortals hang on to.

Keep safe amd God speed your journey

Nick

By Nick Hickson on Wednesday, 14 April - 07:20 pm -0700

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# speechless....

Wow, I didn't know Ben had in him to touch so many people! Here's my thing, I have never really cared about the superficial things, I guess I am just different. I WANT all those things, however really my kids being happy and me having a piece of mind is priceless. So I continue to want and have only what I need! I work to support my family, I have a job, not a career! Most of us have jobs that we don't like and would love to be doing what we WANT, and then you hear, well I can't help it, I have to....Well the thing is we can help it, we are the ONLY ones that can change it. Push on Ben, prayers and warm (no pun) wishes..

christy

P.S.
My kids (9 & 7) want to know if you say your prayers before bed and what time do you have to go to bed? Tierra and Angelo.

By Christy on Wednesday, 14 April - 07:08 pm -0700

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# Simple Abundance

I echo your sentiments about the misery caused by chasing after superfluous things!

True beauty and joy cannot be purchased in any store.

Thanks for sharing yours with us!

By Lena on Wednesday, 14 April - 06:17 pm -0700

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# p.s.

Doing something you love IS living well.

By Nikki on Wednesday, 14 April - 06:16 pm -0700

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# Words to live by

Ben, I've been reflecting on the same things over the last year. I have a friend who moved to Islamorada in the Florida Keys. I've visited him a couple of times, met his family...things really seemed to be going well. The simple life he was living was what I've always wanted. I'm trying to make adjustments in my life to prepare myself for such a life. We had an argument one night...emotions got EXTREMELY strong...we finally came out with the strong feelings of love we have for each other. We keep in touch, but it's hard not being together. I want nothing more than to give up all this that I have...the great job in Corporate America, the benefits, my home, everything...to move and be with him. I'm afraid it's not what he wants. Anyway, he said something to me that night that really said it for me. He was telling me he could see me helping him run his charter fishing business and yadda yadda yadda...which I want nothing more than that! He said, "You know, fishing isn't about making money and having things and living well...it's about doing something you love!" "NO KIDDING" I shouted back..."THAT'S WHAT I WANT TOO". He was trying to convince me that it wasn't the life I wanted. I told him I should make that decision, NOT him. I don't know why I'm telling you all this, but what I'm trying to say is that I understand how you feel. I've been not caring about wearing my favorite T-shirt, jeans and big hiking boots when I go out to places. People around me say, "You need to put a little more effort in what you're wearing...wear a little makeup..." etc. I say, "NO". Is that a bad thing? He loves me the way I am...low maintenance...and I always said if someone was going to like me, they will have to like me the way that I am...that means what I wear and do and without the makeup! I haven't spoken to him in about 5 or 6 weeks and I get nervous he's trying to let it fade. I miss him. So I understand about how you miss the people who are close to you, not the things you have. If I lived in a tent somewhere and we got to work and play together everyday...that's all I need. Gosh...I'm sorry to go on about this...I don't know what got into me! I'm really sorry to take up so much space and time! I just really do understand how you feel and how you can be sad at the thought of leaving the Arctic! I really do! Perhaps you can plan another expedition someday...and perhaps Valeria will go with you!! Wouldn't that be the bomb? :-D I apologize for going on, I just wanted you to know I understand and I guess you hit the nail on the head with me today. Thank you so much for taking the time to send us your dispatches and letting us into your world everyday, Ben! I appreciate it! Press on toward 86, have a great night and great ice and mileage tomorrow! -- Nikki

By Nikki on Wednesday, 14 April - 06:15 pm -0700

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# Well written

A very eloquent dispatch today Ben. Having lived more years then I'd like to admit, I've gone through many changes in my life. Where once, I valued material things, success in business, as much money as I could gather; I now realize that the simpler I keep my life, the more peaceful I am. What used to be important to me when I was younger is now not important at all.

One of the reasons I became interested in what you're doing, besides the adventure of it all, is also the simplicity of it all. Yes, the attempt is difficult, but what you're doing is so beautifully simple. Even the photos...what could be simpler than the arctic landscape?

You're a fortunate man to have discovered how much more fulfilling the "simple" life is, and what's most important in life - the people who love you and are close to you. I remember a quote from years ago: "Happiness is not having what we want, but having what we need". You should be an extremely happy man.

I'm glad today was such a good day for you that you almost forgot to tell us about it. Here's hoping for more to come!

By Gwen on Wednesday, 14 April - 06:13 pm -0700