Serco TransArctic Expedition - Dispatches - Perspective (7th March 2004)

Visitor Comments

# AMAZING... AWESOME

Its great what you are doing and I can't find the words to speak about how much this has actually touched my soul! You are AWESOME... This is a crazy task you are undertaking.. which makes it all the better.. Please be safe.. we will pray for you... and check back often... thanks to Kommando!

By Doug on Tuesday, 9 March - 09:31 pm -0800

# Inspiration

It's inspiring to know that someone such as yourself is out there pushing his own personal boundaries. You're not just another bloke with a frozen beard. I wish you the best!

By P. Mooney on Tuesday, 9 March - 01:18 pm -0800

# Canada?

Ski through Canada - Escape to Wisconsin.

By Kenny on Tuesday, 9 March - 02:48 am -0800

# Good luck!!

I also found this on Kim Kommand and it is very interesting. I will be watching and keeping track of your progress. You are very brave!! Best of luck and Take care!!

By Jennifer Wachter on Tuesday, 9 March - 02:45 am -0800

# You are an inspiration to me and my family.

Ben
I want you to know that my family is cheering you on..Every step, every mile and every very day. I have childern from the ages of 23 to 5, 3 boys and one very beatiful little girl. She tells me to tell you good luck..

I envy you and your courage.
Good luck and we will continue to leave you messages..

By Chuck Hamilton on Monday, 8 March - 09:56 pm -0800

# Praying for you

Wow! What an adventure! We will pray and watch as you progress. We found this site through Kim Komando. I'm glad to backpack up a mountainside in the relative warmth of spring or summer! Keep that ski-guitar tuned and practice!

By Kathleen Cummings on Monday, 8 March - 04:00 pm -0800

# No Limits

In my humble although whole hearted opinion you are exemplifieng the pioneer in us all. there are always those who will say , it can not be done , or are you nuts ? You however march to the beat of a different drum. Imagine if nobody took any risks how droll our lives would be . I applaud zou and truly believe you are one of this generations REAL heroes!!!!!!

By Randy on Monday, 8 March - 02:45 pm -0800

# Stay in there

Congratulations on the trip that you have already taken and God's speed on the remainder of the trip. Our Prayers are with you on this and all trips. Once in a lifetime. Another Kim Komando fan.

By Bill Pattillo on Monday, 8 March - 02:44 pm -0800

# Go with God

Hi Ben. What an incredible undertaking you've begun. I can't imagine what it must be like but we have your journal for that, right? Any problems keeping your beverages cold enough? Ha, ha. More seriously, I hope things go well and you successfully complete your trip. I'll pray for you and your family and friends. Regards, John Wilson

By John Wilson on Monday, 8 March - 02:42 pm -0800

# All the best

What an amazing journey you've begun. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers -- and so will you Mom! (speaking as one myself). It probably wasn't her idea for her "kid" to head out on his own to the North Pole! I bet she's proud of you though.

By Brenda on Monday, 8 March - 02:19 pm -0800

# Go the distance!

Admire your courage and 'self-actualization'. Suggest you think one day at a time and regard problems as steps to be solved. Stick it out--and make a great adventure! You are up there with Cook, Peary--all the great adventurers. I look forward to reading each dispatch. God Speed!

By Jacquie Katz on Monday, 8 March - 02:11 pm -0800

# What an Adventure!

Ben, you are doing something many of us would like to do or at least like to think we could. By your kind generosity through this website you're allowing us to share and live this adventure thru you. Thank you.

By Tom Burdick on Monday, 8 March - 01:51 pm -0800

# Faith

The ultimate achievement in all journeys.

By Barry Gobbo on Monday, 8 March - 01:50 pm -0800

# I'm hooked

Kim Komando finally provided a cool "Cool site of the day" in her daily email this morning. What a fantastic adventure you have undertaken! I, like everyone else, wish you strength and success. It won't be easy, but that's not why you're doing it. What a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction you will have when the trip's completed! I'll be checking in to monitor your progress, and view the daily photo. Very exciting!

By Gwen on Monday, 8 March - 01:46 pm -0800

# Wowzer

This is incredible ! My hats off to you. I had to grin picturing you rocking out to your favorite songs doing your best to look like Eric Clapton or Pete Townsend with a ski pole, right on and keep on trudgin' Thanks to Kim Kamando you now have another American rootin' for ya. Probably more like a million I bet. I will be back every day possible to see how your doing.
Bruce-n-Gold Beach

By Bruce in Oregon on Monday, 8 March - 01:39 pm -0800

# Not Alone

What an opportunity you have taken! And what a joy that I along with so many others can share with you. I know that you know you're not alone. I just wonder what kind of thoughts you're having out there about God; does He exist? Do your thoughts turn to a higher spirit? I am fascinated that you have made this commitment. Please know that I will be praying for you everyday. What a wonderful journey that you will always be able to look back on. I will be watching you with love, admiration and support every day through the Kim Komando site.

By Emma Fontenot on Monday, 8 March - 01:36 pm -0800

# One foot ahead of the other.

Finally, an inspiration! Too often it's the rotten that gets the attention. I'm sure you'll make it and wrestle that demon of despair to the ground. Before the accident I used to run; "one foot ahead of the other" was my mantra. Maybe the distance will be easier to cover-foot by foot. May the Great Spirit watch over you as you complete your journey. I'll keep checking your progress.

By George Fudge on Monday, 8 March - 01:32 pm -0800

# little burdens

Another Kim Komando follower has been turned on to your site. Ben, your adventure is indeed an inspiration to us all. Compared to your journey life's little burdens that at times .try to defeat us seem like nothing more than Life's Little Burdens. I plan to track your journey as you progress along your route. I predict that it won't be long before your server will need updating. Best wishes for a safe and successful trip.

By Bill Kenny on Monday, 8 March - 01:10 pm -0800

# Stay the Force

Ben, as I read the encouraging notes from people, I can see how the light is being turned on in each individual; by you! The excitement, the challenge, the accomplishment--oh my! We all sincerely hold you in our thoughts and hearts each day, sending out mental images of smooth, hard ice.

Success is measured in each small step you take and you are the fuel that lights our dreams of possibilities.

Remember the feeling you had while sking on the thin ice? That was the force being with you.
Stay the Force
Most Sincerely, Cissy

By Cissy on Monday, 8 March - 12:48 pm -0800

# You go, guy

May God be with you on your daring journey. I admire your courage and wish you nothing but success and tranquility on this perilous adventure. Keep warm and safe. Many prayers are being offered for the safe completion of this daring task.

You are one very brave young man.

Godspeed!

Bo

By BarBara Kline on Monday, 8 March - 12:36 pm -0800

# My daily site now ...................

this will be the site to check now, thank you Ben !! Will be waiting to see your adventure each day, and sending warm, good thoughts your way... I would like to be seeing the sunsets and sunrises with you,, they must be amazing.
Best of luck... Shirley

By Shirley Rosser on Monday, 8 March - 12:25 pm -0800

# God speed

My thoughts and prayers will be with you on this great adventure. We will be waiting for you at journey's end in Canada!

By Gigi on Monday, 8 March - 12:14 pm -0800

# Narrow Path

The path may seem narrow. even on the vast open space that you see before you, but it will widen and lift your spirits toward the established goal. Go for it and God Bless.

By Wes on Monday, 8 March - 12:13 pm -0800

# You have a friend

My daughter, Lily, who is 6 years old and I have been reading your site daily and dicussing your journey. Lily says she hopes you stay warm and she thinks if you think about your friends being with you there perhaps you'll not be so lonely and cold. She finds 35 degrees unbearablel here in Atlanta while waiting for the bus and had a hard time undestanding your determination. We are determined to stand by you during your journey to keep you with faith and warmth.

By Lily on Monday, 8 March - 11:36 am -0800

# Wow

You are in my prayers. Go for it.

By Ann on Monday, 8 March - 11:34 am -0800

# nuts

Your nuts, I like it. GOOD LUCK. Don't dress up like a seal and watch out for the bears!

By Rod Cronkhite on Monday, 8 March - 11:19 am -0800

# Power to you, and God Bless

Now that Kim Kamando has informed us of your adventure, you should be getting a lot more prayers and well wishers. Take care and God Speed.

By Ron Anderson on Monday, 8 March - 11:17 am -0800

# Go---Go

Kick ass. God speed.

By Bob Mc Inerney on Monday, 8 March - 10:59 am -0800

# Simply Amazing

Too bad you couldn't have invented something like a Sail Suit to take advantage of the wind at your back. Funny how us humans get away from it all for alittle time to think. When you get back, teach me how to build an igloo.

By Keith Graham on Monday, 8 March - 10:48 am -0800

# Nothing ventured......

Ben ,
You have been the talk of friends in America and UK. Many are logging on to track your amazing journey for inspiration in their own lives. Sabina sends you heaps of support. Every step is a triumph whatever is around the corner (or ice boulder!)
Keep your enormous courage burning.
Continued wishes of good luck,
Jeremy

By Jeremy Garfield-Davies on Monday, 8 March - 10:14 am -0800

# In the beginning...

Hi, Ben
Your adventure is inspiration! This site an addiction and, in the beginning, "There is Ben Saunders." All the best...
-Scot
San Luis Obispo, Ca.

By Scot Morrison on Monday, 8 March - 03:36 am -0800

# The support team is back.

Val and Tony are safe back at their respective homes with all their luggage, to say nothing of a few (liquid) souvenirs picked up on route. Now all you have to think about is getting to the other side. You are going great guns and have done the really difficult bit of beating Russian bureaucracy. Now just ski (but keep up the singing)!!
Wishing you smooth ice and fine weather!
Jonathan

By Jonathan and Helen Haile on Sunday, 7 March - 10:52 pm -0800

# ADMIRATION

I admire your courage-
Wish I was with you.
I'm sure your bravery would cover my fear two times over.
As long as you're warm at nights I'm sure you'll be Okay!
All the luck in the world.
Beverley.

By Beverley Dick-NZ. on Sunday, 7 March - 09:48 pm -0800

# x

hey ben!! It´s amazing !! I´m enjoying so much your dispatches.
I´m sure you´ll do it.
I´ve just talk 2 val and she is finally at home.
Take lots of care .Good vibes from Granada!!!

By Ana on Sunday, 7 March - 09:06 pm -0800

# Great stuff!

I'm impressed!! - Good on you Ben!
Here's hoping any winds will be at your back, and your progress injury free.
Will be following your progress with daily interest and best wishes.
Keep practicing that air guitar. :^)

Stand-by Canada!

By George on Sunday, 7 March - 08:23 pm -0800

# rockon

dude, you rock.

By Daniel on Sunday, 7 March - 07:05 pm -0800

# Keep on keeping on.

Just keep going the miles will role by ;)

By simon on Sunday, 7 March - 03:29 pm -0800

# Ears Burning!

Marine Stewardship Council Gala auction last friday in aid of Marine conservation,I co chaired the event with Mrs John Gummer, at least Penny did all the work and I drank the bubbles!
Having shaken hands with Prince Charles chatted with John Major and sat next to Chris Pattern at dinner, your name came into the conversation as we were talking about Polar challenges and they are in awe of what you are going to achieve Ben.
As for your comments My Mum says a cake at a meal!
I say take each watch as it comes and make the best of each moment, even the tough ones, and before you know it Canada will be on the Horizon. The ice looks quite beautiful in the sunshine takes me back and you are doing great mileage particularly with such a heavy pulk, keep singing and dancing.
Babs X

By Babs Powell on Sunday, 7 March - 03:24 pm -0800

# Checking IN

Am checking in daily..and wishing you good weather & a strong mind & spirit! I know it must seem difficult already. But may struggle, But you will succeed!! Hoping these notes will help you through the hard times. I'm sure there will be many. But you are strong & have the knowledge & determination to do it!!! Don't know what music your listening to on that MP3..But...music can be an awesome inspiration. SO..dude...Jam away..and we will be jamming with you! (Love the Grateful Dead here!!) Have a good day!!! Peaceout!!!

By tina..NH on Sunday, 7 March - 02:09 pm -0800

# Sparks etc.

I could hardly say sparks were flying from Witch's feet as her jaws clamped around a beautiful cock Grieve but there was a step in ger gait as plodded back to her master. We hope your plodding is more swishing along outhauling the other adventurers; your spirits sound high my master and the boys are egging you on tol snuffles and licks from a raw damp Kent; Ebony xx

By Ebony on Sunday, 7 March - 08:17 am -0800

# loving it!

Great stuff... I look forward to following your adventures on the ice. Hey - a Danish couple or a lonely brit... hmmm guess the Polar Bears will go for the danishes. :)

By ben wiseley on Sunday, 7 March - 05:17 am -0800

# Maintain the Force

Keeping you in my thoughts each day. Goodness, what excitement!
Maintain the Force!
Cissy

By Cissy on Sunday, 7 March - 04:52 am -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.

Alone and shreezing - Friday, 5th March 2004

According to my mum (hi mum!) I used to pronounce freezing as 'shreezing' when I was a bit younger. Well, it's bruddy shreezing here in my tent right now! Our fears were confirmed this morning, with over 50km of open water off the cape. ...read more

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 - 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 ...

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 ...read more

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

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“You've got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down.” - Ray Bradbury