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Dispatches: There may be rubble ahead... - Friday, 12th March 2004


Day's Statistics

Expedition & Environmental Statistics:
Position:82.20.6N 096.52.0E (view route map)
Daily distance:2.4 nm
Total distance:33 nm
Distance to go:874.6 nm
Travelling time:5 hours
Temperature:-29°C
Conditions:slight headwind, rubble & new ice, big lead
view large image
view large image

I was psyched up for a big-mileage day today, but the Arctic had other ideas. Really nasty rubble ice this morning and a nice big open lead (area of open water) this afternoon.

It was about 100m wide, ran to either horizon and was just starting to freeze. I tested the ice with a ski pole. Click... click... splosh. Too thin to ski over. I skied east for a bit, then decided to use my drysuit - the ice conditions on the far side looked perfect. I clambered into the orange suit and headed off on all fours. The far bank seemed a million miles away and the surface was like a badly inflated air bed - I was sinking in all over the place. A few metres out, my knee went through, followed in slow motion by the rest of me. It sounds scary, but the water is warmer than the air, and the suit keeps me stone dry. It was like swimming in creme brulee - no way was I going to get the sledge across as well. So I decided to call it a day, wait for it to freeze properly tonight and make an early start tomorrow.

Today is dedicated to Martin Hartley, expedition photographer extraordinaire, and to Damien du Toit, designer of this website. Both have produced incredible results within ridiculous timeframes and both have been great fun to work with.

I'd also like to say hi to Peggy, and to everyone else out there fighting their own battles.

Finally, a big hello to everyone at Dane's Hill school. Hopefully I'll have the chance to speak to you all again as soon as I'm home.

Visitor Comments


# Sick In Miami

I've seemed to have caught some sort of flu bug in this sunny Miami weather. I would probably die in those kind of bone chilling temps. My hats off to you (and I don't even wear a hat) you are very courageous to be doing this. You are keeping alot of people entertained every day with your dispatches. I was glad to see thar you are carring a firearm, I was worried. I'm wondering what it is, it would have to be large enough to protect you from a polar bear if necessary. Take care will be looking foward to tomorrows dispatch. Peace In The Hood LindaMae

By LindaMae on Saturday, 13 March - 02:15 pm -0800


# Sledges - one or two?

Hi Ben

You say in your latest dispatch that "there was no way I was going to get the sledge across." I am confused. A few weeks ago your website said how you were taking 2 sledges in order to carry all the necessary supplies to make the entire crossing of the Arctic Ocean unsupported. Does this mean that you have already ditched a sledge and are now going for a supported journey instead?

By Pete Grimensky on Saturday, 13 March - 01:12 pm -0800


# Another challenging day!

Still checking on you daily & spreading the word on your adventure. See you had to swim again today. Glad that suits working well! Keep up your spirits! We here in "civilization" are all cheering for you. Glad to see a few schools, and children are logging on & following your adventure! See...your inspiring a whole new generation of adventurers & explorers! Take pride in that! They need all the inspiration & motivation they can get. And YOU..Ben..are doing just that! Take that piece of knowledge with you on your journey & know you are inspiring US ALL!!! Stay safe & Warm! Peaceout!!! TINA...NH

By tina..NH on Saturday, 13 March - 12:59 pm -0800


# Dawn

Hi, Ben
Read like a tough day, interesting note on your dry suit, amazing piece of technology and craftmanship. Best to you, at dawn rise, that conditions favor a long nautical day of positive momentum.
-Scot
San Luis Obispo, Ca.

By Scot Morrison on Saturday, 13 March - 03:17 am -0800


# You inspire me!

I am a 12 yr old boy and have been following your progress. I think you are doing a very good thing. Can you bring me back the North Pole? That would be awesome. Please keep me posted. I want to do something great like you are doing like walk across the U.S. Keep up the good work!

By Rafael Cortada on Saturday, 13 March - 02:22 am -0800


# Good Luck

I check in every day - BEST OF LUCK!
Steven J. Petzke
Boston, Mass
USA

By Steven J. Petzke on Friday, 12 March - 10:56 pm -0800


# Smart Decision

Glad to read that you decided to wait for the water to freeze, or the lead, as I've learned since reading about your adventure. I can't imagine that impatience would be a good trait in your situation! So keep your wits about you and you'll be fine. Checking in every day, and will continue to do so until you've accomplished your goal.

By Gwen on Friday, 12 March - 10:18 pm -0800


# I'm rooting for ya!

You get my vote for your good choices you make through these difficulties.

Thank goodness for the warm clothes that are created now. The struggling adventurers/scientists of the past wore a special type of long-handled underwear over which they wore blanket-lined trousers, woolen shirts, sweaters, and woolen socks. Over these, they wore down-lined parkas with fur ruffs, down-lined trousers, fur socks, fur boots, and two sets of gloves, woolen and fur-lined--Whew!

My thoughts are that you will be comforted with your comfortable clothing!?! Stay warm and stay with the Force to gain many miles tomorrow! I'm rooting for ya!

Remember: Never spit when you're facing a cold Arctic wind - you could take your eye out!
Cissy
Texas

By Cissy on Friday, 12 March - 08:33 pm -0800


# A hero

Met you in Kent & in awe of your achievements. Mine has been a boring life so far but you have inspired me. Who knows what the future holds. I really like polar bears but hope you don't come across any this time. Good luck & thinking of you. Keep on trekking & keep warm !

By Sheila on Friday, 12 March - 07:46 pm -0800


# Two of you at it!!!

Hi Ben
Following your progress on a daily basis, enjoying your exciting reports. Hope you keep moving at good speed towards the pole. Foung out today that a fellow Bostonian, Mick Dawson rower will return to Japan shortly to attempt to row single handed from Japan to US(San Francisco) in his boat "Mrs D" distance approx 6,000 miles, timescale 4/6 months. I now have two brave men to follow!
Best wishes Ben. John Marshall, Boston, UK.

By John Marshall on Friday, 12 March - 07:13 pm -0800


# Have a great day

Here's to a great day, I hope all is well with you. From these daily trials you will gain great strength and wisdom.

By Russ Lawless on Friday, 12 March - 06:28 pm -0800


# You are truely a real live superhero!

Hi Ben! I've been watchng everything you've been doing here, and you are truley awsome! I truely hope you reach you goal, and stay safe. You are really an awsome role-model, and you've become one of mine! Best of luck, I pray for your safe return!

By Katherine on Friday, 12 March - 06:24 pm -0800


# Bad weather

Think it's bad up there?

We had almost an inch of snow today and it's not going to get above 10 degrees tomorrow.....

Nice one Ben, will have to buy you a pint when you get back.

Ken (Superflid)

By Superflid on Friday, 12 March - 05:59 pm -0800


# We're following your progress and wish you the best.

Hi Dan....I am an Earth Science teacher in Livonia, New York (about 6 hrs west of NYC) and we (my classes) are following your incredible journey every day. Thank you for showing us all that there is no limit to what can be accomplished. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
STAY WARM!

By Bill Lewis on Friday, 12 March - 05:47 pm -0800


# Set Straight -

Good afternoon Ben, Many and many stretched oceans apart and countries amid do not think you are stupid, we are in deed all together and wishing you much success and sending our prayers. Those who can do this, are taken in by your ambition, will to survive and love of life to explore such possiblities that we the ordinary person wouldn't dare think of attempting. Much power to you and don't for one minute get distracted nor disillusioned. Keep that head up and keep up with your trek. One thing is for certain, and I know you said it before, if you are meant to finish you WILL. I believe you will. I know your girlfriend does too.
I agree with 91 - 92
Hugs.
Christy

By Christy on Friday, 12 March - 05:18 pm -0800


# You Go!

You are ON TOP OF THE WORLD!
......alone in body, but not in spirit.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

By Chris, Torin, and Gunnar on Friday, 12 March - 05:17 pm -0800


# obstacles

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. "
-Booker T. Washington

By B on Friday, 12 March - 04:58 pm -0800


# Family

Hi Ben,
I've been checking in to see how things have progressed, and I know with the setbacks it's probably easy to get discouraged. But don't be. There are many who are with you, and sending supportive thoughts your way.
Your family must be particularly strong. They want you home, safe and warm I'm sure, as do we all. Keep going, one ahead of the other! You can do it! And as a friend from New Zealand might say (with a mischievous smile), WE'RE ROOTIN FOR YA!!!

By George Fudge on Friday, 12 March - 04:35 pm -0800


# thoughts

I want you to understand I've started to look forward to your progress. YOU ARE THE MAN. I could not think of me doing what you are doing. More power to you And God Bless.
Thank you for you're journey (Zen and the Ice Crossing). Gary

By Gary on Friday, 12 March - 04:10 pm -0800


# Hi

I have been checking in on you everyday. Want you to know I am praying for you and cheering you on.

By Carolyn Montoya on Friday, 12 March - 04:04 pm -0800


# Another great day

I came to work and didn't expect to see an update until later on, I am glad to hear you made another step. I sat outside last night 36 degrees and was complaining I was freezing and I tried to imagine you up there and the temperature change, the water so deep and black as ink. How do you get the mental stanima? How do you stay sane and clam and WARM all the time.
I give you many, many thanks for taking us there through your pictures and writings.

Stay safe and warm and keeps us in your thoughts and we shall keep you in our prayers. My kids are tracking your success.....
christy

By Christy on Friday, 12 March - 02:41 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.


Oh what a night!

Oh what a night! - Wednesday, 10th March 2004

I'm writing this at the end of day two stuck in the tent. The bad weather seems to have blown over and I'm revving up for a good day on the ice tomorrow... Last night was unreal - the kind of weather I'd expect in Antarctica rather than up here - ...read more

Whiteout

Whiteout - Thursday, 11th March 2004

No easy miles today. Things started out looking good, but within an hour the headwind had started (frozen face and drifting backwards) and the cloud had descended. I could hardly see a thing. Fun fun fun. Swearing into my iced up face mask, I ...read more

There may be rubble ahead...

There may be rubble ahead... - Friday, 12th March 2004

I was psyched up for a big-mileage day today, but the Arctic had other ideas. Really nasty rubble ice this morning and a nice big open lead (area of open water) this afternoon. It was about 100m wide, ran to either horizon and was just starting ...

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

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