Visitor Comments

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# Wow

I just read about your adventure from a group I belong to. This is amazing and really awe inspiring. I really didn't think people did these kinds of things anymore. I think it's great to read your dispathes. Now that I know I am going to check in each day to follow your adventures along. I read a few already and want to go and read them all. I thought for sure the one where you heard the sounds was going to be a bear! Im so happy it isn't.
Keep smiling, and keep trying =)

By Mary on Saturday, 20 March - 03:11 pm -0800

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# Chin up!

Keep your eyes on the finish line Ben... You'll get there!
"If you get up one more time than you fall, you will make it through."
- Ancient Chinese proverb

Paul
Vancouver BC

By Paul Hiller on Wednesday, 17 March - 08:47 pm -0800

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# Your truly are an Inspiration

Ben,

I hope you don't mind this "minibook" but I'm sitting here actually in awe, thinking how, in 54 years, I can think of few things that have captivated me more than you and your ""Artic quest". It's overwhelming when I think about it. Maybe it's because I realize that History is in the making here. Maybe it's because I realize that I, along with quite possibly millions of other people worldwide, by way of Kim Komando's email list, am witnessing...in real time no less... someone attempting a feat so difficult that quite possibly no one else anywhere is capable of doing.

A trip of this magnitude requires so many skills and innate character traits, you may be the only person on Earth possessing all of them. Surely there are others with your skill level and training, quite possibly even much more. However, that doesn't begin to explain what is needed to make this journey work and why you can succeed where the rest of us would undoubtedly fail. For you possess those intangible traits that few of us are ever blessed with.

Unwavering courage in the face of what would look like insurmountable obstacles to the rest of us "mere mortals; a pioneering spirit that History's great explorers have all had...a consuming desire to go where no one else has ever been; the strength of character to be a "dreamer", in the presence of countless doomsayers; an obvious ability to work through pain and injury...traits that all great athletes have. Come on now...39 degrees BELOW zero, BEFORE the wind chill! Are you kidding me? Heck, my long underwear comes on when it drops down to 69 degrees... ABOVE zero!

And perhaps the most important trait of them all: an indomitable will and burning desire to accomplish one's goal in the face of all adversity.

Ben, only you know if you have that. I for one, and I'm sure, along with countless other admirers of yours, think you do .

Being stopped by weather or life threatening dangers so great that it would be foolish to continue, would not be a failure. To millions of us, you are already a hero, even after only your first week.

May God's peace and strength be with you and comfort you.

Mike in Tulsa

By mike on Tuesday, 16 March - 12:41 am -0800

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# Great Adventure

Ben, we are homeschoolers watching your trek online. What a great adventure you are on.....have you seen any bears? God's speed....ABZ

By Andrew 9,Benjamin 6, Zac 3 on Monday, 15 March - 03:06 pm -0800

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# Strange sounds.

Hi Ben,
When you described those sounds heard yesterday morning, I immediately thought "Bears". Glad to have read it was just the snow off the tent. Positive thoughts sent your way. gf

By George Fudge on Monday, 15 March - 11:19 am -0800

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# Weight

Just wish we could help by sharing the load.
Hope you kept your breakfasts!
Babs X

By Babs Powell on Monday, 15 March - 09:38 am -0800

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# Good luck!

Hi Ben!

Good luck from Romania! My prayers are with you. Hope you'll achieve what you wish for. Hope you'll get back safe. I'm sure you will, i don't know why, i somehow feel it. Just take it easy. I wish i'd say something more intelligent right now, it's just that i'm in awe and can't recover... Take very good care and sleep well, rest and eat and take care... May God be with you. :)

Rhea

By Rhea on Monday, 15 March - 02:56 am -0800

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# Great Respect

You have traveled an unbelievable distance! It may seem like one forward and two back. But to me it is an amazing amount of sking against elements I can only imagine.

You are truely a brave soul!

Mary

By Mary on Monday, 15 March - 02:32 am -0800

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# I wish you the best

Having spent 13 months in Antarctica some years ago, I can empathize with your frustration over the weather. I, however, did not spend that much time outdoors nor did I attempt to ski that distance. You have my utmost respect and I intend to check in on your progress daily from this point. As we said in the Navy - "Fair winds and Following seas".

By Brooks King on Monday, 15 March - 01:32 am -0800

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# East Coast Saying

As we say out on the east coast of Canada...Giver Hell. You've got brass ones for sure, frozen, but brass ones none-the-less. Nova Scotias thoughts are with you.
KNC

By Kyle on Monday, 15 March - 01:03 am -0800

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# Keep the faith

I guess "take it easy" isn't the right thing to say right now. So, work and move fast to keep yourself warm and achieve your goal. I hope the ice activity isn't too loud for you to get some semblance of a good night's sleep. I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like there.

By Maria, KG4JBJ on Monday, 15 March - 12:57 am -0800

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# Inspirational

Hi Ben,

What you are doing can be compared to Columbus or Lewis and Clark or even the renowned Dr. Livingstone. I have accidentally found your web site and am fascinated by your unique journey. It is truly inspirational. May your courage and determination be rewarded. I am a retiree here in Florida and have always admired groundbreakers and you are truly one of those rare breeds.

I wish you all the luck and strength you will need in your journey.
Donald Dewlow 3/14/04

By donald dewlow on Monday, 15 March - 12:08 am -0800

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# Your Mad!

Your obviously mad but I admire you tremendously and think that exploits such as yours help cement my faith in the younger generation as, of late, it has been slipping somewhat (my faith, that is). I hope that you are able to fulfill your ambitions and remain safe. Unlike yourself, my lifetime has been plagued by self doubt but reading your log makes me feel very humble.
Keep you chin up (and frost free!)
Regards

Nick

By Nick Hickson on Sunday, 14 March - 08:12 pm -0800

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# Supported or unsupported?

You're doing great. No way you'd ever get me leaving the comfort of this sofa! Now that you have ditched your second sled in the ocean, it is going to be pretty much impossible to reach the Pole without aerial support, not to mention Canada. Has your plan now changed because the website still says you are aiming to complete the first unsupported crossing of the Arctic Ocean?

By Barbara on Sunday, 14 March - 07:37 pm -0800

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# I think it's cold in Surrey!!

Hi Ben, having just returned from Florida to find it 'cold and rainy' when compared to the 85 degrees in Florida, but I now think it is positively warm when compared to what you going through. I look forward to seeing you in Selling, when you return to listen to your stories at yet again another Gaskain BBQ!!
Love Hazel

By Hazel Rofe on Sunday, 14 March - 07:30 pm -0800

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# In Awe

I think what your doing is amazing in the least, Ive told my friends about your brave undertaking. We are all in awe, and wish ou the best of luck.

By Russ Lawless on Sunday, 14 March - 06:35 pm -0800

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# Frustration

Frustation leads ua into determination...
Sorry I haven't wrote since Friday. I am so sorry to hear about Dominique. Doesn't look good :( I hope she has sped ahead to meet the drop off. I heard about Wave's radio's. I hope you are okay. I hope you would call for rescue if you should need to and not keep up the determination. We are ALL praying for you to make it and the pictures with your words really take us there. We get a slight chill hearing the wind blowing at a meesly 35 degrees and we shiver! Following your map with signal! Doing good. Sometimes those teachers we have in school they eat their words for be so judgemental at an early age! I have had a few myself! Always remember you have tried, so you can never fail. Write more tomorrow. Be safe. Looking for the end to come on the map! What is trek helping you accomplish, realize for yourself? I know you may not read these to respond. One day you will.
christy

By Christy on Sunday, 14 March - 06:30 pm -0800

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# Best Wishes

iI keep my grandchildren informed of your daily reports .i have you as my home page and look forward every mornnig of your daily progress.God Bless ,from Canada.

By Gloria on Sunday, 14 March - 06:07 pm -0800

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# your big trek

Hi Ben,
I've told everyone at school about your trek from Russia to Canada,and everything they need to know about you.

From Alfie aged 9 years.

By Jessie on Sunday, 14 March - 06:05 pm -0800

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# Infectious attitude!

Ben:

There is an infectious attitude
that helps replenish my gratitude.
Any doubts can be left aside
as I try my own wings to fly.

Each new day, a new page
In life and upon life’s stage
to stretch and prepare again
never giving up; maintain.

With determination to succeed,
time will be right to take the lead.
Whatever power, spirit, force
you gather yourself to stay the course.

My gift to you,
by Cissy
Texas 3/15/04

By Cissy on Sunday, 14 March - 05:26 pm -0800

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# Frustration into Determination

Hi, Ben
Indeed, read like a frustratingly cold day, with bone-chilling wind howling about you like an invisible thief. However, your determination continues to inspire; if you can, we can. I am hooked, because your heroic odyssey, facing danger and beauty all at once, is a summation of courage and bravery, for a time searching for the triumphant human spirit. All the best, may the force be with you, until then...
-Scot
San Luis Obispo, Ca.

By Scot Morrison on Sunday, 14 March - 05:19 pm -0800

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# I am humbled

wow....And how I moaned when I got in from a whole day standing in a field in the rain watching my boys take part in the Cheshire cup.I think it was 6 degrees..positvley boiling by your standards Ben.
Will keep you in mind and read your post daily..Go for it mate!!Life is for achieving,and living our dreams.

Rooting for you all the way.(buy u a beer at BTaP)

Jessica

By Jessie on Sunday, 14 March - 05:11 pm -0800

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# Our Thoughts are With You

We heard you speaking on your SAT phone yesterday morning as we listened to the early morning radio show from the comfort of home in Surrey. You were about to settle down for the night.
Wow, awesome! So here we are having joined your band of daily followers. We'll be with you all the way. Thank you for the opportunity.
Jane & Paul

By Jane on Sunday, 14 March - 05:02 pm -0800

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# Me Too

I came to your website because I was so FRUSTRATED with my piano practice for my exam next week and after reading your dispatch I realise that my problem is "minuet" compared to yours! But now I've got to go and focus and be determined with my piano practice - its in my hands!!!

By Alexander without Thomas Eckl on Sunday, 14 March - 03:09 pm -0800

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# Thinking of you

The perils of this journey are frought with frustartion
in todays world people get to wrapt up in there own daily live's to see what other's have to endure for some their live's are harder than other's.
But, the challenge's you have chosen is a quest not just to see if you can DO IT, but to know That YOU CAN DO IT
knowone ever said that we had to rush life, but to allow time for life. So as your journey progresses don't rush
take it hour by hour. not day by day otherwise the day's seem long and the challenges seem greater than they are hour by hour and the goals are easily achieved.
For the Top of the World is YOUR'S to explore.

Sincerely
Brian and Julia

By Brian Chrans on Sunday, 14 March - 03:02 pm -0800

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# Good Luck

Again GOOD LUCK! from Boston, Ma
I like to check in every day to read your dispatches!
Take Care
Steven J. Petzke
Boston, Ma. USA

By Steven J. Petzke on Sunday, 14 March - 03:02 pm -0800

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# statistical odds?

What are the odds of hitting the north pole if you just sit on the ice flow for a few months? Seems like the wind and current far exceed what a human can accomplish in any given day.

By ben wiseley on Sunday, 14 March - 02:57 pm -0800