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Dispatches: Aarrrggghh!! - Monday, 22nd March 2004


Day's Statistics

Expedition & Environmental Statistics:
Position:82.54.2N 97.10.5E (view route map)
Daily distance:1.2 nm
Total distance:66.8 nm
Distance to go:840.8 nm
Travelling time:6hrs
Temperature:-23°C
Conditions:strong northerly wind, clear skies, lots of rubble and deep snow
view large image
view large image

This is getting ridiculous. I woke up this morning to find my tent flapping like crazy. The wind had turned during the night and had been busy blowing me backwards. It had also snowed heavily which sounds normal, but in reality it hardly ever snows here.

All the ingredients for a nightmare day - a strong headwind did its best to freeze parts of my face and meant I was being blown south almost as fast as I could ski north. The ice is still terrible and the snow makes things worse (see pic) - like skiing through glue. It also made judging the condition of the ice impossible.

The result of six hours hard slog? I'm a big fat 1.5 nautical miles further north than I was this time yesterday. It's like a bad dream.

Anyhow, enough moaning. Congratulations to Arlington Science Focus School for answering yesterday's questions first. Your photo will be on its way as soon as I next see a post box...

For Lauriston School: the average temp. on my expedition so far has been around -30 degrees C. I haven't had frostbite, luckily. Being solo is nicer than it sounds - the time goes quickly as I'm always busy - navigating, putting the tent up, cooking, writing updates, sleeping. My favourite parts are listening to music, reading text messages on my satellite phone and my evening meal. The idea initially came from reading about previous expeditions. For Robert - the training lasted a year although the total build up has taken three. It hasn't been easy, but yes I've enjoyed it - especially putting on weight!

Today is dedicated to anyone else that feels that no matter how hard they try, they're still drifting backwards. There's a great bit in Kipling's 'If' about making a 'heap of all your winnings', losing the lot and starting again without 'breathing a word about your loss'. On days like today, I try and remind myself that just being here is proof that dreams can come true, and that I'm certainly getting what I came for - a challenge.

Thank you for your messages of support and a big hi to Cissy, Christy, Debi, Gwen, Nikki and Scot.

Visitor Comments


# Your doing great

You are an inspiration to all of us, your drive and continuing effort to forge ahead how you make repairs and changes as needed are amazing. We are watching, supporting and feel free to make a left turn and head south to visit us in FLorida!!

By Sarah @ serco seminole county florida on Tuesday, 23 March - 08:16 pm -0800


# Thinking of you

Hi Ben, Just wanted to you know that the Prangles are following your progress daily and thinking of you! Your Aunty Pauline was particularly excited at the weekend as she had bought the Superglue used for your repairs!! Take good care of yourself, R.

By Richard (Your cousin) on Tuesday, 23 March - 01:44 pm -0800


# Groupie status

I think I have earned the rights to this title! Something this extrodinary, why not be a follower, for something like this, I sure wouldn't want to be a leader, as they say "Do not go where the path may lead, instead to where there is not a path and leave a trail." I'd rather this be my trail, it's too cold for me to venture much north! Christy

By Christy on Tuesday, 23 March - 11:58 am -0800


# The Fans Keep Coming

Hi Ben

Just though I'd let you know that your fan club is now growing so rapidly and the number of visits to the web site has increased so much that the log files jammed and we had to clear them down yesterday. It's all ok now but I'd say that your following is reaching "Rock Star" status..............I know that you have at least one "groupie" supporting you daily but I'd better not give you her name. Just thought it might bring a smile to your face and help you along.

"KBO" as Churchill used to say......you'll have to do it now Ben with all these fans behind you.

By Mark of "The Four Yorkshiremen" on Tuesday, 23 March - 11:16 am -0800


# Amazed

Your journey is remarkable. Thank you for sharing your experience on the web.
From the Ozark's
Steve

By Steve Dunlap on Tuesday, 23 March - 04:08 am -0800


# Still Praying for Ya

Ben Keeping a watch on your site and rooting for you. Also committed to pray daily for you. You got your back covered man. Great photos, thank you.Hang in there. We are out here cheering you on. Stay warm as possible. I'll be in England in another week. Hope I can keep updated. victor

By victor young on Tuesday, 23 March - 03:01 am -0800


# Gratitude

Hi, Ben
Just wanted to say, "Thank you."
-Scot

By Scot Morrison on Tuesday, 23 March - 01:16 am -0800


# Little late in the day

Little late in the day but wanted to wish you well.Sleep well .Thoughts are with you .Gloria.

By Gloria on Tuesday, 23 March - 12:44 am -0800


# Howdy from Texas

I am most interested in your journey. I look in on you daily.
I like to read about Arctic explorers from 1700 to present and yes, that includes you. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you'll make it. Spring has sprung here in Houston, TX (+25°C)
Hope you get a little warmer weather but not too much.
So long from 30° 05.53N 095 37.71W

By Joe Klein on Tuesday, 23 March - 12:27 am -0800


# Arctic Wildlife

Thanks for the personal greeting Ben. It's good to know that you know you have regular supporters, besides your family and personal friends, while on your adventure.

I looked up Arctic weather on the web, and found a site that everyone who posts might enjoy http://www.onlineweather.com/v4/world/owac/AR/ Bottom line is, it's COLD up there! Also looked up Artic wildlife. There's a lot besides Polar Bears. Great site at http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/html/wildlife.html Maybe, if you're lucky, you'll see an Arctic Fox, or a Snowy Owl. I wonder if you'll come across any other people while on your trip. Wouldn't that be something!

I can relate to the spirit of adventure that you have. My big, solo, adventure was an almost 10,000 mile road trip throughout the northwest United States. Took almost 3 months and I loved every minute of it, even the difficulities, which, of course, were minor compared to yours.

Your descriptions of your days are so...descriptive! "Skiing through glue" certainly lets the reader know what it's like.

Today was a tough one for you, but I have no doubt there are better days ahead. Keep those positive spirits of yours soaring, and press on!

By Gwen on Monday, 22 March - 11:11 pm -0800


# Hang in there!!

Hi, I've been reading the journal entries daily. I wish you the best of luck on your journey! I'm praying everyday. Don't give up, i'm backing you up all the way. And by the way, I think you're very very brave!

By Charity Stafford on Monday, 22 March - 10:38 pm -0800


# keep going

keep moving forward, no matter how hard it is. i know this sounds weird coming from someone who actually sits down in front of the pc the whole day till their right hand hurts from to much handling the mouse... but we think of you and pray for you, and it's like you're carrying a flag of some sort for us there. like we all want to go there but don't dare. you did dare and do something so amazing i can't find words to express. i find so much inspiration in what you're doing and so are so many many other people. so don't give up. go further and ski your (and our) dreams to canada

rhea

By Rhea on Monday, 22 March - 08:53 pm -0800


# It came to pass....

Ben
Remember, "it came to pass...." It didn't come to stay there! Today's storm will be over by tomorrow and you will make more progress as the days go by. You are such an inspiration, especially for the school kids who are following this. Hang in there, and don't get discouraged!

By cateye on Monday, 22 March - 08:12 pm -0800


# every storm ends

ben, as an explorer once said, 'just bash on, regardless'.

i've jsut completed the first W to E crossing of Iceland's Vatnajokull ice cap alone in winter, only 140km (86 mi) but that took me 29 days, most of it waiting out storms...one thoughjt that constantly kept me going was that every storm ends, and that just a few hundred meters above me, above clouds, was sunshine...just the thought of a ray of sun (i had 10m visibility for 80% of the time) was a great relief.

best luck & stay safe

cameron

By cameron smith on Monday, 22 March - 07:01 pm -0800


# Who needs a Director?

Hi Ben,
I could get used to this mode of directing! Your stills are doing a grand job of conjuring up the scene - so who needs me?!
Hope the PD150 is doing as good work - don't forget to load it!
Many good wishes, as always
Robin Marriott
c/o BOYD MEDIA

By Robin Marriott on Monday, 22 March - 06:48 pm -0800


# Hello from Kansas

Hello Ben!
Greetings from the flat plains of Kansas! I saw the site link for this site one day about three weeks ago and have been following you ever since!
Sorry to hear the weather is not being a gracious host to you! You would think having company, it would comply a little bit!
I am keeping you and the other explorers in my prayers. Godspeed and know that you have friends in Kansas that are pulling for you!
Sincerely,
Lane

By Lane on Monday, 22 March - 06:27 pm -0800


# Tiffany says "Hello"

Tiffany and the 4th Block science class from Livonia, NY (10th grade) say hang in there. We're following your progress. Good luck!
PS
If you got attacked by a polar bear, do you have a gun to protect yourself?

By Bill Lewis on Monday, 22 March - 06:17 pm -0800


# Good Luck!

Hi Ben,

Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Your photos are very great.
Good luck, take care and stay safe.

Doris From Serco Group HK

By DORiS on Monday, 22 March - 05:45 pm -0800


# Heading forward

hey, glad to hear your spirits are still up. Here's to heading forward.

By simon on Monday, 22 March - 04:41 pm -0800


# DREAMS CAN COME TRUE

Oh gosh Ben:

I was thinking about you earlier today and decided to check the site early. Ugh, sorry about the weather.

Sometimes when driving along a certain path, fate causes me to have to slow down or take a detour. Later, I see that if I had continued along the trusted path I would have run into much trouble.

Who knows what would have happened if circumstances had been different for you today? It is what it is. . .right!?! I really like what you said, that "dreams can come true." They certainly can, and the best and most intense flow of good thoughts and prayers move in your direction by many people.

You are not alone!

Cissy,
Texas
PS: Thanks Most Sincerely for the name mention!

By Cissy on Monday, 22 March - 04:35 pm -0800


# Dreams...

I thought you might like this one:
Dreams
by Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Langston Hughes

(no pun intended)

By Christy on Monday, 22 March - 03:48 pm -0800


# Perseverance

Hi Ben,

You have been through so much already and keep a positive attitude through it all. You have done so much training and planning for this expedition. Nothing is going to hold you back from completing your goal. Not only do you have the physical strength to do this, but the mental toughness. You continue to inspire-

By Bob on Monday, 22 March - 03:33 pm -0800


# Winds

in response to Michelle, I might be wrong! the wind doesn't push him per say at these times, these are the times in which the ice is moving. The Arctic sea ice is more like a living organism than a solid mass. Strong winds help push ice out of the Arctic. Meanwhile, new ice forms each winter. Every summer the snow melts atop the ice, leaving giant puddles.moving. I am sure Ben will correct me if I am wrong.

By Christy on Monday, 22 March - 03:02 pm -0800


# To Ski or Not to Ski

Hi, Ben
Early in the morning Pacific Standard Time, and we have marine layer cover, and cool temps. an average of 45 degrees F, in the morning. However, this does not compare to an average negative 31, howling winds, and potential frost bite. Too, thanks for the insight into your daily routine, it is more than Han Solo, dude. An overwhelmingly excellent summation of facing the challenge square on, "...That just being here is proof that dreams can come true." You are ultimate! Cheers.
-Scot
San Luis Obispo, Ca.

By Scot Morrison on Monday, 22 March - 03:00 pm -0800


# Wind directions

I have a question? If the wind was heading north through the eastern hemisphere over the north pole into the western hemiphere, once it passed the north pole would it be heading southwest?

If you are standing on the north pole, how do you describe the direction of the wind? ( I would say southerly but I am just curious) since you can't go north.
christy

By Christy on Monday, 22 March - 02:47 pm -0800


# Question

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but how does the wind push you backwards? Is it pushing you physically, or the ice is drifting, or what? Sorry, we don't deal with drifting ice much here in Illinois!

By Michelle on Monday, 22 March - 02:35 pm -0800


# WOWEEEEEE

I am so excited to tell my son/daughter that they have won a pic from you! I think I am more excited than an adult should be. Keep looking I think you'll see one of those blue boxes REAL soon! (laughing) Thanks for mentioning us on your dispatch, means a lot. Ah, now just a couple of days ago your spirits were a little higher than today. Keep your head up, you know for all that you go backwards, you will move forward. You will get there if you only keep believing. I am so happy to see that you enjoying your self, and you actually read the text messages! Any chance you'll run into Wave, he's about at the same degrees, if your measurements are uploaded right on this site? Keep your head up, I'd give you the addresses but since this thing posts for millions to see, I don't think it would be smart. I'll send it to your contacts from the site. (still smiling) Thanks Ben. Be back in a few have work to do!
christy

By Christy on Monday, 22 March - 02:26 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.


Crawling north

Crawling north - Saturday, 20th March 2004

Once again, the Arctic made me fight for every inch of every mile north. I've never seen ice as bad as this - impenetrable rubble stretching as far as either horizon, topped off with plenty of fresh, sticky, drifted snow. A bombed out metropolis ...read more

Sun dog

Sun dog - Sunday, 21st March 2004

I saw a beautiful sun dog today - hopefully the photo shows it clearly enough. A parhelion is the technical term, although I'm not sure exactly what causes it. So here's my idea - a little competition: the first school to reply with the correct ...read more

Aarrrggghh!!

Aarrrggghh!! - Monday, 22nd March 2004

This is getting ridiculous. I woke up this morning to find my tent flapping like crazy. The wind had turned during the night and had been busy blowing me backwards. It had also snowed heavily which sounds normal, but in reality it hardly ever snows ...

Sole destroying stuff

Sole destroying stuff - Tuesday, 23rd March 2004

I think it's a very English trait that when disaster strikes, you can still sum it up with a cheesy pun. My right boot felt a bit odd yesterday, but I thought nothing of it. When I came to put it on this morning, I noticed there was a lot of ice ...read more

Boot bodging

Boot bodging - Wednesday, 24th March 2004

The good news? I've finally passed 83 degrees and the ice conditions are improving. The bad? Yesterday's elaborate boot repair didn't last long and I was back to square one last night. I spent an hour this morning repairing it again, this time with ...read more

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“Fortune favours the bold.” - Virgil