Visitor Comments

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# Keep Going Ben You Can Do It

Hey Ben,I think u are doing great and i luv The Broken Boot Blues song and on Friday,26 March we were on our computers we are reading wut your writing your AMAZING and I hope u make it back safely anyways your doing a great job see ya by the way i live in Orangeville Ontario Canada keep up the good work buh bi

By JL on Sunday, 28 March - 11:41 pm -0800

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# Come on mate!

Keep it up! All thinking of you!

By Mungo on Sunday, 28 March - 09:51 am -0800

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# dudes bravery

To Ben,

You have most inspired us all with your survivals!!!!
You are our Geography project!!!!!!!!!
You are very couragous.
And you must be very strong.
All that training must have been some hard work.
We all wish you luck in 5EAC!!

From George Rexstrew in 5EAC
And From Alex Huskisson in 5JOO

GOOD LUCK

PEACE OUT

AND SHIMIA DUDE. SHIM-I-AAAA

By Baby WarWus on Saturday, 27 March - 01:51 pm -0800

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# Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ben..You are an amazing man..To be on the ice with a broken boot and still have time to write a blues song about your woes with your boot totally floors me! (Love the song btw) Keep on trecking.....I Found this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that just might pertain to you and your boot..
~~Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson~~
Best Of Luck ...Dave..

By Dave on Saturday, 27 March - 11:44 am -0800

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# These Boots are made for Walking ...

great lyrics, how about a little soul (!) music to go with them.
SORRY!!

Jane & Paul

By Jane on Saturday, 27 March - 11:41 am -0800

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# He's a Poet "to boot" !!!

Loved the poem and your high spirits - I couldn't help myself in usinf the pun!

May the sun shine for you tomorrow and the ice permit you to ski to your hearts content...

We all care about you!

By Debi on Saturday, 27 March - 06:07 am -0800

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# e e cummings

anyone lived in a pretty how town
with up so floating many bells down
Spring summer winter fall
he danced his dids and sang his didnts....

I believe that cummmings had HEROS like you in mind, people who danced when things turned out well, and sang the blues when the going got tough. And never ever never gave up. Chin up and buckle 'em up, and get ready to dance.
~s

By Stephen on Saturday, 27 March - 03:38 am -0800

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# A Matter of Boots

Hi, Ben
Anticipation, in hopes of your next dispatch, heralding success. Certainly, when this weather system breaks, followed by a cobat blue sky, snow that sparkles like billions of tiny diamonds, and silence that urban-man only dreams of, the spirit of humankind prevailed against technological odds. Your adventure, capsulates for me, a possibility, a dream, and a hope. Tomorrow, through this modern marvel of communication, we await word from the Arctic. Now, after all that is said and done, it is a matter of the boot, not of the soul.
-Scot
San Luis Obispo, Ca.

By Scot Morrison on Saturday, 27 March - 12:25 am -0800

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# Positive thoughts .

remembering you in my thoughts and prays hope it goes well for you to-morrow . Gloria.

By Gloria on Friday, 26 March - 11:03 pm -0800

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# Watch out Simon Cowell....

God Ben. I had visions of polar bears running as they hear a strange wail coming from your direction. :-)

Glad you are more cheerful mate. Hope the rest of the trip goes well.

Jonnie (from your gym)

By Jonnie on Friday, 26 March - 10:43 pm -0800

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# Love your broken boots song!

At least you've got a sense of humor, and you are creative as well! Keep the faith -- I'm sure it will all work out for you.
God bless!

By cateye on Friday, 26 March - 09:14 pm -0800

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# Brilliant and amazing

I am amazed that, despite some minor setbacks, and they ARE minor when one considers all that could happen, you are able to write a poem. You have my undending respect, and are a perfect example of "when the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Press on!

By Gwen on Friday, 26 March - 09:03 pm -0800

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# OMG !!!! you're amazing!

Right now im in my class, on our lap tops (cool eh!)
We're reading all of ur entries (well im done and doing this)and over my typing every one is saying UR CRAZY!!!!
by the way, were in Orangeville Ontario Canada! We are following you every day by the way! i like your "Broken Boot Blues" so keep going!!!! ill send in you a nother in a bit , SO LONG From me Brett And my Friend Canden who is sitting right next to me oh ya and Mr Lyon and class BYE!

By Brett Herold and class on Friday, 26 March - 08:16 pm -0800

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# Very Courageous

Ben,

You have courage plus. It will be quite an achievement if you make it. Even if you don't you've gone to the max and thats really enough. Best Wishes.

By Rick on Friday, 26 March - 08:05 pm -0800

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# Shut up Victoria

Victoria is gay don't listen to anything she says shes on crack

By Carly McCulloch on Friday, 26 March - 08:04 pm -0800

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# You make a positive difference!

Okay, love your poem! Also think, "singing is good for the sole," is very clever!
While you are waiting for weather to calm, an active mind is excellent!
I am so proud of you, you are so uplifting Ben. You make a positive difference in my life!
Know that positive thinking surrounds you Ben and the best of all possibles for tomorrow are the wishes coming to you now.
Cissy,
Texas

By Cissy on Friday, 26 March - 07:57 pm -0800

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# Right on -

You know Michele a famous quote, "Footprints on the sands of time are never made by sitting down, those who throw out harsh comments like that obviously are sitting on their fat %^&*?.... Cool Actually why don't you put some music to his song upload to Kaaza or something and put the link on here so we can go to it.

Good night Ben, going out of town this weekend , can try from my laptop but you know how technology is.... If not please be safe and use your head dear. See you on Monday.

By Christy on Friday, 26 March - 07:53 pm -0800

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# It's not there!

Just checked the BBC website to find the weather forecast for the North Pole, got this.

"No locations were found. Please try another search term or check the spelling of the location you have entered".

I'll have a word with the BBC.

Ken. (Superflid)

By Ken Powell on Friday, 26 March - 07:50 pm -0800

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# A poem to reply from the Serco Project Team

My reply, it's a bit wacky but I could think of no more suitable response.

There once was an explorer called Ben
Who strived to do more than most men.
He set out in March to walk to the shops
but went to the pole instead for ice pops.

He walked and walked for many a day
sometimes he'd dance or sing or just play.
One morning he woke and all was so white
it simply gave Ben such a big fright.

"Oh no" he cried, although he's alone
I'm stiuck in the middle of an ice cone.
He put on his boots and took a peek
As he thought he could play hide and seek.

Once he realised he was on his own
the game seemed no fun so he got on his phone.
"Hi it's ben" he said to the team
I'm out on the ice in a big ice cream.

Naturally the team thought he was mad
but knew that Ben was quite a lad
"Go on" they said break on through
as the world is now pulling for you.

KEEP ON MOVING BEN

Regards

Marc

By Marc at Serco on Friday, 26 March - 07:48 pm -0800

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# Weather conditions

Ben,

Those of us who live in Canada can understand the weather conditions that you are going through. The weather here can go from -20 degC to +20 degC in a day. We get white out conditions, blowing snow and all of the winter nonsense that you are facing. We work through it just like you are. Keep going and never let Mother Nature stop you. We don't!!

By Mike Bartlett on Friday, 26 March - 07:46 pm -0800

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# You are already a success -You only fail if you fail to try

We are with you in spirit every step you take. No words could describe how PROUD we are of you. Take us all the way! You ROCK!!

Ron Manor

By Ron Manor on Friday, 26 March - 07:33 pm -0800

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# Blues

That was a brilliant song !!!
You used lots of details.
My favrite part was when you said :
My screws unscrewd and gaffa tape unravelled!!!
Hope tommorow will be better.
Eleanor Clarke

By Eleanor Clarke on Friday, 26 March - 07:26 pm -0800

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# About Ben

Ben according to the About Ben you were born in 1977 and rowed the Atlantic in 1966 I have no doubt you will accomplish this also. May clearer days be ahead in your future. Pam

By Pam Lamb on Friday, 26 March - 07:23 pm -0800

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# These boots are made for walking(skiing)

NIce to see you are not being defeated.Chin up ,keep yomping those miles and attending to those boots(me thinks you will be able to raffle them for charity when you get back )

Hint forget songwriting keep exploring.you are much better at that .LOL

Jessica PH + Alfie

By jessie(Alfie aged9) on Friday, 26 March - 07:03 pm -0800

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# insensitive

I guess everyone is entitled to their opinions, regardless of how inappropriate that they might be for this forum. (I would call Victoria a jerk, but would not want reduce myself to her level.) Ben- You have our moral support. Those who make such derogatory comments do not understand what it means to work to accomplish a goal- and that is sad because they will not have had the opportunity to experience the satisfaction of having accomplished something difficult- to have successfully pushed beyond normal limits and learning something about yourself- to be a better person from the experience. I think the comment on this web site about ships being safe in a harbor, but not being meant for the harbor is appropriate here. - Keep heading North

By Bob on Friday, 26 March - 06:58 pm -0800

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# Some people

Nikki's friend Michelle here......it'll be cool to try to put some music to your little tune. I promise not to laugh at your lyrics if you don't laugh at my guitar playing. Deal? hahaha!!!

As for Victoria's little comment......it's easy to criticize people from behind a computer screen. Instead of reading about other people's adventures, some choose to actually go make their own footprints on the land. It is not a matter of being crazy, it's a matter of something in your soul that yearns to explore. Those were some very poorly written, thoughtless comments. If you want to express your opinion that's fine but at least try to express it in a grammatically correct way.

ROCK ON BEN!!!

By Michelle on Friday, 26 March - 06:57 pm -0800

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# Timpson here we come

Quite the talented one. I'm sure it was all those hours in Kent's apple fields - the Gaskain Blues, the Apple tree waltz, and the Chaver Shuffle - were all favourites. (And Steff's filth)

Keep on chap

By simon on Friday, 26 March - 06:49 pm -0800

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# I don't understand people...

Christy, I'm with you, sister!! People are insensitive to what's important to others in this world. I have no idea what she gets out of making a comment like that in this forum, but there should be a way to block such messages. There are reasons why Ben is soaring with eagles, and she's flying with turkeys. People do have different motivations and what's good for one is not for another. To those people: If you are here to make lame remarks or to send anything unsupportive, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE. Ben, I apologize for being so brash, but this is no place for turkeys. I want you to know that my best friend and I will put music to your song and sending it for you when you complete your expedition and get home. We love you and support you and you're doing a bang-up job!! -- Nikki

By Nikki on Friday, 26 March - 06:41 pm -0800

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# How come ?

How come your trip planning didn't include a spare pair of boots ?

By Colby on Friday, 26 March - 06:33 pm -0800

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# In regards to Victoria

You know for every visitor passing through signing his guestbook no one has had a mean thing to say to him, we should of known there would be one! If you can't say anything supportive, don't bother. How cruel can one be to another, we shouldn't have to ask, we see it.

Don't worry about her Ben there's one in every crowd.

No open mind, no sense of what was put here. Youk now I work for an Agency that just found Dinosaurs in the South Pole, I wish it were me down there doing that, better yet what you are doing, I know I wouldn't last two days.

christy

By Christy on Friday, 26 March - 06:01 pm -0800

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# ur nuts

what in hell do u think ur god or somthing ur goin to die?

By Victoria Mendoza on Friday, 26 March - 05:42 pm -0800

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# singing is good for the sole

so if Alain Hubert made the boots, he can tell you how to fix them. 5 of the geese are now busy laying eggs here in remote and unsuitable corners of the farmyard. The badgers foxes and crows are keeping a watch on events. The unattached ganders are bored, but noisy. A group of canada geese have invaded the pond. Mucho honking. The hedges are just starting to burst. And there have been a few hail showers. Chubby the ancient cat is asleep as usual. Life on the Isle of Wight, can't compare it to finding a giant lizard in the shower in Pittsburgh. Have you tried a drop of superglue on the boot screws?

By tim c on Friday, 26 March - 04:14 pm -0800

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# Don't gove up the day job!

Your little ditty certainly amused but I'm not sure it'll make a number one hit. Glad to hear you're a little more positive today. Been a bit worried about you (and your boots of course).

Inspirational quote for the day "You've got to experience the rain to appreciate the rainbow". Life is throwing obstacles your way at the moment but it will be so very worth it in the end. Keep smiling Ben.

By Katy on Friday, 26 March - 04:05 pm -0800

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# Now you're talking!

Hi Ben,

I'm so glad to read that you've got some decent music inside your head now - things are certainly looking up! ;-)

Sorry things aren't going to plan, but hey - if it was that easy everyone would be doing it.

Keep on taking it one day at a time, and even if you have to abandon the attempt because of this boot, you've still done a fantastic job to get as far as you have in such adverse conditions.

By Ed Hasler on Friday, 26 March - 03:36 pm -0800

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# Thank you Tina

thanks again

By Christy on Friday, 26 March - 03:33 pm -0800

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# Ben..you are multi-talented

That was a cool little diddy! I could hear the music in my head ! So...ya hafta bungy with that boot, what can ya do, I guess. Number one...Don't get discouraged! You are doing well, and despite your problems... YOU KNOW YOU CAN DO IT! Keep your spirits high, you'll figure out all the "small stuff" (Not to make light of your challenges!) You are the man! Stay warm & sleep well...And keep truckin' tommorrow! P.S. NOTE TO CHRISTY: Glad things are looking better for your Gram..we are thinking of you & yours too! Best wishes!.... Peaceout!...Tina..NH

By tina..NH on Friday, 26 March - 03:29 pm -0800

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# POSSIBLE REPAIR - might work

Hey Ben you said in an earlier note that your feet were getting wet, well - here's goes some old time advice, you must have some type of plastic that you discard? If so put a piece down in the bottom of your boot, then put a sock(whatever you wear) on, then put another piece of plastic then the rest of your wear, that way at least feet won't get wet, now they might sweat, I know that can cause them to freeze, but hect it's worth a shot. We use to use trash bags inside our boots so the snow wouldn't make our feet wet. IF there is someway you can take the strap off of your ski, use that instead to seal the boot up, if it's leather is should last a while longer cut the other ski strap and make it a little bit littlier and make two straps. I mean you aren't crusin down the Sweedish Alps! It's basically flat sking so you can afford to make them straps a little bit smaller. What ya think?

By Christy on Friday, 26 March - 03:22 pm -0800

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# Thanks Again

Thank you Bob, means alot.

By Christy on Friday, 26 March - 03:15 pm -0800

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# Better days ahead

Hi Ben,

I had been worried about the boot problem, but in your typical indomitable spirit, you have found a way tp put a positive spin on the situation and put everyone at ease. Although I am not British, I'll use a pun- you have "polarized" the group of us who hit your web site every day to check on your progress. We are living vicariously through you and I know that I seem to feel some of your anguish and excitment as I read the events of your daily trek through the arctic. If you plan to write a book about the experience- I'll definitely be buying one (maybe I can get you to sign a copy)! Keep up the can't quit attitude and take heart that you have so many people pulling for you.
Christy- glad to hear all is ok with your grandmother.

By Bob on Friday, 26 March - 03:08 pm -0800

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# These boots are made for walking but....!

Maybe next time pack a pair of my stillettos!
I hope you got the text message but incase not
Sir Alex Ferguson sends his regards, and wishes you well in your epic adventure.
Warm hugs to you and Valeria Babs XX

By Babs Powell on Friday, 26 March - 03:05 pm -0800

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# Great song writer

Gee you can hear the guitar playing in the background, now all you need is some bass and some acoustic maybe! Sounds good. Well you know for someone being your age you sure have the will, determination in any mind I have met or came upon. Where do you draw such strength from? Your situation is truely a mind over matter mystery...I am so happy to hear you are in better moods, I told every by this time you would be updating and you'd be fine. I knew! Call me gifted if you want!!!! Have you come across a post box yet for those pictures? (Laughing) Now you have to make to the end, because I told the kids you would be sending it when you reached Canada, everyday they want to see your map, so I show them, this morning they said, "WOW", Mommy he really moves huh?" I chuckled and said,"sure he does, you wouldn't believe how fast he goes." There sense of imagination is great, then I explained it to them, and how fast you could go. When you think about it, you are in no race except to be ALIVE AND unHARMED when you arrive in Canada, so take your time and be safe. "Chances like yours only comes once in a lifetime for us folks, yours seem to come quite frequently" Please tell us all, what ever inspired you to do these type of adventures? I am sure we are all curious. Take care (feet stompin, toe tappin) Ben. Muscially inclined, climber, treker, adventures, expeditionist, whatelse are you hiding for us.
christy

By Christy on Friday, 26 March - 03:03 pm -0800

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# its holiday time

We're pleased you're sounding on top again!!!
Almost on top of the world!!!
We have just broken up for Easter now so we really are going on holiday tomorrow and don't know if we'll be able to get on the internet......
if not the latest we'll log in will be in two weeks time and you will be approaching the North Pole by then won't you??
We are going to the sun........we'll be wanting to cool down...we'll think of you wanting to warm up!!
Happy, successful, journey......
Alexander and Thomas Eckl

By Thomas and Alexnder E on Friday, 26 March - 03:00 pm -0800

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# Atta Boy!

Sorry about the boot. I have no idea what the ulitmate repair will be, but I'm betting you'll find it. Glad you got up and out and going, even just a bit.

By Karen Tynes on Friday, 26 March - 02:49 pm -0800

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# Thank crunchie it's Friday ;-)

Glad you are feeling better today Ben. Keep up the good work.

By Lisa (Mrs fish) on Friday, 26 March - 02:40 pm -0800