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Dispatches: There's something wrong... - Friday, 7th May 2004

Day's Statistics

Expedition & Environmental Statistics:
Position:89.13.5N 91.48.7E (view route map)
Daily distance:11.7 nm
Total distance:444.5 nm
Distance to go:462.3 nm
Travelling time:10.5hrs
Temperature:-4°C
Conditions:still, whiteout with lots pans and a few pans
view large image
view large image

...with this picture. Is the answer:

a) 'Good grief! It's so warm that Ben can ski along with no hat and no gloves.'

b) 'Hahahahahaha... look at those tan lines!'

c) 'Urgh! Look at that hair. I bet it hasn't been washed for at least, ooh, 65 days.'

d) All of the above.

Clearly, the answer's d, and although I can wash my hair and iron out the tan lines on the beach, the temperature issue is a tad more worrying. I've never seen myself as an eco-warrior (my penchant for fast cars probably has something to do with that) and I've been wary of taking a stance on climate change, as I don't believe we know enough about what's going on, but it's obvious that things are changing fast. It's an issue I'll certainly be taking far more interest in...

Anyhow, on a lighter note, I saw one of the locals today. I swam across a lead wearing my drysuit this afternoon, and as I climbed out of the far side and turned to pull my sledge across, I saw something big move in the water, just where I'd been moments before. My heart missed a beat. Killer whale? Arctic shark? A wet, furry head popped out and looked me in the eye. 'Hellloooooooo!' I shouted, as if Mr. Seal was a long lost friend. He (she?) disappeared straight away. I've seen a few seals and they're usually very shy, so I was amazed when he reappeared, so close that I could've bopped him on the head with a ski pole. I tried a bit of 'ar ar ar' but got no more than a quizzical sideways glance, so I took a few photos and he watched with great interest as I stripped out of the orange suit. Finally, as I clipped my skis on, he performed a few elegant tumble turns, as if he was trying to entice me back into the sea. Amazing - it made my whole week. I'm sure it blew Mr. Seal's mind, too.

With all this excitement, I nearly forgot to complain about the weather: same as yesterday, with a bit less wind. I've forgotten what the sun looks like.

Today's dedication is to Roger Jones of Success Talks. Thanks for your help.

Visitor Comments

# Wonderful weather

Hey Ben how is your weather up there down here in Wishaw we're getting great weather apart from on Monday when we got a thunder storm . I here you're 12 miles away from the North pole .We coold use a bit of your snow and ice as we are a bit warm down
here from Ross Jonathan Hayley Becky

By Jonathan Hayley Becky Ross on Wednesday, 12 May - 10:22 am -0700

# Wounderful weather

Hey Ben how is your weather up there down here in Wishaw we're getting great weather apart from on Monday when we got a thunder storm . I here you're 12 miles away from the North pole .We coold use a bit of your snow and ice as we are a bit warm down
here from Ross Jonathan Hayley Becky

By Jonathan Hayley Becky Ross on Wednesday, 12 May - 10:10 am -0700

# Hiya!

At least you have some nice color! I'm still pasty white until I can get my hands on some sun! Seals are great, aren't they? I had the opportunity to swim with them in the Florida Keys last year and they are so cute and "foofy"!

I wouldn't call myself an eco-warrior either, however, my awareness of certain issues have been enhanced over the last year and a half, since my boyfriend (living in the Florida Keys) used to work for Greenpeace. Global warming is a bit scary. I remember on vacation once last year while I was visiting him, I peeled some kiwi fruit and offered him some and he said, "No thanks." I said, "I thought you liked it when you tried it last?" He said, "I do, but it's wrong." I said, "What?? How so?" He said, "Tropicl fruit imported from other countries, or even other parts of this country shouldn't be happening...it screws up the eco system of where it came from and it doesn't belong here." Well, after the long version of the intricate details, I no longer pick up that kiwi or papaya, etc. Even though the results of global warming I may not see in my lifetime (let's not even talk about ozone), it's scary to think what the future holds for all on this planet during that time. That's what many ignore. We're fine, we won't suffer consequences, it's those who will be inhabiting the planet after us. I could go on forever about this, but I'll let you get resting for tomorrow's day in the Arctic!

Peace!

Nikki

By Nikki on Saturday, 8 May - 11:29 pm -0700

# Arctic Sharks

Hey Ben... good to hear all is going well.

For the benefit of the folks around here, I dug up some infor on the greenland shark... the most interesting of the arctic sharks.

http://www.athropolis.com/news/shark.htm

By Silus Grok on Saturday, 8 May - 08:24 am -0700

# A momentary friendship

It's amazing how animals can bring smiles on our faces and take our worries away - even for a few seconds, minutes,etc. I'm glad Mr/Mrs Seal visited you today. I'm sure him/her short friendship was as entertaining for him/her as it was for you. Keep up the good work! I'm amazed at your endurance and delighted to watch your progress! You are an amazing man!

By Linda on Saturday, 8 May - 05:23 am -0700

# So close!

Everyday, every step, every unfrozen lead brings you closer. I hope when you reach the North Pole you bark like your seal pal, play that air guitar you've been practicing on, and dance the freaky funky chicken. I think I might! Cheers!

By George Fudge on Saturday, 8 May - 02:14 am -0700

# Wow

Ben,

I’ve been following you from the start of your adventure. These days I find myself checking up on you before I do anything else. I’ve come to respect you as one of the bravest men I’ve heard of. However, after seeing the photo you published for the whole world to see today, I think you may in fact be the bravest!

I’ll pray for colder weather, even though I know you’d swim to the pole if necessary!

-Scott

By Scott Kesselring on Saturday, 8 May - 12:10 am -0700

# Let's Face It

Hi, Ben
Marvelous photograph, most personable yet, illustrating what a good tan will do, that not-combing your hair is so totally Arctic, and a beard is braun. Now to have heard you, "ar, ar, ar" is worth its weight in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It is not surprising, that a seal would indeed be baffled, by an orange coated, furry-faced, bi-pod. Your dispatches may signal, for each of us, whatever the argument - albeit humankind caused, or earth cycle caused, that climate is changing, and moving beyond the questions, and begin living the solutions, may be our only answer. Can anyone say - "North Pole" - in a few days!
Cheers,
-Scot

By Scot Morrison on Friday, 7 May - 10:48 pm -0700

# cheered my day

Glad you had a good day Ben.with that attitude and determination it won't be long before you have conquered your quest.....
What next to top this one I wonder.

I've said it a few times and I will say it again.............

KEEP YOMPING

By jessie on Friday, 7 May - 10:41 pm -0700

# The answer is.........

e) Forehead size seems to be increasing!

Could be hair shrinking in the cold, might be better when you get home...........

Nearly at the top Ben, all downhill from there. Going great in those conditions.

Ken. (Superflid)

By Ken Powell on Friday, 7 May - 08:04 pm -0700

# A friend! Yea!

Hey Ben:
I was listening to ORBITAL, "The Middle of Nowhere," and thinking of you, and how you must move right along with the music you have recorded. Anyway, I found I could accomplish quite a lot today!

The Heating up of the globe is a quandary and like you, I have thought that we didn't have enough information on things like "patterns" and "trends." However, we do have knowledge that as we multiply in numbers we must find ways to purify water and dicard the trash (without throwing things haphazardly about). I've been thinking all along that you may be most helpful in reporting conditions. I was also wondering how the ice would be these last couple of days when I learned about the 5.3 earthquake in YUKON TERRITORY, CANADA. Earthquakes may not be the problem but any magma heating up the area would be???? Anyway, science is just plumb interesting and I've lived long enough to know that all things are connected. We did just have a full moon. Now I'm thinking that traveling conditions will improve for you.

Sorry so long winded, SERCO will know just what to leave out--you can read later. Basically, I am thrilled you have a safe friend! Yea!

Cissy,
Texas

By Cissy on Friday, 7 May - 07:03 pm -0700

# Mr Seal.

Love it . do you know how much joy you bring to us .?
Sorry Christy about your Grannie .Gloria.

By Gloria on Friday, 7 May - 07:01 pm -0700

# One small step for mankind..

CAPTION:
OK! We'll come clean; just like there was no moon landing, I am pulling the wool over everyones eyes...All the pics are from the inside of Tesco's meat refridgeration plant in Eastbourne. Still, we've had a laugh, haven't we? :)

Keep on rocking Ben


Regards,

Johnny

By John Newman on Friday, 7 May - 06:53 pm -0700

# Fun day!

Glad you had some company on your travels today. You didn't mention any anxiety about swinning the lead, so I hope that means you've adjusted to doing that, when necessary.

Your tan line reminds me of my father's, only his was on his neck and arms.

You're doing so great; not much longer now until we'll read a dispatch that you made it to THE POLE! What an honor it has been for me to follow you on your journey. It's something I'll never forget.

Christy - My sincere condolences on the loss of your grandmother. I know how sad you must be, but also how fortunate you were to have her in your life as long as you did. Because you're her granddaughter, I know you'll find the strength to get through this. Take care, Gwen

By Gwen on Friday, 7 May - 06:53 pm -0700

# What a Fun Day!

What a way to end the week ?????
Sounds great fun, swimming with the seals. If the photo is any good could you put it in your dispatch tomorrow, that'd be great we'd love to see it.
Just in case you see another one - seals don't speak you know, we guess you've been on the ice too long!! - it would be even more worrying if you tell us it answered you though!
We just did some very clever maths - tomorrow you will hopefully have travelled further than what you have left to travel.
You can celebrate with your jelly babies......
Happy skiing, swimming, camping

Thomas + Alexander Eckl, Danes Hill

By Alexander and Thomas Eckl on Friday, 7 May - 06:24 pm -0700

# Perseverance

Ben,

Thanks for your wonderful post today. I always have liked multiple choice questions! Your humour has brightened my day and just thinking of how you have continued to press on, despite and in spite of the isolation, gives me hope for my own life as well. Sorry this is so self-centered.
My late husband would have very much admired your efforts and I am in awe of your quest as well. Best of luck to you. Just know that when you reach your goal, certainly a cheer will go up in front of this keyboard.

By Kathy on Friday, 7 May - 05:43 pm -0700

# For Christy

On behalf of Ben and the rest of the expedition team, I would like to pass on our sincerest condolences on the death of your grannie. That she defied the odds for so long is testament to the kind of fighter she was and she will be in our prayers.

warm regards,

Tony

By Expedition Team on Friday, 7 May - 05:35 pm -0700

# Ben -

Christy here, your stories are always mind blowing, I would love to be in your shoes (no pun intended). Even tough I haven't posted contacts for while I follow your dipatch everyday. My grannie past on Wed, it was horrible, after 5 years of defying the odds of numerous doctors serving a death sentence of no more than 6 months to live, she finally gave in and stopped fighting. SHe is the first person I have ever wondered is she looking over me now? I am 33 and have never thought that until now. I will miss more than I can describe in words. I understand, she had to go rest. Your will of endurance and preservance is kinda like hers you know. Keep on going
Ben until you cannot go anymore, I'll pray for you. I did have a chance to tell her about your exploration, I don't think she remembers though.....

Best Wishes
christy

By Christy on Friday, 7 May - 05:31 pm -0700

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.

And to think...

And to think... - Wednesday, 5th May 2004

...I thought yesterday was a tough day. Today was ridiculous - right off the scale. An even, er, whiter whiteout, more snow, a change in wind direction (I'm now skiing into it), more leads, lots of negative (backwards) drift, giant pressure ridges, ...read more

The last degree

The last degree - Thursday, 6th May 2004

There were moments earlier in the expedition when I thought getting this far would be impossible; when the Pole seemed a million miles away. Now it's less than sixty. Today I crossed the last parallel before the North Geographic Pole - 89 degrees ...read more

There's something wrong...

There's something wrong... - Friday, 7th May 2004

...with this picture. Is the answer: a) 'Good grief! It's so warm that Ben can ski along with no hat and no gloves.' b) 'Hahahahahaha... look at those tan lines!' c) 'Urgh! Look at that hair. I bet it hasn't been washed for at least, ooh, ...

'For pleasure'

'For pleasure' - Saturday, 8th May 2004

As I was skiing along today, I thought back to late February when Bettina, Jean-Gabriel, Wave, Frederic and I were sat in a small hotel room in Khatanga, northern Siberia. We were talking about the motivation behind our individual expeditions (I ...read more

Stop Press!!

Stop Press!! - Sunday, 9th May 2004

Exciting news from the high Arctic! I've just had to delete my entire dispatch (moaning about the weather) and start again. Why? Because ten minutes ago, the sun came out! Typically, it only happens after I've skied for ten hours through whiteout ...read more

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“Everest is very dangerous, but crossing the North Pole, which I attempted to do...is ten times more dangerous” - Reinhold Messner