North Pole Speed Record

A Quick Update…

Posted on 06^th April, 2008 By Ben Saunders ~ 22 comments

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...to let you all know that I’m ok, and feeling far more upbeat than I was 24 hours ago. I’m now back at the South Camp Inn in Resolute Bay, with coffee on tap and chocolate brownies in the fridge. It seems incredible that I was alone in my tent yesterday morning.

The pick-up flight went perfectly, and was masterfully organised by my expedition manager, Andy Ward. I don't think anyone on earth could have done a finer job of coordinating such a complex situation. Thanks Andy. I also owe a huge thank you to everyone at Natural Resources Canada's Polar Continental Shelf Project for their assistance and expertise.

I'd written a massive update on my iPAQ (the tiny handheld computer I've been using to update this site from the expedition) but it's currently sat with my sledge in an aircraft hangar up the road. As soon as I've retrieved it, I'll post a lengthier update and a few photos.

Thank you all for your kind messages and comments - it's been wonderful to have had such overwhelming support, and I'm only sorry that the story was cut rather shorter than I'd hoped. More soon...

Comments

1. 

   By Simon and Margaret on 06^th April, 2008

   Ben, we are pleased that you are back off the ice safely, but feel so sorry for you that you were unable to achieve your aim.  Despite the outcome we, like all the others who have followed the last 10 days through this website, are in absolute awe of your attempt.  You have stirred young and old to realise that with the right attitude and spirit we can each raise the bar of ambition and achievement.  This outcome must be a massive kick in the teeth, but I would bet that Ben Saunders is the best man to bounce back and show the world how to win on South, next time.
   Oh and talking of betting, because of you we had a couple of quid on Snowy Morning which won 3rd Place in the Grand National this afternoon!

2. 

   By karah on 06^th April, 2008

   you fought a good fight, ben saunders.

3. 

   By Tom Gurnee on 06^th April, 2008

   Thanks for the update, Ben!  Eagerly anticipating your longer post.

4. 

   By Simon Jones on 06^th April, 2008

   Glad you’re back safe mate.

5. 

   By Mark Linder on 06^th April, 2008

   Ben, your attitude and determination has been an inspiring example of someone absolutely determined to achieve his potential. We look forward to what’s next for you.

   Mark

6. 

   By Moki Kokoris on 06^th April, 2008

   Although you were forced into an untimely forfeit, the upper hand has ultimately been yours in the way you attacked your endeavour with dignity and determination.

   “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill

   Glad you’re safe and prepared to turn your skis South. So, CONTINUE!

   Moki

7. 

   By Rachel Hanley on 06^th April, 2008

   I dont know what caused it, but I certainly hope you’re not too discouraged. Im sure the decision was a wise one and respectable one. Sometimes i think explorers and adventurers of your kind push beyond their limits to the point that their life is seriously dangerously at risk- often times losing it when it could have been prevented. Whatever happened, we are certainly all glad you are well.

8. 

   By Marc Tyler on 06^th April, 2008

   Glad you’re getting through this tough time. Can’t be easy, but I don’t doubt for a second your resolve which I’m sure is a hell of a lot stronger than those bloody ski bindings of yours. Good luck mate and enjoy a chocolate brownie or two !

9. 

   By Nick Hancock on 06^th April, 2008

   Mate,

   Just logged on in Edinburgh after 3 days without internet access and so eager to see how much further you’d progressed. So sorry to read about the equipment failure. Not sure I can really relate to how disappointed you must feel, particularly sitting waiting for an airlift with only your thoughts for company.

   Just know that we are all amazed by what you have achieved, and the fact that you can blame the rest of humanity for the ice conditions must be some small consolation! :)

   To paraphrase Shackleton, ‘A man must shape himself to a new mark directly the old one goes to ground’. On to ‘South’…

   Nick

10. 

    By Alison Lowndes on 06^th April, 2008

    You Rock, Ben Saunders .. looking forward to seeing you doing some seriously motivational presentations to the BBC & hey .. even Jonathan Ross .. I’d stay in on a Friday night for you, Ben ;-)
    P.S. Yesterday I managed to complete a harrowing 900mile round trip in 14 hours to pick up 5 fantastic 255/75 wheels & tyres for my Jeep, (LPG of course). I even managed to hook up with some close friends I hadn’t seen for over 2 years, & meet their 18 month old son !
    .. I couldn’t have done it without you, Ben, I mean have you seen the state of the A1 recently, and the M25 .. oh my god, forget the Arctic, how you lot cope living down south just baffles me ;-)

11. 

    By Jonathon Bradshaw on 06^th April, 2008

    Ben, can’t imagine how you feel at the moment but maybe these words will help.
    “All men dream: but not equally.
    Those who dream by night in the
    dusty recesses of their minds wake
    in the day to find that it was vanity:
    but the dreamers of the day are
    dangerous men, for they may act
    their dreams with open eyes, to
    make it possible.”
    T.E Laurence

    At least you had a go and took the step forward that so few in this life ever do. You are the total embodiement, that life really is not a ‘dress rehearsal’

    Jonathon

12. 

    By Simon Evans on 06^th April, 2008

    Ben, it must be absolutely gutting to be forced to finish an expedition that you’ve spent so long preparing for because of an equipment failure. Obviously it wasn’t as strong as you!!

    Well done, looking forward to the next expedition

    Simon

13. 

    By Paul Bower on 06^th April, 2008

    Ben, great to have you back and to live to fight another day, keep it up.

    ps we have the snow back in North Yorks very appropriate!
    regards Paul & Jane

14. 

    By RObb on 06^th April, 2008

    Ben, I read your latest updates with sorrow, yet with great pride.  You gave it your all, covering 60miles is an insane accomplishment given the conditions.

    You will forever be an inspiration to myself and many others!  I look forward to your future goals & expeditions.

    cheers,

    robb

15. 

    By Paul Bower on 06^th April, 2008

    Ben, great to have you back and to fight another day, keep it up.

    ps we have the snow back in North Yorks very appropriate!
    regards Paul & Jane

16. 

    By kerry Anley on 07^th April, 2008

    Hi Ben
    So sad to hear the news, but very glad you are safe and sound.  You are the most positive minded person I have ever known

17. 

    By Chris Skinner on 07^th April, 2008

    Well done Ben
    You gave it your best shot, as always, and we all know you’ll be back out there before too soon to prove them all wrong again ... hopefully with better skis next time!
    Keep up the great battle on behalf of all of us.
    Chris

18. 

    By Paul Deegan on 07^th April, 2008

    It is not the critic who counts
    Nor the man who points out how
    the strong man stumbles
    Or where the doer of deeds
    Could have done better.
    The credit belongs to the man
    Who is actually in the arena;
    Whose face is marred by dust
    And sweat and blood;
    Who know great enthusiasm,
    Great devotion and the triumph
    of achievement.
    And who, at the worst, if he fails
    At least fails while daring greatly –
    So that his place shall never be
    With those odd and timid souls
    Who know neither victory nor defeat.
    You’ve never lived until you’ve almost died.
    For those who have had to fight for it
    Life truly has a flavour
    The protected shall never know.

    - Theodore Roosevelt
    ‘Citizenship in a Republic’,
    23 April 1910, the Sorbonne, Paris

19. 

    By sevels on 07^th April, 2008

    Hi Ben,nice to have you back it is allways next time-for me easy to say and for you easy to do it.
    Best regards-Dave

20. 

    By Fi Ramsden on 07^th April, 2008

    Hey Ben,
    Really hard to know what to say- but just want to let you know I’m thinking of you and looking forward to seeing you back in London where I’ll be armed with a glass of red in one hand and some chocolate brownies in the other (which, by the way, I am now charging for)
    F xx

21. 

    By Grubb Family on 13^th April, 2008

    Hi Ben!
    We’e just come back from a week in the snowy Peak District where we didn’t have internet access so were unaware of your news until now.  So sorry to hear that the expedition is over.  However, we do hope that you will be able to get back to redo the race in the very near future.  We were thrilled to be able to read about the adventures of such an inspirational person (whom we have also had the good fortune to meet recently).  Best of luck with improvements to the equipment and we are looking forward to reading about your next adventure.
    Grubb Family Isle of Wight

22. 

    By Amanda Carter on 19^th April, 2008

    Hi Ben!
    We are so disappointed for you but feel sure that you must be thinking up another plan already!  We echo the thoughts and wishes of the Grubb family, also from the Isle of Wight (and Ryde School!). You were so inspirational to our daughter Clare during Speech Day last year, and hope that you are able to achieve another great journey soon.
    Mark, Mandy and Clare Carter, Isle of Wight