North Pole Speed Record

Let’s Go

Posted on 26^th March, 2008 By Ben Saunders ~ 28 comments

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Polar expeditions and driving tests have, I’ve just decided, got a lot in common. The scariest bit is sitting and waiting.

Up until lunch time, I wasn't sure if I'd ever get out to the ice at all. In the back of my mind I started wondering how I'd explain it all to sponsors and the media, and how on earth I'd lose the 10kg I've put on since November.

Two hours later, we were looking for a landing spot at Ward Hunt Island. Martin Hartley had assured me that it wasn't as bleak and threatening as starting from the Russian side feels, and he was right. We landed near some old huts at 4pm local time and I skied away from the plane with a whopping grin on my face. It was a beautiful afternoon.

I hadn't realised how long it would take (more than an hour) to hit the actual pack ice, and I finally pitched my tent at 7, on what seems fairly safe, old ice. I keep sitting up in the tent with a start, thinking I've heard it moving, only to realise it's my stomach gurgling away, adjusting to the piles of food I'm putting away.

The pressure ridges round here are on steroids, and I've crossed two today that were laughably huge; forty-footers, consisting of blocks ranging in size from fridge to small car. The photo is of one of 'em.

Once I've sent this update, I'm going to cook some chicken curry and curl up inside my sleeping bag for some kip. I saw Arctic fox tracks this afternoon, which means there might be bears nearby, so I'll be sleeping next to my shotgun!

I can't tell you how happy I am to be out here again (though I think I'd forgotten how difficult camping alone in the -40s is - it's not exactly toasty in the little tent right now). I dedicated each day of my 2004 expedition to someone, so I'm going to dedicate today to Mark Linder. I wouldn't be here now without his help.

Nearly three nautical miles in only 2.5hrs of skiing today (after a late drop-off). Let's see what tomorrow brings. Oh, and happy birthday Clare :)

Comments

1. 

   By Simon Jones on 27^th March, 2008

   It’s so cool to be able to keep up to date with you like this Ben, and to have pictures too. I’m glad you have managed to escape Eureka and are now where you’ve wanted to be, ready to lose the chub!  :-)

   Keep that gun close mate!

2. 

   By Paul Bower on 27^th March, 2008

   Seems like a world away from Leeds & even sunny North Yorkshire battling in with the other commuters - what times rush hour? see you at the finishing post!

   regards

3. 

   By Tom Gurnee on 27^th March, 2008

   Good luck, Ben!

4. 

   By Marc Tyler on 27^th March, 2008

   I wonder what you’re eating tonight ? Something to fill your glycogen stores no doubt. Thank goodness pemmican is no longer on the menu. As you get further into the journey , thought it would be interesting to know how your nutrition plan is holding up. Good eating and skiing to you Ben.

5. 

   By Sean Chapple on 27^th March, 2008

   Great start Ben. Stay safe in those early stages.

6. 

   By Nikki on 27^th March, 2008

   Hiya Ben!

   I’m so excited to see you back on the ice!  It hasn’t been the same since your last endeavor and I look forward to tracking you once again!  Safe travels and Godspeed!  You’ll see me around often once again!

   I look forward to hearing more about what music you took along with you.  Let us know which ones are most inspiring to you as you ski north!

   Nikki :-)

7. 

   By Graham Ogle on 27^th March, 2008

   After all the hard work, go for it Ben. Looking forward to reading all your posts. The girls always like to hear how their customers are doing!

8. 

   By Wil on 27^th March, 2008

   Yay you’re off!  You sound in great spirits, and that ridge is unbelievable. Looking forward to your next update, stay warm!

9. 

   By Alison Lowndes on 27^th March, 2008

   Am so glad you’re off .. was reading Dixie D’s article in New Scientist about how TWICE they had to fire off 3 rounds to scare away bears, simply because they’re so used to hearing the ice crack that the bangs don’t scare them .. whoaaa!  Wishing you NO bears in shotgun range, the least amount of pressure ridges and the smoothest of packs, its so great to read all your progress, Ben.

10. 

    By Paul Curwen on 27^th March, 2008

    Glad your finally on your way!!!

11. 

    By pylorns on 27^th March, 2008

    Awesome.  Here’s hoping the bear doesn’t slip into your tent and curl up next to you!

12. 

    By Mark Linder on 27^th March, 2008

    Ben, I am un-deserving of a mention compared to others in your team.... much happier to see that you’re out there, truly in your element.

13. 

    By Pete Giblin on 27^th March, 2008

    It only seems like yesterday that we were in the pub wondering if you’d get a chance to have a crack this Spring. Congrats on getting onto the ice in the first place. Chloe and I will be following your progress all the way. Very best wishes.

14. 

    By Fearghal O'Nuallain on 27^th March, 2008

    Glad to see you’re on your way.

    That ridge looks pretty savage, I wondering how you manage a heavy sled up and over an obstacle like that.
    
    Best of luck with the bears.

15. 

    By Karen Tynes on 27^th March, 2008

    OMG...the pressure ridge looks like a monster! Maybe you could shoot apart with the shot gun?? Just kidding...still praying…

16. 

    By Moki Kokoris on 27^th March, 2008

    FANTASTIC! You’re off! And since my sacrificial lamb seems to have worked, I shall now go on a search for mutton to offer to the polar bear gods so that they allow you safe and uninterrupted passage.... No bridge tolls over leads either.

    Now focus on that distant horizon and don’t take your eyes off your dream!

17. 

    By Ama on 27^th March, 2008

    Safe journey Ben.

18. 

    By Clare on 27^th March, 2008

    I know you can’t read these comments (at least I don’t think you can...?) But you saying Happy Birthday has made my day!  Thank you Mister!  Missing my neighbour and sending you heaps of good luck wishes!!!!  Am with you all the way! :-)

19. 

    By Fi Ramsden on 27^th March, 2008

    Hi Ben,
    Thought of you on a long traverse a couple of days ago in Cham, with a frosty glacial wind knawing away at my cheeks, and have to confess to just the tiniest feeling of admiration for you, McSaunders! I also wondered whether perhaps I should have force-fed you a few more brownies before you left, or used more butter in the recipe, but with an extra 10 kilos around your middle I’m sure you’ll be fine.  Good luck, Ben, thinking of you all the way,
    F x x

20. 

    By Rhys, Jenny, Ffion and Iwan on 27^th March, 2008

    Go, go, go. You must be mighty pleased the wait is over. “Good luck” seems a bit mundane in the midst of all the “God speeds” but hey, enoy the solitude.

21. 

    By oliver corbett on 27^th March, 2008

    Awesome - well done Ben, have a decent night’s kip and best of luck tomorrow. Oliver

22. 

    By Hilary Tricker on 27^th March, 2008

    Go for it Ben.  We are all thinking of you.  Glad to see your photos are on brand!

23. 

    By Mikey B on 27^th March, 2008

    Hi Ben,

    I’ve been reading your website now for some time just popping in now and again to get away from my 9 - 5.
    I turn forty tomorrow and it’s time for a change.
    Thanks for the inspiration.
    Good luck with your record attempt.

    Mike.

24. 

    By Cas on 27^th March, 2008

    Go Ben...It already sounds very exciting

    Good luck

    Cas

25. 

    By Steve Fletcher on 27^th March, 2008

    So proud of you,my nephew - I wish I had your courage and strength. Diana & I wish you the very best on your momentous trip(s).
    Take care, mate - thinking of you often even though our get togethers are rare, it doesn’t mean we are not monitoring your progress.
    God Speed

26. 

    By David McQueen on 28^th March, 2008

    ...and we’re off!!

27. 

    By Henrik Steen Hansen on 28^th March, 2008

    Hi Ben

    I’m from Denmark, and just heard about you, and your adventure. First thing that comes to my mind is WHY? But I read how experienced and Artic explorer you are, and 2h55m on the marathon, so I believe you can do it, and what a chance this is for you, to go into the history books - not many of us, has that oppotunity.

    God speed!

28. 

    By The Grubb Family on 28^th March, 2008

    Good Luck Ben!  We will be watching your progress with much interest after the fantastic talk you gave us at school last year!
    Best of luck from the Isle of Wight.

Day’s Statistics ~ 26/03/08