Comments for Ben Saunders

Comment on The Closing Window… by Saraah

Saraah — Fri, 06 May 2011 02:42:40 +0000

Wow. You’re my inspiration. In fact, I’m doing you for my geography assignment. I’m proud too.

Comment on 180 degrees by A.W.C.

A.W.C. — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 23:52:40 +0000

Just came across the blog and your work – amazing. Your “failures” are incredible successes the vast majority of humans will never achieve.
Please don’t stop. For all of us who are too afraid to reach our potential, please don’t stop.

Comment on 180 degrees by Judy Salmon

Judy Salmon — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 21:37:34 +0000

Ben, you inspired me and then inspired the Prince’s Trust Team I was working with because you are living life DIFFERENTLY, originally, bravely, madly and not following the herd. This is one chapter and you now go on to the next with new ideas and determination. Be you. It was not meant this time, the main thing is you went for it, well done. Big hug.

Comment on 180 degrees by liz

liz — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:17:23 +0000

Totally gutted the trip didn’t work out. Chin up though, Ben and team, you made some mesmerizing videos, and I, myself felt a lump in the throat at the last one, so rest assured, you are touching people. Good luck in 2011, I will be following along!

Comment on 180 degrees by Justin

Justin — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:39:31 +0000

Chin up Dude!

Comment on 180 degrees by Brit Hammer

Brit Hammer — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:57:09 +0000

Ben, as I tweeted to you, you’re one of my personal heros. I agree with everyone, and as I wrote on my blog (http://tinyurl.com/6zbd4hn), we need people like you in this world to remind us all to reach for and become our full potential. Looking forward to meeting you in person one day!

Comment on 180 degrees by miller mike

miller mike — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:28:12 +0000

> when he hit 300mph on a downhill stretch.

:-) i am glad that you guys have just a little bit of humor left – this waiting business must have been more frustrating that words can tell.

Comment on 180 degrees by Joe Sharpe

Joe Sharpe — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:30:43 +0000

@Sergio – you can subscribe to the blog feed here: feed://www.bensaunders.com/feed/ and comments feed here: feed://www.bensaunders.com/comments/feed/

Comment on 180 degrees by Ben Saunders

Ben Saunders — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:30:32 +0000

> whoa! you walked all the way to ottawa? with your trusty pulk in tow? THAT is cool!!!

Thanks Mike. We thought 3,417km in a day was cool, too, though keeping up that 213mph average speed was tough: I got through seven pairs of shoes and the wheels on Andy’s carry-on bag melted when he hit 300mph on a downhill stretch.

Comment on 180 degrees by Lidia Jung

Lidia Jung — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:17:56 +0000

Sorry it didn’t work out for you this time Ben, you made the right decision. Look forward to Antarctica now. Your videos and blog posts over the last couple of weeks have been totally awe-inspiring and very moving. A real triumph in themselves.

Comment on 180 degrees by miller mike

miller mike — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:59:34 +0000

> We’re now in Ottawa.

whoa! you walked all the way to ottawa? with your trusty pulk in tow? THAT is cool!!!

Comment on 180 degrees by Dominic

Dominic — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:51:06 +0000

So sorry it’s not going ahead but it is the right decision. Onwards and upwards.

Comment on 180 degrees by Anton Uhl

Anton Uhl — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:13:57 +0000

I was looking at photos of Shackleton’s Endurance being crushed by the Antarctic ice and it became glaringly clear that success comes in many disguises.

Ben, your persistence and strength of character and the energy you put into living your life well and full continue, as always, to be a huge inspiration.

Everything you do, every choice you make, signifies success to me.

All my best always,
Anton

Comment on 180 degrees by Deborah Malin

Deborah Malin — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:22:07 +0000

A truly touching video, one that hits a raw nerve and sparks overwhelming emotion. Its dedication, drive and lifelong commitment that makes dreams real and inspires others. To be an inspiration is the true success, it reaches people who may never speak out but make life changes no matter how small. To Ben and the special people that inspire.

Comment on Two Days by Pijush Kanti Mukherjee

Pijush Kanti Mukherjee — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 05:43:00 +0000

Ben

What makes one take such tortures journeys?
Can you point out few steps to prepare myself for a task not done till now?

All the Best for your future friend!!

Comment on 180 degrees by Mike Papageorge

Mike Papageorge — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:28:35 +0000

Those first three commenters summed it up for me. Best of luck with the next endeavor.

(++ on those videos)

Comment on 180 degrees by Marc

Marc — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 14:12:38 +0000

To Ben and the team, despite your dedication, weather has thwarted plans. So sorry to hear that. Onwards and upwards or rather downwards to Antarctica. Good luck to you all.

Comment on 180 degrees by Ben Saunders

Ben Saunders — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 21:40:16 +0000

Thanks everyone.

@Armand – I’m glad you liked the films. We had to leave them uploading overnight, and most took several hours to send back :)

@Sergio – I’ll be blogging the training and build-up to my Antarctic expedition, so I’ll try and set something up when I’m home next week.

@Sean – the weather has been bad over the Arctic Ocean for several weeks (and long before that video was made) – ultimately it’s all linked, of course, but our troubles were due to strong polar vortices, an unusually cold stratosphere over the North Pole, and a series of severe lows as a result.

Comment on 180 degrees by Matthew Traver

Matthew Traver — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 20:13:39 +0000

Wow… there is something strangely moving about this last video. Very poetic and well said. Keep it up, don’t stop, never burn out for actions like yours keep the world moving forward in the right direction.

Comment on 180 degrees by Sean

Sean — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 19:28:36 +0000

I posted this video in your killing time blog post, but I guess you didn’t see it. I can’t say I didn’t anticipate you calling it off, but I’m sure you’ll eventually get the job done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kesP0IZggww&feature=player_embedded=#t=0m12s

Comment on 180 degrees by Sergio

Sergio — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:03:08 +0000

Ben, it is absolutely amazing to witness, almost live, the events as they happen. It was exciting to watch you prepare and indeed sad to watch the weather win. However we are glad you did the right choice. You got our full support.

Wish you ha some kind of subscription service on the blog, so we could follow when new posts are made.

Comment on 180 degrees by Mark Griffith

Mark Griffith — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:00:34 +0000

Man that has got to be frustrating. But I did enjoy the videos and I think you can take a small slice of comfort that you did all you could. Looking forward to 2012.

Comment on 180 degrees by Alison Lowndes

Alison Lowndes — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 09:40:53 +0000

You sound positively positive which is amazing and looking at Japan Ben you truly did all you could .. Keep up the good vibes and I look forward to your epic South exped x

Comment on 180 degrees by Armand Dijcks

Armand Dijcks — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 08:50:17 +0000

Sad to hear you have to return home again. I know it’s easy to comment on the situation from my armchair-explorer point of view, but think about how you would be feeling now if you had not even attempted to return to the arctic this year. As I wrote earlier on my blog (http://bit.ly/eRga6y) this expedition was already a success just because of getting to the starting point.

Happy to hear you’ve got your next adventure already lined up!

PS: the website and videos are brilliant :-)

Comment on 180 degrees by Jamie

Jamie — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 08:45:44 +0000

There is a time to be a story-teller and a time to be an explorer. You excel at both. May these two roles that you have carved for yourself, combine later this year.

“We all have our White South.” – Ernest Shackleton

With respect,

Jamie

Comment on 180 degrees by April

April — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 08:17:21 +0000

David, Jeremy, and Tom said it well. Good luck Ben and may God be with you.

Comment on 180 degrees by Tom

Tom — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 05:35:32 +0000

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”

On to Antarctica!

Comment on 180 degrees by Jeremy Ricketts

Jeremy Ricketts — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 05:01:01 +0000

Exploring takes resolve and courage. Sometimes that means taking the first step. This time it meant resisting temptation, fighting back your ego, and not taking a prideful/stupid risk. Well done. Can’t wait to see what Antartica holds for you.

Comment on 180 degrees by David Stone

David Stone — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:16:02 +0000

Safe travels home, friend. This blog entry defines the difference between an explorer and a daredevil. You manage extreme risk rather than turnign a blind eye. On to Antarctica!

Comment on Two Days by Sergio

Sergio — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:37:26 +0000

All the best wishes and we all hope you make it, Ben!!!
Godspeed!

Comment on Two Days by Anton Uhl

Anton Uhl — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:55:44 +0000

Ben,
Your frustration is understandable,
though it’s hard to imagine.
Though many people are involved, no one has done as much as you to make this happen.
This alone is an unimaginable feat and whatever comes of this adventure,
we recognize you as a giant among men for even being where you are now.

Here’s hoping the weather gives you your opening!

All my best to you always,
Anton

Comment on Two Days by miller mike

miller mike — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:53:28 +0000

let’s all “think” that nasty ole weather system away to the east. maybe novaya zemlya needs a change in their weather?’

Comment on Two Days by Brit Hammer

Brit Hammer — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:57:51 +0000

“When you know who you are;
when your mission is clear and you
burn with the inner fire of unbreakable will;
no cold can touch your heart;
no deluge can dampen your purpose.
You know that you are alive.”

- Chief Seattle

Comment on Two Days by Ian Sellers

Ian Sellers — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:47:26 +0000

Good luck Ben , hope you get your chance , I think you deserve it.
Regards
Ian

Comment on Two Days by Elina

Elina — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:13:23 +0000

Stay with it and you’re loosing nothing through all this. Supporting you in thought and all fingers and toes crossed for the right weather tomorrow!

Comment on Two Days by richard bull

richard bull — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:03:03 +0000

thats the arctic.
good luck

Comment on Two Days by Matt Kowalewski

Matt Kowalewski — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:26:24 +0000

I really hope the weather improves for you. Keep your head up.

Comment on Two Days by Tim Moss

Tim Moss — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 03:49:57 +0000

A lot of people have their fingers crossed for you Ben.

Comment on Two Days by Ward Irvin

Ward Irvin — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:46:49 +0000

You’ll soon be called to the game. Two mottos from the state of South Carolina: “Dum Spiro Spero” (While I breathe, I hope), and “Animis Opibusque Parati” (Prepared in mind and resources). You are both. But soon, you will be a man of action powering through the northern most latitudes. Maintain your focus, and don’t get too discouraged.

Comment on Two Days by André

André — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:41:43 +0000

Hey man,

You can do it.

Best regards,

André

Comment on Killing Time by miller mike

miller mike — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 19:40:00 +0000

could you make a sail, to ‘sail’ your pulk? just in case you come upon some clean ice and a fair wind from the south? or don your skis and make a sail to propel yourself, with pulk in tow?

Comment on Killing Time by Anton Uhl

Anton Uhl — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:10:11 +0000

Shackleton kept his men entertained while they… waited…

Comment on Killing Time by Sean

Sean — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 03:59:38 +0000

Got a video for you to watch…some guy showing a monster storm forming in the pacific…although I know nothing about weather. Won’t affect you will it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kesP0IZggww&feature=player_embedded=#t=0m12s

Comment on Killing Time by Adrienne

Adrienne — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 03:34:12 +0000

Wow- just learned of your impending journey. This will be epic. Can’t wait to hear the weather cooperates and you are on your way. Thanks for the great video posts!

Comment on Killing Time by Klaus

Klaus — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 00:51:04 +0000

Less we forget this line:

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Comment on Killing Time by Hajo

Hajo — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 23:03:13 +0000

I wish you the best and I press thumbs that the upcoming week will bring your weather! Greetz from Tromsø – Hajo

Comment on Killing Time by Ben Saunders

Ben Saunders — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 20:49:15 +0000

@miller mike – it’s pretty standard high-latitude cuisine! Aside from the odd expedition, the hotel kitchen mainly caters for local manual workers – guys operating heavy machinery at -40 degrees, military types, bush pilots and gas/oil/mineral prospectors. I saw a guy spreading butter on a slice of pizza at lunch today. There’s nothing fresher/nicer because we’re 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle, there are no roads here and the sea is frozen for most of the year, so all the food is flown in.

I’ve duct taped an old closed-cell foam mat on the underside of the pulk to protect the runners until I’m dropped off. I have OCD about two things: getting my gear as light as possible, and making sure my runners are pristine :)

Comment on Killing Time by miller mike

miller mike — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 19:16:32 +0000

why is there (what looks like) duct tape on your pulk?

Comment on Killing Time by miller mike

miller mike — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 19:10:36 +0000

so what’s with the ‘bangers and mash’ 2x a day and the fried fish and chicks? canned veggies? potatoes with frost burn? that looks like you might want to eat that, oh, once a year, not everyday?

Comment on Killing Time by Armand Dijcks

Armand Dijcks — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 17:33:02 +0000

Never though Lego would play such an essential role in the days leading up to an expedition.