Ben Saunders (26) intends to make the first ever solo unsupported ski crossing of the Arctic Ocean - from Russia to Canada via the North Pole. He will be man-hauling supplies for the entire journey. No dogs, no kites, no guides, no resupplies.


Distance: 1,240 miles (1,996km)
Duration: 3 months
Temperature: as low as -45°C. (-70° windchill)
Sledge weight at start: 180kg (396lbs)
Hazards: polar bear attack, falling through thin ice, frostbite, hypothermia


He posts daily updates and photos with his digital camera, iPAQ and satellite platform.

www.bensaunders.com

I'm so happy you've come back to me, there was a time last week when I felt that I'd lost you forever. Now you’ve given me a second chance and I have to say I'm the luckiest guy on earth.

I know I've pushed you away, kept myself bundled up and shut you out, but those were times of confusion for me. I was feeling cold in your presence, as if our love had frozen over, and I didn't know if I could take it. I covered up and hoped it would pass. I ended up forgetting how amazing you are, how you truly possess my thoughts, as if I could look into the sky and see your eyes in the falling snow.

You have to understand, a lot of my friends told me they couldn't stand you and that they couldn't wait for things to end between us. They said that they preferred "you know who". This had an effect on me for a time, until I realized that I was a fool. Hell with my friends! Who needs fair weather friends like them anyhow?

I know you've had a rough time lately; you've had lots of ups and downs. What amazes me is that you've managed to give me so much. Those days we spent together, the walks, the beautiful sights, just thinking of those times makes my heart steam up like a cup of hot chocolate.

Thank you for always giving me a soft place to land when I just needed to fall.

Thank you for letting those little things slide.

Thank you for the fun times.

Thank you for showing me your beauty.

I love you Winter.