North Pole 2011: Killing Time In Resolute Bay

Polar explorer Ben Saunders is still waiting to see if he’ll catch a flight out of Resolute Bay tomorrow so he can finally get underway on his solo and unassisted attempt at the speed record to the North Pole. The weather has been a persistent nemesis for everyone traveling in the Arctic Ocean this season, and it continues to keep Ben stuck at the starting line rather than out on the ice where he would rather be.

The window for skiing to the North Pole is already incredibly narrow, and further delays will probably cause Ben to have to pull the plug for safety reasons. I know he is very reluctant to do that, but it just hasn’t been a good season in the Arctic so far, and it’s unlikely to change in the days ahead. Still, I’d like to see him at least get a chance at the record, rather than just passing time in Resolute Bay

And what does Ben do while he’s there? Check out the video below to see how his days have been passed while he waits for his turn.

Ben Saunders – Killing Time from Ben Saunders on Vimeo.

Kraig Becker