Now we are finally here – at the North Pole! We’re exhausted, but extremely satisfied and overjoyed in reaching our goal. This has been an incredibly tough journey; but it’s been tough in a good way – because we have managed to deal with all of the difficulties that we have encountered on the way. We have stood together and worked hard.
I am really grateful to have been here together with Mike! He is one of the strongest people, both mentally and physically, that I have ever been on an expedition with. And it is because we have played on each other’s strength that we have managed to complete this journey. Neither of us would have had a chance to go it alone. Since Day One it has been a question of teamwork; we have built this expedition stone by stone, so to speak. Mike and I have strived for a common goal. That’s why it feels great to be far closer friends than before we left. We’ve done it together!
You no doubt notice the great joy in this message, after all the difficulties we have been through. I must admit there were times when I was unsure whether we would reach the goal – but not once did we consider giving up. We followed our plan, seeing how long our food would take us.
Today is Day 61 of this expedition. It is the 23rd of March – and that is precisely the day we planned on arriving! This is the day the Russians are once again establishing Camp Borneo. And during these days now, the sun returns to the North Pole. This all sets a beautiful frame for our expedition; we started in darkness, and could finally enjoy a couple of days of midnight sun, just before completing the journey.
I would really like to thank everyone who has followed our expedition. Thank you for great support, good thoughts and the many wishes people have sent us. I am very grateful for that support and the interest. I know it may seem utterly senseless to head out on an expedition such as this, surrounded by the ice and cold. But nevertheless, I do hope that what we are doing here – stretching ourselves to reach our goal – may inspire someone to follow their dream.
Thank you for joining me on the journey.
What an amazing adventure! What a pleasure it was to follow day by day, imagining how harsh the conditions were, struggling with the equipment, traversing the ice, swimming the leeds. You were in my thoughts the whole time. You two men are truly an inspiration! I have nothing but respect and total admiration for you and what you’ve accomplished. I’ll be waiting for the next adventure! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Congratulation to the both of you!! This is an amazing achievement. Excedlent work to tretch the limits in exploring and find new bounderies all the time. It was great to read all the stories. Thanks and once again: Congratulations!
Congratulations! I just read about your journey in the news and followed the link to your blog. Good luck with the rest of your travels. What an inspiring trip.
Regards,
Mary Young
What a fantastic accomplishment! It is a tribute to your strength and determination to not give up and fulfill your goal. I hope you will write a book to recount your adventure and share it with those of us that will never be able to go through such an experience. Return safely to your homelands.
Regards,
Vince Mastrocola
A tremendous accomplishment, gentlemen! I am excited for you and your families! Though I have to say, I don’t know how I’m going to start my days now that there will be no more updates
For the last two months, your journey has been a daily reminder that determination mixed with passion and planning can get you anywhere. For that I thank you both…
Hei Børge.
Sender en hilsen fra 79 grader nord ca 1200km sør for deg.
Gratulerer med en fantastisk fysisk prestasjon.
Beste hilsen
Geir Aasebøstøl
Ny Ålesund
You are splendid humans! I congratulate you and echo the comment of Brad Nihls–won’t know how to start the workday without excerpts from your adventuring. Thank you!
I congratulate you, sirs, on the attainment of the Pole.
I am so thrilled that you made it safely– We are so happy for you~
Stephanie; age 6
My Wetsuit is too Small!I used to teach an introductory river kayaking class at a local YMCA. It involved a classroom session and pool time. The lifeguard at the pool was so interested, that we invited him to join the activity in the pool. He learned very quickly and wanted to come on an instructional trip on the river. Of course, being the lifeguard at the Y, he had missed the classroom sessions which covered equipment, gear, clothing, theory, etc.So he came along on a trip and I provided an extra boat, and the required wetsuit (we’re in the Chicago area). Once at the put-in, I told him to put on the wetsuit so in the event of a dump, he’d stay warm.Off he went and it took a very long time for him to reappear. When he finally did, I couldn’t help but laugh at not only him but myself as well. I had forgotten to tell him to take off his jeans, t-shirt, sweater and jacket! He also asked me whether he really needed to wear that wet suit because he didn’t feel very comfortable in it at all!We both had a good laugh and I learned as an instructor teaching novices, NEVER EVER TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED!I still consider it a great learning experience for me!