|
|
 |
|
February 10 2005
Bancroft & Arnesen expedition called off
It wasn't extreme weather conditions, polar bears, or cracking ice that forced Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen to end their expedition suddenly on March 30th, 2005. Rather, they were forced to leave the ice because of difficulties with Russian authorities. The women had been traveling on skis from Russian Cape Arkticheskiy, 81.20 N, since March 11th and had just made the 83 N mark.
Ann Bancroft (American) and Liv Arnesen (Norwegian) were crossing the Arctic Ocean on their way to from Russia to Canada. They were prepared to spend 3-4 months crossing the 1,240 miles (1,996 km) expanse of the mostly ice covered Arctic Ocean on skis. The women were completely self-sufficient, pulling sleds containing all of their equipment, food and fuel supplies. They were planning on one re-supply drop and were waiting for it when news came that they had to abandon their expedition.
The expedition media-team explains that “A nasty business dispute arose between the competitive organizations which transport scientists, tourists and expedition teams to the Arctic region from Russia. The conflict, which delayed Ann and Liv earlier in the month, continued to mount and ultimately compromised the expedition's safety plan.”
The French company Cerpolex which transported the women to the ice, and was planning to drop the re-supply, was stopped by Russian authorities. Due to safety concerns, a full evacuation became the only reasonable option. Two other expeditions on their way to the North Pole, 'Pole Track' and 'Ann Daniels,' were also evacuated.
 This is not the first setback Bancroft and Arnesen have had to face on this trip. Because of similar disputes, they were forced to delay the start of their expedition for 2 weeks.
In 2001, Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft became the first women to cross the Antarctic on skis. For many months they trained and raised funds in preparation for this expedition to become the first women in history to cross the Arctic Ocean. Their dream is to inspire girls and women all over the world to realize that anything is possible.
Having to abort this expedition is devastating, but Bancroft and Arnesen face it with the same attitude as any challenge they might encounter on their adventures. “It's an absolute sucker punch,” says Ann Bancroft. “We're not sure how to respond, but we'll roll with it and handle it like we do everything else on the ice. We'll try to keep our chin up and keep moving forward.” The women are dedicated to their supporters and millions of kids following the expedition. “Our two education programs are teed up to talk about these sorts of [lessons in life],” Ann said, “This journey is not over.”
 To listen to the daily phone messages from the expedition, click here.Bancroft Arnesen Explore Bancroft Arnesen Explore is dedicated to sharing Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen's journeys to inspire people to realize their true potential. They share stories of hope, courage, perseverance and growth in an effort to prove that anything is possible. Details about the education programs will be available through the Bancroft Arnesen website.
 Exploring Cultural Conflicts: Journeys Towards Peace - Curriculum now availableA K-12 curriculum for schools, teachers, and students following the February, 2005 Bancroft Arnesen Expedition. This is a joint Project Between the Bancroft Arnesen Expedition, Pacific Lutheran University's Wang Center for International Programs, Pacific Lutheran University's School of Education, and the Norwegian American Foundation. This curriculum was launched at the Pacific Lutheran University Pathways to Peace symposium on January 12-14.
Read more about Bancroft and Arnesen's previous adventures:
Photos from www.bancroftarnesenexplore.com/
Author: Esther B. Foote
Source: Norwegian American Foundation
|
|
|
|
|
