Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft have to give up their efforts to reach the North Pole

On 12 March this year (2005), the women began their next attempt to make history from Cape Arktichesky, Russia: a 1,240-mile (1,996-km), 100-day ski, sail and swim crossing of the Arctic Ocean.

Already from the beginning Russian forces have caused trouble for them. The explorers begun their expedition almost two and a half weeks later than anticipated due to unexpected delays related to travel clearance in this remote region in Russia.

Yesterday (30 March 2005) from their diary (from their website www.bancroftarnesenexplore.com):

"Conserving fuel: Ann and Liv remained in their tent today in an effort to take a well-deserved break from skiing and more importantly to conserve their cooking fuel. Their fuel ran low after they used so much of it to dry Liv's clothing over their cook stove when she went for an unexpected swim in the Arctic Ocean (18 March update). Their fuel enables them to melt ice into water for drinking and warm their meals....".

Liv Arnesen and Anne Bancroft did`t took any chances to continue the expedition without being assured about supplies. The decision was taken early today. Later a Cerpolex-helicopter will pick them up. The Russians have prevented the French to supply the women with vital fuel and food. Since the French company had to pull out from the area, they couldn`t guarantee for the women's safety.

Photo. This was the route Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft planned to go. The expedition had to broke up on due to a conflict between Russian and French tour operators. © YourExpedition.com - Bancroft Arnesen Arctic Expedition Photo Archive: www.yourexpedition.com . 

The Norwegian adventurer Børge Ousland is still determinded to start his expedition together with 9 participans from the same area and Polar base (station) on 13 April this year.

Follow us! Travel Explorations will also cover this expedition!

Stein Morten Lund, 31 March 2005