THEY’VE MADE IT!!
31st March 2006
I got a call from Karl this morning (09:00 UK) (23:00 Thurs AK), stating that from yesterday’s location they had made it to within half a mile of the shoreline but had to stop due to lack of light. They had come across some open-water with a 9ft wall of ice on the opposite side. They managed to find a way around this then discovered they were on ice that was attached to the shore. It was quite the roughest they had seen so far, however it was old ice and not going anywhere so they were quite confident they wouldn’t just drift away during the night.
I had to wait until 22:00 (UK) for Karl to come back to me with the confirmation they had reached land. His first words were “Terra Firma!” It would appear they had landed before noon and were on a thin strip of land running along the coast. Needless to say they were elated and mightily relieved. They were then going to make their way down to the settlement of Uelen (see the attached maps), some 3.5 miles away. The settlement is probably just a collection of huts and if anybody lives there then this should give the inhabitants something to talk about for the whole of next week.
After that they will be making their way down the coast, a couple of hundred miles to the settlement of Provideniya where they hope to sort things out with the authorities! That could be a whole other adventure. Dimitri hopefully plans to fly back to the US from there. Unless K&D can find some sort of internet connection / or telephones in the settlements along the coast then communications could become somewhat sporadic. If we have to rely on the satphone then we’ll have to be extremely frugal with airtime as Karl only has three batteries left. But, you never know what’s going to turn up around the corner with this expedition and we’ll keep you updated as best we can.
22 Comments so far
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Well Done! The rest should be a walk in the park, a long walk in the park admittedly. I am enjoying reading about your progress.
Stay warm, may the road rise to meet you feet and may the wind always be at your back.
So glad to hear you’ve made it to dry land. It’s been an anxious time for you all. We remember meeting Karl on the road to Jasper and telling him all the news from Hull City. Good luck.
Paul and Kathy
Fantastic news. Well done.
Jeremy, Worcestershire
Karl
A place in your own book is one thing - but a place in the History Books has just been assured!
I understand this is the first successful crossing on foot for nearly a hundred years - and Goliath control thinks that it’s likely to be the last ever - before global warming affects the Artic.
Bloody well done lads - I’d really love to be there when you meet the natives and try to explain where you’ve arrived from.
Look after yourself - the horizons just got closer but no less daunting.
Steve
HULL
I hope the Russian authorities don’t tell Bushby and Kiefer to go back the way they came….it’s not inconceivable. If there isn’t some cheap whiskey in that sled clearing customs may be a long process requiring many phone calls.
I’m so proud of you mans !!
You did it !! You have all my admiration!
I’m in a hurry to hear you story!
Go on! See you next : )
WHOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
You did it, and you’re both safe…..
I don’t know why this has not attracted greater attention from the press….perhaps this achievement will get their attention. Great job!!!!!
Fantastic! Amazing! Been following Karl’s progress for some time. This crossing has been so enthralling, thanks for the frequent updates. WELL DONE Karl and Dimitri.
Oh, that’s good news! I’ve been very anxious for you guys. Way to go!
Karl, I’m planning on being among the throngs welcoming you when you come out of the Channel Tunnel in the UK!
Best wishes!
Unbelievable!!! I did not think you would do it on the first try. I have been checking your progress every since you left Koyuk. I will keep checking. I am happy you made it safe. Take care.
Tom
Karl,
Great news about your crossing!
Best of luck for the rest of your journey.
Johnathan and Anna (Quantum Group Calgary)
Congratulations! We’ve been following your trip since you passed through Fairbanks and swam in the Chena River. I must admit that I thought you were just another kook (we get out fair share up here), but your slog out of Fairbanks through deep snow with a heavy sled was an impressive show of determination. When you set off across the Strait, Fairbanks public radio kept us informed of your progress. We were worried for you, and so are relieved to see that you’ve accomplished something no one has ever done before. Good show! Good luck on the rest of your journey!
well done boys. keep it going. hull daily mail keeping hull updated. raise a vodka to you. haven’t heard much on national tv tho’. best of luck for rest of journey.
I can’t believe this has so little media coverage. I wrote to the major news networks and Reuters about your accomplishment, and a link here. I hope it attracts more attention. Perhaps someone can sponsor you and restock your supplies so you don’t have to retrieve them.
Well done lads i must admit i was worried that you would have to abort at one point when reading your updates.
What you have both achieved is fantastic. Why isnt the press and media following your every steps?
Keep on going
Lee
Hull
You are both an inspiration and have shown the world that anything is possible…Drink some Russian vodka for me!
RVG
Carl
Well done lads . congratulations on a successful and historic crossing.Fingers crossed for the rest of your trek through Russia , Look forward to reading how your getting on, best of luck for the rest of the way.
CONGRATULATIONS! I’ll have to admit I had my doubts about your crossing, only because I’ve met and heard of so many Bering Strait expeditions failing. Goes to show that dreams can come true! You guys have made history! Good job Dimitri and Karl!! Hope to see you back in Nome someday. Cheers and we tip one for you at the Breakers! Happy Trails!
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!! Party it up boys, You ROCK!!! So proud of ya!
AWESOME JOB!!!! you guys kick ass. good luck on the rest of your trip and hopefully ill see you again in fbks. we still owe you dinner. rachael
Wow!! I just read about your story on Yahoo! Bravo to you!!! I wish you all the best of luck! I will definitly keep up with your story. Again, GOOD LUCK and be safe!
Norfolk Virginia
USA