We may just have to agree to disagree on some of these points, but I do want to clarify one thing.  I never intended to downplay the "technical feat" of what the Russian explorers achieved.  It was a brave and skillful operation.  As to ice, you must remember that the melting made it possible to perform this daring exploration.  Ten years earlier when the ice was much thicker no one could have done this.

"My True Religion Is Kindness" -- The Dalai Lama