Balloonist Floats Across Saudi Arabia

Plagued by freezing temperatures and diminishing fuel, Steve Fossett floated high above Saudi Arabia, trying to become the first balloonist to circle the Earth nonstop. His ground crew maintained hope but said success was doubtful. They were looking at possible landing sites in Thailand but still held out hope Fossett could make it across the Pacific Ocean. By noon Saturday, Fossett had traveled 9,600 miles in the Solo Spirit, which lifted off from St. Louis on Monday. Fossett, 52, of Chicago, lost at least a day in skirting south of Libya before gaining permission for an overflight.