Tracking
the Journey
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Distance to go:
0 Mi
Distance
Ben and Tarka will cover 1800 miles starting from Scott's Terra Nova Hut at the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and back to the coast again. That's equivalent to 69 back-to-back marathons hauling up to 200kg each (the weight of roughly two adult men) of kit and supplies necessary to survive.
Distances here are shown in statute miles.
90 Degrees South (Day 63)
Day 63: S89° 52' 1.14", E178° 50' 19.32"
Duration: 18 Hr 00 Min
Daily distance: 35.3 Mi
Distance to go: 890.5 Mi
Temperature: -26 °C
Wind chill: -35 °C
Altitude: 9364 Ft
Yesterday evening at 20.35 GMT Ben and Tarka reached the South Pole and marked the halfway point of the Scott Expedition. They have since turned around and have started their journey skiing back to the coast 900 miles away.
Ben sends his apologies for not writing an update himself but after skiing 35.31 miles (56.83km) yesterday and almost 19 hours on thier feet he understandbly couldnt quite muster the energy to put pen to paper and express the emotions of this landmark day. Ben will be sending a full update in the next 24 hours once they have completed another days skiing. Ben and Tarka thank you all for your unwavering support that helped them reach the pole.
I am immensely proud of Ben and Tarka's achievement reaching the South Pole and in particular for having the strength to turn around and start the return journey back to the coast.
Today's photo was taken just before Ben and Tarka flew from Union Glacier to McMurdo at the start of thier expedition two months ago
Comments
# Andrew, December 27th 2013
1/2 Way on the longest unsupported polar journey in history, what a feat!
# Linda, December 27th 2013
Yeeaahh Ofcourse you did it. The way back mostly seems shorter . Hope it will be for you too. You both are awesome !!!
# Andy E, December 27th 2013
Been keenly watching developments of the expedition for many months, your desire, the application of technology, implementation of training/experience/history and the grit that you apply daily. You are both at the forefront of human exploration & I believe that you both hold the reserve to see your objectives secured, through the vigour and sense by which has enabled you to drive from idea to the south pole and now at the great turn around. Mind/matter & grit will be needed ever more ahead, in my opinion you have these cards in hand. Indulge in the strife lads & triumph in your achievements, with each step you further the embodied explorer within humanity & bring a wider view in understanding to Antarctica.
# George Chapman, December 27th 2013
I would like to know how you found conditions along the route and at the pole as to do with human contact. Have you seen any trash broken down equipment or other things. I sort of picture it as pristine and unspoiled but I may be wrong. Here is a story of what has happened at Mt. Everest. http://theweek.com/article/index/244854/mt-everests-filthy-secret-its-a-dump
# Kristoffer, December 27th 2013
Very unfortunate state of affairs on Everest. It’s been this way for years.
# Dainger, December 27th 2013
Hey Tarks, been following yours/Bens every footstep, even though recently, I must selfishly admit, whilst enjoying cocktails on the pristine white beaches and warm azure blue seas of Guardalavaca. Thea told me not to write these words but me-thinks it may give you guys a slight distraction from the tedium and maybe a modicum of warmth in that cold but oh so beautiful wilderness. Several beers (and a curry) await your successful return. Be assured, your never far from our thoughts. Take care. One last thought, remembering my nationality. Did you keep that Xmas ‘T’ bag for a second, even third dip!!! Great stuff guys. Dainger
# Chris, December 28th 2013
Well done tarka and ben! Keep yer chins up and bring back the bacon
# CaninesCashews, December 27th 2013
Hi Guys,
Solid superhuman effort to ski over 35 miles!
Homeward bound now - my wish for you is that it is like those car journeys that always seem shorter on the way back :-)
Heres hoping you have more heavenly days than hellish ones on the return leg.
God speed and stay safe.
Gav
# Janet Stanley, December 27th 2013
Congratulations! Please stay safe on the return trip :)
# Nora Wolfe, December 27th 2013
Stellar….If you keep on doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep on getting what you’re getting….all stellar. I am in awe of you both.
# Amir AZEMI, December 27th 2013
Congrats lads! Thats what one can call an achievement. Wish you safe way back.
# blagoev, December 27th 2013
God speed
# Philip, December 27th 2013
In one of the last post when he mentionned centrally heated building, I wondered and I’ve then learned of the south pole station and was amazed of the witer period must be to the team that stay there. I do hope that Ben and Tarka at least, after 2 months in the cold, took the oportunity to get a shower. I would have a hard time going a week without one, I can’t imagine 2 months. I know it wouldn’t be the same than the scott expedition, but already since they’ve went all the way to the pole it’s already not the exact same thing. Maybe also get to sit somewhere confortable and eat their diner there in the heat. After all they’ve done, that would be kind of the best thing they could do to themself.
# Charlie Wates, December 27th 2013
Many congratulations guys. Wishing you a very safe return leg.