Tracking
the Journey
-
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
# Uncle Pete, December 27th 2013
Bravo
# Abhishek Kulkarni, December 27th 2013
Very happy to hear. Wishing a successful return journey .
# Q, December 27th 2013
Noble effort lads, what an epic achievement!
# Allison, December 27th 2013
Absolutely brilliant. Well done.
# Richard Pierce, December 27th 2013
Very well done, Ben and Tarka.
Now the real fight begins, against the Antarctic, against monotony, against weariness. But there is no disappoinment, as Scott had, after having found that he had been beaten to the Pole, no expectations of priority, no feeling of having been second in a race, for a race it was over a hundred years ago. And in less than 800 miles time, you will no longer be treading in other men’s footsteps but will be creating a history of your own, making your own unique footprints in the history of the Ice.
God Speed.
R
# Andrea, December 27th 2013
Wow I was thinking, why the guys are so pale? And did they have a shave at the Pole??? Then I figured the picture is two months old…
# dj, December 27th 2013
The blog post placemark is in the wrong place again. It seems to happen frequently enough that perhaps there is a system issue. “Proofreading” the file before putting it live may help.
I really can’t wait for Ben’s “official” explanation of what happened on Boxing day. Their track “pings” only happening every 60 minutes really leaves a lot out of the documentation. It appears they stopped for awhile just outside of the station area, then proceeded around the elevated station building directly to the pole. Afterwards they headed further on in the direction of the “visitor’s center” and remained for quite awhile according to the number of pings (I thought they had camped). However, the coordinate jumped clear back to outside the camp, where they had stopped before, all in one jump (almost like they had caught a ride on a snow-cat).
They stayed there for only a few hours and were back moving again with a post by 2am (mst) [7am GMT). The explanation (if he goes into detail) has got to be fascinating.
# Andy Ward, December 27th 2013
DJ,
Please excuse Ben if after an 18 hour day skiing he may have got one digit wrong on his position update. I would call that only human. Maybe you could wait to hear from Ben in his next blog post before you start passing wild and ridiculous statements about lifts on snow-cats (which I can assure would never and did not happen).
Thank you to everyone else for your support. It means a huge amount to Ben and Tarka. I know they are keen to blog as soon as they have finished todays skiing session.
Andy
# Kevin Shannon, December 27th 2013
After years of planning, determination and hard work i’m almost certain that Ben and Tarka wouldn’t have ‘skipped a section on a snow-cat’ for a few kilometres as your insinuating. I do not know Ben or Tarka (or any of the team for the matter) personally, but i have followed closely for 4-5 years now and i can say with almost certainty that short cuts aren’t his thing.
Well done to Ben and Tarka for reaching the half point! Looking forward to following the journey back!
# Kristoffer, December 27th 2013
You are not the only one to notice that they did not got straight to the Pole and immediately back like the last blog post insinuated. I did too. My own observations of the webcam at Amundsen-Scott station seems to indicate that Ben and Tarka were at the Pole as late as 0230 GMT 27 Dec.
# dj, December 27th 2013
Andy… What on earth precipitated that attack? If you’ll read my post again, it was only positive and absolutely didn’t deserve the angry response you gave it. I’ve been nothing but supportive through the whole endeavor, and have intentionally kept out of several of the fracases about the transparentness of postings. You know that I’ve personally emailed you with issues rather than post them publicly but this needs a response.
If we still don’t fully understand the mechanics of how blogs are posted it’s not because we haven’t asked. Ben’s prior post describing “it’s then an easy matter to post them,“did not claim that he did it personally; and because it’s apparent that he writes the post before going to bed and yet they aren’t posted until the next work day (in England), who of us wouldn’t assume that he transmits them for spell checking and posting by his team the next morning? [I would] Perfectly acceptable. It’s not until this comment by you that we’ve had any indication at all that “his team” wasn’t in the loop. Certainly, the several other times people (including me) have notified you about mis-locations of posts, you’ve been the one to fix them. And, the fact that it keeps recurring tells me it isn’t automated, could be a system issue and probably could be prevented by a system “tweak.” That’s what most companies do when they become aware of a problem.
As far as references to “snow cats,” read what I posted will you! It was a metaphor, hence the words “almost like” - and it definitely was: “almost like they’d used a snow cat.” Throughout the whole trip, the closest thing I can make out is that your track “pings” from Ben come about once an hour. You’ve stated the fact that your map refreshes occur “once an hour” and they have averaged UNDER 2.5 miles per “ping” the whole trip. Yesterday they went 10 miles from the pole back to their previous stopping place in one “ping!” I would think someone’s walking ability being compared to that of a machine would be a compliment. Is that some British politically incorrectness that I’m not aware about?
The only other time they did a distance like that between “pings” was back at the very first one from the hut to the point. Ben much later alluded to it being because they walked faster without the sledges; but, it was 13 miles in an (hour?)! There are several perfectly acceptable rationale for the track points being that far apart which I can think of, until you choose to explain it. But, really, I have no reason to believe or even insinuate some kind of subterfuge. The other commenters here wouldn’t let me, even if I wanted to - which I don’t. Who was it that said: “me thinks thou dost protest too much?” Some British guy I think.
I don’t think Ben should be the only one allowed to use metaphors here. I’m going to chalk your anger up to stress and fatigue (and perhaps age?); but, really, I’m not sure what all the tension seems to be. No one here expects you to be anything more than human. Trying to appear so is what raises concerns.
Here’s hoping for a safe and speedy return, and your feeling pleased about your accomplishment and how you’ve done it.
# David, December 27th 2013
Congratulations on your epic journey - take great care on your return journey. Stay safe
God speed
# Mal Owen, December 27th 2013
Travel well contented today ... Aim for the tea and coffee at the end of your journey! Looking forward to tomorrow’s update…I’m not surprised you were too tired Ben to write yesterday after both the physical and mental achievement ! Keep safe and keep the beards !
# Yvonne Misevic, December 27th 2013
Well done lads!
# Rosie Vidovix Unsworth, December 27th 2013
Well done Ben and Tarka! Well done.
Now, let’s get back home for that massive party that is waiting for you!
# Damian Harris, December 27th 2013
35 miles is nothing short of a superhuman effort.
A tremendous achievement guys and well done on reaching the pole.
Cant wait to hear your account of it.
# Deacon Patrick, December 27th 2013
Congratulations Ben and Tarka! Brilliant! I pray the bombardment of civilization at the pole didn’t pop the gift of solitude’s bubble you’ve been traveling in. That is sacred and precious space! May the second half of your journey be as blessed and more as the first. A very merry Christmastide to you both!
With abandon,
Patrick
# Andrea, December 27th 2013
Maybe, even the “solitude’s bubble you’ve been traveling in. That is sacred and precious space!” indeed, for what it is containing, but not in absolute. The civilisation can not move directly in the nature some of the things she contains, because the things would not exist there as they can be get nearly us only encapsulated in artifacts. As like, if the needed equipment could have been produced directly in the nature, this expedition would have been done long ago by the primitive human beings.
# Richard Browning, December 27th 2013
Fantastic effort chaps! Homeward bound now.
You have us captivated, not least my two boys.
Crack on!
# George Chapman, December 27th 2013
Very glad to see the guys made it to the pole and are now heading home. It was exciting watching the journey from my warm home here in Florida. It will be nice seeing those photos and videos you made at the pole. So now we will follow you as you head home. I’m not sure if there is any real goal for getting back down. I’ve heard goals of 110 days total or 120 days but I’m not sure if any of these are absolutes. I would assume time is not extremely important. Take care guys and stay warm.
# Jen, December 27th 2013
Congratulations Ben and Tarka. A most fabulous achievement. I wish you well for your return journey.
# Lenin, December 27th 2013
How about press conference? ;)
# Alex Hibbert and team in Qaanaaq, December 27th 2013
Top class stuff and best wishes for the downhill bit.
# Rob Sheppard, December 27th 2013
Congratulations and well done for the 1st half of your epic journey.
Looking forward to hear how your big day went yesterday, and if you managed to sneak around the pole without being noticed :-)
# Rebecca, December 27th 2013
Congratulations to you both! Sending you thoughts of strength and good humor on the return trip. May it be uneventful!
# Christy, December 27th 2013
Awesome, well done! Now for the hard and somewhat spooky part… May Mother Nature be kind to you on your return!
# Intrepid, December 27th 2013
Thank you for the update.
Presumptions/Assumptions/Imagined Possibilities - Although Ben and Tarka expressed their ideal pole and back circumstances, those at the pole may have spent many hours hatching a surprise welcome party/congratulations. Being English gentlemen, Ben and Tarka wouldn’t be in a pickle, they’d graciously say hello, acclimate to the situation (while still qualifying for what it means to be unsupported), be joyful, do what they came to do (sat pole calls), and be on their way again.
Ultimately, what matters is Ben and Tarka made it to the Pole and back to their tent for the night!! 35+ miles on day 63. Astounding!! An epic half way mark with the beginning of the return. Congratulations!!!
# Jason, December 27th 2013
Wow! Posted a comment last night thinking you were approaching the Pole and in fact you had turned around and were on the way back, you made such incredible progress that you foxed me! Fantastic news, well done.
# matt, December 27th 2013
Great to hear you reached the pole safely. And 35 miles in one day is remarkable. Very well done.
# George Chapman, December 27th 2013
You may like to read this Story from the Huffington Post on this Expedition :
What Do Polar Explorers Eat on Christmas Day?
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/rebecca-williams/what-polar-explorers-eat-_b_4445427.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-lifestyle&ir=UK+Lifestyle
# Intrepid, December 28th 2013
George, appreciate hearing about and posting the Huff link.
# SpareAlchemist, December 27th 2013
That’s just great! I’m happy for you, guys, it’s really a tough mission and you’ve just reached the half-point of it.
Wishing you good luck and calm weather ahead!
# bee, December 27th 2013
Brilliant achievement, you are both an inspiration.
Safe return journey. May the wind be at your backs.
# Nick, December 27th 2013
Very good. But I do think sometimes why the BBC don’t sponsor such things or maybe they do?
Maybe down to management problems ! (£)
But the thing is considering it’s the public’s license money, then it would be society who would effectively be sponsoring people like yourselves.
Not a bad thing considering what great effort you’ve put into this. Immense effort.
# Kara, December 27th 2013
So excited that they made it! Congrats to Ben & Tarka and I’m wishing them speed and health on the journey back.
# jamehand, December 27th 2013
Great stuff lads, following the return journey intently!
# leo HOULDING, December 27th 2013
All down hill from here chaps! Well done, you’re past half way! Leo
# McDowell Crook, December 27th 2013
Absolutely incredible achievement. Well done!!!
# AlisonP, December 27th 2013
WooHoo!!!!!! Out with the bubbly (here)! Well done, lads! Can’t wait to hear how it felt. May mother nature smile on you on your way back. Have a safe return.
# Jennifer, December 27th 2013
Over 35 miles with an actual temperature of -26 C (-14.8 F) is death-defyingly, amazingly stupendous! But then again, what has this entire expedition been? Beyond my comprehension, to be certain. Let’s just make sure that future history book authors spell L’Herpiniere correctly.
As an aside, when I looked at today’s photo, which was taken at the beginning of the expedition, I almost thought it was a double-exposure of Ben. I’ve never seen he and Tarka resemble each other quite so closely before now.
# Chris, December 27th 2013
Well done guys!!! You will never forget this - a truly great achievement. God be with you on your return, go for it!
# Dave Collinson , December 27th 2013
Congratulations, now for the leisurely stroll home!
# flask, December 27th 2013
i am crying a little, reading this.
they went on foot 800 miles to pass by lit windows and not go in. i expect it is a lonely feeling, going back out.
then again, i’m feeling kind of put-out today having to go all the way to the grocery store.
# Ben, December 27th 2013
Congratulations guys! Tremendous effort! It’s been fascinating to follow your journey so far and I wish you all the best for the return leg. All downhill now - easy right? ;)
Godspeed and travel safe guys.
# 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.
# Vimalatharmaiyah Gnanaruban, December 27th 2013
Ben and Tarka,
Congratulations on reaching the first half of your goal, and wish you all the best on the inward journey. I’m so privileged to travel vicariously to the south pole with you, thanks to your lucid blog. Looking forward to read your thoughts in the next update.
Stay warm
-Ruban
# Jo, December 27th 2013
It was a tough Christmas holiday this year: One week offline without being able to read your blog. ;)
Congratulations on reaching the halfway-point! I admire what you achieve day after day so far. And now an Ultramarathon right in the middle of this super-long march? Even without the sleds it is much work and a long time spent on your feet. I wonder why you doubled your working hours at this point. This seems to be quite a push to the daily work-rest-balance you´ve had until now. I´m sure you know what you do and what you´re capable of. But could you explain your tactics here? How can you do increase your mileage & sleep-deficit like this without risking many more lost miles during the following days because of exhaustion?
# George Chapman, December 27th 2013
I believe the reason for the longer hours and mileage on day 63 was because they were so close to the pole they decided to go for it. And then they had to get back to the sleds with their tent. You can see from today’s mileage they are back to about 20 miles a day. If these guys are going to make it back by day 110 they only have 47 days to do it which means about 20 miles a day. They are going to have to push themselves all the way down to do this. If you figure in a day or two of possible bad weather you have got to hustle even more. All the miles behind you mean nothing it’s the miles ahead you have to concern yourself about and never assume the best is ahead of you because it could be the worst part. The Scott team 100 years ago ran into a major storm that lasted for days resulting in their death.
# Rosie Vidovix Unsworth, December 28th 2013
Let’s focus on the positive.
The boys will get back safe and on time.
# Kristoffer, December 28th 2013
Let’s focus on the reality.
I’ll be able to recalculate distance to make up, etc. tomorrow, once they’re back on their usual schedule, as they ended their journey to the Pole and back on 27 December, which temporarily skews the results as I don’t know how much of the journey was covered on the 27th. Of course, Sienicki would tell you that Scott invented his blizzard, as blizzards don’t last for 9 days in Antarctica. What’s more, Antarctic blizzards come in bursts of wind, so Scott, Wilson, and Bowers could have kept going by setting up the tent when one burst came and marching in between bursts.
Still, your point regarding the need for some days in reserve to compensate for blizzards is valid.
# Wayne, December 28th 2013
@Kristoffer
Are you always this negative in your daily life?
# Kristoffer, December 28th 2013
@Wayne
Since when is a call to stay realistic, an explanation, a constructive correction, and an acknowledged good point negative?
# Wayne, December 28th 2013
All I am saying is there is a fine line between all that and just being purely negative/pessimistic.
I am sure they are very aware of the task they are facing and what exactly they need to do to make it back within the target time (plus whatever was decided as leeway). Some encouragement in this situation would go a long way compared to the constant reminder of the realism of the amount of work they need to put in.
# Wayne, December 28th 2013
And just to add to that… I for one would rather read the daily blog posts detailing what happened today, what the plan is for tomorrow and ride along and see the journey unfold, than being told right now that they will not make it in the stated time but instead will be greeted by Her Majesty on the X sec of the X min of the X day outside the Scott ‘s hut (sorry for the spoiler ;) )
# Jon Russill, December 28th 2013
Spectacular effort guys. Incredible to pull off a day like that so far into an expedition. Best of luck for the return leg.
# George Chapman, December 28th 2013
Let me see how this works. It takes 63 day’s to go South 900 miles. And then we can go 900 miles North in 47 days without changing our speed. Must be that “New Math”.
# Rosie Vidovix Unsworth, December 28th 2013
@George
It wasn’t a criticism of your math (mine, like my English, is dreadful) but a hope that they will be able to be a lot faster since they haven’t got to pull all that weight they had to in the beginning.
I m sure you too are cheering for their success :-)
# Kristoffer, December 28th 2013
I understand Rosie, but as I see it Ben and Tarka will be picking up depots, so their sledge weight will increase. I don’t know by how much it will increase, but I suspect that the weight will increase to a weight similar to what they had on the plateau. I hope, but I make sure to have knowledge too.
# George Chapman, December 28th 2013
I understand Rosie Vidovix Unsworth and Wayne. I’m just pointing out some facts. They cannot take 63 days to get back down and be on time. As far as being negative I’m just trying to get back to reality a little. For the last week all we have been getting here is a lot of mushy praise which was good for a week or so. Us folks who have been following this trip from the beginning know it’s time to get back to a little reality. I’m surely not trying to tell the guys anything I’m sure they know what they are doing. I’m really glad there are folks who post all sorts of accolades. I’m not complaining about those folks. It’s just not in me to come here every day and just aw and ooh over how many miles they are getting in. I wish them the best.
These guys are tough they can take a little ribbing. Come on Ben and Tarka let’s get moving the fun times are over.
# Tor Bertin, December 28th 2013
Pretty sure the people involved in the expedition have explained this to you (if not, apologies). Look at the distances obtained at the start of the expedition, and look at the distances obtained prior to reaching the South Pole. Carrying less weight means obtaining greater mileage, making the return trip faster than the trip down. Furthermore, there will be more tailwinds on the return trip than on the trip south. Both of these factors will lead to greater speeds, and so a reduced return time.
# Kristoffer, December 28th 2013
Tor, carrying less weight means more speed, but their weight will not be going continuously down, as they will be picking up depots. The return journey may results in more tailwinds, but the wind direction and speed will remain volatile.
# Gina, December 28th 2013
Did you happen to score any of the famous South Pole cookies?! ;)
# Richard McGehee, December 28th 2013
The South Pole web cam has some images from the past few hours. It is the button just right of the full screen button in the lower left. At 27 hours ago it show some objects approaching. Then for 25 hours ago it shows objects leaving. Too far away to see if it is Ben and Tarka.
http://www.usap.gov/videoclipsandmaps/spwebcam.cfm
Happy trails to you,
Richard McGehee
# Waldo, December 28th 2013
“..skiing 35.31 miles (56.83km) yesterday and almost 19 hours on thier feet ...”
Yea right… Admit it, you took my advice. You grabbed a couple too many pints at the station and are snockered. No harm-no foul. We all understand…
Jokes aside, congrats!
# Kevin Wright, December 28th 2013
Well done guys a mammoth achievement! Hope you got a warm welcome from the folk stationed there and a celebration drink. For me it was the opportunity to open my bottle of Shackleton’s Whisky! Cheers! Gods speed and safe return journey. Keep going! Kev.
# Petr Horky, December 28th 2013
Good luck boys, time is passing pretty fast and I cross my fingers to you, to have enough food and power to return back. You are strong,you will do it!
Peter
# Geofc Harper, December 28th 2013
DJ,
Metaphor or otherwise the inherent insinuation is a slant on what these guys have done/are doing and is clearly unwelcome.