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.
A Big Day Out (Day 64)
Day 64: S89° 34' 31.62", E158° 28' 37.08"
Duration: 9 Hr
Daily distance: 21.3 Mi
Distance to go: 869.2 Mi
Temperature: -12 °C
Wind chill: -20 °C
Altitude: 9491 Ft
Apologies for the delayed update, but I suspect you already know that we swang round the South Pole yesterday (the day before yesterday by the time you read this) and are now on the homeward leg of our journey. Our plan was always to pitch the tent and leave our sleds about 10km from the Pole and then to leg it with not much more than a bit of food and drink, our satellite phone, our tracking beacon, a camera and a flag. The round trip turned out to be a bit of an epic by the time we'd followed the regulation route into the South Pole station itself, skirting the runway, and we clocked 56.7km (nearly 36 miles) in what turned out to be a eighteen-hour day.
In short, I'm afraid to say -though it's probably quite apt- that I concur with Captain Scott himself when he said of the South Pole "Great God this is an awful place". For him, of course, there was nothing there at all. A patch of snow at the heart of a barren, deeply inhospitable continent. For us, it felt like walking into a cross between an airport, a junkyard and a military base. Or perhaps a scene that was omitted from a Star Wars film: skiing along with sacks swinging from our backs, futuristic mirrored goggles and hoods framed by coyote fur, we looked like two bounty hunters approaching some sort of outpost on a frozen planet.
As we skied alongside the runway, two skidoos -presumably electric ones as they sounded like hairdryers- skimmed past us, and one visored pilot raised a mittened hand in a half-wave, half-salute. It all felt very strange. The next thing we spotted was several acres of oil drums, cargo containers, pallets and cardboard boxes, with giant tracked vehicles moving between them, belching smoke and reversing with beepers blaring. We skied past several vast sets of fuel bladders that had been towed to the Pole from McMurdo, leaving tracks thirty feet wide. The smell of aviation fuel hung in the air, and huge exhaust plumes rose from what I assume are generators near the main station buildings itself. Anyone who thinks the South Pole station is all about bearded scientists releasing weather balloons and peering into telescopes is sadly mistaken; the place is a giant logistics hub geared, it seems, mainly around the vast quantities of fuel needed to keep this outpost heated and powered all year round, and to quench the thirst of the Hercules aircraft we saw sat on the snow runway.
We raced to the Pole (there are two actually, a few metres apart, the ceremonial one with all the flags, and the actual Pole that they move around as the ice slowly edges towards the coast), and took a few photos, shot some film and made some calls, before racing away again as fast as we could. By the time we made it back to the tent it was nearly 1am and we still had snow to melt and dinner to eat before sleeping for all of two-and-a-half hours and skiing another 35km today.
I felt strangely devoid of emotion at the Pole, but now we're skiing back to the coast my excitement (and indeed apprehension about the colossal distance that still remains) is mounting. We're both, as you might imagine, pretty shattered, and were struggling deeply today after almost no rest. Sat on my sledge at some point this afternoon, struggling to keep my eyes open, I said to Tarka as we ate and drank, "This is a stupid way to make a living". "True," he replied, as he emptied a packet of cashew nuts into his mouth, "But it's not a bad way to make a life".
Comments
# Jayden, December 28th 2013
Bravo.. Have a safe journey back..
# Enrico, December 28th 2013
Well done! ... and now back depot by depot
# Ione & Rich, December 28th 2013
Congratulations! I realised you added wizardry to your skills when I saw a very small Tarka trapped in a shiny ball at the South Pole - glad he got out somehow to eat his cashews! Bon Voyage for the return journey - this might be a good wish for letting the genie out of the bottle! xxx
# John Brain, December 28th 2013
Epic. I now understand why you had little wish to stay a minute longer than necessary at the Pole.
But can anyone out there offer answers to 2 questions?
1. What route is taken ‘towing’ fuel bladders from McMurdo to the Pole?
2. Why did I not here mention Ben and Tarka’s magnificent and historic achievement on any BBC news broadcast?
# Mike Wing, December 28th 2013
The traverse to the South Pole hauling fuel crosses the Ross Ice Shelf and up the Leverett Glacier onto the plateau and on the the South Pole.
The book ‘Blazing Ice: The Twenty-First Century’s road to the South Pole’ by John H. Wright is a fasinating read.
# John Brain, December 28th 2013
Thanks for this, Mike.
# offroadinghome, December 28th 2013
Amazon lists the full title as: “Blazing Ice: Pioneering the Twenty-first Century’s Road to the South Pole” by John Wright.
# Uncle Pete, December 28th 2013
That was an epic day in many ways which I am sure will remain with you for life but your achievement will stand to inspire future generations I am sure, that salute was well earned acknowledgement. Your description truly conveys the surreal atmosphere of what is required to sustain human life at such extremes, much like an outpost in space. But this merely emphasizes your own achievement in doing so without logistic support, leaving nothing man-made behind but footprints - or rather ski tracks. Keep them straight and steady for a safe return.
# Intrepid, December 28th 2013
Enjoying your comments Uncle Pete. Straight on fellas!
# Uncle Pete, December 28th 2013
By the way, did you any spot cycle tracks at the Pole? It was reported that Maria Leijerstam arrived the same day as you by bike!
# Matt Healy, December 28th 2013
Well done fellas! The pole doesn’t really sound all that nice. Epic job, extraordinary achievement. Good luck for your return journey!
# Nick Waite, December 28th 2013
Fantastic stuff, I fully concur with all the other positive and encouraging comments!
Can you give us some indication of how your bodies are coping with the massive demands you are putting on them. Any niggly injuries, blisters, sores etc from the repetition? And also your equipment, how are the boots holding up and that sort of thing? Good luck for the homeward leg, I’m off for a day of country sport with your stepfather Giles! Regards, Nick.
# Scott Expedition Team, January 4th 2014
Prior to their rest and resupply in the last couple of days they were exceptionally exhausted but no blisters. There have been a couple of issues with the online tracker (as you may have noticed as Ben and Tarka skied away from the South Pole) but otherwise the kit has been performing well.
# Jen, December 28th 2013
Well done guys. How fabulous.
I remember watching Michael Palin arrive at The South Pole and saw his disappointment. It wasn’t a very welcoming place.
I wish you well for your return journey, and look forward as always to hearing more from you both.
# Matt, December 28th 2013
Congratulations Gentleman! Truly epic achievement.
# Mal Owen, December 28th 2013
Love the snowdome shot and wasn’t surprised with your reference to Scott’s description of the Pole, “Great God this is an awful place”
Of course ‘The Pole’ was a great achievement but now lies ahead the even greater one and purpose of the expedition. Ski fast, and stay strong and safe, with your optimistic blog followers behind you all the way. I for one will be there to celebrate as you trek into the record books.
# Richard Pierce, December 28th 2013
Brilliantly done, both of you. Good to hear that your excitement level is up again. ANd remember, even though the distance left is vast, is less than half of the distance you had ahead of you when you started.
Thanks, Tarka, for your brilliant summation of exploration.
Thanks to you, Ben, for being honest and showing your readers what humankind has done to the wilderness. The South Pole is McMurdo on a greater scale, really. And this excerpt below sums up how I felt when I walked round McMurdo in January 2008.
“McMurdo Base sprawls like an ugly growth across the level ground at the end of the land towards the sea. This is where Scott and his men were moored in the Discovery in 1904, when they came up here for the first time, when they built the Discovery hut on the edge of the land, only to find it was too cold to live in. Just the thought freezes me.
We drive into McMurdo slowly. It’s like a frontier town in a Western, ramshackle and deserted, paths of dirt and scattered debris. We park up next to what looks like a bomb shelter, a semi-circle of corrugated iron.
Birdie grabs my hand. ‘This is no place for Cherry’s ghosts,’ she says. ‘It’s a barren place.’
Nev grunts. ‘It’s the bar,’ he says, ‘but we’re not going there yet.’
The frozen bay is straight ahead of us, and behind it the mountains scrape the clouds from the sky. Some are covered in snow, some not. And closer to us, growing from the dirt of the cliff-top, higher than the mountains from this perspective, there’s a steeple on top of a small wooden building.
‘They call it the Chapel of the Snows,’ Nev says.
‘It doesn’t look old enough to have such a lovely name,’ Birdie says.
‘The first one burned down over 20 years ago.’
‘That’s a shame.’
We crunch our way towards the chapel, on snowless ground, past more corrugated iron, along a line of telegraph poles, abandoned-looking provision piles, under a canopy of cables.
‘Can we go in?’ Birdie says.
‘Yeah. There’s so much soul searching goes on round here, specially in the winter, they think it’s best to have it open all the time.’
The door leads into a small, dimly-lit space. There is a kind of peace here, but there’s nothing alive about it. I was expecting to find an echo here of the past, but there is none. It’s too new, too surrounded by modern sheds and machines. Ironic that it should have such an evocative name, yet be marooned in what is essentially a desert of dry mud.
Birdie and I walk up to the altar, and the stained glass window behind it. A large cross makes up the central panel. And beyond that there is only the Ice. And the South. But McMurdo’s just like an army barracks, over a thousand people in green steel boxes. I don’t want to be amongst scientists who aren’t interested in the beauty of this continent, who want only to exploit the richness of minerals that lies beneath the ice, minerals nations will fight over when the greed for energy has eaten up the rest of the world’s resources. I sigh and turn back towards the door. I want to be out there, on the Ice.”
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Men-Richard-Pierce-ebook/dp/B007FR3UXU
God Speed on the rest of your journey.
R
# Lydia , December 28th 2013
Well that is half of this truly amazing journey into the History Books down and slightly less than half to go. Truly extraordinary achievement so far . The South Pole certainly does not sound that inviting, I can only imagine your relief at getting in and getting your pictures and getting out….... Great pic, nice flag!
Lydia x
# Hannah , December 28th 2013
Whoohooooo!
Well done… Hurry home to Babington… the menu is looking great & we look forward to welcoming you back!
Hannah
Of reception! Xx
# Tara Carlisle, December 28th 2013
Reading your updates are one of the highlights of my day and this entry was another sensational insight into your brave and legendary journey. I am not a courageous or sporty person but have been so drawn to this monumental and historic adventure, in part because of it’s boldness and promise but in the main because of the human element that your candid blogs allow us to see. You both seem like lovely guys, a magnificent team and i think about what you are doing several times each day. I am currently dealing with one of the most difficult times in my life but have found your challenges and what you are having to cope with, sometimes give me perspective and strength. Really hope you do a documentary upon your return. And yes - why has there been no news coverage? You are phenomenal - enjoy your achievement every day. Hope you’re proud x
# ale, December 28th 2013
Ben and Tarka,
style, it’all about style! You could well be already in a plane leaving the pole with a big achievement reported in the news BUT you’re still there skiing back for some more “fun ” and some 900 miles.
You are not the first to the pole, you are not the fastest or the youngest or…
You “just” go from the edges of the continent to the pole and way back in the same style as Capt Scott and the other explorers of that age. You only have new cloths and gear but the rest is the same.
And you even take time to tell all of us how it is.
MITICI!!!
# Kevin Wright, December 28th 2013
Hi Ben & Tarka . It sounds like a real anticlimax! Did anyone actually log your arrival? Glad you are both feeling encouraged by the return journey ! Here to a fast ride on the Beardmore! Take care. Kev
# Scott Expedition Team, January 4th 2014
Ben and Tarka had to phone in advance of their arrival to gain permission to enter the South Pole base area. This is necessary to make sure they do not interfere with any operations at the South Pole and was important as they needed to ski past the threshold of the runway.
# Intrepid, December 28th 2013
The South Pole has been a destination for many and is a semi-permanent address for some. The mystique of the Antarctic is not a destination, it’s in the vast expanse of wild land, in the harsh climate of cold and wind, whiteouts, as well as blue skies and sun, which day after day you live with while making your way through.
Dear Ben and Tarka,
Thanks for your frank account of what it was like skiing to your turn around point at the pole. It’s so unbelievable how you ‘swang’ around it… all those miles and hours in one day! Talk about marathons… Holy Mackerel! May you get some deep, restful,sleep!!!
PS. IMO Any type of human endeavor, including scientific, has no actual intrinsic advancement value unless it can do no harm and leave no trace behind. And when incommensurability of beliefs is understood as gratitude for diversified uniqueness, then humans will truly advance.
# Ian Webb, December 28th 2013
Well done guys, despite the lack of news here in the UK, I can assure you we are all pleased to know you made it. Now all you have to do is get back safe! take care.
# George Chapman, December 28th 2013
Congratulations guys or a good trip. Wishing you a safe return trip. I’m a little saddened to hear about some of the conditions at the pole. It’s sad that nearly every place touched by man is normally spoiled over time. It’s good that now your on your way back down. I expect to follow you home and look forward to the trip. Take care and stay warm.
# Sharyle, December 28th 2013
Congratulations on achieving this milestone! The South Pole may be marred by humans but this in no way diminishes what you’ve done. Great plan to swing by and then keep going. I can’t imagine how exhausted you must be. I hope your plan allows for a day of rest soon. Best wishes for a safe return!
# Damian Harris , December 28th 2013
Well done again guys.
It seems that even at the extremes of the earth, humankind has made it’s mark. I can’t blame you for beating a hasty retreat.
It must have been quite a shock to your system skiing into that after seeing only each other and 1 plane since setting out.
Having religiously enjoyed reading your blogs for the last 65 days, I’m very much looking forward to following your journey back.
Remember that every day that passes is a day closer to real food, a comfy bed and warmth.
Wishing you both continued good luck.
# Kat, December 28th 2013
Congratulations, Ben and Tarka, and team, for this wonderful achievement…Wishing you speed and strength and fortitude for the next leg of the journey! We’re with you all the way! I have a feeling there will be some excellent coffee, and tea with milk, at the end of the icy road!
# Tim, December 28th 2013
For those interested- 100-year old photo negatives were recently found at Scott’s hut: http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2013/12/27/on-ice-100-year-old-negative-discovered-in-antarctic-ice
# Kristoffer, December 28th 2013
From another person’s perspective of arriving at the Pole:
“After this we proceeded to the greatest and most solemn act of the whole journey — the planting of our flag. Pride and affection shone in the five pairs of eyes that gazed upon the flag, as it unfurled itself with a sharp crack, and waved over the Pole. I had determined that the act of planting it — the historic event — should be equally divided among us all. It was not for one man to do this; it was for all who had staked their lives in the struggle, and held together through thick and thin. This was the only way in which I could show my gratitude to my comrades in this desolate spot. I could see that they understood and accepted it in the spirit in which it was offered. Five weather-beaten, frost-bitten fists they were that grasped the pole, raised the waving flag in the air, and planted it as the first at the geographical South Pole. “Thus we plant thee, beloved flag, at the South Pole, and give to the plain on which it lies the name of King Haakon VII.‘s Plateau.” That moment will certainly be remembered by all of us who stood there.
One gets out of the way of protracted ceremonies in those regions — the shorter they are the better. Everyday life began again at once.”
-Roald Amundsen, The South Pole, Vol.II, page 122
# Richard Pierce, December 28th 2013
Of course, dear Kristoffer, that was before the Pole had been desecrated by the military and by territory grabbing under the guise of science. Amundsen’s achievement was indeed a great one, and I don’t think anyone in their right mind, or on this blog, would wish to denigrate a great explorer’s greatest achievement. And all great achievements come with a price. Judicious historians accord immortality to all those who strived (and continue to strive) to reach goals previously unreached.
R
# Kristoffer, December 28th 2013
Richard, I didn’t have any ulterior motive in quoting Amundsen, I’ve just been waiting to use that quote. Amundsen’s gratitude to his team made me cry when I first read it.
# dj, December 28th 2013
Guys… it’s not “Either/Or” ... alternative opinions don’t need to be explained away or minimized. The two men obviously had two completely different experiences. The same can be said EVEN TODAY by reading the internet for present day “survivors/residents” at the South Pole. Not everyone who looks at the glass sees it half-full!
# Richard Pierce, December 28th 2013
Kristoffer,
Wasn’t insinuating you had an ulterior motive.
DJ,
Absolutely right.
R
# Richard McGehee, December 28th 2013
I had similar feelings about climbing up the trail out of the Grand Canyon at the end of a three day backpacking trip. “We could not be paid enough to put forth this much effort, but we will gladly volunteer to do so for the joy of being here.” The others around agreed.
Happy trails to you,
Richard McGehee
# Sean Chapple, December 28th 2013
Congratulations lads. Best of luck for the return journey - all downhill from now with the wind on your backs.
# Kristoffer, December 28th 2013
More like uphill part of the way, with the wind at their backs, occasionally from the SE or SW, occasionally from their sides, occasionally into their faces, and occasionally calm.
# Otto, December 28th 2013
What an honour to undertaken this expedition.
I have followed the blog, but no more. I am so fed up with constant moaning and whinging by the ‘leader’. Walking there and back is hellish hard, but the blogs are moan after moan.
There are a lot of people in the world going through hell in their daily lives. This trip is self imposed and is costing a lot of money..
So, sorry guys; was looking forward to reading this blog- but have had enough..
# Richard Pierce, December 28th 2013
Such a shame, Otto, that you feel that way. I think the blogs make it entirely clear that the pain here is self-inflicted. I also think a fair amount of perspective about the world at large is given in Ben’s posts, which I don’t see as moaning but as reflection.
R
# Kristoffer, December 28th 2013
I wouldn’t call the blog posts moan after moan, although I think there is some moaning. Of course, Ben has his critics.
# Mal Owen, December 28th 2013
In 64 days of blog following, I haven’t actually logged anything as a moan, just facts, thoughts, and feelings being stated and very kindly shared with an interested audience of people having differing agendas.
However, I would think anybody should be entitled to a moan on a couple of hours sleep, in the normal way of things, let alone after 900+ miles of total exertion of body and mind. Surely a diary should be honest and saying it as it is ? You should see my diary ! :-)
Wish I could emphasise text on here cos I wouldn’t want to shout with capitals lol
# Andrea, December 29th 2013
The hell in the social medium is an individual one, versus the hell in a such an expedition (not for nothing unrealized till now) is of the human species meaning that it is of this creature.The one’s social hell migth not be hell for some other person, while this expedition’s hell would be hell for anyone human. Regarding the goal of the hell, the first is personal, while the second is to introduce the acting human creature in one of the nature’s summits. In these pages, eventually was visible the second hell.
# Gina, December 28th 2013
I like to believe that Captain Scott said….“awe-full place”. When you are away from the research station, Antarctica is pure brilliance! And you fellas are experiencing the purity of Antarctica as she lives today. Look at where you’ve been!!!! We humans will pollute our spaces, yet this allows the perception of progress and making a difference, and perhaps there is much truth to that. Rather than being let down by your experiences at Pole, see it as a circus. Everyone has a job to make the show go on. You happened to walk through it! How cool is that?! There really are bearded and unbearded scientists at Pole that are discovering; and perhaps your appreciation of that “god awe-ful place” would have been different if you could have seen that part. I share much of your criticisms; and I am grateful that some of us have been allowed to witness and be part of its history. Your journey continues, be well!
# Kat, December 28th 2013
Nice comment, Gina, but to want to believe that Scott said the Pole was an “awe-full” place is to really miss the clarity with which Scott wrote.
“Great God! this is an awful place and terrible enough for us to have laboured to it without the reward of priority.”
He absolutely said it was an “awful place”, and said so with good reason.
He knew he had lost the prize to Amundsen, and that he would be lucky to make it out alive. The photographs and his writing show just how awful it was.
# George Chapman, December 28th 2013
I like all the post here. Some are laced with accolades and some are questioning certain things or pointing out their thoughts. I think we should all realize there are all sort of folks here from all around the World and we are all different. I’m no mountain climber so I’m not really asking a lot of questions about boot types or such. Some others want to ask questions about how you poop. We have several more weeks to go and I myself am just relaxing and watching this play out. Now see I’m the type that in fun would say:
Ben and Tarka: Come on guys let’s start cranking up the miles we have a long way to go here. My 80 year old mother could get in at least 20 miles a day doing what you’re doing.
Wishing all of you out there a Happy New Year wherever you may be.
# dj, December 28th 2013
In “the West” many merely say: “just cowboy up and git ‘er done!”
# Rocco roberts, December 28th 2013
Well done guys sounds tough going , be strong , all the best for the journey home , from a wet and windy Plymouth Hoe.
# Tara Carlisle, December 28th 2013
If you’re not supportive of Ben and Tarka then just stop reading. They’re not moaning they are sharing their days. If you can’t say something positive then sod off and stop bringing us all down. We are privileged to be allowed a window into THEIR adventure. If you think you can do it then prove it. Your negativity is pathetic. Ben and Tarks - keep your head up, keep your heart strong.
# Kristoffer, December 28th 2013
The writing of other people is not bringing down the rest of the commenters. It’s getting to the point that DJ is complaining about the behavior of the commenters on the Offroading Home Blog. Before long, he’ll be complaining about them again. When are people going to learn that critics do have their place?
# Paul, December 28th 2013
Ben on the phone to his Mum: “We’re here! We’re at the Pole! ...Yes, he’s fine ... well he snores a lot. ... No, no tree this year but I stopped off for a coffee on the way here. It was lovely. ... No, Starbucks is a bit of a walk from here. ... They’re doing fine. They are clean enough. I’ll change them next month. Anyway, better get going. ... Love you too!”
# Intrepid, December 28th 2013
Hahahahaha! You sure have a way with dialogue! Still chuckling…
# George Chapman, December 28th 2013
This is really getting funny now. The folks who don’t like the complaining are complaining about the complainers. It’s reminds me of this funny clip with the old British theme music from Benny Hill. http://youtu.be/LUYbu5DJA1U
# dj, December 28th 2013
George, you’re a hoot - haven’t laughed so hard at something in a loooong while.
Personally, I have no problem with whiners or complainers (unless prevented from pressing fast-forward), people with alternate opinions, people who love soap-box dramas or reality shows, incessant optimists/positivity, continuous pessimists, artists, scientists, show-offs, introverts (...). I was fortunate to learn in my first 30 years that “all little monkeys have their place under the sun.”
That’s not to say that I don’t have any intolerances. I am realizing now that I seemed to have picked up some, back during my second thirty years. Some to a greater extent than others. Snobbery, elitism, lies, condescension, manipulation, arrogance, willful ignorance, greed and commercials are all things I find myself chaffing at. As are the “take all you can,” “world owes me a living,” and “something for nothing” mentalities.
In my youth I was always taught to look up to and “respect your elders.” The unanticipated advantage of now traversing the “third thirty” is that there seems to be less and less of them around every year, so it lakes much less effort now. (I also notice that I’m having less and less inclination to beat around the bush, couch (mince) words, waste time or repeat myself; or to shovel snow, get up before six or to bed after eleven.)
# C.loz, December 28th 2013
whaooo!!! Your futuristic mirrored goggles look Sick!! Congratts.. not many can say they have endured the South Pole. Epic..
# Peter, December 28th 2013
Those planes actually UNLOAD fuel. They don’t take any from the station.
# Mal Owen , December 28th 2013
:-) :-)
# CaninesCashews, December 28th 2013
Hi guys,
Just thought I’d add my daily bit of ‘mindless positivity’ - great to hear you are excited about the return leg and that the spectre of the Pole is behind you now. I always think heading home is a psychological boost in any form of exercise, so hopefully that will be intensified out there on the ice.
Would be interested to know how the kit is holding up - in terms of running repairs etc. I remember there was an issue with the stove early on. Is there anything that hasn’t performed aswell as you hoped/expected?
Stay safe.
Gav
# offroadinghome, December 28th 2013
Gav… perhaps you might add, batteries or data uplink problems to the list. My “live tracker” hasn’t shown that it’s received a “ping” since this am (MST) and they still show that they’ve only made 8 miles today. Usually by now they’ve logged 20 or so miles. [I’d say that they’ve taken a well deserved rest, but there isn’t the usual variance error of each ping]. My guess is that there’s huge and impenetrable cloud cover or their batteries have died.
# DJ, December 28th 2013
Gav… Oops, several minutes after I posted the last comment an update advanced them 11 miles! (All in one hour between pings?) They must have been saving up or switched battery packs. It’s 2:30 here now however, their usual stopping time; so, perhaps they’ve made camp and sent in a position update manually (?)
# Mal Owen, December 28th 2013
Just in case u r puzzled..my smiles were intended as a reply to Paul’s comment re Ben’s conversation with his mum….. Reminded me of my mum and I’m sure the mums of many others who used to always tell me to wear clean knickers in case I got run over by a car and ended up in hospital. Not much chance of that happening to Ben or Tarka..lol
# George Chapman, December 28th 2013
I’ve noticed also that they have only done about 9 miles today. I have not been watching the track all day so not sure when they started. Normally by this time of day they would have stopped for the day. Will have to check back in a hour and if they have not moved I would assume they decide they needed some time off or ran into bad weather. 12-28-13 4:25PM EST
# dj, December 28th 2013
See my comment above. After several hours of “radio silence” a “ping” came through advancing them 11 miles!
# George Chapman, December 28th 2013
Now I see they have moved about 20 miles today. They must be having update problems or I’m confused. 4:40PM EST 12-28-13.
# dj, December 28th 2013
Problems. (However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re not also as confused as the rest of us.) [Wish we knew specifics about how they do things so we could understand them better; but, alas and alack, we are probably just doomed to “wonder why.”]
# Andrea, December 28th 2013
The “not a bad way to make a life”, as it being beyond the joy and not just a result of gauging, it sits at the level of the human spirit as do the wards of spirit, being of a book length or of a few wards or gestures shortness. For exemple, the deviation ‘God sits also in an awful place.’
The Pole Station presents what the rest of the civilisation presents, namely the necessity of means, its intrinsec dependece of means witch are those we were able to invent till now.
# Andrea, December 28th 2013
As the Pole Station occupies a little area of the antarctic continent, leaving space for your expedition alike, to exemplify altogether in the same time other things made with those means and the content of your “make a life”, for the eventuality that your team maybe will consider to make it to be received in the expedition, it can be indicated the pieces of music of Mahalia Jackson in “In the Upper Room” http://youtu.be/nrJhjQgH8c0 with setting aside the religious sens and content of the upper room, and Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony http://youtu.be/jUGN2vMj3bY http://youtu.be/ybQq3Qt-8J4 http://youtu.be/Fcly8-RGhgw .
# Jon G, December 28th 2013
Spectacular news. Epic achievement, epic writing, and (not least) you’ve updated Windows 8. We’ve raised another glass, and look forward to following your ongoing progress.
# Hilary, December 28th 2013
well done to you both, a very brave achievement which I have been pleased to watch your journey throughout. Looking forward to seeing you back in MChapel in the near future
# Dan Lafree, December 29th 2013
Well done. What do you fellas do for socks? I can’t keep my feet warm in Indiana . Be careful
# Daryl Cobabe, December 29th 2013
“to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.”
# peter blenk, December 29th 2013
I suspect you will only fully appreciate your great achievement once you are back home. Remember the words of General Patton when addressing his troops going into battle: “When forty years hence your grandson is sitting on your knee and asks, ‘What did you do in the Great World War Two?’, you won’t have to say, ‘I shoveled shit in Louisiana.’”
The Pole sounds reminds me of a landing zone in ‘Nam; hardly what I had in mind. Although the next 900 miles seems daunting, it must be inspiring to know that it’s all homeward bound. Heartiest congratulations. Peter
# Kait, December 29th 2013
A bit of explanation: the LC-130 Hercules aircraft don’t drink the fuel at Pole, they carry it there. All of the station’s fuel that isn’t brought by the overland traverses (the vehicles that towed the fuel bladders you saw) is offloaded from the tanks of the Hercs. They only retain enough to fly back to McMurdo. Until the traverses started, every bit of Pole’s fuel was transported this way.
# George Chapman, December 29th 2013
It looks like the guys got another 21 miles today. Even though they are having trouble pinging their locations it appears they are doing well. Another good day guys.
# Anton Uhl, December 30th 2013
Astounding!
Congratulations!
Our amazement and support for your great courage will not wane until you are safely back at home. Best always! Anton
# george, January 4th 2014
Did you talk to anyone at the Pole? (Were you allowed to?)
# Scott Expedition Team, January 4th 2014
Yes, there were several people there that they spoke to before turning around and starting the return journey.
# Kamani, Kierre, Venus, Anyae, Justin, Michael (gra, January 17th 2014
Hope you make it back safely! We enjoyed reading about your trip, and congratulations! You should write a kids book so we can read about your adventure. Thanks!
# Brandon, Shawn, Jon-Charles, SaNiya, Bryanah, Kenn, January 17th 2014
We came in to check on you and see how you are doing, and we were happy to find out that you made it to the South Pole. We would love it if you came to our school and we got to meet you in person. Congratulations, we have enjoyed following you on your journey.
# Quinn, Antwain, Jason, I'mon, Iniecia, Theona, Ayz, January 17th 2014
Dear Scott Expedition,
You have done a great job! When you get back we bet you’ll be doing a whole lot of resting. You probably burned a lot of calories with this trip. Have a safe trip back to the UK and have a big meal when you get home.
Greenbriar students