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 Milestone Day (Day 98)

Day 98: S79° 51' 16.31", E168° 37' 46.56"

Duration: 10 Hr

Daily distance: 24.5 Mi

Distance to go: 174 Mi

Temperature: -14 °C

Wind chill: -21 °C

Altitude: 184 Ft

Lots of boxes ticked today; we're inside 79 degrees south, we picked up our depot (the last one that we had very little leeway to hit - we have food, fuel and time in reserve now) and we're very close to - though perhaps not quite past - Scott's last camp. We'll pass that and the position of his One Ton Depot tomorrow, and we expect to see land again in the form of Minna Bluff, and perhaps the distant summits of Erebus and Terror in the next day or so as well.

Alas this is a speedy update as we're late from picking up the depot and putting in a big-mileage day on a surface that wasn't ideal, and I'm the snow-melting chef tonight. It was colder today though Antarctica treated us (finally!) to a spot of sunshine, and to our great surprise we were able to pick up and follow our old tracks again. The sun is noticeably lower in the sky with each passing day now, though of course, we're still skiing during the local night time, and it starts to rise higher again as we pitch our camp in the evening, meaning we're nice and warm in the tent.

Tarka and I talked a lot today about what it must have been like for Scott, Oates, Wilson and Bowers out here a century ago, and more than a month later into the autumn than we are now. The longer we're out here, the more our sense of awe and respect at what those men faced and endured continues to grow.

I'll answer some more questions tomorrow (when Tarka's cooking) but for now I'll sign off by thanking you all again for your interest and support. After grumbling about whiteouts and headaches for days, I'm happy to report that Tarka and I are both starting to get excited about how close we're getting to the finish line.

More soon...

Comments

# Richard Pierce, January 31st 2014

At this moment, I believe Ben & Tarka are taking their steps into history, and passing the spot where Scott, Wilson and Bowers lay down for the last time.

I thought it appropriate to share this short film with historic images, and images I shot myself when I was out there in January 2008. And the music’s damn good, too. Maybe Andy should record it as an mp3 and send it to the boys.

http://youtu.be/xnMJv1NQJ2w

God Speed, B&T.

R

# David, January 31st 2014

A poignant day as oyu pass by the site of Scott’s final camp. You guys alone will understand the extremes of hardship and stamina displayed by Evans, Oates, Bowers, Wilson and Scott duing February and March 1912.
Your blog support is following your every mile as you head home. Stay safe and take great care
God speed

# Craig Aitchison, January 31st 2014

Good effort lads, well done on everything you’ve achieved so far. Truly inspirational!

# Colin Barton, January 31st 2014

Guys. Being so close to Scott’s last camp is pretty big I imagine and a moment to savour at the time and in the years to come as the bad bits of the expedition are no longer remembered but the good bits are more vivid. The outcome of Scott’s journey just shows how well you chaps are doing and the risks involved. Truly heroic whatever the century.

# Leo Houlding, January 31st 2014

F*** Yeah! You’re nearly there.
Getting worn out by your awesome blog.
Love it. well done.

Leo

# Judy in North Carolina, January 31st 2014

So very excited for you!  You have no idea how much it means to so many of us that do not officially know you yet now feel a strong connection to your journey.  Taking so much time to share your thoughts and feelings each day in tough conditions is extremely generous.  Thank you.  May you have a terrific day!

# Heidi, January 31st 2014

Well said, Judy.

# Rosie Vidovix Unsworth, January 31st 2014

A big day today… So proud of you guys!

# Uncle Pete, January 31st 2014

Boys, such mixed emotions seeing you had a good run yesterday and now it is clear you have outreached Scott’s party. What a bitter sweet achievement but such is how history is made and remade. Well done and hope the rest goes safe and smooth and full of reflection. Now send these thoughts from 35degrees in Cape Town so in fact not much land between us! Best wishes.

# CaninesCashews, January 31st 2014

I know I have posted this image on FB and Twitter before, but it seems all the more poignant as the boys pass where Captain Scott, Doctor Wilson and Lieutenant Bowers made their last camp.

As the guys walk into the history books I am reminded that someone much cleverer than me said, ‘we are never proud when we are alone’.

Although I’m sure the guys have had times of loneliness on this expedition, I am equally sure there are thousands of people all over the world who have followed, commented, tweeted and blogged trying to ensure they never feel alone.

Those are the same people, who right now as Ben & Tarka pass this amazing milestone, are bursting with pride to have played a very small part in a magnificent adventure.

God speed for the last stretch.

Image here: pic.twitter.com/mhdQFq0sJ1

Gav

# Richard Pierce, January 31st 2014

Well spoken, my friend. R

# CaninesCashews, January 31st 2014

Thanks Richard - I wonder if its too soon to see Mt. Erebus ?

# Richard Pierce, January 31st 2014

Couple more days, I reckon. I could be wrong, though, because it looks like it’s really clear out there, as they’re following their old tracks exactly, according to GE. R

# Mal Owen, January 31st 2014

Gav
So appropriate for this very special day in history….stored in my picture memory to recall when things get tough and I need a boost and to be reminded that all things are possible.

# CaninesCashews, February 1st 2014

Thanks Mal it’s nice to know the image will ‘live on’.

G.

# Willie Hannah, January 31st 2014

Ben and Tarka, it is very impressive gentlemen, big day, great mileage and poignant times ahead.  May I add my tuppence to the previous book title suggestions (sounds like the start of a T-Shirt competition), ” The Long Haul - To the South Pole and Back”.  Be strong, Be safe, regards, Willie

# Intrepid, January 31st 2014

Before an idea emerges
The desire for being is already
Something

The possibility of what can be
Holds on to becoming
Alive

Sparked between dreams
In vision, a belief already seen
Possible

An expedition across a stark barren world
Where only snow white and islands of mountains
Exists

The journey of tracks
Destined for beyond the limits of what was
Here

A completion shared in spirit
Honoring those whose lives stayed
Forever

Two polar explorers, over 100 days
Toiled, surfing the edges of sled slogging exhaustion, endured
Together

Ben Saunders and Tarka L’Herpiniere

# Intrepid, January 31st 2014

Change the line to

Two polar explorers, in 99 days

# Richard Pierce, January 31st 2014

Nice work, Intrepid! R

# Intrepid, January 31st 2014

Thanks Richard. I have to say my doubts about writing… it’s as though I’m an editor more than a writer. At some point the writing has to find a resting place; mine takes soooooo long to get there. I like that though. Ha! When I take another pass at what I wrote, I see another edit I’d make.  I pressed send because today is when the homage is given, the day history begins a new page, the day that feels right to place such words into.

# Barbara B from Clinton, CT USA, January 31st 2014

“A completion shared in spirit
Honoring those whose lives stayed
Forever”

Beautiful…don’t change a thing

# Mal Owen, January 31st 2014

Have come back to read it several times….enough said :-)

# Quentin Brooksbank , January 31st 2014

FANTASTIC! Food glorious food! So close now Ben & Tarka, stay focused and save your reserves for those unexpected moments!
Q, of Anglesey’s Ring O’ Fire

Commenting is not available for this entry.