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.
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
# Matt, January 31st 2014
Great job guys. Everyday as I feel tired about the grind. I read your post and realize I have nothing to conplain about. Hang in there and stay safe.
# Intrepid, January 31st 2014
There’s something about this photo. It has a really cool composition, the dark light tent shadow, a perfect hidden white orb, deep blue sky….. I really like it!!!! (who took it?)
I noticed your altitude is the lowest so far on the return… only 46 feet above the sea.
174 miles of skiing to go, 174 miles to go,
You ski some more, make tracks in the snow,
173 miles of skiing to go.
173 miles of skiing to go, 173 miles to go,
You ski some more, make tracks in the snow,
172 miles of skiing to go….
Go! Go! Go!
# Mark, January 31st 2014
A milestone day is always better than a millstone day. ;)
Here’s my offbeat question. I was watching a sports show and the commentator said, “Unless you’ve been in Antarctica, you’ve probably heard of Andrew Wiggins…” and proceeded to describe the young basketball phenom. My immediate thought was that this was a theory that I could test. So, gents, you’ve been in Antarctica for 3 months. Have you heard of Mr. Wiggins?
Now, before I fade into the background and resume lurking, please accept my congratulations and admiration for all you’ve accomplished. It really is an amazing achievement so don’t let that get lost in the daily grind.
# Rebecca, January 31st 2014
I can’t take my eyes from that photo—with that glorious blue sky—and can’t help thinking that if Scott and his party had had such weather at that point in their journey, the story might have ended differently. But, as you said, they were traveling much later into the southern fall, and as similar as the two journeys are, so much is quite different. This is very big day, and our thoughts are with you as you make this milestone. And now, the final push. You’re nearly there! Let our comments be your tailwind….
# Phil Satoor, January 31st 2014
I think I’m right in saying that when you were walking south the sun was somewhere in front of you, whereas now you’re walking north it’s behind you. My question is: does it make any difference to how well you can see the terrain ahead? I’m thinking in particular of crevasses .
# Sheila England , January 31st 2014
I do think about the Scott expedition after reading your blog. I often think of the equipment available to them at the time, and the material their clothes were made of. Amazing. I know very little as I haven’t read the diaries as of yet, but want to. I remember seeing a BBC drama based on it, many years ago , and have never forgotten how it made me feel. I was so excited to see Scott’s diary at the British Library several years ago, and it was opened to his final entry. (I remember just staring at it, and thinking of his state of mind, and body, at that moment. )
Cheers guys; you are amazing.
Sheila
I am very
# bruce, January 31st 2014
Can you guys keep writing your daily posts even after the end of this journey for at least a couple of days more, I think it would be interesting to know what are the first things you did after finishing and how did you feel about those….
# Helena, February 1st 2014
Thank you guys for sharing your feelings and thoughts. I think of Scott and the others a lot these days when you go through the place where they passed away.
I hope you make the whole journey without any consequences.
Still I have a question on you: What do you dream at night? Do you have dreams? Are these only white and snowy or a mixture of your older memories? Just curious :-)
# Helena, February 1st 2014
Son asks father: “Daddy, when do the Indians paint their faces?”
“When they are going to struggle.”
“So beware of my mom, standing before a mirror and making up her face !”
# bee, February 1st 2014
Stepping into history,
your journey continues to amaze and inspire me.
Thank you.
May the sun continue to shine on you and your skis glide smoothly
as you complete these final days.
Stay safe and well.
# Heidi, February 1st 2014
“And here was the crux. This was the moment that mattered, not standing by the Pole having my photograph taken, but standing next to my friend, in a howling gale, miles away from anyone or anything. “Let’s put the tent up”, I said, “I’ve got an idea”.” Resupply (Day 70)
Rereading the Day 70 post while waiting for a Day 99 post. What you gentlemen have been enduring is unimaginable, and rereading it brings the same emotion it did the first time. I am so grateful that you were clear-headed enough to think of your friend and to reach out to Andy. I am thankful the Otter got to you, and in awe that the pilot was a trusted expedition partner. It is such a heartfelt, earnest piece that really gives an intimate view of your struggles. And now you are so close. Praying for safe going these last few days.
# Gina, February 1st 2014
Truly, you guys are so close to the finish! I ran my first (and only) marathon on the Ross Ice Shelf when working in Antarctica. What kept me motivated was the vision of the sea creatures under the ice, swimming and floating along with me, under foot, cheer leading. It has been fantastic to follow your journey. You have many humans cheering you on and I suspect those sea animals are pretty stoked for you too!
It must feel so incredible to experience the magic and awe of Antarctica that only a few have ventured.