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.
Back on the Beardmore (Day 82)
Day 82: S84° 56' 52.08", E164° 41' 6.72"
Duration: 9 Hr 30 Min
Daily distance: 23.5 Mi
Distance to go: 538.7 Mi
Temperature: -9 °C
Wind chill: -21 °C
Altitude: 5558 Ft
Today ranks among our hardest yet on this expedition, but we finished it with a real sense of accomplishment, if a little worse for wear. Tarka said this evening as we wearily pitched our tent on a tiny patch of snow in hundreds of acres of blue ice that he'd never felt this beaten-up in two years of playing professional rugby.
We're on the glacier proper now, north of Buckley Island, which as you can see in the photo, we're parked just in front of.
We've descended about 600 vertical metres since our last camp, and much of that descent was on a heavily-crevassed snowfield to the south of Buckley Island and on a steep blue ice slope to its east. We'd privately decided that these two sections would be perhaps the most challenging we'd face on the glacier (though I never blogged about that for fear of alarming our mothers) so it was good to get them out of the way with relatively little drama, though we've both fallen over a few times today and we're nursing a few bruises.
We were on crampons for about half the day, which was a peculiar feeling after so many weeks sliding along on skis, and on the steep sections we fastened the sledges together in tandem, with one person in front leading (the easy job) and one person at the back, steering and braking the whole shebang (not so easy).
If we carry on at this pace, we should be at the bottom in four days, which is an exciting thought, as it feels like we'll be home and dry once we're back on the flat, low-altitude Ross Ice Shelf and zipping between depots back to our finish line at the shore of Ross Island.
Andy sent us a few questions, which I'll answer tomorrow, but one that made me giggle was whether we boiled our socks to wash them. The answer is a definite no; we only have one pot and that's kept pristine for snow melting. The thought of putting either of our pairs of socks in there (normally worn non-stop for about three weeks until we swap them for a fresh pair) is, even our current squalid state, too much to entertain.
More soon, and thank you for following along.
Comments
# Tara Carlisle, January 15th 2014
Your post today made me feel very emotional for some reason. I am in agreement about talks, books and any forum that quells our hunger for more knowledge of your epic, heroic expedition. I am in the middle of a very stressful housemove - you do it every day. Really enjoyed sharing your journey. We feel immense affection and awe. Take care. Well done. You are bfrilliant.
# Hilary, January 15th 2014
Today’s photo of the blue ice is immense. It really gives feeling of the absolute wilderness that you are in. Glad you’re finally on the Beardmore, but do take care to get down in one piece each.
# Intrepid, January 15th 2014
MIND THE ICE…. MIND THE ICE…. MIND THE ICE…. MIND THE ICE
Dear Ben and Tarka,
I don’t know how many days provision you have or how far away the next depot is, but I gather the best way down is not to be in a rush but to continue looking at what is present and responding accordingly, Sending good thoughts as well as healing energy.
Thanks for continuing your journey here on the blog.
# Susan - from Michigan, January 15th 2014
Thank you for allowing us to follow along on your special journey! I have enjoyed reading your blog everyday. It has inspired me to learn everything I can about the South Pole and the original Scott expedition. Please stay safe and be extra careful while traveling this area.
# Willie Hannah, January 15th 2014
Ben and Tarka, I mentioned previously in an earlier blog and would wish to reiterate that statement without appearing to be condescending, please take care on the descent. The tiredness, weight, physical and underfoot conditions will all conspire to generate a momentary lapse of concentration. It could generate a slip, a trip or a break. As with mountaineering, the descent is the most dangerous phase of any Expedition, for all the reasons previously stated. Please keep your guard up, “Old Beardsmore” will be waiting and watching, do not jepordise the Expedition and let him get one over on you. Be strong, Be safe. Hoofing Effort to date, regards, Willie
# Richard Pierce, January 15th 2014
What he said - descent is always the most dangerous part. R
# uncle pete, January 15th 2014
Yes Tarka - your granny reported about ‘memsahibs’ knee’ from her Everest ‘walk’ - It happens on the way DOWN! ‘Do be careful dear’ she would have said (and probably more!). God Bless.
watching the Offroaders’ overlay’s - even more exciting, thanks to them for their data!
# Mia Lherpiniere, January 15th 2014
Be safe coming down boys. Tarka you owe me a drink for keeping your mother alive and sane through this expedition. xxxxxxx missing you come home safe!!!
Mia
# Dave, January 15th 2014
Lots of posts (even if only two) from other people in Michigan. Here’s hoping Ben and Tarka put us on their list of places to visit when they go on tour to speak about their amazing experience. More importantly, here’s also to your being added to the Beardmore’s list of “the ones that got away”.
# mikef, January 15th 2014
Now that you both are well on your way back, it started me wondering what a gap this is going leave once you both finish your trip. I have set up a routine where I eat my lunch and read your updates each day so I’m not sure how I’m going to fill that time once you finish your trip. I’m sure I’m not alone. That said, this has been an amazing experience and I’m glad modern science has allowed me a view into your journey. Continue to be safe and thank you for the effort you have put forth to bring us all into your worlds. Its been a joy!
# flask, January 15th 2014
ben and tarka, i don’t have much i can say to you. i’m not an extreme sportsman, and i have no particular knowledge or qualification to speak about anything you’re doing.
i’m a dumpy little middle aged lady on a sofa in a comfortable home.
but i read about your progress every day and every day i think about you and hope you are well. i hope you have strength and i hope you find joy in it and my voice isn’t all that important except i think it somehow means something for you to understand the size of the crowd that wishes for you every safety and enough comfort.
be well. be strong. come back whole.
# bee, January 16th 2014
So many comments echo my sentiments…
so I will just say, savor each moment for you will
likely not pass this way again. Take care, stay safe
and well. Thank you for sharing and allowing us
to join you on this inspiring journey.
# Colin Buckley, January 16th 2014
Buckley Island? I’m famous!!!! :-) there’s an Island named after me. What is the reason for this? Was there a Buckley in Scott’s team? Great going guys. Ben, if you plan to be at the Geneva motorshow I gotta shake your hand!!! Stay safe guys.