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 Ross Ice Shelf & A Message from Prince Harry (Day 88)

Posted January 20th 2014,
by Ben Saunders

Category: Expedition, The Return Journey

Day 88: S83° 22' 32.99", E170° 47' 23.64"

Duration: 9 Hr

Daily distance: 23.5 Mi

Distance to go: 418.6 Mi

Temperature: -4 °C

Wind chill: -9 °C

Altitude: 118 Ft

I must have jinxed things by saying to my mum on the satellite phone last night that we were "Home and dry", as we found ourselves skiing through the most treacherous crevasse field of the entire glacier this morning, just a few kilometres from the foot of the Gateway. The slots and holes were real monsters, and covered with thin, fresh snow bridges; when we skied through on our way up to the plateau they were easy to spot and steer round, but now we were travelling blind.

We both went through several times, with Tarka getting the prize for most frightening fall, going in chest deep, skis and all, and getting wedged by his outstretched arms. As I turned to respond to his shouts, my own ski went through another hole and the snow opened up underneath me to reveal a crevasse a couple of stories deep. It was a hairy hour or so, but we made it through in one piece, and to our mothers' relief we're now camped very safely indeed on the lovely flat, calm, 100% crevasse-free Ross Ice Shelf.

It feels like we're on the home straight now, though of course we still have a hell of a way to go, and we're both very drained from hauling sledges almost continuously for a quarter of a year. I have to sign off now as it's getting late but one more thing to share with you. We've recieved a message from His Royal Highness Prince Harry. It made our day here in Antarctica. I hope he won't mind me quoting it below and I'm deeply honoured that he's among the people following our journey (and secretly hope he's been leaving comments under a pseudonym...) "One hundred and two years ago today Captain Scott reached the South Pole. As his expedition tragically demonstrated, such a trek sits at the very limit of human endeavour. You're well on your way to completing what Scott attempted; I wish you both the very best of luck for the rest of your journey. You guys will be an inspiration to the next generation as Scott has been to this."

Thank you all for following, especially to those who've left comments... Keep 'em coming!

Comments

# Andy, January 21st 2014

Just a heads up for anyone following the tracker today. Seems there might be a battery issue with the tracker at present which means we might not get an hourly position till Ben and Tarka charge the tracker in their tent tonight. I’ll update you all if and when I have any further news.
Thanks for all the great support. It means a huge amount to Ben and Tarka.

# Andy, January 21st 2014

Looks like we are up and running again.

# Paul Adams, January 21st 2014

Andy, how far to the next depot? Apologies if this is already somewhere on the blog.

# Andy, January 21st 2014

Hi paul, about two days ski from their current position.

# Paul Adams, January 21st 2014

Great progress guys - I hope the weather is good for your return across the shelf.

# Laurence b Jacobs, January 21st 2014

Amazingly well done Ben & Tarka. Toiling through unimaginable difficulties of weather , terrain, equipment failures and pushing the mind body and spirit further than I con conceive. You have achieved already is historic. Keep safe and enjoy the journey.

# Janet Stanley, January 21st 2014

What a scary experience on your last day on the glacier, Richard did say she may have a sting in her tail! Glad you are safe & sound as I’m sure your mothers are! Please stay safe :)

# Harlan, January 21st 2014

Time to break out the shorts and sandals!

# Susan from Michigan, January 21st 2014

Great job!! “My boys” are almost home!!!! I know your mothers must be so proud of you!!! They also must be sitting on the edge of their seats all day wondering what is happening to you. It’s great you can speak with them every night so they know you are alive and well. How exciting, too, that Prince Harry is following your journey and honored you with a wonderful comment. Glad you are back on solid ground….that had to be really scary. My prayers are with you…keep safe and I look forward to reading about your day tomorrow.

# Raffaele Mura, January 21st 2014

In the way you are,every message make your day,not only those from some people.
Keep going

# Dave, January 21st 2014

Ben & Tarka,
So happy to hear you made it back to the relative safety of the Ross Ice Shelf. Your report of falling into a couple crevases added a little adventure to the trip and will add to your memories of the Beardmore glacier.  Us readers are out there with you cheering both of you along. Thanks for bringing us with you on this historic journey.
Dave in Michigan

# Michelle, January 21st 2014

Congratulations! You’re on the final stretch of the expedition. Keep going!

# kev, January 21st 2014

When I spoke to your mum Ben, she revealed how it took her 4 months to “air and freshen” your jacket from your North Pole jaunt… guess its going to be the same again but this time with “brown-trouser ” accompliments :-)

Take care fellas

# Mal Owen, January 21st 2014

My daily chuckle….thanx :-)

# bee, January 21st 2014

Congrats!! on your “eventful” but successful descent of the Beardmore.
This, the first blog I have ever followed, has kept me enthralled for the last two months.
You are part of my morning ritual. Thank you for taking us on this epic and historical journey.
May the wind be at your backs (gently)  across the ice shelf and your skis glide smoothly.
Stay well and safe.

# Mal Owen, January 21st 2014

Many thanks…I had missed it…. Lovely pics.

# Andy, January 21st 2014

Hi Dave,
Some of the footage used (including the screen shot you have linked to) was taken by Ben and Tarka on earlier training expeditions in Greenland over the last two years.
Andy

# Dave, January 21st 2014

Thanks, Andy.  I suspected that was the case but didn’t want to assume.

I’m looking forward to pictures and video of Ben and Tarka returning to the hut and even more to all the images they recorded during their journey that have not yet been shared (the ones that have been so far have really whet my appetite).

# Sheila England, January 21st 2014

Thanks so much for the link! I’ve reposted it on my FB page.

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