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.
Back on the Ross Ice Shelf & A Message from Prince Harry (Day 88)
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
# Caro Buchheim, January 21st 2014
So very glad you’ve conquered the Beardmore again. No doubt you’ll do the same to these last 400 miles. Save and speedy travel, you two!
# Deacon Patrick, January 21st 2014
Fantastic, lads! You are indeed pushing the outer limits of human endurance and doing a brilliant job of it. Enjoy the last wee leg and may God startle you with joy!
With abandon,
Patrick
# John Edwards, January 21st 2014
amazing stuff. real life heroes, both of you. well done. proud to be associated with you in some small way. take care. good speed.
# Melissa, January 21st 2014
Cheering you on from Golden, Colorado, USA! The first thing I do each morning is read your blog post. You are incredible adventurers and spectacular writers. Wishing you a safe final journey home.
PS: My heart goes out to your mothers. =)
# Richard Crawford-Small, January 21st 2014
Scary times with the crevasses, mind you with Tarkas wingspan it would have to have been about 10 ft wide for him to disappear. Home straight now guys. See you soon!
# Christy from Indiana, U.S., January 21st 2014
Holy crapola! Ben & Tarka, your journey leaves me breathless, and that’s just from the Cliff Notes version! I for one really hope there will be a full annotated version of your extraordinary journey + a 3D movie!
# TASIS 5G, January 21st 2014
We have been following your journey and we are inspired by your bravery and wise choices on this difficult, but amazing journey. We send all of our best wishes from our class and will continue to watch as you make your way back safely.
# Ariane, January 21st 2014
You have found me out.
Stay focused guys.
-HRH aka “Ariane”
# Richard Pierce, January 21st 2014
*giggles uncontrollably*
# Marina Kleinwort, January 21st 2014
Ben and Tarka. Phew! Those were a few tense days there for those us “armchair viewing” so to speak. I was hardly able to leave the computer - obsessively checking your progress, never have co-ordinates held so much fascination! After yesterday isn’t it time for another rare but precious Tarka Blog? As ever I can’t wait for tomorrow’s edition of….. (need a name for this I think?!) How you put pen to paper, so eloquently every night, is mind-boggling in itself.
Though you must be relieved to be down from the Glacier and not “crevassed” I am sure there will be a new set of challenges for you both over the next couple of weeks, but there is little doubt you will conquer these as well. You guys have proved day after day how resilient you are, so god-willing and with double rations to fuel you, you will get back to base safely and the ice flow will stay firm all the way. We are counting down the miles with you. xx
# Sandra Price, January 21st 2014
All through your adventure I have been thinking of your families - your parents in particular - who must be living each step of the journey with you !! Cannot imagine what they are going through - Best wishes to you both and your families as you approach the “last lap” of this epic and inspiring adventure .
# Rayna, January 21st 2014
You guys are an inspiration to This generation as well! Carry on… good travels.
# Heidi, January 21st 2014
Dear Ben and Tarka, I am sorry to here about the harrowing experience with the crevasses. I am so thankful that you had your wits about you and managed a successful double extraction. Another follower used the word obsession and that’s what following you two has become. I am more anxious than ever to see your daily post and know that all is well, relatively speaking, and that you are safe. My family often discusses your progress. We send you more warm Southern California hugs, and I anxiously await tomorrow’s post.