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)
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
# Charles, January 21st 2014
Hang in there, progress is amazing and the home stretch will go by real fast. Soon you’ll almost be sorry that you’re done.
cheers :)
# Lee Ha, January 21st 2014
It’s hard to believe that it’s colder here in Vermont than your location in Antarctica. I complained once about cold feet today, but you guys came to mind immediately and I will complain no more. How lucky we all are to be able to follow you with this amazing technology - but I’m sure your Mums will be sleeping better when they can wrap their arms around you in a welcome home hug rather than a reassuring phone call. Keep up the great progress! You are an inspiration beyond all!
# McDowell Crook, January 21st 2014
Keep up the great work, guys. A truly inspirational journey.
# Leigh Phillips , January 21st 2014
Another brfilliant post and i bet full of understatement! What you are achieving really is inspiring a new generation, we can see that from all of the comments that various classes leave here. I’m sure there’s a new generation there that will name you and Tarka as their inspiration.
ps. I’m not Prince Harry.. Sorry :-(
# Adella, January 21st 2014
Congratulations on your amazing journey…I am a new mom and I follow your adventures from the cozy nest of my bed while nursing my tiny baby. Our current circumstances could not be more different and a peek into your world is a breath of fresh, exciting air. Thank you for allowing us to travel with you!!
Sending love and wishes for a safe trip,
Adella & baby Sayla
Pensacola, Florida
# Teresa Goller, January 21st 2014
I’m proud to be among your followers. What an amazing feat you have undertaken. I look forward to your updates each day. Here in the central US we have experienced some pretty cold temps this winter and each time I think about what you are enduring and tell myself to stop being such a wimp!! Wishing you the best for the remainder of your journey.
# Sheila England, January 21st 2014
Thank goodness your Mum was oblivious to what was happening, although I’m sure she was still worried. The mere thought of a crevasse is terrifying to me. A bit of a mine field. Do stay safe. You are almost there. Much love & hugs to you both. Keep thinking of that wonderful cup of coffee & crackling fireplace, comfy chair, at the end.
Sleep well.
Sheila
# Helena, January 21st 2014
Hello bravemen :-)
i always wanted to ask you about the crevasses but never dared and now i read it, uff. Surely God is with you as you made it through so safely, you can bet.
My prayers are with you.
P.S. don´t worry, I am everything but not Prince Harry :-D
# Richard South Africa, January 21st 2014
Been tracking your progress for some time. Congratulations! Just wanted to encourage you both for this last haul since it is still long and perhaps, since all the harder bits are behind you, this may require the most determination to finish. Enjoy it as much as you can. You are going to miss it.
# Rachel Barenblat, January 21st 2014
Your journey continues to amaze & inspire. Stay safe down there!
# Ione & Rich, January 21st 2014
Well Tarka, all that practice hauling sledfulls of champagne up a mountain for your wedding (and hauling your mad aunt Ione partway down)seems to have paid off - please think of your remaining time hauling stuff around Antarctica as practice for being useful at your cousin Tamara’s wedding this summer (rations will be provided!) . Very glad you and Ben are now heading for the coast and hopefully a place where ice is in its proper place - in drinks! xx
# Philip de Roo, January 21st 2014
Hi Ben and Tarka,
Lots of respect for your mission! Really Really Great of the work you are doing.
Nearly home… Keep up the good work! Following you guys each day!
Cheers from the Netherlands
Philip