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
# Darcy Mueller, January 21st 2014
I’m an 8th grade teacher in Alaska and my students and I have been following your expedition since August. I myself have been waiting for it since I saw your TED Talks online last year .
We are all in awe of both of you! Your physical, emotional, and mental strengths. Some of my students even mentioned you in their essays about following dreams and never giving up.
Keep at it and stay safe!
# Lydia, January 21st 2014
Hi B&T - what on earth are you doing to my nerves - shot to pieces! So glad you are clear of that pesky Beardmore. Onwards to your next depot and perhaps the treat of double rations.
There is rather a large crowd gathering behind you willing you on towards the finish line. And as many have said already if I could be there I blooming well would rather like a Lady in Waiting…........ that’s my only Royal reference.
Take care, stay safe - History in the Making my friends - so proud :-)
Lydia x
# Jennie Hale, January 21st 2014
You are such an inspiration and your blog is just brillant. How you can do what you have done day after day while surviving such horrors as falling into a crevass is totally mind blowing. Well done a thousand times. Good luck for the last laps!
# Hilary, January 21st 2014
Another great day today from the looks of things. You must have less than 400 miles to go now. Wish we could all be at the finish line to celebrate with you. Great going guys!
# Dave, January 22nd 2014
Here’s a link to an online article in the US, which in turn has a link to this site.
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20140121/CARNEWS01/140129963?utm_source=DailyDrive20140121&utm_medium=enewsletter&utm_term=article12&utm_content=20140121-Land-Rover-sends-Brits-back-to-South-Pole&utm_campaign=awdailydrive
I’m looking forward to waking up tomorrow morning to another day of encouraging news.
# Heidi, January 22nd 2014
Yes! I was so excited when I saw the article in my Autoweek email toda. I had just finished reading this morning’s gripping blog post and I had the thought it’s only a matter of time before USA mainstream media picks up the story and it blows up. Well, I’m not sure if Autoweek can be counted as “mainstream media” but it’s a fantastic start.
# Dave, January 22nd 2014
Heidi, you’ll know the expedition has really gone mainstream in the U.S. when Las Vegas oddsmakers are making book on Ben and Tarka’s arrival date and time at their finish line.
# Jim, January 22nd 2014
In spite of the harsh conditions, exhausting physical/mental demands, and lack of luxuries, I am amazed that your postings are always so clear, concise, and informative—not to mention fun to read!
Keep up the great work and finish strong!
# Sue Gallagher, January 22nd 2014
I’m following along with all of you in awe and admiration for Ben and Tarka on this incredible journey. I’m on the edge of my seat, Ben’s writing is so thoughtful and descriptive.
I wanted to share this…while browsing in my local bookstore today on the sale table: “The Lost Photographs of Captain Scott” by David M. Wilson, great nephew of Dr. Edward Wilson, chief of the scientific staff, who died with Scott. Amazing book!
Another book that might interest : “Sailor on Ice: Tom Crean” by David Hirzel a friend of mine.
I too am looking forward to the hoped-for book.
Sending best wishes for the safe conclusion of this adventure.
# Richard W, January 22nd 2014
Great to hear you are back on the shelf safe and sound. What an awesome effort to persevere and overcome all the challenges thrown your way. Well done guys. We are all following your progress keenly here at ME HQ and send our best wishes for the final phase.
# Leah, January 22nd 2014
GOD SPEED BEN & TARKA!!!
I wish you both easy riding all the way back now and the most amazing home coming ever!
I second the notion of knighting you both for the most amazing endeavor.