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
# Justin Philips, January 21st 2014
Wow, the prince came calling, a feather on your cap. I predict knighthood next Sir Ben
Good luck and all the best in the last stretch!
# Catherine, January 21st 2014
Well done for making it to the ice shelf…and how wonderful to hear from Harry. He has been in Antarctica with the walking wounded ...maybe you will get to meet him. I sense the excitement of your home stretch now . Here’s to you Ben and Tarka : )
# DJ, January 21st 2014
My word… all that drama and only the most minimal of effect on your hourly distances! Good on ya!
# Christian, January 21st 2014
Ben , Tarka,
I guess your mums are happy now knowing you are off the glacier.
Excellent and brfilliant job.
With your physical and mental power and the words of Prince Harry the Ross Ice Shelf will be your own Champs-Elysees :-) enjoy it and never forget what you have achieved since you started your journey and all preparations 10years ago. If we could we would cheer on the finish line. Stay safe, strong and focused.
Enjoy the food you will pick up on the next Depot.
Christian from Berlin
# Rod, January 21st 2014
The bravery and commitment you have both shown together with the relentless determination to keep your humour and spirits up in the most challenging of circumstances is extraordinary!!!!!! Go Ben & Tarka. You are almost there. Rod
# Will, January 21st 2014
Awesome effort ,....this really is an amazing journey and I wish you every imaginable success for the remaining 15 odd days. God speed
# Rod, January 21st 2014
....relatively speaking!
# Suzen Murakoshi, January 21st 2014
Your hike makes my O’ahu island hikes and Japan snowboarding hikes seem infantile. Needless to say, I thought I was a weakling before I heard about you both! Now, I’m completely inconsequential.You’re amazing.
# Mary, February 3rd 2014
Please do not feel inconsequential! I cannot for a second imagine that is a feeling Ben and Tarka would hope to elicit. Chin up and carry on!
# Pavol Timko, January 21st 2014
Great to hear you are back on the shelf. I hope you will write a book about your journey and Beardmore will be the most adventurous part, now your trip becomes the endurance test.
Tarka should keep his broken crampon as it is, it will be an important artefact in a museum once :)
# wonderwoman, January 21st 2014
Dear Ben and Tarka, hooray to you! It’s good to know you are on flat ice now. With our prayers, we send you a big packet of Finnish sisu, so you can make it till the end!
# Allison & Mark, January 21st 2014
Well that is a relief. Well done to both of you and may the rest of your journey be uneventful. I know a Mum who will be overjoyed.
Be careful, be fast, be safe.
# Hannah White, January 21st 2014
Back on the shelf - as it were - fab, fab, fab news… well done guys, light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter everyday. Loads of love x
# AlisonP, January 21st 2014
Whoa, that was a scary post to read! An incredible image in my mind from your description of Tarka with arms outstretched hikding himself in the crevasse. You guys are amazing and amazingly strong and brave to go through all that. And then you were rewarded with a shout from a prince, what a treat and excitement and honour! Now you have the most serious dangers behind you, much less weight to pull, and lower altitudes, so hopefully much easier. Not so many days left before you complete this amazing adventure. I kind of want more just so i can read your wonderfully evocative descriptions and brilliant writing!
# JonT, January 21st 2014
Splendid job! Good to hear you both are doing well and are not feeding the wild crevasses. Best wishes and prayers for your safety. :)
# Chris, January 21st 2014
Amazing progress guys, you seem as physically fit as possible given what you’ve already done, and in good spirits for the journey home to the coast. I hope and pray that you get through strongly, and that you can enjoy as much of it as possible even though I know it is such a harsh place.
# M.Bartek, January 22nd 2014
All blessings to you and Tarka on the Ross Ice Shelf. My heart jumped a few beats on the last post. I will be sharing your story with our school at morning prayer this week.
# Tess Kendereski, January 25th 2014
Thinking of you Ben and Tarka!
Glad you’re safe tonight at least. All far too scary!
Looking forward to seeing you back in Blighty soon. Our love and support till then, Tess, Michal, Zack & Viola Xx
# Jarda, January 21st 2014
Ben and Tarka, many greetings from the Czech republic.
Your performance is magnificent (or magnifique) and really brilliant!
You´re on the best way to complete what Sir Shackleton (and in his footprints Scott) attempted, it´s incredible.
Good luck and skål!
# Andrea, January 21st 2014
Indeed, to complete the attempt; there where the nature is difficult, not just in effort but in even the forms of consistence (difficult, in concord, the little too much snow on the terrain or the icy surface or the segmented plane). Homage to the capabilities of the explorers of this expedition.
# André Lambert, January 21st 2014
Jarda,
Are you Jarda Pavlicek of an eco station in Antarctica? If so I met you in Puerto Williams about ten years ago. You drew some map on a piece of paper of some spot of campamento japones in Torres del Paine.
Cheers,
# Jarda, January 22nd 2014
André Lambert:
I am not Jarda Pavlicek and I have never been in Antarctica…
I ´m living near Hradec Králové and I work in the office but I admire anyone who pushes the limits of human possibility, which is now Ben and Tarka.
# Duncan, January 21st 2014
Good job Ben & Tarka. Keep on pushing.
# Intrepid, January 21st 2014
Reading your post today, a balling ball kerplunked down in my gut and the motion of emotions let loose, racing into words, “omg Tarka fell through! it was close! precariously close! the cracks, the holes, the abyss, how’d Tarka get out? and I thought the other day was close!....”
Quite fascinating how words create pictures and how easily the picture then becomes created anew by the listener. Etched in my mind is Tarka with his arms outstretched, a tightrope across two buildings, ski bindings holding, legs and skis dangling in the precipice. And then I can’t get beyond that; I’m stuck in gaps of inexperienced questions and answers… How long did Tarka have to hold this position? Do you guys wear emergency gear, something reachable in any predicament (could he even move his arms without falling further?), maybe a rope with a metal point jettisoned into the air and gravity anchoring it in the snow, becoming a rope to hold onto to pull out of the crevasse? Did Tarka pull himself out? Would Ben’s weight hold close to edge where Tarka fell in?
After I relaxed again, knowing you are okay (there’s no indication in your post otherwise), I felt a great big excited happy! containing itself in me… so I let it go… outward… onward… wherever someone may need a huge hug of gratitude, a thankfulness for dealing with and surviving the odds, as well as for anyone who may need the momentary lift by the magnitude of affect happiness has.
With compliments to your writing Ben, and hoping you and Tarka have a smoother skiing day tomorrow, passing by the 400 miles to go…
# Richard Pierce, January 21st 2014
Intrepid,
You’ve left me breathless.
R
# Intrepid, January 21st 2014
Richard, Thanks for the compliment. I always look to your posts for what is known (environment as well as what has happened there) about the route Ben and Tarka are taking. It’s quite an incredible journey… no matter how many times it is taken!
# Richard Pierce, January 21st 2014
Intrepid,
You flatter me, but flattery gratefully accepted :-)
R
# Rich&Ione;, January 21st 2014
We can stop holding our breath ( and tongues) now you are on the flat. We were aware, as we are sure you were, that Scott ‘s party all made it down the Beardmore and the first major mishap occurred in a crevasse at the end. After that their problems appeared to be largely logistics. Walk slowly and safely and keep the gps on. Hopefully we will see a restored Tarka at our daughter ‘s wedding party later this year. Regards to prince Harry if he is tuned in.
# Richard Pierce, January 21st 2014
Dear Ben, dear Tarka,
It gives me no pleasure at all to know I was right when I said the old man Beardmore would be too tempted to lash out at you with that poisonous tail of his right at the end. I am just glad and relieved that you made it safely through your own Devil’s Ballroom (as Amundsen called a part of the Heiberg Glacier on his way to the Pole). I suspect that getting out of those crevasses yet again depended on the superb teamwork you and Tarka have, and of which you more often than not modestly make no mention. As I’ve said before, you deserve Team of the Year for 2014, never mind individual honours. And as for the bangles bestowed on folk by politicians and establishment, who cares for them? The people have already voted for your recognition.
Glad to hear Prince Harry sent you a message; his words were extremely apt. He was kind enough to drop me a note when I sent him a copy of Dead Men before he did his South Pole trek. Although I am no Royalist, I acknowledge the expertise and knowledge of individuals in their own right, such as in this instance. I should also say that Princess Anne has done a huge amount of well-informed and incisive work on behalf of the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust which is currently working on the conservation of your ultimate destination, Scott’s Terra Nova Hut at Cape Evans (http://www.nzaht.org).
I sincerely hope that the remaining quarter of your journey goes well. I, along with all your followers (be they lurkers or commenters or Prince Harry pseudonymns), am willing you on towards the completion of your quest.
Take care, and God Speed.
R
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Men-Richard-Pierce/dp/0715642960
# Phil Satoor, January 21st 2014
My heart was thumping a bit after reading about your encounter with the crevasses!
Look,if the comments we leave here are helpful to you, you’re welcome to every adjective, noun,
pronoun, verb, preposition, full-stop, comma, colon, semi-colon etc.
Another stunning photo by the way.
# Jon G, January 21st 2014
Spectacular news on all fronts…
I doubt I’m alone in still having every available digit crossed. I know it doesn’t compare, but the only time we get injured on family ski trips is on the last green run of the day. Take care.
And I hope you’ve got a garden party (at least) to look forward to.
Jon
# Tara Carlisle, January 21st 2014
Well put, Intrepid. I agree. A rollercoaster of emotions for people I’ve never met but feel a real connection with. Talked with caninescashews about the camaraderie we all seem to have formed and how great it would be to have some kind of meet-up/party when this incredible adventure is over. Know it’s doubtful but it would be brfilliant!
Prince Harry is so right. Ben and Tarka will be an inspiration for generations to come. I have sponsored a mile because they have had such a surprising impact on my days and my brain-space. I figured that it has easily been worth approximately a pound a day to be included in this momentous part of history. I am certain that my days will be a little emptier when the daily blogs have finished.
Stay safe and warm and feel the love!!!! !
# Intrepid, January 21st 2014
Hi Tara - A big party for everyone to meet face to face is a wonderful proposition (note to sponsors). I bet even Prince Harry would like an invitation and feel excited to join in the congratulation festivities.
# Richard Pierce, January 21st 2014
Seconded.
Sponsors - please, please do take note.
R
# Uncle Pete, January 21st 2014
That sting in the tail, Beardmore’s way of reminding us just how hostile that environment is! No calling up Piste control, you survived on your skill and wits alone. I once had the misfortune of slipping down a crevasse up to my armpits and looking back into the Deep Blue Depths at the top of the Grande Motte. Fortunately it was not vertical and I was able to scramble out with relative ease. Our namesake on the original Scott expedition was not so fortunate and surely their sacrifice continues to serve as a warning against complacency.
We all share a collective sigh of relief after watching your progress hour by hour over the last few days for any hint of untoward delay in progress to the Ice Shelf, many of us mutely aware of the glacier’s reputation. Now safely there at last we wish you God Speed and safety back to Base, and extraction, in clement weather conditions.Well done and worthy of such Princely appraisal!
# Mal Owen, January 21st 2014
You must have felt wonderfully exhilarated and somewhat relieved to be off the Beardmore and back on safer ground…..a strange combination of emotions. Richard was right about the final kick of the match. What a scary time that last bit must have been for you both, but the years of training paid off and those carnivorous crevasses were left hungry. Yesterday was a nerve-wracking day for your audience too, as you can see from our posts and we didn’t know what was happening ! I am looking forward at a later date, to hearing/reading in more detail about those scary, precarious moments and how the team coped..although I think Intrepid has come close! We are all so proud of your achievement so far and so very thankful to you for keeping us informed. It’s good to know Prince Harry has an encouraging armchair too.
Now let’s hope the weather is kind. Take care of yourselves on the Ice Shelf and keep those elbows and skis greased for the last and very important leg of this awe-inspiring journey….completion of the task set is most definitely within your grasp.
# CaninesCashews, January 21st 2014
Hi guys,
“It was a hairy hour or so…” I think there may be an element of understatement in today’s blog.
You managed to draw quite a few of us into commenting real time yesterday, as we watched the little red marker track across Google Earth on its way out of the Gateway.
I had thought earlier in this adventure that a real-time body/head mounted camera might be an option in a few years time in Antarctic expeditions. But I’m so glad you didn’t have anything so interactive, I don’t think my heart could have taken it. Particularly now we know about your unscheduled crevasse excursions! (If you pre-book those do you get them cheaper)
You definitely seem to have busted through a psychological (and physical) barrier now you are back on the ice shelf, and with a relatively straight line back to the Cape I hope for an easier time of it for you both.
What a wonderful surprise to get a message from Prince Harry, I can imagine there are some thrilled families at home too.
Onwards…
Stay safe.
Gav
# Damian Harris , January 21st 2014
Very glad to see you safely off the glacier without a major incident.
Let’s hope the Ross is kind to you on your last part of the journey.
Keep up the slog guys!
# 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.
# CaninesCashews, January 21st 2014
Just in case anyone missed it, here is a link to an ITV report about the expedition including a sat-phone interview with Ben on Beardmore a few days ago.
http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2014-01-17/explorers-on-their-way-home-from-south-pole/
Gav.
# Dave, January 21st 2014
Thanks for the link, Gav. I am curious about the pictures, especially the one for which I have provided a link below. Who took them and where?
http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/325196/article_img.jpg
# 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.
# 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.
# 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
# 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.