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.
Day Ninety-Four (Day 94)
Day 94: S81° 15' 35.53", E168° 55' 27.48"
Duration: 9 Hr 30 Min
Daily distance: 23.9 Mi
Distance to go: 271.2 Mi
Temperature: -6 °C
Wind chill: -10 °C
Altitude: 161 Ft
A brief update from the little green tent in the big white cold place as we're running late today after stopping to dig up a depot, and it's my turn to be in charge of the stove tonight, so I'm juggling the roaring burner, the Ultrabook, the satellite phone, hot drinks, freeze-dried meal bags and vacuum flasks that need filling (we fill 'em with lukewarm water at night so we can reheat them in the morning, which is easier and more time-efficient than melting snow from scratch).
It's also brief as there's not a great deal I can tell you about today, It was near-zero visibility and contrast again for nearly nine hours, then the sun popped out with perfect comedy timing as we started to ski into the evening after finding the depot, and we're now lying here sweltering in a sun-baked tent that feels like we've pitched it on a Balearic beach. After getting to know Antarctica so intimately over more than three months now, it doesn't surprise me one bit that she's testing us until the very end.
We have ten days to go now, and the thought of finishing feels quite surreal. I'll write more tomorrow when I'm not cooking, but in an effort to redeem this post, you'll see I finally coerced Tarka into taking a selfie too (along with Mr Penguin, who suspiciously hasn't lost any weight on this expedition...)
Comments
# Uncle Pete, January 27th 2014
Looking good Tarka! OK so next we want to see a selfie of the two of you at the ‘finishing line’. Or maybe one for the history books, safely back at Scott’s Hut looking suitably ‘Antarctic Weathered’? I look forward to that on my mantlepiece. May the weather be kind to you for this last push. Thoughts with you always.
# Lydia, January 27th 2014
Wow who’d of thought it Tarka is Ginger too….... or are you morphing into each other - hey Ben you could be a foot taller by the end if you are - what a bonus!!
Wow only 10 days/sleeps to finish, this is truly remarkable. I cannot express how phenomenal you guys are, truly unique amazing individuals who are an inspiration to all generations.
Keep on trucking guys la lumière au bout du tunnel et pas un joker avec une torche.
Lydia x
# Chris, January 27th 2014
Two of the finest hobos to ever grace the barrier!
Nice one Tarka, and tell the animals to pull their weight - looking as much use as some of the ponies were back in Scott’s day.
# Richard McGehee, January 27th 2014
When you reach the coast you can do a happy feet dance with lots of penguins.
Happy trails to you from Kentucky.
# Anne Strathie, January 27th 2014
Congratulations on getting so near your goal - I hope all will go smoothly for the last ‘so near yet so far’ miles. I’m particularly interested as I wrote a biography of Birdie Bowers who, sadly, didn’t make it (with or without skis!). Not long now, so all the best!
# Richard Pierce, January 27th 2014
Good to see you here, Anne.
And here’s a link to Anne’s book, for those of you interested.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Birdie-Bowers-Captain-Scotts-Marvel/dp/0752494449
R
# Anthea Henton, January 27th 2014
Looking like a MOD music star there Tarka. Glad Mr Penguin has made a showing too. Still watching that little dot everyday and willing you both on. X
# Raven, January 27th 2014
Hey hey, looking good! Getting closer every minute.
# Emma, January 27th 2014
You mentioned the other day to keep the comments coming, so I will stop observing and add my two cents.
I have been a keen follower of your journey, and I have been applying your determination and patience to my workdays. I am a forester in northern Maine in a rather remote area, and there are many similarities between my job and yours (for the past 95 days, at least). However, it wasn’t until this weekend, fishing in whiteout conditions on a large unoccupied lake, that I could begin to catch a glimpse of the way the landscape must be toying with you two mentally. Normally, I can work outside in subzero conditions for hours (as long as I keep moving) without any sort of suffering, be it physical or mental. On the ice, though, with cold toes and cold hands, all I could think about was cramming my face full of food - which I did because I could.
Which brings me to my question. I know you’ve talked quite a bit about your rations, but I was wondering if you’d be willing to elucidate a bit more on planning for hunger cravings. Do your rations address cravings specific to you and Tarka? Do they simply satisfy nutritional needs (i.e. providing protein when you crave sugar, etc.)? Have your rations changed over the course of the journey in anticipation of varied hunger cravings (regardless of caloric intake)? Do you ever go overboard during the day and start snacking on rations set aside for future days? Forgive me if you’ve covered this somewhere else - if you have, I’m sure one of your avid readers will point it out to me within a few seconds:)
Keep your eyes to the horizon and don’t forget to smile. Just kidding. Best wishes for a speedy final few days!
# Pam, January 27th 2014
We’re enjoying an invigorating morning here in North America (-15, -36 windchill). I envy your ‘warmth’. Thank you for the update while multitasking!
# Susan from Michigan, January 27th 2014
This has been so exciting to follow everyday. You both are so inspiring. I know you can’t wait to be at home again. Hope you were able to have extra rations since you dug up your depot yesterday. This will be my last day I can follow this as I will be leaving the country on vacation tomorrow. Since I don’t have a laptop, I will have to try to find a computer to use while I am gone so I can see how you are doing. At the rate you are going you will be home before me and I wanted to follow you right to the finish line. Take care and stay safe!!! I think you both look cute in your beards!!!
# Mal Owen, January 27th 2014
Ten days is just a tiny percentage of the whole journey…. Next blog Into single figures ...hard to envisage when you left 94 days ago but not now. It’s good to know you have more rations.
What does Mr Penguin sing when Tarka brings fish home? Freeze a jolly good fellow.
Thanks Andy for your detailed clarification of the finish .... .in anticipation
# linda van Amsterdam, January 27th 2014
For days now, I read your blog, when I come home from my comfortable office-live. Its compelling ! While reading, my heart goes out to you two, as you describe how you complete your awesome and iconic journey. Most of the time I lack words to describe how I feel for you both while you struggle and suffer to finish this titanic task that you took upon yourselves. You both are an inspiration for us here in the comfortzone, about not to giving up, when presented wit all kind of difficulties. So keep up the good work. Do it for us: we who are not so courageous or lack the fysical and psychical strength to do what you do. In out thoughts we are with you :)