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.
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
# green, January 27th 2014
Can you post a picture of your depot for us? I mean just before picking it? As picture is worth thousand words, it will give us an idea about how did you store your food.
# bee, January 28th 2014
Still amazed and inspired by both of you.
Thanks for the ” selfies”, you both look great for a couple of guys who have been camping for more than 90 days! As does Mr. Penguin!
Wishing for brighter days ahead and a smooth surface to glide on :)
Thanks for taking time each day to share with us.
Stay safe and well.
# Quentin Brooksbank , January 27th 2014
A FANTASTIC achievement fellers! Your guts, determination and battle against the Antarctic elements is superb! Your expedition and daily blogs are what gives us folk inspiration and energy to take on the next big adventure! Following you in awe, Q
# Austin Duryea, January 28th 2014
Great job guys. Nice work and awesome selfie with Tarka and Mr. Penguin. I’ve been following on google earth and for some reason it shows y’all zigzagging. Why don’t y’all just go straight?
# Dave, January 28th 2014
Did someone say penguin? Can’t tell whether this one is a Mr. or a Mrs. Confident it’s a gentoo, though. http://smg.photobucket.com/user/hearshey/media/Antarctica December 2013/Antarctica Videos/MVI_0190_zps13b093fa.mp4.html
I suspect Antarctica may continue to test you even after you’ve left her for warmer, lower latitude lands. You’ve proven your mettle, so needn’t worry.
Continued Safety and Progress.
# Arthur Blackwell, January 28th 2014
A pair of RANGA’s, beards and all, your eligible for this charitable organisation, http://www.ranga.net.au/ .
That’s the way to take a selfie, hold the Penguin up and say watch the birdy.
# Chris, January 28th 2014
Two of the finest hobos ever to grace the Antarctic! Fine form lads.
# Chris, January 28th 2014
Sorry, double post of sorts.