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.

Deja Vu (Day 104)

Posted February 5th 2014,
by Ben Saunders

Category: Expedition, The Return Journey

Day 104: S77° 52' 32.34", E167° 24' 47.88"

Duration: 10 Hr

Daily distance: 25.1 Mi

Distance to go: 11.1 Mi

Temperature: -9 °C

Wind chill: -22 °C

Altitude: 197 Ft

As I type this, we're camped about 15km from our Ross Island finish line, which is less than four hours' skiing away. We'll have a massive lie-in tomorrow before setting off in the afternoon, principally as the bases here run on New Zealand time, which is 11 hours ahead of us, so if anyone's going to be there to wave us over the line and take a photo for our holiday snaps, we need to fit in with their time zone.

Antarctica, true to form, didn't make life easy or comfortable for us today, and the weather seemed to be messing* with us in a spookily adversarial fashion; luring us - wearing far too little - out of the tent with bright sunshine and a still warmth first thing, before pelting us with a blizzard barely ninety minutes later. The wind intensified just as we stopped to eat and drink at our first break, and as we sat on our sledges with our down jackets on and our backs to the gale, whirling eddies and vortices of sandy spindrift were spun up into our faces, filling our pockets and sledges and anything else left unzipped for more than a few seconds with fine, gritty snow. It calmed down before we started skiing, then revved up again at the next break, in a pattern that dogged us for most of the day.

As I mentioned yesterday, our sheer exhaustion seems to be overriding any chance of outright back-slapping glee at being so close to pulling this vast journey off (our GPS says we've clocked a cumulative 2,859km now, which is 68 back-to-back marathons dragging sledges) but team morale is definitely much improved, and the prospect of skiing a mere 15km after a big lie-in seems infinitely more manageable than another mammoth day. Interestingly, despite never having seen the view we faced today, skiing past White Island towards the giant flanks of Mount Erebus until we picked up our final (hundred-day-old!) depot, before hanging a left and heading past Castle Rock towards McMurdo Sound, the scenery felt strangely familiar after so many years of dreaming of reaching this point.

We'll start skiing tomorrow in the late afternoon UK time so don't be alarmed if the tracker doesn't budge for a while after our usual kick-off. We should finish in the evening, but it may take us a while to get online again and send a blog post back, so watch this space. I'm sure Andy, Chessie and the team in London will update the site as soon as we phone in from Ross Island, so you'll be the first to know when we're home and dry.

At the moment, the magnitude of it all hasn't really sunk in yet, though I'm excited about getting more than five hours sleep for the first time in weeks, and I suspect lying here tomorrow morning the excitement - and if I'm honest, the sheer relief - may start to finally kick in...

*This may not be the precise word Tarka used as we were shouting at each other in the blizzard, but it was hard to hear him over the wind.

Comments

# CaninesCashews, February 6th 2014

Hi guys,

Love the photo with the map!

Well this is it boys…you seem to be set up perfectly for this last day out on the ice.

I can’t even begin to imagine what will be coursing through your heads today, as the goal of reaching the end of this challenge actually becomes an achievable reality in around 10 miles time.
I expect there to be an incredible melting pot of emotion throughout the day; pain, relief, hope, hunger, dreams, joy, and just an old fashioned will to get it done and get home.

There is no doubt that today will be a test of all your remaining resolve to finish this incredible journey, started a little over a hundred years ago.
As you walk this final stretch, I will be imagining you walking on the shoulders of giants, men who dared to try their best in a golden age of exploration, men of courage, men of determination and of spirit. You are honouring the memory of those men in the best way possible – you are attempting to complete their journey as you finish your own.

I remember your afternoon post on Day 1 when you described your emotions after visiting Scott’s Terra Nova hut. I wondered then how your feelings about the place would change once you had walked in their footsteps, had glimpses of their lives on the ice. What effect would that have on your perception of that old building and of Antarctica?
I knew then it would be unlikely you would be able to return to the hut with the ice melt, but a T.S. Eliot quote came to mind and I filed it away, waiting for this very day. For me it sums up perfectly my hopes for you…
“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

I think Lord Tennyson deserves a mention at this juncture – most people know of the quote used on the memorial cross on Observation Hill, but I think the last few lines of Ulysses are particularly relevant at this point in the most incredible of expeditions…
“We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

As it has been since well before this expedition started, my heart will be following you today.
My wish for you is that this journey, and the ending of it, fulfils a childhood dream of adventure, of a life yet to live. One that started as a Scout with a compass and grew into a ten year training and waiting game that will culminate on the shore of Ross Island, finally laying to rest the ghosts of Terra Nova.

God Speed, stay safe and onwards to the end!

Gav

# dj, February 6th 2014

Gav… you were lying in wait and must have had much of it already written - I know, cause that’s what I would do.

I notice that the timing of the GPS pings has changed again. Even though it’s not any more frequent, here’s hoping that sending a ping 6 minutes before the hour instead of 2 minutes after captures your “ribbon crossing” on time.

Stay safe—homeward!

# Mal Owen, February 6th 2014

First post on the last day.. You beat me to it and said many things in lovely ways.

“You are attempting to complete their journey as you finish your own.”...I especially like that.

# Ruth Jewell, February 6th 2014

Perfect Gav, well said.
Take care you two we can wait for your finish, do it in your own safe time. Xxx

# wonderwoman, February 6th 2014

I agree. God bless.

# Ariane, February 6th 2014

Yes!

# Lucy S, February 7th 2014

Wonderful post Gav! I like the inclusion of the T.S. Elliot and Tennyson quotes too! Perfect!

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

Well said, Gav. There’s nothing for me to add to that beautifully-written note.

God Speed, Ben and Tarka. An enormous achievement.

Take care on those last few steps.

# dj, February 6th 2014

And, we see that the boys are having a bit of a lie-in this morning - by 1:02 (my time) they usually have been posting about 30 minutes of walking. Today I see at 12:46 am they are still station-keeping. Let’s hope they stay put for an hour or so - what on earth would they otherwise be hurrying for?

# CaninesCashews, February 6th 2014

dj… They did say in their post they wouldn’t be moving until late afternoon to finish in the evening (UK time).

# Aleks, February 6th 2014

Guys this is exciting beyond words!

But nevertheless Gav indeed seemed to add significant descriptive colour to your final full day.

Gods speed!

# bee, February 6th 2014

Cheering wildly from B.C. Canada!
Amazing and inspiring, thank you again for taking us along.
Wishing you well on your final push/pull.
Stay safe.

# christian, February 6th 2014

You’re amazing guys!
I’ve been following your blog since I started writing my final thesis (writing the report - I’ve been working on it much longer). I needed the posts each morning as a motivation to actually start working. And today all of us are going to finish their ‘project’, although I will hand in my thesis in the morning(CET).
Thanks for your support! and no I don’t mean to compare your struggles against antartica with my writing of a report, in fact I wish I would have your writing skills Ben.

christian

# Janet Stanley , February 6th 2014

Well, this is it…..what a wonderful experience & done with courage & tenacity to equal Captain Scott & his men.Ben, your words have moved me many times & I sincerely hope you write a book. Great words Gav, there really are no other words except to say please stay safe Ben & Tarka :)

# Dawn Danby, February 6th 2014

Ben & Tarka
Quietly following you every single day, I’m one of so many people who’ve been thinking of you always, watching your dream unfold.
(Since we met years ago, I’ve also been keeping my fingers crossed for years to see Ben head out on this long-awaited journey.)
Wishing you both strength for this final pull. Although you’ll have to imagine our voices for just a little while more, we’re all out here across the planet, cheering wildly.
Dawn

# CaninesCashews, February 6th 2014

Dawn… Love that “...we’re all out here across the planet, cheering wildly.” Perfect.

# Phil Satoor, February 6th 2014

I’ve decided I’m going to take the day off today and come down there to cheer you over the finishing line. Of course I’m being silly. I can’t take the day off because I’m retired and every day is a day off.
Seriously, I’ve been in touch with the Ministry of Magic, and they recommend using a portkey, so I’m going to use that old tin can you found on the way up the Beardmore.
I expect there’ll be a few other bloggers with the same idea so you should hear quite a bit of cheering, whistling and crowd noise when you get in, even though we’ll only be there in spirit.
Speaking of spirits I wonder if some of the Americans will come over from their base with one of their spirits, one of their Southern whiskies perhaps?

# Cristina, February 6th 2014

Dear Ben and Tarka,
Congratulations for the amazing journey you accomplished! It has been wonderful following you! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I know it must have been difficult finding the strength to write instead of resting after a long day of fighting the nature. And not once but more than one hundred times. Thank you and thank you LandRover and Intel for making this possible.
Cristina (Romania)

# Vicki, February 6th 2014

for fellow avid followers, maybe if the boys time it right, we may see them on the Scott Base webcam
http://antarcticanz.govt.nz/scott-base/current-conditions

# David, February 6th 2014

This is it then - an historical achievement a little over a hundred years in the making. We shall all be thinking of you today - trying to understand pings and things - but should all cheer our heads off as you switch time zones and arrive at the base - and imagine you walking up the snow runway with tractors and whatever sounding their horns hooters and klaxons. Symbolic or not to switch time zones? the polar team returns.

Have a fantastic day - try to let it soak in - stay safe. God speed

# Dave, February 6th 2014

One if by land, two if by sea. Which of the three cameras do you recommend? 02:30 New Zealand time. All of them show quiet scenes. Water looks a bit choppy. A fitting Antarctic breeze to bid the boys farewell ,no doubt.

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

Cam 1. R

# Willie Hannah, February 6th 2014

Ben and Tarka, a huge congratulations, what a superb effort. There are so many eloquent passages previously that it only remains for me to add my congratulations and adulation, I am in awe of your achievements. It reminds me of when I was a child and then, you have the dreaded night before Christmas, when you didn’t sleep much, the expectation was palpable, and the hope that it would live up to the hype. When you wish for something for so much for so long, as you probably have done over the past 105 days toil, then I hope it lives up to your expectation. It may seam surreal as you “Top Out”, but please try to savour and enjoy the moment, capture it, to allow you to reflect on your achievements when the have the time. Hoofing effort, Be safe, Be strong and above all enjoy the next stage of the ride. Willie

# Michal, February 6th 2014

Congratulations, you did a lot for youself, UK and for “Captain Robert Falcon Scott ” too. I beleive, that only the future will appreciate what you’ve accomplished. I bow to you. I wish you all well in the coming years.

# Vladimir Pauliny, February 6th 2014

Dear Ben,

For a boy who “lacks sufficient impetus to achieve anything worthwhile” it was very nice of you to take your pal Tarka for such a wonderful camping trip.

And thank you for taking us along. I am sure that reading your blog every day for 100-odd days has motivated many of us to also try to achieve something worthwhile in our lives despite lacking sufficient impetus. This, to me, is one of the major achievments of your expedition.

Thank you again and Good Luck.

# Mal Owen, February 6th 2014

so true :-)

# Richard McGehee, February 6th 2014

Your successful completion of this seemingly impossible dream gives us all inspiration that with perseverance we can complete our own impossible dreams. Thank you.

Happy trails to you from Kentucky.

# Richard Mills , February 6th 2014

Totally awesome! Take care on the last 15 Km. Ben, I will ‘venture out of the house’ today and go to The Polar Museum (Scott Polar Research Institute) in Cambridge to look at what went before. The sheer determination of both of you is inspiring.
Safe home guys.

# Astrid Piepschyk, February 6th 2014

Congratulations Ben and Tarka on an extraordinary journey. It has been a true physical and mental test of character for you both and you have both proven yourselves true. I wish you best on your final 15km and applause your achievement on this expedition. Bravo boys, bravo!

# Ariane, February 6th 2014

We are so heartened—overwhelmed?—gladdened?—rendered ecstatic! by the news of your imminent victory. We are moved to tears by your fortitude and the poetry that accompanied this epic journey. We are jumping up and down in glee and don’t give a rat’s bottom who sees us.

-the Royal We

# Rich/Ione, February 6th 2014

So are we (albeit of somewhat lower status)

# Nic Clarke, February 6th 2014

Going to really miss reading the daily blog and following your journey. It has been brilliant to be able to share your day to day emotions and the constant battles you have overcome.
Having shared a tent with Tarka before in the mountains I am sure there has been great amusement (maybe in the face of adversity)as you have tackled the evening chores.
Good luck for the last few miles and I hope the achievement can gradually sink in.

# Dave, February 6th 2014

So glad that tomorrow’s ski lines up to be more conducive to a well-deserved celebration than an extra-long slog would have been. What more can I say is that you guys are awesome? Kudos to your support team as well. Their hearts will be crossing the finish line (there will be some kind of line, won’t there?) with you.

Continued safety and progress.

# Jon G, February 6th 2014

Today is all about Ben and Tarka,and their awesomeness.

But it doesn’t detract from their achievement to give a quick shout out to their team. Andy, for one, will have been living this 24/7 with them, as will their families (I doubt they’ve had restful sleep in the last three months either, nor can I imagine how I’d feel seeing one of my children or siblings off on a trip like this). So respect too for everyone behind the scenes, over the last 100 days and the last ten years.

# Sylvie Griffon, February 6th 2014

Awsome! I hope that Scott, Wilson, Oates, Bowers and Evans, from where they are now, are proud of you. It’s a great lesson to those who believe that there is nothing to do, and discover, and dream about in this world.

“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield…” that’s the ultimate truth.

Congratulations, and take care for the last miles.

Sylvie

# Emma Kelly, February 6th 2014

I am overwhelmed with joy at learning, just now, that you have finally realised your dream of this epic expedition. I shall be following your journey with great interest. I wish you strength and fortitude. You are both amazing and an inspiration. The World needs people like you to make it a richer place.

# Rebecca, February 6th 2014

B&T - Others here have already written such beautiful sentiments here, and I echo them, and send our biggest, loudest MAZEL TOV! We’ve been watching for 10 years, since we first “bought” mile 1787 (you crossed it!), and are so thrilled that you have finally achieved your dream. I’ll miss reading about your exploits here every morning, and following your dot on the map, but am so utterly happy that you’ve done what you’ve set out to do. Wouldn’t Scott be slapping you on the back today…. Congratulations to you both, and to your entire team, for making your dream come true!

# uncle pete, February 6th 2014

That’ll do pig, that’ll do!

# Judy in North Carolina, February 6th 2014

What they said. Really! I couldn’t have said it better (and added my comments also on FB), but just so happy you both made it back safely. Congratulations to you and your excellent team. I feel like part of it. Thanks!

# Jackson, February 6th 2014

Ben & Tarka-

Great work! So impressive. In awe.

Question for the Brits on the blog: As an American what is an appropriate way to celebrate? I was thinking of cranking up the speakers and playing Rule Brittania or God Save the Queen (or what we call over here “My Country Tis of Thee”) as they pass the finish line. Am I on the right track? Don’t want to hijack the blog, just a suggestion or two will do. Thanks!

# Mal Owen, February 6th 2014

Just heave a huge sigh of relief, ‘cheer wildly’along with Dawn and everyone else, then raise a glass !

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

Don’t play either of those. Find Jerusalem instead. Or, best of all, play The Internationale. This is an effort by the people for the people. Scott belongs to all of us, not just to England or the Polar Community. And this journey has been in remembrance of all the heroes ever to set foot on the Antarctic, past and present.

# Phil Satoor, February 6th 2014

Just bring plenty of booze and have a right knees-up!

# Jackson, February 6th 2014

Jerusalem and a beer it is! Thanks all!

# Chris Wood, February 6th 2014

Jerusalem on repeat. Thanks so much Ben and Tarka for allowing us to be part of this incredible journey. Well done lads!

# Theresa, February 6th 2014

Can’t wait to see your “Antarctic-explorer-safely-home-white-chin” when you eventually remove your over a 100 day beard. Congratulations and take care over those last few miles!

# Nick, February 6th 2014

You both deserve your challenge, respect, based on gritty determination and ambitious slog and pretty toughness of a difficult ‘rare’ thing for any human to achieve. That is true. The respect you also have given to the terrain you’ve just walked 1789 miles on. I wouldn’t do it ! - Walking and running is good, but 24 miles is beyond me, nevermind 1800.

Must be pretty good to ‘get an Award’ ! Everything has its rewards ! Sponsorship usually =‘s a few rewards - and you do deserve to get something for your work - as well as the reward of completeing your journey which you’ve 11 miles left…tomorrow !

1800 miles (a done deal).

# Lydia, February 6th 2014

How about - Arise Sir Ben - a real role model for modern day children?
Lydia x

# Nick, February 6th 2014

People, don’t be critical of people who have less than yourselves. using the word Pig etc is very cheeky and imature. Esp. from older people.

No one can take away the challenge of what these modern travellers have achieved, but don’t be critical of major challenges in politics you don’t understand, if you’re gifted with a life what has never faced challenges of poorer people !

# Dave, February 6th 2014

Have you seen the movie “Babe”, Nick?

# Andy Lawrence, February 6th 2014

Just to clarify for the puzzled. Most of us Brits will recognise that phrase from the movie ‘Babe’ as the perfect example of classic phlegmatic British understatement. It actually translates as ‘that’s the most awesome performance I’ve ever seen in my life, well done’.

# Harlan, February 6th 2014

What an adventure! Thank you! What you are about to accomplish has been, and will continue to be, inspirational to me.
My new mantra is: if Ben and Tarka can walk to the South Pole and back I can…

# Paul Bower (Downe Arms hotel), February 6th 2014

What an epic achievement, well done to everyone involved & thank you for the daily blog removing us, for a short time, from our daily life.

# Intrepid, February 6th 2014

11 miles of skiing to go, 11 miles to go,
You ski some more, make tracks in the snow,
10 miles of skiing to go.
10 miles of skiing to go, 10 miles to go,
You ski some more, make tracks in the snow,
9 miles of skiing to go….

Dear Ben and Tarka,

I had my eyes closed just now, imagining your soon to be final few miles ski to the finish line, and as the finish line was right in front of you, you stopped…. there is a ritual I suppose, about ‘crossing the threshold’ and I was wondering, what your plan is… how it is you will leave the journey of the last few months behind, while also symbolically completing this as a long journey for others. The step across the finish is a commemorative moment… completing a magnanimous responsibility you carried for 1800 miles as well as being for you and Tarka, an epic fait accompli. Do you have something planned to say (or read) for that moment, to leave on the inside of the trek, for Antarctica to keep. And then something to say at that first step across (the symbolic line) for what you picked up on the way and took with you across the line.

From all those now and forever who hear of your journey and the journey you carried on your shoulder, congratulations!!! and peace.

# rod pattinson, February 6th 2014

well done wonderful achievement have followed all the way rain winds flooding in uk no snow congrat rod

# Raven, February 6th 2014

Amazing. Best wishes for your final leg, and congratulations from Vermont!

# David, February 6th 2014

Has anyone seen any media coverage on the day’s events yet?

# Mikkel Frese, February 6th 2014

Wow.. A massive congratulations to the two of you! What an amazing journey you have done and thank you for sharing it with us, and the inspiration. Wishing you god luck on your final push homewards..

Mikkel, Denmark

# Zoey and Kyle, February 6th 2014

What a accomplishment! Excellent work!

Going to miss these blog post that I read before heading to my office job…

Congrats guys, truly amazing.

# Dave, February 6th 2014

Ben and Tarka,

I’ll just add my voice to the crowd of well wishers. I’ve been following your journey diligently since I first heard about it a bit before the half-way mark, and sharing it with anyone and everyone who’d listen (and, if I’m honest, shared it regardless with a few who wouldn’t or didn’t). It’s amazing what you’ve done, and amazing to pause for a moment and remember that the door is now open for you to decide what you’d like to do next.

Best,

Dave

# Brendan Smith, February 6th 2014

All the best on the last few miles! You’ll finish in great style I’m sure.

# Enrico, February 6th 2014

Ben and Tarka, you remind me of the Apollo astronauts before landing, after a trip to the Moon: in fact Antarctica is often compared to another planet and your experience is very similar to a long-term space mission ... A good landing, then! (or splashdown if you prefer)

# Rachel, February 6th 2014

Congratulations, Ben and Tarka. I’ve been following you guys from the U.S. and willing you on. What an incredible journey; you are both such an inspiration.

# Ione & Rich, February 6th 2014

If people are considering the odd national anthem to play at the finish,perhaps should add the Marseillais, God bless Australia ,Amhran na bhFiann,and Scotland the Brave to suggest just a few of Tarka’s antecedents to be honoured - No doubt Ben has a bit of mixed blood too! So its the Internationale then?!

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

Yay! The Internationale. A one, a two, a three ... R

# Ann L., February 6th 2014

One word. Brfilliant!

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

Had forgotten about my entry for next year’s OED. Thanks.

Yes, simply brfilliant indeed.

# Andy, February 6th 2014

Ben and Tarka are currently stuck in a storm and are waiting it out at present before getting moving towards the finish line when they are able to. We’ll update as soon as we have more news.
Andy

# Mal Owen, February 6th 2014

That’s the last kick from Antarctica !

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

Thanks for keeping us updated, Andy. I did think the water on the Scott Base webcam was looking a tad choppy. Fingers crossed the boys don’t have to wait till tomorrow.

# CaninesCashews, February 6th 2014

Thanks Andy - Agreed Richard - it looks decidedly choppy on the cams.

# Intrepid, February 6th 2014

@ Andy
Thanks for the the post.
It’s a bit eerily like the other expedition, having a storm at the end.Comforting to know Ben and Tarka have food, warm clothing, high tech communication gear, etc. Will be sure to keep checking for updates. BTW, all I could find ‘in the news’ was that the Ultrabook has a post on their site to join in on the final countdown…

# Paul, February 6th 2014

I’m watching the sun slowly sinking towards the horizon from my home in Edinburgh and thinking of you two. How strange civilization will seem to you. Other people, noise, smells, soft beds, flushing toilets and coffee. And then there’s the relief when you see your loved ones. I suspect it’ll all be a little overwhelming for awhile. I hope the storm clears and you can set off soon.

# McDowell Crook, February 6th 2014

Absolutely amazing feat, fellas. Everyone in my law office here in Montgomery, Alabama, USA is cheering you on and relieved you’ve now got the finish line in sight.

# Colin Buckley, February 6th 2014

I know it’s too early, I know it’s saying alot right now.
But guys, if and when you will write a book on this adventure, I’m gonna have my head in those pages everyday til I finish it, to comprehend what it means to conquer the ice like you have done, and learn from your experience!
This is and has been a GREAT adventure, and I’d really love to see your faces when you finally
arrive at the last few metres crossing that line that says “You’ve done it”.
Enjoy that lye in tomorrow and take extra care on those final few miles.
You are both truly two great explorers.
Stay safe.
Colin

# Lucy Scott, February 6th 2014

Dear Ben and Tarka,

Incredibly, unbelievably exciting, less than 11 miles to go…Congratulations, I’m absolutely thrilled for you. Absolutely phenomenal achievement! So looking forward to seeing you both when you arrive back! I have an event at work tonight, so I’m sad I can’t keep checking back to see when you arrive at Ross Island, but longer message to follow..and I will be eagerly coming back online as soon as I get home! It probably sounds silly but I have had butterflies in my stomach (of excitement) all day..

Take care on these last miles,

Lucy

# Helena, February 6th 2014

Great! Can´t wait to see you back safe at home. Awesome job, I am so proud of you :D :D

# Marina Kleinwort, February 6th 2014

B & T.
So Antarctica throws one last obstacle in your way… hope the storm passes and allows you to finish those final kms tonight. Must be frustrating to be so near yet so far! Can’t wait to get the party started this end! I also hope the BBC will pick this up as your achievement and sheer bloody-mindedness is to be gazed at in awe. You have no doubt left more than a part of yourselves on that brutal ice continent, but your imprint is no doubt very deep and has impact beyond anything I could begin to articulate. You will inspire generations to come on many levels. Be very proud. I will start obsessively checking my phone again later on. Maybe your delay will allow me time to get home to actually watch the feed live. NO RISKS TODAY PLEASE! The champagne will wait another day if necessary! What an incredible journey you guys have also taken us, the armchair viewer on. It has been quite a ride from here too and one I would not have missed for the world.

# Heidi, February 6th 2014

Dear Gentlemen, to again paraphrase your own words, be safe, be well.

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

While we wait then, dear Ben and Tarka, here are lines I put into Cherry-Harrard’s head as he stands on Observation Hill waiting for the Polar Party:

Observation Hill, 1913

Immaterial sentinel
At first it seemed,
A bare mound of lava
Jilted by the horizon’s volcano,
A place to watch for ships and men,
For sledges, survivors and rescuers.

Distance looks so short
From up here, everything so close,
But far away in fact, each
Stumbling struggling footstep
Too far, too hard, too monotonous
To bear, down there, too much.

And then, every day, we watched
For them, relentless windy hours until
Winter closed its blackness around us,
Forced our retreat. They never came,
And our final act was to drag their
Cross to the watching summit

Before the ship bore us away.

# T.g, February 6th 2014

Congratulations on the journey that you have succeeded. Glad you have made it all the way safe and sound.

from class 4

# John Fritz, February 6th 2014

Dear Ben and Tarka, only 11 MORE MILES???!!!! That is AAAWWWSSSOOOMMMEEE!!! Not that much to go! I’m sorry that you’re stuck in a storm. It will die down sometime vvvvveeeeerrrrryyyyysoon, I hope. Out here,we’re experiencing a “storm”(sunshower) too. I looked outside just now and it looked like it stopped. Stay strong, John age 8. P.S.we were praying for you that you would make it. So far, it looks like you will.

# John McNeill, February 6th 2014

I can totally relate you guys being to tired for celebrating and back slapping. Last September I went on a three night camp with a buddy through the rocky mountains. We totally over did it distance wise and were so exhausted we couldn’t even enjoy the scenery. Going into it you think you’re gonna feel a feeling of accomplishment and elation at the end, but the reality is we were just tired and cranky when we were done. The satisfaction and good memories didn’t come until we were fully rested days later.

Glad you guys made it through the trip safe. Hopefully you don’t have too much of a recovery ahead of you. It has be a pleasure following along each day. Thank you so much.

John

# Lila G age 9., February 6th 2014

Hi guys
Congratulations I wish you all the best of luck ,keep warm keep safe. We all are very proud of you .Hope you come back fit and healthy and have a nice hot cup of tea ,lots luck from all of class 4. We’re all cheering you on. :o)

# Andy, February 6th 2014

UPDATE FROM THE ICE
Conditions are improving finally! Ben and Tarka are starting to pack up camp and will be moving shortly. I’ll keep you all posted with more news as and when we have it.
Andy

# Heidi, February 6th 2014

Thank you, Andy. We will be watching and waiting….

# Rebecca, February 6th 2014

Thank you so much for keeping us in the loop today!

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

Good to know. Thanks, Andy. You’re a gem. R

# CaninesCashews, February 6th 2014

Super.

# Mal Owen, February 6th 2014

Thx Andy for update….Can’t keep my eyes off the blog, fb, twitter, GE ... Talk about tension!

# Dave, February 6th 2014

Do my eyes deceive me, or do Scott Base’s webcams now show calmer seas (and, presumably, gentler winds)? Holding my breath.

Ben and Tarka’s Excellent Adventure

# david, February 6th 2014

thanks - I’m watchimg

# Intrepid, February 6th 2014

YES!!!!!!

# Leigh Phillips, February 6th 2014

Fantastic, my daughters and I were stood in front of the Scott memorial in Roath Park a little while ago and talked about their epic struggle. You’ve helped bring it to life for them and maybe inspired two future explorers

# Heidi, February 6th 2014

Ben and Tarka will now be time travelers in addition to explorers, as they part the curtain and cross from today into tomorrow. We wish you all a glorious Friday!

# stefania, February 6th 2014

A few more miles! ... it was a great trip, thank you for giving us so many emotions!

ciao Ben e Tarka, un saluto dall’Italia

# Jonas, February 6th 2014

Siigh. I will miss “this space”....

When will you go again?
(just kidding!)

# JamesM, February 6th 2014

Ben, Tarka, I have been following your epic adventure from day one, eagerly awaiting your daily updates but until now have never posted a comment. How could anything I say compare to what you have shared with us through your journey. I think I can say with certainty that we have all felt for you during your highs and lows and even had knotted stomachs at times when we haven’t seen updates, wondering what has happened. You and Tarka are truely an inspiration to us all and I would like to thank you for sharing your experience with me. It has been a pleasure and an honour to have read your blog and hopefully others feel the same.

I have been like a cat on a hot tin roof awaiting updates for todays finish and wish I could have been there to see you guys cross the finish line.

One thing that baffles me is I haven’t seen/heard any news coverage for this expedition which seems odd as what you have achieved is something gargantual. Is there a particular reason for this?

Stay safe and soak up the elation as you reach your final destination.

All the best to you and Tarka in your future endeavours.

James

# Dave, February 6th 2014

I’m not sure that’s accurate, James, and present the following link as an example. http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2014/02/02/behind-scenes-scott-expedition-incredible-south-pole-journey/8sBXpVFfb1V4YHcTzY9D2N/story.html

One conspiracy-theory enthusiast acquaintance has posited that the entire expedition is a fraud. No amount of media coverage at this point is likely to sway them. They’ll simply say it’s for the commercial benefit of the partners. I say they’re missing out on the excitement of an incredible and admirable effort.

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

Unfortunately, the British media has not been covering it in any significant way. I hope this will change when they arrive at their goal.

As far as the fraud theory is concerned, I know people on the grond in NZ and on the Ice, and they’re there alright.

# Rosie Vidovix Unsworth, February 6th 2014

Anytime someone gets up to do something amazing there is always the nasty jealous people poo pooing the idea and pointing out what could have been done better.
Ben and Tarka are minutes from completing a hell of a challenge. Let’s ignore the critics and celebrate with them!
Champagne, anyone?

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

I’d love some champagne. Ice cold, please. Thank you. R

# Rosie Vidovix Unsworth, February 6th 2014

Hey everyone
Follow Ben and Tarka on Twitter @scottexpedition. The account has been updated regularly today.
Not long now… #historyinthemaking

# JamesM, February 6th 2014

Dave, I don’t believe for one moment that this has all been a fraudulant episode to benefit their commercial partners. The conspiracy theorists can think what they like.

Richard, I find it hard to believe that the Britsh media would not want to cover this story, after all Ben is British and will go down in history for what has/will be achieved.

I shall keep watching the Beeb in anticipation that they wake up.

James

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

James,

I agree with you entirely. The Beeb naturally covered Prince Harry’s short trip, but there’s been no heavyweight coverage of B&T.

One main issue is that Scott was hijacked by the right-wing media and their jingoistic audience such a long time ago, that left-wing papers won’t touch him or anything related to him, which is a massive shame. And it annoys the hell out of me, I must say.

No-one will be able to ignore it once the mission is accomplished, because it will be a record beyond boundaries of politics and countries.

# Andrea, February 6th 2014

Indeed, beyond boundaries.
In the webcam, there is now some visibility, possible instable.

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

They’re off! First Forward Motion (FFM) of 0.09 miles was noticed in their GPS tracker at 1:18 pm MST (8:18 pm GMT).

It should be noted that they seemed to transmit a couple extra trackpoints right before they got underway seemingly in order to make sure their “dot” got noticed as actually moving.

Their second trackpoint has just come through at 1:33 pm - so probably means that they’ve increased the frequency of their GPS “pings” as we requested.

# Andy, February 6th 2014

UPDATE FROM THE ICE
Ben and Tarka have started skiing. We have set the tracker to update every 15 minutes.

# Dave, February 6th 2014

WOO HOO!

Now let’s see if I can get home in time to watch events unfold.

Safely, safely, guys.

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

(8:44 GMT) They are about 5 miles from all the storage containers and towers at the end of “Willy Field Road.”

Those watching on Google Earth and using the Resource File can watch as the dots are updated while I’m sitting here. You can turn UP the frequency in Google Earth by RIGHT-clicking on the “Current Trail” link in the sidebar, clicking on “properties,” clicking on “refresh,” and changing the “time based refresh” to “1 minutes” instead of the “10” that it currently is, then click “Ok.” That will make your screen refresh every minute so you can see the updates quicker.

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

Gotcha. Thanks a million, Dave. R

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

I meant DJ, or OH. I’m getting too excited. R

# Jim Mclean, February 6th 2014

Wow guys,finish line is now in sight for you, what an amazing feat you undertook and completed, hats off to you both, looking forward to photos of you arriving at Scott’s hut. In a shrinking world just reading your comments , sent from the bottom of the world every day was inspirational .

# JamesM, February 6th 2014

This is getting very tense now, the anticipation is killing me.

Good luck Ben and Tarka, stay safe.

James

# Robin Isherwood, February 6th 2014

Ben and Tarka, I have followed every part of your trek from the word go and what you are about to accomplish in a few hours time is without doubt one of man’s great feats of human endeavor in Antarctica

I am sure you are two of the very few people on earth who can really appreciate and understand just how heroic Scott, Shackleton and all the other chaps in Antarctica back in those times really were

Even though you have had modern technology, food, clothing and goodness knows what else from the 21st century to assist you on your way the fact remains you have gone to the South Pole on back on your own two feet. You have shown incredible willpower and fortitude not least when things were at their most difficult and on difficult surfaces, light, wind, snow and everything else that conspired against you at times

When you get to the end of the expedition and finally come to a halt I hope you will be able to realise in that split second the enormity of what you have achieved over the last 100+ days

I salute you both on such a herculean effort and wish you every success in whatever you do in your future lives

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

(9:03 pm GMT) Every fifteen minute trackpoints working fine. Now 3.5 miles from end of Willy Field Road. Making about 0.65 miles per 15 minutes - 2.6 miles per hour - a bit faster than they’ve done the mile on previous days! A little rest can do a body good.

# David, February 6th 2014

thanks for this

# Nigel W, February 6th 2014

Ben and Tarka,

Congratulations on this fantastic achievement. As one of the guardians of Scott’s Antarctic huts it has been an absolute pleasure to follow your journey from day one. To my mind it is apt that the start of today’s final ski to complete the journey was delayed by storm with 11 miles left. A nod from Scott?
Ben - your written skills commented on by so many could also not be more fitting given Scott’s written prowess. You guys are uniquely qualified to judge just how tough Scott and his colleagues were to ski on to the end of March. For a Brit. to complete his journey is so fitting. Congratulations on bringing so many people along with you. A brfilliant effort!

Nigel

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

Good to see you on here on the final day, Nige. This has been a nailbiting day for us so far away.

And for those of you who don’t know what Nige does, have a look at this - http://www.nzaht.org/

# CaninesCashews, February 6th 2014

Very nicely put Nigel.

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

(9:17 GMT) About 2.5 miles from the towers and containers at the end of Willy Field Road. Not long until they hit the road into Scott Base. Did 0.27 miles that last segment - must have taken a break. Good on ‘em!

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

( 8:32 pm GMT) Somethings happened to the tracker - no trackpoint for this time segment.

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

(9:36 pm GMT) They’ve been about a quarter mile south of their former outbound trail and now look like they’re turning slightly north to join it as the most direct route to the end of the Willey Field Road. Those watching on Google Earth can zoom your view in to about 1,000 feet altitude and actually see markings on the tops of the containers in the storage field at the end of the road. Google must have gotten it’s recent image from a low altitude source (lower than the usual satellite). It’s kinda neat!

In their first hour they did 2.42 miles (3.9 km) - right on the money compared with first hours on previous days. This last segment they’ve sledged 1.19 miles, which was posted at 9:36 pm GMT

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

(9:48 pm GMT) For those following on Google Earth: while you are zooming your field of view altitude in to about 1,000 feet, you not only can see very good detail of the containers in the Willy Road container field you can see good texture in the snow they are trudging over as well. It looks like your seeing cottage cheese from about a half an inch through a magnifying glass. Keeping in mind those “bumps” are big enough to be seen at 1,000 feet they probably aren’t the kind you would trip over in the dark - more like the kind you’d fall off of!

This past segment they traveled 1.25 miles and are pretty much on their former outbound trail leading them to the end (or beginning) of the graded road. [Looks like their automatic timing has ‘slipped’ by a minute]

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

Sorry, had my machine set on metric. The last two segments were 0.74 miles and 0.77 miles respectfully. Pretty good time any way you look at it!

# Heidi, February 6th 2014

I love this information! Thank you.

# Mal Owen, February 6th 2014

Love the commentary… Thx

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

(3:03 pm GMT) about 0.8 miles now from the storage containers and 1.4 miles from the graded Willy Road - well, as graded as snow can be. Making great time. Sledged 0.36 miles that last segment.

# Roderik, February 6th 2014

11 miles - no kidding. How fitting, one could argue.

Ben and Tarka, I salute you. I salute your effort, your sheer determination, your zest and the true grit you have shown. Thank you for the honour of letting us share in the adventure. You have made the world that bit more beautiful over the past few months, and everywhere on the planet people eagerly await your safe return (and will have to go cold turkey on those delicious daily updates). Thanks a bunch to the support team as well of course, what a wonderful team of people you must be.

A few years ago when standing at Shackleton’s grave in Grytviken, South Georgia, I told the Boss how important it is to know about brave men, about role models, about fulfilling dreams and, as you as no other can attest, that perseverance and believing in yourself will pay off. Leading by example is the phrase that describes best how you have etched yourselves into Antarctic history. This all may sound corny as heck and I’m not sure what I’m trying to say but, if anything, the fact that there are people like you out there does give people like me an opportunity to shed a man-tear once a while.

May the –very!- near future be filled with many, many warm hugs, giant steaks, and the knowledge that the journey on ice you started quite some time ago, has ended. Safely, and completely. You have done it. Oh yes Sir, you have done it.

# Andy, February 6th 2014

Just had a call from the boys. They have just stopped for a quick hot drink from their flasks. They are incredibly excited and its slowly sinking in…. They’ll be moving again any minute now.

# varry mccullough, February 6th 2014

You are an absolutely awesome pair : )

# Marcin, February 6th 2014

Guys. You are inspiration!

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

(10:17 pm GMT) Those watching on Google Earth and using the Resource File ( http://offroadinghome.blogspot.com/2014/01/scott-expedition-coming-home.html ) you’ll see that they have just passed their former camp #2 - it’s the “red dot”(if you’ve got the outbound trail turned on) and the clump of while line from all the night-time trackpoints. Seeing that has just GOT to be exciting for them.

They did 0.1 mile this last segment - another rest period. They will be getting close enough to hear sounds from the base soon and may already have spotted the towers and containers in the distance. The beginning of the road is probably within an hours reach.

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

(10:33 pm GMT) Google Earth users can see a great “overview” of the whole Scott Base area by zooming field of view out to 13.5 miles. You’ll notice that Google changes its entire background image to a much more recent “matrix” of images and shows the current edge of the ice and the water which now surrounds the peninsula. That is why they need to keep to the north and come in from the back side.

It also shows the 15 or so satellite images that they are stitching together to make up the background. All different colors and textures, taken from different times and under different conditions. Fortunately, for us, the segment at the end of the road is very clear and detailed. You can not only see the markings on the top of the containers but the shadows of the towers on the snow as well. Really neat.

They traveled 1.97 miles the last hour, good time, and 0.7 miles the last segment.

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

(10:36 pm GMT) Extra note: On this last GPS trackpoint, it looks like they’ve changed course and are heading directly for the middle of the hundred or so containers and towers placed in a grouping at the end of Willy Road. Perhaps a little sight seeing? Or, perhaps they’ve had reports of open water/thin ice a bit farther east than is shown on our Google Earth images. OR, perhaps that’s where they’ve been told to park their sledges during their stay at the base. Can’t wait to find out - if they remember to tell us. (Andy, are you there?)

# Andy, February 6th 2014

They’ll be heading for Willy’s Field road which winds round the edge of the containers at the WF airstrip. Ben and Tarka will have to stick close to this road all the way to Scott Base because of the open water and crevasses and it is a proven safe route.

# dj, February 6th 2014

Thanks… you’re probably typing as fast as I am.

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

The main thing this last leg highlights is the issue of climate change, and how the Antarctic is a bellwether of climate change. The ice breakout (which means they have to take extra care on this last stretch, and which has prevented them from either getting to the Discovery Hut or the Terra Nova Hut) is caused by rising sea temperatures, not necessarily by rising air temperatures. This is a significant point, because it’s the rise in sea temperatures that will cause rising sea levels around the world. I just hope that anyone covering the expedition in the media picks up on this.

# Intrepid, February 6th 2014

Wow… fluttering between GE, FB, and Twitter, and each pass ratches up the excitement level as well as a tension to breathe into ... smoothly…. fini… fini…

# Andy, February 7th 2014

Yes they will most likely leave their sleds at the NGO campsite next to WF road as this is where they will have to return to and camp tonight. They will then ski with a day sack, camera, tracker and thier sat phone to Scott Base to finish.

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Thanks for that, Andy. Time for them to pop into Scott Base bar ;-) R

# Kelly Hudson, February 6th 2014

Just managed to get my 7 year old daughter (and big B+T fan) to bed with instructions to wake her when you guys cross the finish line! You have inspired a whole new generation!

# Chris, February 6th 2014

Ben and Tarka,

Someone mentioned previously that one of the great aspects of your expedition was the ability to motivate others to dream and conquer those goals…this has been true for me. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation.

As you near the finish, know that fans all over the glob salute you. Congratulations on such an impressive feat of dedication and endurance. Please know your conclusion is bittersweet. Checking this space has become part of my daily routine, a bright spot on the cold Georgia, US mornings. I congratulate you, but you and this space will be missed. Good luck in all future endeavors, and for God’s sake keep blogging!!!

# Offroading Home, February 6th 2014

(10:48 pm GMT) Their dramatic change in course caught me a bit off guard the last segment; but, I guess going through the storage field of containers is as good a place to go as anywhere. Andy say’s they’re heading for the end of the road which Google shows is a bit south of where they are - but there you go, nothings for certain in this world. (Didn’t answer about stowing their sledges - I guess we’ll have to just see). For sure the ice is probably stronger in the container field than elsewhere.

We notice that they are departing north of their former trail now for a good reason - thar be water covering their former trail around the peninsula now!

Their skiing took them 0.65 miles this segment.

# Heidi, February 6th 2014

I’ll be curious to hear how it goes pulling the sledges the final several yards on the road that looks more like dirt than ice or snow.

# Phil Satoor, February 6th 2014

Your updates greatly appreciated.

# Richard Pierce, February 6th 2014

I reckon they’ll have to park the sledges somewhere on hard ground, but they’ll need them close by so they can pitch their tent. R

# dj, February 7th 2014

Yea Richard… that’s what I thought. But not having ever been there I don’t have a clue where hard ground IS! I hope it’s soft enough to do a snow angel.

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

Hahaha! Just because you have been so persistent, I hope Ben and Tarka really do make some snow angels!! Plus——the kids of the world will love it!!!

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

DJ,

On GE, where the snow gets whiter, that’s where the hard ground is. You can see the pressure ridges in front of it.

Hope that helps.

# Heidi, February 6th 2014

It is finally “cold” and rainy here in Southern California, after nearly two months of heat and sunshine. It’s the perfect day to be indoors, glued to the computer. What a special privilege that it’s happening in real-time here in PST.

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

Yes, it is a privilege for me to see it in real-time…but I am sorry that those in the UK have to stay up so late to see the completion of this 100-year-old quest.

# Phil Satoor, February 7th 2014

I reminds me of the moon landing in 69. It was about 4am here I think!

# Offroading Home, February 7th 2014

(11:03pm GMT) Wow, that one caught me off-guard too. Unless the earth image is registered wrong on Google Earth, Ben and Tarka must have had a fun time navigating around all those mounds of containers we see that their track went through the middle of. Willy Field road is (once was) graded so equipment can get to the container/tower field and one of three runways used for various reasons at various times of the year.

Perhaps we’ll see their pace pick up a little now - or not. Who knows what they’re actually seeing now; but, it’s fun to pretend isn’t it?

They traveled 0.38 miles this last segment and are not where Google Earth says the Willy Road begins (ends). I must say it’s much more interesting following them this way (more real-time) than the past 3 months - perhaps we’re channeling their toughts a bit more?

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

YOu’re right; it is much more exciting, and I can’t drag myself away from my machine. Suprised they haven’t turned right yet. R

# dj, February 7th 2014

Maybe whey want to go take a look at the water. I’m not going to begrudge them any sightseeing they want to do. In fact I’d be nice if they wandered around all over the place. That’d be fun to see (but I’ll be that old stick in the mud Andy told them not to.)

# Helen Haile, February 7th 2014

So very proud of you Ben and Tarka - I have followed you every step of the way reading all your blogs avidly. What an amazing 10 years - you finally did it!

# Mal Owen, February 7th 2014

sooooo exciting… got to go get the celebratory liquid ready but can’t move away..how are you lot managing to keep typing so much ???

# dj, February 7th 2014

It’s not easy! Believe me! Having done this before, I just wanted to show any skeptics how much interest there is in “real-time” vicarious activities like this. (Wish we’d had this when they ‘touched the pole’ but we’ve glad for what we’ve got.)

# Offroading Home, February 7th 2014

(11:03pm GMT) I know that whenever I’m out offroading, and reach the pavement at the end of the day, there is a great relief that at least some of the danger is over and we can almost use memory to find our way home. This offroading trip has now officially left the “road less traveled” - albeit not by more than a hairs breath. They’ve got to have Scott Base in sight by now and can probably even hear its sounds - sound does carry this far at this temperature.

0.04 miles clocked this segment - clearly taking a breather!

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

The soundscape out there is amazing - and strange. At Cape Evans you could hear whispered conversations a quarter of a mile away.

I just hope they pose in front of the Scott Base webcams at some point.

# dj, February 7th 2014

OR, perhaps they’re stopping to ask for directions. BEN, GO NORTH! (Do you think he heard me?)

# dj, February 7th 2014

OOOOHHHHH, That would be great!!!!!! (Why didn’t I think of that?)

[Andy, I know you’re there. And, I know Ben’s gonna call you when they’re there. So how about telling him to go find a camera to wave into, if he hasn’t already?]

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

I think he heard you!

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

So they are depoting everything right now, switching to backpacks… and catching the road to the right… right?

# dj, February 7th 2014

@Intrepid ... Actually, they still haven’t told us anything about the specifics of what they are doing - perhaps they think that we don’t want to know? (doubtful)

It would be logical to park the sleds somewhere and walk in but they’re still a fair way out.

# CaninesCashews, February 7th 2014

My home office looks like a deck of the Enterprise right now - Scott Base Webcams, Weather Maps, Facebook, Tweetdeck, this Blog, and Google Earth all spread gloriously across my multi- displays. I love this tech.
You can’t get much more real time than this community of well wishers right now.

Gav

# dj, February 7th 2014

I clearly don’t have the screen real estate that you’ve got; I’ve got so many screens refreshing every 20 seconds I’ve crashed Google Earth three times!

# Marina Kleinwort, February 7th 2014

SOMEONE HELP! How do I download the resource file for Google Earth? I can open the google earth site and see the map of where they are and the red point etc and zoom in but no idea whether I will be able to see more if I download the other file?

# marina kleinwort, February 7th 2014

should clarify: can download it but then nothing happens and a blank page opens? am doing something wrong perhaps?

# dj, February 7th 2014

@marina ... The resource file is a Google Earth Map resource file - you MUST have Google Earth loaded on your machine in order to use it. Once you do, then whenever you download a Google Earth file it will automatically open Google Eartha and open the map inside it for you. Finding the legend on the left side of the screen and turning on and off the various trails is something you’ll just need to spend time learning.

# Marina, February 7th 2014

@dj Thanks very much! Got it!

# Offroading Home, February 7th 2014

(11:33 pm GMT) Clearly they heard me shout and are heading northward now, straight as an arrow parallel to the line the Google Earth shows as Willy Field Road! They clocked 0.56 miles after their last break and we probably should consider them on the graded road.

# Rebecca, February 7th 2014

Thank you so much for these great updates. Between these comments, GE, and twitter, we’re really getting excited as if we’re there. I do hope they get in front of that Scott Base webcam!

# Jackson, February 7th 2014

While we are waiting for the next update I have a question: where do they sleep tonight? Hopefully not outside…I also noticed the NZ Scott Base webcams having a Jan 7 date…does that mean they fly out tomorrow the 8th?

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Scott Base runs on New Zealand time which is 13 hours ahead of UK time. They will be sleeping outside tonight as part of the unsupported status of the expedition I guess. It’s only minus 6C there at the mo, so they should be fine. Especially once they’ve had a Guinness or three brought out to them from Scott Base bar.

# Andy, February 7th 2014

Jackson, DJ et al
They will be in their tent camping again tonight. The stop and slight diversion 30 mins ago would have been to set up their tent, leave their sleds and then just ski with a day sack to Scott Base.
We will update on logistics back to Chile in the next few days when Ben and Tarka have has a chance to soak up the moment.

# Offroading Home, February 7th 2014

(11:47pm GMT) They look like they’re having a good time on the Willy Field road (such as it is) and are about 3.5 miles away from the solid ground of the penninsula. From there it’ll be about a 500 yard “jaunt” up the embankment to the Scott Base proper. Parenthetically, from the web cams, it looks a bit “blustery.” I don’t see them yet, and in fact don’t see a view that is likely to show them. However, I’ll yield to someone who has actually been there before I give up looking (Richard!)

They logged 0.54 miles this segment.

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

UNless they come round the “front of SB, we won’t see them on web cam. :-( R

# dj, February 7th 2014

ANDY! Can you make this happen?? PLEEEAAAASSSSEEEE!

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

Maybe put some snacks and beers on a table out there….

# Marina K, February 7th 2014

@Andy or anyone else have a “best guess” of their ETA?

# dj, February 7th 2014

If you’ve been following the thread you’ll see that when they actually travel they log between .5 and .6 miles per segment (15 minutes) - seeing’s how its about 3.5 miles to the land they’ve got, what, 7 segments to go of actual skiing. They’ve set up their tent now and only have backpacks on so now it’s anyone’s guess at their speed. We’ll just have to see.

# marinak, February 7th 2014

@DJ. THANKS. Forgive questions! Madly reading the comments and playing catch up as only just joined the “arrival party” from being out all day.

# Jackson, February 7th 2014

I did notice from the web page that the webcams only update every 15 mins. I hope the timing is right. Would be great to see them.

# dj, February 7th 2014

As far as I’m concerned - they’ll just have to stand there until they see the flash!!!!! This has gotta’ happen! Don’t nobody rain on this parade!!!

# Heri, February 7th 2014

Dear Ben and Tarka,
congratulations now that the finish line is within eyeshot. After being on your own and struggling with all kind of adversities out there for more than three month I hope your return to normal live will be as gentle and slow or as hilarious and intense with sparkling champagne and hurrahs as you want it.
Following your blog conveys an impression of a region widely unknown for me before and foreshadows a fraction of what you´ve been going through. I admire the persistency you, Ben, kept on writing the blog, although I guess after 10 hours of slogging your sledge over sastrugis thinking of food and warmth that’s unachievable it wasn´t always fun being on that duty. Astonishing the humor you held up high even under these constantly hindered conditions. I wonder if humor also helped you to escape from the rat race of fatigue at the end of the day and helped you to find back to your inner strength and balance.
Compared to the thrust of Messner´s and Fuch´s diaries on their expedition in 1989 it seems to me that you Ben and Tarka have a very careful and attentive togetherness where none of you has to be more heroic than the other. I hope you can preserve it beyond the end of your project.
For your return to normal I wish you that the nightmares of desperate fatigue, hypothermia and constant hunger phantasies will soon clear away without any aftermath or damage. And you can be sure the next time I think “I´ve had it” or “I give up” I will remember you.
Godspeed

# Austin Duryea, February 7th 2014

Well boys this is it. It was awesome following you from the begining. All the stories you told us, all the adventures you had, and the amazing imagery that you showed us. I’ve said this a million times but I wish that I could somehow meet you. Thank you for the amazing adventure. Can’t wait to see what your next challenge will be. Tal to you soon. Hopefully.

# Austin Duryea, February 7th 2014

I meant to put talk not tal in my post

# dj, February 7th 2014

@Richard… where is that “scott base” web cam in the grand scheme of things. Right now it shows a couple of white vans, green sheds and container trailers. It looks like if they were standing in front of those we could see them well. It may be a bit much to ask if it’s too far; but if it isn’t, they’ve had a long rest and it could really help their “image.”

# dj, February 7th 2014

Of course the cam I’m talking about is one of the ones I’ve linked to in the Resource Map - [ http://antarcticanz.govt.nz/scott-base/current-conditions ] . The only cam labeled Scott Base.

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Difficult to describe, but if you zoom in on SB on GE, then it’s the building nearest the shore, that three tall thin shadows are pointing at. R

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

And I’m talking about the cam that’s the first one on that page. R

# dj, February 7th 2014

Richard… Ok, I think I got it. I’m gonna add a placemark to the next refresh so you can see if I got it right. Gimme a couple secs and refresh the “timings” network link.

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

@ Richard, or anyone else….
Do you know someone to contact at the base to put out a table with a sign… BEN AND TARKA .... STOP HERE FOR PHOTO!!! maybe some beer too…

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

As far as I am aware, SB staff will be out there to meet them, altho not sure if they’ll guide them to the webcam.

I don’t know how to refresh the timings link.

# dj, February 7th 2014

Richard… they will if Andy asks them too.

To refresh, right click on the label “track timings” on the left; then, click on “refresh.” That was also the way you could have refreshed the expedition link without waiting for an hour.

# Offroading Home, February 7th 2014

AGGHHH! It’s past time for their GPS trackpoint - did they forget to take their Nano tracker with them - or to turn it on? Have we lost them now?

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

That’s what I was thinking. It hasn’t moved for an age. R

# Anthony Goddard, February 7th 2014

@dj The tracker dropped a position, but it’s back in action again

# dj, February 7th 2014

Ahhh, Anthony’s here too!

# Austin Duryea, February 7th 2014

Thanks for that link Dj to the webcam. It was pretty cool.

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

I may need to pass on this last bit. I’m exhausted. Been up since 6.30 this morning UK time. R

# Mal Owen, February 7th 2014

I don’t believe you said that !!

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Ok, I shall replenish myself with wine and nicotine and try to stay the distance. No Guinness in the house, unfortunately. R

# Rebecca, February 7th 2014

Not really, right?!

# Mal Owen, February 7th 2014

Plenty of Cointreau here !! :-)

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Rebecca, I did experience a moment of weakness when my wife went to bed.

Mal, ah, now Cointreau would not be a great idea. I’ve ddone some interesting things after drinking too much Cointreau, to put it mildly, bearing in mind this is a family-friendly blog.

# CaninesCashews, February 7th 2014

We so need a party.

# Rebecca, February 7th 2014

Phew! We couldn’t cross this finish line with your being there, Richard!

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

I am entirely dispensable. R

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

Richard, perhaps you can take a catnap and we’ll all wake you when we hear of their arrival.

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

Richard, I can’t believe you would even consider leaving the computer!

There’s so many threads going… where exactly is the finish line… I know the base, but where on the base? In front of the camera!!! Oh!! Someone draw a finish line there!!!

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

I am a weak and volatile thing - I think they call it the artistic temperament.

On the upside, I am now wide awake.

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

I’ve got the artistic temperament. I like to call it sensitivity to what’s really going on…

# Offroading Home, February 7th 2014

(12:20pm GMT) WHEW! Better late than never. They clocked 1.37 miles in this last segment and are well up the winding road to the base.

@richard… please check the webcam building to see if I’ve got it right AND don’t wus out on us now! Now your doing what I’ve been doing for three months - staying up till after 2am to clock their starting times.

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

I won’t wus out if you all buy my book - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Men-Richard-Pierce-ebook/dp/B007FR3UXU.

Put your marker at the front of that building (left corner if facing the building), and you’re bang on, DJ.

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

Already on my ipad. Stay. Finish. Play some music. Load some music here!!! There were some suggestions before….

# dj, February 7th 2014

Richard… which way is “front” and which is “left” - use the ocean for reference if you need to explain.

# Heid, February 7th 2014

Which winding road: the white part or the part that looks brown and muddy?

And I flip-flopped my schedule quite a bit these last several weeks, staying up quite late waiting to receive the next blog post because I couldn’t wait until morning.

What’s happening now??

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

I suppose I should have been more precise. The original position of your marker was at what I consider to be the back of the building. R

# Lauren, February 7th 2014

Richard,
I have to say, this is the timeliest plug for your book yet. And not a hint of subtlety. ;)

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Ocean is left. Front of building is to the right of the ocean, closest to the right-most of those 3 thin shadows. Does that help? R

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

I’m a Yorkshireman, Lydia, so I don’t do subtle :-)

I wouldn’t plug it if it wasn’t relevant, and it is relevant to the whole Antarctic exploration saga, which is why it was nominated for the Guradian First Book Award in 2012 (although it didn’t win, says he, trying to write a bestseller despite the Antarctic distraction).

# Lydia , February 7th 2014

Richard it wasn’t me that said anything about your book :-(

# Lauren, February 7th 2014

It was me! I’m a regular follower but not a regular poster. Well, Yorkshireman, I’ve enjoyed your contribution to the conversations here, and I know it’s relevant. I have followed the link!

Congrats on your nomination, even if you didn’t win.

And congrats to Ben and Tarka!

# dj, February 7th 2014

From their last trackpoint they are only 2 miles around the corner from actual land. Of course their next point will probably be a straight line shortcut so they’ll only get credit for less mileage.

# Austin Duryea, February 7th 2014

Richard and everyone else the webcam is refreshing for me.

# dj, February 7th 2014

Great - now we’ve just got to get to stand in front of it long enough for it to refresh! (Andy… Anthony… Cassie)

# Andy, February 7th 2014

I can but ask….

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Ask, Andy, ask. Opened your post yet today? R

# Marielle, February 7th 2014

Congratulations for your wonderful achievements and this great human adventure you have handled so perfectly well up to now. Thanks again for sharing all these great photos and posts. Thanks for sharing your dream of exploration. I’m currently writing about a woman explorer for my memoir and your posts were great inspiration to me. I really enjoyed these nearly daily humorous posts: good for my English but mainly because so much about the main drive. Just savour the last hours before catching up with our crazy world. Just a question, have you noticed anything about global warming while at the South pole?

Many thanks again and again for being so accessible, inspiring and witty all these days. I know I’m really miles away from fully understanding what you have had to go through and endure physically as well as mentally, but, at least, I’m sure of one thing: to have a dream to fulfill, a quest to go for, no matter how big or small it is, it is just such a great way to reach happiness and self-confidence.

Simply thanks.

# Lydia, February 7th 2014

I wonder if Tarka will be moaning to Ben in that childish chant that we have al l done on our family holidays while growing up ‘Are we nearly there yet…...’ Ben replying ‘It’s just round the next corner…....’
What I would give to be at the finish line!
Can’t wait to wake up tomorrow and see the headlines!
Well done guys AWESOME!!!!
Lydia x

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

That is a sweet thought, Lydia. I believe I can just hear that conversation, too….

# CaninesCashews, February 7th 2014

So I’m a numbers guy as well as the arty guy, so a few stats while they make their sledless way…

Ben has written nearly 37,000 words in his blog posts on the expedition.
Also must mention the reclusive Tarka’s wonderful 709 word opus.

They have averaged nearly 8 and a half hours a day moving forward on the ice, covering just over 17 miles per day in an average wind chill of -25.

Now ignore almost everything above because the most extraordinary thing about this ‘camping trip’ is that you could never call any part of it average, nothing at all. This is an exceptional journey made by two remarkable men with an astonishing goal.

Nothing average about that at all.

Gav

# Phil Satoor, February 7th 2014

I think they’ll visit the Discovery hut. It’s such an iconic place in Antarctic exploration. Unless the went there on the way out, I can’t remember.

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

They’d have a problem getting there, with the ice out, unless they walk through the Gap today and do it that way - without any support. R

# Phil Satoor, February 7th 2014

You mean it’s too risky. But my GE shows a white road that leads up to it. Is that passable?

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

It’s a bit of a walk for two exhausted men. It would be great if they did go, because the history of the hut is rich. R

# dj, February 7th 2014

Richard… there’s so many threads going on I can’t keep up so I’ll start fresh. Re the web cam location. Refresh your link again and see if I’ve got it where you want it please.

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

I think I have refreshed, and it needs to be at the other end of that side of the roof. Sorry if I’m not clear - spatial perception etc is not one of my strengths. And what I’m really indicating is where they should stand, not whee the webcam is. If anything, the cam is on the most left-hand corner of the buolding facing the one with your icon on it.

# dj, February 7th 2014

Richard… Ok, I think I’ve got it now. It doesn’t look too out of the way for the guys to stand in front of… If they will do it.

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Perfetto.

Just had to replenish supplies.

# Chris Anderson, February 7th 2014

Congratulations, gentlemen. I’ve read your post from the very beginning and am going to miss them greatly. You both have been quite the inspiration. I do believe Robert and Earnest would be proud.

# Dave, February 7th 2014

I feel like a drum has been rolling for the past several hours and that, somehow, “the moment” will last several days?

Why did they pitch their tent so far from the base? What will they do tomorrow? Will they just wait there for the plane?

While the webcam would be fun, I hope we’ll get better-quality images and video from base personnel.

# Austin Duryea, February 7th 2014

It comes down to this

# Lydia, February 7th 2014

Less than 1km to go - hope you all have your corks ready to pop!!
YiiiiiiiiiyyyyyyyyHaaaaaarrrrrrrr
Go Boys into those History books you go!!
Lydia x

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

For those not on Twitter, here is a musical suggestion that ScottBase suggested as a soundtrack: http://bondstreetbridge.bandcamp.com/
Listening right now.

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

:) Nice!

# Mal Owen, February 7th 2014

This is awesome ..... My nerves are wrecked.. ... I couldn’t cope with another 104 days !

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

Mal, that’s how I’ve felt since the turnaround at the pole. Waiting, watching….

# Rosie Vidovix Unsworth, February 7th 2014

@Mal I know how you feel. I have finished drinking Ben’s bottle of champagne and have just opened Tarka’s one now… you should try that. It helps!
What an amazing event for all os us!
By the way folks, if you are finding it hard to keep up with the text here the @scottexpedition team on Twitter is doing a fabulous job in keeping everyone up to date.

# Dave, February 7th 2014

Like astronauts returning from the moon, re-entry phase.

# Offroading Home, February 7th 2014

(12:54 pm GMT) By now they’re probably on solid ground. The last track point showed 0.75 miles and was nearly there.

# Dave, February 7th 2014

“How was your day at the office, honey?”

“It was a long one, over 2,500 hours, but extremely fulfilling.”

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Brilliant. R

# JamesM, February 7th 2014

I am fighting to stay awake here but determined to see Ben and Tarka cross the finish line.

Just in case I fall asleep i would like to say congratulations and well done guys for making history.

James

# CaninesCashews, February 7th 2014

Less than a mile…

# dj, February 7th 2014

less than a mile? A mile would get them into the ocean - they’ve only got a half mile from their last trackpoint clear up to the webcam! This is getting exciting, just hope Andy can make this happen - we’d sure like to see they guys on camera.

# CaninesCashews, February 7th 2014

DJ I think 1/2 mile is still less than a mile :-)

# dj, February 9th 2014

Yes, you are completely correct—so is an inch, but that’s not what I would call it. Either way - the pain is nearly over!

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

I’m so excited it’s difficult to stay virtually glued to these keys.

# Rebecca, February 7th 2014

I know what you mean! I feel like running around the house, my heart is racing. But I need to stay sitting here, refreshing, refreshing, refreshing….

# Offroading Home, February 7th 2014

They’re on solid ground! Just 500 yards more to the Scott Base (and the web cam).

# dj, February 7th 2014

For those of you following this thread (and who have the resource file on Google Earth) - Ben and Tarka are now trudging up the 500 yard winding road to the Scott Base buildings. I’ve added a placemark on the corner of the building where Richard has been telling me they have the web cam set up. Of course it’s been there all along but we’ve just remembered it and have been begging Andy and the gang to ask Ben and Tarka to go stand in front of it while it refreshes so we can get a shot. Andy has written back to say that “I can ask” - so now it’s all up to Ben and Tarka and how they feel about it. Sure would be nice if they could do it on their way up the hill and before everyone across the pond (UK) goes to bed. The poor guys are up way past their bed time.

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Ok, I’m a wus; I admit it. It’s all the nicotine, wine and Guinness. And the 10-minute mileing. ;-) R

# dj, February 7th 2014

Oh, also if they’ve got their Nano still turned on, standing there to make sure the camera refreshes will probably send a trackpoint for us all to see as well—- double benefit and documentation! Now if they had a reporter from one of those London newspapers there to snap a photo - it’d make a great front page lead story. Ben’s got a camera doesn’t he - maybe he can get one of the locals to do a “touristy” thing and snap a photo.

# Dave, February 7th 2014

Rumors of a striptease will prove unfounded.

# dj, February 7th 2014

The next ping should have them on top of the hill next to (or in) a building. 500 yards isn’t much compared to what they’ve done.

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

Haha! Wondering what they really are feeling, talking about, or singing…. or walking in silence…

# dj, February 7th 2014

Richard… is that time on the web cam correct? It says 14:40 - that would be 2 am - are they going to find all the doors locked and everyone in bed?

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

The webcam and Scott Base are on NZ time, so it’s actually mid-afternoon for them. R

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

Would you go to sleep if you knew they were coming?

# dj, February 7th 2014

Richard, now I’m worrying that I’m looking at the wrong camera. It says 12:19:43 - and it’s the one you have to remember to refresh yourself. It’s got a green building and two white vans and two containers in the frame and the ocean in the background. Is that the one you’ve got too? Why does it say 2 am?

# dj, February 7th 2014

Oh crap. And I was in the Navy too! 14:00 is 2 pm in the afternoon!

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Time difference is a dreadful thing. I always think everyone should use GMT, even if that means half the world has to work in the dark.

PS - That’s a joke, by the way.

# Wayne, February 7th 2014

2 white vans and a yellow van. Mine says 14:23

# dj, February 7th 2014

Richard… I totally agree! As long as it’s your half that’s in the dark —- that’s a joke too.

# CaninesCashews, February 7th 2014

The suspense…

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Still waiting for the next ping. R

# dj, February 7th 2014

YEs it’s overdue - last one was at 6:03 MST

# dj, February 7th 2014

They’ve got to have gone inside a building and maybe talking with ANdy on the phone——- AANNDDYY!

# dj, February 7th 2014

And it looks like the sun’s going down on the web cam - they’re gonna need to make this happen soon or it’ll be too dark to see them on the camera.

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

No tweets for 40 minutes. I would imagine there are some calls being made on the Sat phone.

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

Good observation.

# Dave, February 7th 2014

Hi, Mum!

# Phil Satoor, February 7th 2014

I wonder if someone from the station has gone down to the shoreline to great them and they are having a good chin-wag as I speak. [01:24]?

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

Here’s what the team just tweeted:

1.15am GMT: @polarben & Tarka officially complete their world-record breaking journey to S. Pole & back following in footsteps of Capt Scott

# Rebecca, February 7th 2014

Woooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

# Lauren, February 7th 2014

Woohoo! Just saw that too. Way to go, Ben and Tarka!

# Phil Satoor, February 7th 2014

Ben and Tarka, We salute you!

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

They’re done!! WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

Well done, Gentlemen! We’re cheering from California!!!!!!

# JamesM, February 7th 2014

Three cheers for Ben and Tarka.

Hip Hip Hooray

Well done on your amazing feat :)

James

# Marina Kleinwort, February 7th 2014

Overwhelmed with emotion this end. SPEECHLESS! What an epic 105 days. WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWEEEEEEEEE…. crack open the bottles.

# CaninesCashews, February 7th 2014

I imagine they are making all their calls etc befor they get up to the base proper and are greeted by others.

Fantastic stuff - the stuff of dreams.

Well done guys and everyone else involved its been a hell of a ride!!

Gav

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

I have one poem saved up which will hopefully reflect all this, but not now.

In my most serious voice, I want to thank Ben & Tarka for being so resolute, and such great role models. I also want to thank B&T’s support team.

Most of all, I want to thank this rabble of online watchers and commenters, including those like Kristoffer whom some may have thought overly-critical.

What this quest proves and confirms, to me, is that there is room for all of us in the communities we create, that endeavour and courage (mental as well as physical) are what we need to strive for, even when that striving is difficult and laced with pain. We are who we are.

Personally, I would like to thank you all for supporting B&T, and for putting up with me and my references to my novel. As I have said before, I only mention it because it is relevant.

I wish B&T a safe trip home, wherever home is. However much the Antarctic has fought with them, I don’t think they will ever think of any other place as home. I don’t, and I only spent 10 comfortable days there.

Thank you all, for everything, for filling my life with light.

Go well.

# Andy, February 7th 2014

Guys I have asked Ben to get in front of the web cam. Hopefully he will get a chance but there is a lot of support on the finish line

# Phil Satoor, February 7th 2014

Thanks and congratulations to you and all the team for a magnificent job. I think it will take some time for the full significance of what has been achieved to sink in.

# Mal Owen, February 7th 2014

Congratulations…. brfilliant job… glass raised…history made !!!

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

Here’s to Andy and the team! Cheers!

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

CHEERS!!!!

# Dave, February 7th 2014

I’m not ready to go back to regularly-scheduled programming.

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

Our 8-year-old got his compass, we faced south, and toasted you all several time. Well Done! So excited and happy for you.

# Rosie V, February 7th 2014

I can see someone walking towards the vans. It s very dark but it could be one of the boys!

# Dave, February 7th 2014

There’s someone at lower right in the webcam image.

# dj, February 7th 2014

Andy…. there’s a heck of a lot MORE support on this end than there is in his face- thousands more. The sun is going down.

It looks like a person on the edge of the photo now. They’re going to need to get closer to the ocean if we’re going to be able to see him.

# dj, February 7th 2014

The person in the lower frame went away at the refresh. The guys will need to go stand by the green tank in order for us to see them.

# Davi, February 7th 2014

Great news Ben & Tarka - History made and thanks for allows us to peek over your shoulders. Thanks too over the past hours to the various bloggers that added their expertise to guide others through.

# Lydia, February 7th 2014

WAAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Fabulous - well done guys, job done, History made.
Lydia x

# dj, February 7th 2014

Richard… guess we were following the wrong media - they wanked on Twitter but didn’t think to ping on the web. The marker still shows them at the bottom of the hill. Were you following Twitter?

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

No, didn’t really follow twitter. R

# dj, February 7th 2014

Well guy… it looks like it’s just you and me here - everyone has disappeared. The marker has been forgotten I guess and hoping that they would catch the vision of having thousands of internet fans watching on web cam just didn’t strike their fancy.

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Hey, DJ, thanks for all the hard work and late hours you’ve put in. We may not have said it much, but we really appreciate what you’ve done for us.

Find me on tettig.com, email me.

All my best,

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

Yes, dj… with deep appreciation for all your efforts!

# CaninesCashews, February 7th 2014

DJ As much as I’d like to see the guys - I’m sure they are completely whacked and might not want to ignore all the people who have come out to greet them to stand in front of a tank until a camera refresh :-)
For me I’m happy to wait for the blog or some photos to trickle through.
As much as we followers are a part of this - this is there time and they must do what they wish.
Just my opinion though and it is 1.45am here so that might not make sense at all ;-)
Before I forget thanks for all your work with the tracker this evening/morning.

# dj, February 7th 2014

@Cashews… you are quite welcome. Yes, a lot of things could have been… but weren’t. My guess is that the lot we’re looking at is only yards from where they went into the building - and with a little of imagination, having the locals in the photo wouldn’t have hurt at all. Too bad.

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

DJ, Canines Cashews, Intrepid, Mal, others ...so many voices I’ve come to rely on for information and encouragement these last months. Thank you to the blog community for making this a bearable experience (I nearly had to give up back around Day 67; it was just too nerve-wracking. I can’t imagine what their loved ones must have gone through). Cheers, fellow armchair polar explorers!

# Richard Pierce, February 7th 2014

Right, I can’t see much more happening, either on twitter on in front of the web cam, or here, so I’m saying good night. Thanks all, as my previous msg says.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Men-Richard-Pierce-ebook/dp/B007FR3UXU

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

Richard, OK, we’ll let you go to bed now. Thank you for so many contributions to the community of Ben and Tarka followers. You’ve had great information, keen counsel, and great passion. Very kindest regards to you and your family.

# Rebecca, February 7th 2014

Goodnight, Richard. I’ve really enjoyed the information you’ve shared here over the past months, and wish you well.

# Dave, February 7th 2014

My computer’s refresh button got a real workout tonight.

# Andrea, February 7th 2014

We will be glade if you accept our compliments.

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

My eyes are soooo tired… I don’t drink coffee or smoke. I can’t see anyone on the webcam. Are you seeing things that aren’t there? :)

# Dave, February 7th 2014

The tap-dancing penguin disappeared when I rubbed my eyes.

# dj, February 7th 2014

@intrepid… who are you talking to? As I speak, there is nothing on the cam. But those people commenting several minutes ago were back then, this is now. That’s how a camera works it isn’t permanent. Right now there is just an empty parking lot with vans and a tank and the ocean in the background. The shadow of a man that they talked about 10 minutes ago has gone.

# Intrepid, February 7th 2014

@ Dave
I’ve rubbed my eyes and now I’m seeing Penguin…

@ dj
About that autorefresh… I ‘m going to get some of that right now too…

# Austin Duryea, February 7th 2014

Wwwwwwowowowoowoowowowowooooowooowowowoowowowo they made it

# Wayne, February 7th 2014

Congratulations to Ben and Tarka.

Off to bed now. Good night and God bless.

# MarinaK, February 7th 2014

…. and to think they now have to get back to their tent! Hopefully someone will give them a lift?!

# Jackson, February 7th 2014

Congrats!!! Great Job!

When this wraps up I am gonna miss this blog and all those who posted often. I think we should setup a follow-on blog called “I Survived Watching Ben and Tarka in Antartica from my Warm Home” where we can all hang out.

Looking forward to the next Ben post.

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

My sentiments exactly.

# CaninesCashews, February 7th 2014

Too buzzed to go to bed. Bugger.

Here’s hoping everyone doesn’t just disappear off of here, photos and video to follow soonish I’m sure.

Oh and I did another image to celebrate - for those not on my twitter feed (@caninescashews) http://pic.twitter.com/6GaPAYItuJ

Enjoy.

Gav.

# Wayne, February 7th 2014

Nice one. Cheers.

# heid, February 7th 2014

Wonderful image. Thank you.

# Mal Owen, February 7th 2014

I haven’t disappeared yet .... love it.. thx

# Mal Owen, February 7th 2014

Some time ago I found a picture online of a lone trekker pulling his sledge across icy land. I can’t remember where I got it from but it took my eye. I set it as wallpaper on my ipad and every time I scrolled across the home screens to get to my scottexpedition.com link, the little man walked with me… I imagined he was Ben or Tarka.
I feel sad that he will now stop walking with me every day… I have travelled many miles with him….but also I am so very happy that his journey has come to an end because that means you have followed and achieved your dream and are safely home, able to share the future with your loved ones.
Congratulations to you both. What you set out to accomplish together, in memory of Scott and his Polar Party, is now wonderfully etched in your memories forever, and thanks to yourselves, in mine.
JOB WELL DONE
I had never followed a blog before. I’m pleased to say you were my first. It has been such an enjoyable, gripping, emotional, learning and sharing experience and I have gained much from it. I shall be lost without my daily Antarctica fix and it will be a hard act to follow. I would like to offer my sincerest thanks for the teamwork which got Ben and Tarka to the end of their history-making journey and gave to so many people across continents, from all walks of life, a chance to follow their imaginary dream. Please continue to update us on your future adventuring.
Thankyou Ben, Tarka, families and Team.
And of course my thanks to all blog supporters who I have shared the last 105 plus a bit days with…I have had a brfilliant time and will miss the chortles.

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

You describe the sentiment of many.

# Andrea, February 7th 2014

There is here a new entry here in blog, posted by the team.

# Dave, February 7th 2014

There’s a lone figure right now. Is it Ben?

# Marina K, February 7th 2014

Not sure if this will work but here is the base with I assume Ben standing in the white towards the middle of the screen! If this doesn’t work someone tell me how to put a screenshot into this comment box…

Screen Shot 2014-02-07 at 02.20.45.png

# dj, February 7th 2014

@Marina… You cannot place a screenshot on this comment section. They’ve dummied-down the comments so that they will only accept one link. That said, I sat here at my computer waiting against hope for them to ever publish a trackpoint that they had accomplished the deed and I kept refreshing the web cam in case they decided to come. I never saw anything SO if you’ve got something I’d REALLY like to see it. You can send it to me through the email link on the Offroading Home web site: http://offroadinghome.djmed.net - just send it as an attachment and if we agree that it is them I’ll publish it on the web for everyone to see. I will be doing a series of articles on the expedition over a couple of weeks - hopefully with interviews from followers of the expedition. http://offroadinghome.blogspot.com

I see that over an hour after Twitter got the message that they arrived on soil - someone placed a trackpoint at the top of the hill. Whether it came from their Nano Tracker automatically or it was hand-placed by one of the team is uncertain.

# MarinaK, February 7th 2014

OK so crashing out now… will try again in the morning if someone tells me how but we may well have better shots by then!

# Dave, February 7th 2014

Let’s see if this works: http://smg.photobucket.com/user/hearshey/media/BenatScottBase_zpscd9d2535.jpg.html

# Dave, February 7th 2014

Try copying the link address and pasting it into a browser rather than clicking on it.

# Lydia, February 7th 2014

Just watching BBC Breakfast - Report on Ben at 0845 - if any of you are still out there…....
Lydia

# CaninesCashews, February 7th 2014

Me too :-)

# Mal Owen, February 7th 2014

Snap.. Recorded it

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