Tracking
the Journey
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Distance to go:
0 Mi
Distance
Ben and Tarka will cover 1800 miles starting from Scott's Terra Nova Hut at the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and back to the coast again. That's equivalent to 69 back-to-back marathons hauling up to 200kg each (the weight of roughly two adult men) of kit and supplies necessary to survive.
Distances here are shown in statute miles.
El Pinguino and Barnaby Bear (Day 33)
Day 33: S82° 00' 14.04", E169° 05' 31.5"
Duration: 8 Hr 30 Min
Daily distance: 18.4 Mi
Distance to go: 1480.8 Mi
Temperature: -8 °C
Wind chill: -17 °C
Altitude: 177 Ft
As we hauled our way along today I was pondering over the two tiny mascots I'm dragging along with me, Barnaby Bear and El Pinguino, or Mr. Penguin; I've not named him yet.
Barnaby was given to me many moons ago by (I think!) a class at Penair School in Cornwall. He's been on three North Pole attempts from Canada, four Greenland expeditions and a long way up K2 with the brilliant Jake Meyer, so he's a hardened veteran. You'll note he also has a guardian angel pinned to his scarf*.
Mr. Penguin was a gift from my mum before this expedition. His wings are spring loaded, so he clings to the washing line that hangs in the roof of our tent every night.
Neither of them are really pulling their weight. They offer no calorific value. They can't do anything about wildly proliferating bacteria in my gut. They can't navigate, they can't melt snow, they can't recharge the Ultrabook or the satellite phone. As far as I can tell, they're both deaf, blind and mute. The reason they're here of course, is to lift my spirits. I think of my mum every time I lie back in my sleeping bag and see the penguin latched on to the roof (often swaying and wobbling wildly in high winds).
The human spirit; the will to continue striving and believing often against the odds (or perhaps always against the odds: as Pema Chodron cheerily put it, "Life is like getting into a boat that's just about to sail out to sea and sink") is a difficult thing to calibrate and measure, unlike watts or joules or nautical miles, but more than anything it's what fuels us out here.
Today was an absolute belter. The headwind we've had for days now finally fizzled out to the faintest breeze in our second hour, leaving us with near-perfect conditions. As a result, we cranked out a 18.4 mile (29.7km) day today, a new record by quite a stretch and something we're both pleased with, particularly as we're still pulling 140kg or so each, which I'd say is approximately 1.2 sumo wrestlers per sled.
*Speaking of angels, Tarka and I are both into logic and reason, and I'm afraid to report there's not been much banter of a spiritual nature in the tent. I said a couple of weeks ago that I thought our 62GB SD cards worked like magic as I simply couldn't get my head around how I could fit almost all of my music collection on one of them, and then wipe it clean and use to to store photographs or HD video from our camera. Tarka gave me his Spock look and explained that there's no magic involved at all, just electrical currents and crystalline structures.
P.S. feel free to suggest a name for Mr/Mrs/Miss Penguin and we'll pick a favourite this time next week.
Comments
# andrew, November 27th 2013
That’s two rabbits out of the hat in as many days, not to mention a bear and a penguin. Well done you two, its getting exciting.
# mike, November 29th 2013
How about “Mr. Shuffles?” Or just Shuffles to be slightly less cute.
# Sabrina, December 1st 2013
Maybe you should call him Scott, as in the Scott Expedition
# Judy Wright, December 3rd 2013
You should just call the penguin “Blue”. After all, he’s a little chap and the Blue Penguin is the smallest species in the world.
Judy x
# joel, December 4th 2013
Penguin name - how about “birdy” after Birdy Bowers of the Scott expedition?
# Perran, November 27th 2013
Another great blog with some deeper insights which I really like.
May I suggest Garrard for the Penquin ?
# Will gow, November 29th 2013
Great work lads - you’re flying now and will be onto phase 2, the beard more before you know it. Enjoy the grandeur of the mountains - fond memories of Cloudmaker
# Hilary, November 27th 2013
Fantastic distance again today. Love the mascots. How about Pemmican the Penguin in honour of the rations that Scott took to the Antarctic on his polar journey?
# Steve Banks, December 4th 2013
Well done. Push On chaps.
Push On Penguin.
S.
# Chris, November 27th 2013
Ponting the penguin? Not that he takes photos of course, but it’s a nod to the great photographer himself.
# Andrea, November 27th 2013
Always delighted by your writing (and your progress!) day after day. I would call your penguin buddy “Mr. Breeze”. Short and sweet. :)
Keep on, guys, you’re doing a great job and we all root for you.
# Matt , November 27th 2013
May I suggest Wanda ....
# Štěpán Hnyk, November 27th 2013
A very impressive distance you’ve covered today! Thanks for the videos and the picture. Now I see why the toothbrush handle had to stay at home as the precious grams were already taken by these two motivational aids that are by no means a toy. I cannot wait to see Tarka’s life-sized teddy polar bear. PS: I suggest “Benguin” - a name any animal can be proud of (let alone a flightless bird) .
# robert arus, November 27th 2013
I’ll go for Springy.
# Richard Pierce, November 27th 2013
Way to go!! S82 reached already. Well done.
As for the penguin, call it Birdie or Cherry. They’re the most appropriate names I can think of.
Ah yes, the human spirit. Is that what makes us less animal?
As for the spiritual - you’ll both come to find it in the days to come and in your memories of the Terra Nova Hut.
God Speed.
R
# Simas, November 27th 2013
It is interesting to read these philosophical thoughts about about life and this journey. I guess I would like to ask something then.
Q - Did you guys noticed yourself how your thoughts are chancing through the expedition?
# Jo, November 27th 2013
Scott had at least one pony with a funny name with him: Hackenschmidt. How about that?
As strange as it is to read your blog-posts from the middle of nowhere I won´t miss a single one. You´re doing a great job not only hauling your sleds but also writing your posts. Inspiring, exciting and also often funny. Keep on!
# ROB SWAN , November 27th 2013
Game ON Tarka and Ben . 1st Ice Circle Closing . GREAT work . Buckley Island calling . Rob Swan
# Mickey, November 27th 2013
Call your penguin THE THING, just so he can really be a part of Antarctic adventure. :mad:
# rod pattinson, November 27th 2013
you are making good progress please call him biscuit
# Deacon Patrick, November 27th 2013
“Tarka and I are both into logic and reason, and I’m afraid to report there’s not been much banter of a spiritual nature in the tent.”
Brilliant! You don’t say this and I don’t know your beliefs, but it’s often presumed or believed that logic and reason are antithetical to spirituality when in fact they are simply part of it. God gives us logic and reason to better know ourselves and Him through his creation and Natural Law (things like gravity, mass into energy energy into mass, inertia, velocity, etc.). As you allude to, it is faith and spirituality to brings meaning to those things and how we choose to use them. As you discover the pieces connecting all the logic, under all the logic, above all the logic, through al the logic, you will discover even more spirituality. It’s all around and you are entering into it. Do you see it? Feel it? Taste it? Get carried away by it? Get brought back into your feet by it?
I loved your description of being mostly bags of warm blood a few days ago. Fantastic!
My cousin in Dundee gave our daughters a penguin in honor of us visiting Scot’s ship. Terry is her name and she’d love to know what name you discover for your companion!
Thank you for the gift of sharing your journey! May God continue to startle you with joy and wonder!
With abandon,
Patrick
# David, November 27th 2013
I’d go with ‘Scotty’ for the little partner…!
Very inspiring to follow your great journey!
# Lynne , November 27th 2013
Great blogs lately. They allow me to stow away on your sled and imagine I am momentarily on this amazing journey with you. Thanks for the updates and safe travels.
How about Peter, after Scott’s son? Has a nice ring to it :)
# Janet Stanley, November 27th 2013
I think Cherry would be a good name! Amazing the little things that will help lift your spirit :) Stay safe as always!
# Sue, November 27th 2013
Just call the little chap Prof as in Professor. I am sure he is wise beyond belief. After all he is being carried all the way, wearing the correct outfit and is never hungry nor tired and your Mum trusts him to bring you home.!!!. Clever Professor Penguin
# Jerry, November 27th 2013
I just want to say something: 18.4 miles!!
# George Chapman, November 27th 2013
Your remarks on Day 31 “I was thinking a bit today about remarkable it is that Tarka and I, essentially two very slow-walking pouches of warm blood” reminded me of this quote.
“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal,” wrote C. S. Lewis. It’s true—each one of us is a special creation of God.
Believe it or not—no one else is just like you. Your physical appearance, your voice and personality traits—your habits, intelligence, personal tastes—all these make you one of a kind. Even your fingerprints distinguish you from every other human being—past, present or future. You are not the product of some cosmic assembly line; you are unique.
Glad to see you are doing well and having nice days. Keep your heads up and your eye on the ball.
# Alison P, November 27th 2013
Great going today, guys! You are making incredible progress! I love, love, love that you have brought with you two little ones that are contributing in no logical or practical way. Many thanks to Mum for giving you the penguin.
My suggestion for the penguin name is Spirit.
# Andy Richmond, November 27th 2013
@ Hilary; I second the name Pemmican, fitting and alliterative. Brilliant!
# Ann, November 27th 2013
Cherry! He had such a good attitude and a deep understanding of human nature. He would know what your journey is all about so it is fitting that you carry his spirit with you in the form of a tiny penguin.
# Charlotte, November 27th 2013
I think you should call the penguin Mumble, like the one from Happy Feet. Note that his name has the word ‘Mum’ in it - very fitting :)
Great work you two! You inspire me so much. I’d love to complete such and extraordinary feat at some point in my life. When I was younger I dreamed of going into space and climbing Everest. As I grew older I dismissed these ambitions as unrealistic, and I settled on my aim to complete the London Marathon (which, of course, is not easy!). But now you have helped me to realise that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and at my young age of 15 I have my whole life still ahead of me.
I really enjoy reading your blog everyday, keep it up!
Charlotte
# Cole, November 27th 2013
I’d like to suggest Polar Bear as the name for the penguin. Certainly you’ve been asked at least once what you plan to do if you are attacked by a polar bear on this voyage. This way you’d have an answer: we brought our own, fight fire with fire. Although it’s blasphemy to suggest, you could then leave him (her?) at the south pole so there could then be Polar Bears at both poles (FINALLY!).
Wishing you all the best!
Cole
# Alyxia Lyons, November 27th 2013
My daughter Alyxia makes us check your blog every day first thing when we wake up. She’s 6 and just captivated by your journey and learning about Antarctica.
She suggests “Icey” for your penguin’s name.
# Nora Wolfe, November 27th 2013
Since he is going on this trek and most likely will go on many more, how about naming him Trekkie?
# Tor Bertin, November 27th 2013
Levick, after the researcher on the original Scott Expedition who studied the continent’s penguins.
# CaninesCashews, November 27th 2013
Wow another great mileage day - it just keeps going up!
The contributions for the penguin’s name come from my children - ‘Polar’ from my son and ‘Flipper’ from my daughter.
Keep knocking over those miles and stay safe.
Gav
# Carlos, November 27th 2013
Congratulations for the almost 30 km. covered!!
My suggestion for the penguin’s name is Tenzing, just like Sir Edmund Hillary’s native guide.
Hope this little penguin is your emotional Sherpa, always helping you to carry on.
Best Wishes
# Sheila England, November 27th 2013
I love the Pema Chodron quote. I’m going to post it on my FB page. And the conversation between you and Tarka sounds just like my husband & I. (I am an artist, and he is a nuclear physicist, currently working at NOAA with weather satellites.What a pair…) My kids always say he is Spock, where I am more like McCoy.
Naming that little guy is a tough one. Must pick a good one.
Sleep well,
Sheila
# Stefania, November 27th 2013
Hi Ben and Tarka!
May I suggest for Guido the Penguin?
“Guido” is a classic Italian name but it is also the verb in the first person “I drive” ... so, the penguin will guide you in the expedition ...
it is understandable what I wrote? ....
Hmmmm .... sorry for my english .... !
# ale, November 27th 2013
PINGU
but I also like PEMMICAN :-)
p.s. pingu is a boy! ;-)
# Suzanne, November 27th 2013
Love to read your blog. You could call your penguin Great Scott.
# Simon, November 27th 2013
Guys,
We are really impressed by how the last 10 days have seen both real progress in miles, but also progress in your morale. Keep it up. We’ll be drinking a toast to you on Saturday at Andy’s sisters wedding. Thinking ahead and the book deal I recommend the Penguin assumes the name Parka: comes before Tarka, is warm and protective and writes brilliantly: Parka Pen…guin.
# Tony Muilenburg, November 27th 2013
How about Icicle Ike for the penguin? I am a computer engineer, and I still feel like getting the electrical currents and crystalline structures set up to store billions of bits of data on a card smaller than my fingernail is like magic :) Way to go you mileage monsters! If you get five days ahead, does that mean you can ditch some food? I guess Murphey’s law says that you would be hit by a blizzard if you did that :p
# Peaks, November 27th 2013
Penguin’s name… How about “Scott”? :)
# varry mccullough, November 27th 2013
Scott, the penguin has to be Scott or Scotty !
# Betty Ann, November 28th 2013
Obviously the penguin is Mr. Mumster.
# Mark & Allison, November 28th 2013
Mark says GWIN. I say M.C.P.O. As in Marsh chapel PO
# Susan, November 28th 2013
Phileas - after another globe trotter and explorer =)
# jkottke, December 1st 2013
Tux.
# Heather, December 3rd 2013
Giles, named after the great Giles Kershaw who helped rescue Robert Swan after the sinking of the ‘Southern Quest.’
# Edie, December 3rd 2013
It has to be Kowalski - the Penguin from the epic (animated) film Madagascar who can build everything from an airplane to a flame thrower to a self-replicating nanobot. You guys never know what you’re going to need in the South Pole. Here are a few quote from various Madagascar films to convince you. The Skipper is the chief Penguin by the way. Private is the junior Penguin.
Merry Madagascar (2009) (TV)
Skipper: It’s a Cold War that dates back centuries. You see, Santa used to be based in the South Pole.
Lead Reindeer: Oh, this again? Santa chose North Pole fair and square.
Kowalski: Oh, please. They bribed him with candy canes and cheap Elf labor.
Lead Reindeer: That’s it! Let’s go!
“The Penguins of Madagascar: Gator Watch/In the Line of Doody (#2.2)” (2010)
Skipper: Kowalski, can you open this door?
Kowalski: A simple pin tumbler lock. Now you’re just lobbing slowballs. Why don’t you just ask me if I can build a self-replicating nanobot? Because I can. Obviously.
Kowalski: [Looking at a zoo directory] According to this symbol, which appears to be Aztec in origin, you are here.
Skipper: Tell me something I don’t know.
Kowalski: Without muccus, your stomach would digest itself.
Skipper: Tell me something else I don’t know. Something less… disturbing.
“The Penguins of Madagascar: Gone in a Flash (#1.0)” (2008)
The Skipper: Private, these sardine smoothies are top-notch. What’s your secret?
Private: Love, sir. I made them with love.
The Skipper: Love?
Kowalski: It’s a chemical reaction in the brain inducing bliss. Highly addictive.
The Skipper: [knocks the smoothie from Rico’s wing] No more love in the smooties! We gotta stay sharp. The concrete jungle is an elusive mistress who may call us into action at any given moment.
Private: Skipper, how cold is it?
Skipper: Kowalski?
Kowalski: I’m not certain, but I’d put the over-under at 17 degrees Fahrenheit.
[Taps beak]
Kowalski: The freezing point of snot.
# Simon Phillips, December 3rd 2013
Given your achievements in navigating the Beardmore Glacier how does “Gateway” the penguin sound ?
# tania & lily mellis, December 3rd 2013
Has anyone suggested Aunt Arctic yet?
Well done guys we are very proud of you both.
Tania & Lily
# JOSEPH WOJCIAK, December 3rd 2013
CALL THEM RUDOLPH AND BOO BOO!
# Emilie, December 3rd 2013
Suggestion One:
Seeing as there are no angels in logic and reason, but the human spirit continues to believe in the magic of stuffed penguins, I suggest “Gabrielle”. This name is inspired by the Greek entomology of “angel” = “ángelos”/“messenger”, embodied in more recent times as the messenger angel known as “Gabriel”(Christianity), but herein made female in homage to Ben’s MOM. Thus, “Gabriel” becomes “Gabrielle”. A somewhat logical name for an angel-like mascot.
Suggestion Two: Fairy Dust & Hugs.
# Heidi, December 3rd 2013
My son thinks “Mr. Cool Guy” would be a nice name.
# Marielle, December 3rd 2013
Plenty of great ideas for names like Pemmican. What about Gaspacho, just for the fun of pronuncing the word and add colour to a white and blue world or Sakai… It is French phonetics to say “It’s freezing cold”. I also thought about Mr Scott or Scotty but it has already been given. A last idea, let’s call him Rudolph to remind you of Christmas that you’re going to spend in the middle of the Antarctic.
Many thanks for your posts, photos and for sharing. All my thoughts to you and your wee mascots. I really enjoy every bit of it and high spirit and loads of stamina for the days to come.
What you’re doing is just amazing!
Cheerio
Marielle
# Kevin Wright, December 3rd 2013
Hi Ben @ Tarka. How about Pulky Penguin or Mr Pulky. After all I’m sure he is carrying a loving message from back home. Keep going guys Kev