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.
Hard Yards (Day 4)
Day 4: S77° 53' 24.1074", E167° 56' 52.8"
Duration: 7 Hr
Daily distance: 5.6 Mi
Distance to go: 1767.3 Mi
Temperature: -20 °C
Wind chill: -27 °C
Wind speed: 10 MPH
Altitude: 128 Ft
Well, it was more of the same today. Though I seem to have jinxed things by suggesting our mileage might improve, as the surface was rubbish. Hauling my sled felt like dragging an anchor through wet sand, or a plough through clay.
We're skiing at night (technically we're in New Zealand's time zone, though we're operating in UTC). Interestingly Scott also skied at night here as his ponies suffered when it was warmer and the surface was softer.
It's cold as well. The thermometer showed -21 when we got out of the tent this morning, but it seems to drop as we ski, before warming again at the end of our day. We had a headwind for much of today, which is never fun, and it meant slogging away with claustrophobic goggle-vision and a frosted-up face mask.
I feel honoured to be asked a question from the granddaughter of Tryggve Gran (the sole Norwegian on the Terra Nova expedition) - if we saw where her grandfather slept? The answer is I think so! We saw all the bunks but I'm not sure which was his.
Another question we received was about the sledge harnesses we're wearing. You should be able to see mine in the photos we're sending back today. We actually made them ourselves with the help of a friend of Tarka's who owns an industrial sewing machine! They're based on the brilliant chest and shoulder straps we found in an Osprey pack, and as Andy Ward, our expedition manager, walked from London to Istanbul wearing one of their rucksacks we thought they'd be a good starting point.So far, they've been brilliant, and they're way lighter than any harnesses we could find commercially.
If I can ask a question in return, how do you pronounce "Tryggve"? I've been wondering that since I first heard about his role on the expedition.
We were buzzed by a helicopter as we pitched our tent this evening, so we're not quite in the middle of nowhere just yet, and adapting to our 6,000 calorie-per-day rations is providing its own challenges. Tarka said his wind was so bad yesterday that he "would have called a doctor" were he at home in France.
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Comments
# McDowell Crook, October 29th 2013
I just found your site today and am blown away by your commitment. Best of luck on this most incredible of adventures! Will be awaiting your future updates.
# Jen West's 6-9 year old Montessori class, October 29th 2013
Great work guys. We were wondering what types of food did you pack? Do you get to have chocolate?
# Scott Expedition (Chessie), October 30th 2013
Hi Jen. Ben and Tarka have a mix of high-calorie freeze-dried food, energy bars and hot energy drinks plus a few treats including Green & Blacks 85% dark chocolate - so yes, chocolate’s on the menu! Here’s a short video about the food https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FEhg_I1ZmU
# Alan Beekman, October 29th 2013
What an amazing adventure. I’ll be sure to follow your progress.
God speed from Napa, CA.
# Gavin Keeble, October 29th 2013
Hi guys
Great writing Ben. My wife and I are off round the Scotia Arc and the Antarctica Peninsula on Jan 5th for a holiday, are following your trip daily and have been reading up on all the explorers of the ‘Heroic Age’ - thanks for asking how to pronounce Tryggve - I’ve been wondering too! BTW, what camera(s) are you using? (sorry if you’ve mentioned this somewhere before!). God’s speed!
# Scott Expedition (Chessie), October 30th 2013
Hi. Ben and Tarka are using a Panasonic GX7. All the best and have a good holiday
# Austin Duryea , October 30th 2013
The things you are doing is extraordinary and brave. I admire you and your group so much. Stay strong and keep motivating each other.
# Tobias Mews, October 30th 2013
Dear Ben and Tarka,
My friends - I’m so proud of what you’re both doing. I feel rather lazy reading your blogs,lying here on my sofa with a glass of red wine. However, you have my utmost respect! I’m logging on each day to follow how you’re getting on. Seriously - although my sofa is rather comfy - I’d much rather be hanging out of my arse, pulling a ridiculously heavy pulk with you. Although, I’m not sure if I would have managed to leave Scott’s Hut, based on my pathetic attempt to pull 200kg back in Sept!
Plus - I don’t fancy drafting off Tarka if he’s blwoing like a trumpet! Let one rip a couple of days ago during the windy Snowdonia Marathon, which immediately stopped the chap drafting behind me in his tracks. Someone else got their own back though when he casually we went to spit on the ground whilst running, only for the wind to pick it up and slam it into my face!
Stay strong you two! Hope you’re finding inventive ways to keep each other amused! Oh and here’s a joke: ‘Why did the scarecrow win an award?’ If you’ve not already guessed, I’ll let you know the answer in my next comment!
# Uncle Pete, October 30th 2013
Tarka, now what would your granny have said! But Uncle Bill would have come along too I am sure. Hennie and I are watching this from Canada at present but will follow from UK shortly. Our thoughts are with you both.
# Emma K , October 30th 2013
Ben so glad to see you are pursuing your dreams, best of luck to you both.
# Adrian Hicks, October 30th 2013
Good word guys, keep on grinding it down.
I worked with a Tryggve and he pronounced it Trigvee, hope that helps.
Hopefully Tarka’s wind will equalise the headwind you are currently facing.
Good luck gentlemen
# Mike Brown, October 30th 2013
Windham High School Sophomore History Class will be following you guys!! Best of luck and it is a great comparison to the earlier expedition.
# Kristoffer, October 30th 2013
How so?