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.
Improvise, Adapt, Overcome (Day 84)
Day 84: S84° 32' 33", E168° 12' 16.2"
Duration: 4 Hr 30 Min
Daily distance: 12.1 Mi
Distance to go: 503.3 Mi
Temperature: -9 °C
Wind chill: -16 °C
Altitude: 4278 Ft
By the time you read this it'll be January 17th, which is the date Captain Scott, along with his companions Bowers, Oates, Wilson and Evans reached the South Pole. Scott famously described it as "An awful place" and their journey over the plateau as "awful monotony", and while Tarka and I have had a pretty unique glimpse into the sort of deprivation, exhaustion and suffering they must have battled, we're also awestruck at their tenacity and spirit in the face of such profound isolation and risk; neither of which we have come anywhere near experiencing, with our daily satellite phone calls, emails, live satellite tracking, and video messages from loved ones, friends and supporters.
Speaking of suffering and deprivation, we're both hungrier than ever, which I wasn't expecting after the amount we refuelled following our resupply, but I suspect our bodies have so little fat or superfluous muscle they can turn into fuel that we're almost totally reliant on what we eat to keep us going now. Tarka commented today that dragging a sledge full of food around and yet being hungry all day is a pretty effective form of torture.
Lastly, an update on our progress: Tarka snapped one of his crampons today so we've stopped early to repair it, and while it was a real shock and an undeniable setback - especially as the crampons were among the few bits of our gear that have seemed bombproof and performed flawlessly so far - the repair looks solid and we should be able to put in another big day tomorrow. As Tarka put it this evening (I've omitted several swear words to make his feelings suitable for a family audience): "This place never gives you an inch, it never cuts you any slack and it always has to have the upper hand. It's either a whiteout or a headwind or it's freezing cold or a bad surface or there's some catastrophe like this. I've never known anywhere like it."
Comments
# Tara Carlisle, January 17th 2014
Must be awful to face the day’s exertion when you are already running on empty. Your followers really are like a little community. We think of you lots throughout our day and wish you every bit of luck. Hope you can feel our collective love and pride. I tell so many people about what you’re doing - so wish there was more news coverage on tv etc, but perhaps you don’t. Really appreciate the fact you dig deep enough to still write for us every night. Know it must be a chore sometimes but your fans devour your every word! Keep safe. What a team.
# Intrepid, January 17th 2014
Hi Ben and Tarka,
The hardship of pulling the food you hunger for is not an easy one to endure. I hope your inner strength and resolve plus the prayers and good wishes from people all around the world boost your body with the energy needed to keep plodding on.
As always, looking forward to your daily posts.
# Deacon Patrick, January 17th 2014
Why was pemmican eliminated as a food, let alone a staple (or even the staple)? For quality calorie density it can not be beat and is proven on all sorts of expeditions, polar and otherwise. Admiral Peary: “Of all foods I am acquainted with, pemmican is the only one that a man can eat twice a day for 365 days and have the last mouthful taste as good as the first.”
I hope the nutrition issues don’t deplete you too much!
# Mal Owen, January 17th 2014
As Scott and his companions 102 years anniversary date is upon us, you have completed more than 70% of your journey….what an accomplishment ...keep going B & T (sounds like a new beverage) ...you’ve even got me in the food and drink mindset !
# Bob Henderson, January 17th 2014
Keep on Keeping on guys. You got this!
# Linda Henry, January 17th 2014
Hi Ben
We have so enjoyed your account of your challenge,you make it all so real and easy to imagine the way you tell your story. Well, easyish. I actually find it impossible to put myself in that setting, facing cold, hunger and fatigue daily. We here in Battersea are all so proud of you. Friends in the park ask after you and are delighted to hear of your progress. Keep it up, you are both an inspiration to all those of us who lack such courage. Love Linda XX
# JanSch, January 17th 2014
Hello you two,
after i could not get up writing a comment first, now i’m going to make good for all the times i missed to leave you a happy mark, especially for christmas and new year. All i can say is that i’m really amazed about what you guys do and about the pressure you guys stand to carry along with you over your journey.
I have been noticing you expedition about two weeks after it’s beginning, and everything i have watched and read so far is just overwhelming. (Well, i have to say - some of the videos and blogs nearly made me cry, so… )
All i can do is wish you the very best for the upcoming part of the expedition, and i hope you come home save and without severe problems. Throwbacks are always possible and can not be foreseen, but i hope you can get along without them.
Courage and all the best from Germany(where really to few people have noticed you action)
JanSch
# Andrea, January 18th 2014
Only because you are pursuing this expedition, you are seeing these real things, the white and black mountains with theirs glaciers in blue-white horizon and the calotte plateau in its proper medium of winds and silence with witch it builds itself.
# Andrea, January 18th 2014
And, yes, the tortures have been always with a reason witch was rational.
# Anton Uhl, January 18th 2014
I cannot even imagine so many days in such an austere life as you two are not only enduring, but conquering - and it is this extreme austerity that puts light and life in all the lives that watch you now and forever in the future. Godspeed, love and all the support in the world for you two as you make your way safely back home.