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.

Looking Up (Day 11)

Posted November 4th 2013,
by Ben Saunders

Category: Expedition, The Ross Ice Shelf (Outbound)

Day 11: S78° 31' 57.9", E168° 28' 24.72"

Duration: 7 Hr

Daily distance: 10.2 Mi

Distance to go: 1721 Mi

Temperature: -26 °C

Wind chill: -30 °C

Altitude: 289 Ft

We cranked out 16.4km (10.2miles) today, which we're pretty happy with, and I can tell you that dragging two-and-a-half times your body weight for seven hours is a bit of a workout.

Apologies if we're mixing metric and imperial units on the site - our expedition manager, Andy Ward, is still stuck on the opposite side of Antarctica at Union Glacier, waiting for a flight home, and once he's online back in Chile it'll all be straightened out. Ditto our film maker, Tem, who's also waiting for the same weather window to fly back to civilisation. Once he's back in the land of broadband and wifi he'll be able to edit and upload some of the HD video we've sent back from the tent.

It felt colder than the numbers suggested (-26C ambient, -30C windchill) though thankfully the wind stayed at our backs all day.

The surface today was quite different: hard and wind-scoured, with a lot of sastrugi - wind-blown ridges in the snow - for the latter two thirds of the day. I actually quite enjoyed navigating through these, which reminded me of trying to find the best course over pack ice on the Arctic Ocean.

We spotted something odd-looking on our bearing this morning, alone on the Ice Shelf not far from Minna Bluff. I thought it was a flag at first, or a very lost penguin, but it turned out to be an automatic weather station belonging to the University of Wisconsin. They'll be pleased to hear it was whirring busily away in the wind. More of the same tomorrow, and I promise I'll get back answering questions again...

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Comments

# Genni, November 5th 2013

Hi there - Could you tell us how you are deciding what you leave in your depots and how you are calculating how many days food etc you leave and where . Also - really interested to know who takes responsibility for your caches within Antarctica.Thanks guys . Look forward to hearing from you.!

# dj, November 5th 2013

According to my calculations Ben and Tarka have now gone over the requisite “about 60 km” they mentioned in their post on Day 6 as the place they would leave their second cache.  Perhaps they left it already (without mentioning it) and is why they made such good time during Day 11.  Although that seems like it would be such a welcome event it would be hard to believe they would forget mentioning it. (Last nights camp was about 70 km from Day 6’s camp.)

# Scott Expedition Team (Chessie), November 5th 2013

Hi Genni, there have been a couple of questions about the depots. There’ll be a blog with a bit more info about them in the next few weeks.

# Donald, November 5th 2013

Hi Chessie ( on behalf of Scott Expedition)  - Ben has mentioned the depots in detail on his initial blogs - On day 6 he mentioned he was dropping his first depot ( apart from the one he has left at the start point) in 40 k which he has now passed that point I think…Please clarify - did he drop a depot already - and what was the weight he managed to offload…..interesting to know where and how many he is dropping - and Genni’s point about who is responsible for them is of great interest to me.

# danielle murdoch, November 5th 2013

Fantastic news guys! I hope the good weather keeps up for awhile!

# George Chapman, November 5th 2013

Have enjoyed getting all your post and photos. Glad to see your doing well. Keep your chins up and press on for the goal.
Following you on FB and Google Earth from sunny Central Florida U.S.A. Todays temperature 66ºF at 4:23 AM.

# Nico, November 5th 2013

Brilliant! Keep on sliding :)

Do you have an ‘emergency’ music player? And if yes, what kind of music do you have on it?

# Scott Expedition Team (Chessie), November 5th 2013

Hi Nico, both Ben and Tarka have a small player with a variety of music depending on their mood.

# Scott Expedition Team (Chessie), November 6th 2013

Hi Nico, just a quick update - Ben listens mainly to electronic music when skiing; Tarka to audiobooks. There’s a bit more info in Day 12’s post http://scottexpedition.com/blog/hoolie

# CaninesCashews, November 5th 2013

Hi guys,
Glad that you’ve been able to pile on the miles.
Look forward to seeing the video when Tem and Andy manage to break free from the Antarctic grip.
Heres hoping the wind stays on your backs.
Gav

# dj, November 5th 2013

Another note: The weather “station” they came across while traveling, in fact all stations they are likely to see on their journey, can be found located here on the Scott Expedition Google Earth Resource File. The ‘weather underground’ received and displayed live data from it until it stopped reporting. It is known as station “Linda” and there are two conflicting coordinates given - fairly immaterial now as they are both shown slightly off to the ‘right’ (in their direction of travel) in the “day 11” travels.

Currently there doesn’t seem to be any publicly available live data coming from the station, the live link to the actual station operated by the weather underground states they are only reporting extrapolated data from other stations in the area.

# Kristoffer, November 5th 2013

dj, based on the email notification I got about your comment, I don’t think the comment system supports HTML.

# dj, November 5th 2013

#Kristoffer Ah, yes didn’t notice that the italics didn’t work before. I’ve done it a couple times but won’t bother anymore.

# Scott Expedition Team (Chessie), November 5th 2013

Hi Dj, yep, as Kristoffer say, a quick note to confirm that we’ve kept it simple and the comments don’t support html.

# Anthony Goddard, November 6th 2013

Yep, the Linda AWS station is presently offline (in spite of the whirring!). It will hopefully be back online later this year.

# Stephen Bryant , November 5th 2013

Hats off to you boys its very interesting seeing and reading about your progress keep up the good work :-)

# rodney pattinson, November 5th 2013

well done great photo.

# Janet Stanley, November 5th 2013

That is fab! Glad things are going well, stay safe :)

# Richard Pierce, November 5th 2013

Fasinating blog, and I really hope you make the whole trip Terra Nova-South Pole-Terra Nova. It would be a great achievement.

As I did a lot of research (including time spent on the Ice) when writing my novel about Scott and Amundsen (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Men-Richard-Pierce/dp/0715642960), I thought I’d answer some questions that have cropped up on the blog:

a) You will have seen Tryggve Gran’s bunk when you were in the Terra Nova Hut. It’s at the far end on the right-hand side, and on it is scrawled, in red paint “Two years good friend. TG"which Tryggve painted on there the day that they left the hut to travel back.

b) Alex Hibbert’s point about night-travelling and bodies taking time to get used to the rhythm of sledging is very well made, and, conditions permitting, I think you’ll be covering well over 10 miles a day every day soon.

c) Amundsen’s flag is under the ice, but nowhere near the South Pol. A Norwegian expedition tried to find it some years ago, and unfortunately one of them was killed in the attempt.

d) Related to c - ice flow on the Ross Ice Shelf is not entirely predictable, but most science agrees that the ice moves northwards from the Pole at about 800 metres a year (although climate change ond other factors like cross-drift complicate any calculations people may or may no want to make). These factors will have impacted the site of Amundsen’s flag, as well as the burial sites of Scott, Wilson and Bowers.

e) Related to c and d - Flag and burial site will have been covered at what some reckon to be a rate of 30 cm of snow per year. Add to this the fact that the weight of snow will compress whatever is under it, and conservative reckoning would be that anything will by now be buried under 30 metres of snow and ice (more likely ice the deeper you go).

Keep up the good work - I’ll be following this blog with great interest. And, most importantly, take care.

R

# Scott Expedition Team (Chessie), November 5th 2013

Thanks for clarifying re. the flag Richard!

# Richard Pierce, November 6th 2013

Chessie,

Glad to be able to offer some additional info.

Really excited about this expedition and gennuinely hope the boys make the round trip without accident or support.

Envy doesn’t even describe it, nor does fear.

R

# Christy Contreras, November 5th 2013

Hi Ben, it’s me again, 2005 expedition….Glad to see you are doing this again. Be safe my friend, I know last time we lost a few explorers.  I think they need about 10,000 calories a day each so that determines how much food is leftin each spot.  Dont forget to get another great “sundog”, also WOW has technology improved since last trek.

# Kristoffer, November 5th 2013

Christy,

The about 10,000 calories per day figure is misleading, as that is the potential calorie consumption only when ascending the Beardmore glacier, due to increased effort and acclimating to altitude.  Under man hauling across a level surface, their 6,000 calorie rations will most likely be enough.

# Mal Owen, November 5th 2013

As each day goes on and I log in to your blog, I become more interested in everything ‘Scott’. Have just spent an hour+ on YouTube when I should’ve been doing the housework ! What a journey you have encouraged me to make with you. I too love those magical moments and wish many more for you both.

# Nora Wolfe, November 5th 2013

Mal, many years ago, PBS did a mini-series on Scott’s expeditions. It was a great production. It might have been a Masterpiece theatre piece. Thinking of it, brings home what Richard Pierce said above about the burial sites of Scott and party. This is really serious stuff. I am so happy to be along for this ride but I am also anxious. Be safe.

# Matt Godfrey, November 5th 2013

Is it true that consuming more than 6000 calories per day is around a persons limit. Anything else would just become waste regardless of output??
Seem to recall that coming from mr fogel and cracknell on their slog down south.
Keep up the excellent work guys!
Cheers
Matt

# Scott Expedition Team (Chessie), November 5th 2013

Hi Matt, I believe so - but will double check for you.

# Ian, November 5th 2013

11 days already. So quick. Enjoy, it may seem like a long time but if it’s 110 to 120 days give or take they are going fast. Soon enough and you’ll be looking back so breath in every moment.

# Grade 5 Green Class, TCS, SJ NB Canada , November 5th 2013

We would like to know what food item you could not live without on your expedition.
We are making lists and packing ourselves for our own expedition this week.
(on site school activity)

# Jen West's Montessori Elementary classroom, November 5th 2013

Some of the 6 to 9 year old students wanted to know if you eat snow?  They like that you are trying to walk to the South Pole and back.  You are very brave and amazing. Jamie 8 years old wants to know if you think you can do it?
Sam 6 years old, wants Ben to know that there is a Ben here at the school.
Do you talk to your families often?  How do you communicate to them?
Sydney 8 years old, wants to know if you are scared at times?  Marcus 8 years old, wants to know how you go to the bathroom?
Paul age 6, wants to know what do you eat? 
Miina wants to know if you have any toys to keep you busy?
Do you drink cocoa?
Do you see any animals?
What do you use to keep yourselves warm at night?
Do you wash yourselves?
We think you’re GREAT!

# Scott Expedition Team, November 20th 2013

Ben and Tarka eat almost 6,000 calories daily through a high-calorie diet of freeze-dried food made with melted snow, hot energy drinks, energy bars and a treat or two including chocolate. Here’s a video with more about what they eat - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FEhg_I1ZmU&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLUAuh5Ht8DS266bwmWJZ5isWPhSEbsP-U They .have cosy sleeping bags and thermals to keep them warm in the tent at night. Here’s another video with a bit more about their clothing and sleeping bags https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF2WXlS1WvA&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLUAuh5Ht8DS266bwmWJZ5isWPhSEbsP-U . They’ve seen four seals since they started but no other animals.

# Lana Crawford-Small, November 5th 2013

Hi, I’m Richard Crawford -small’s daughter and I’ve told teachers about your journey and they said that at school or home they will have a look at the website and I am very interested in your blogs , meet you when you get back.
Lana
Age 9

# Gherardo, November 5th 2013

Congratulations guys !

# Chris, November 5th 2013

Guys - it speaks volumes about modern quality of life that despite how clearly brutal the experience you are going through is, most of us here sitting on comfortable office chairs in warm rooms with plenty of food in reach are really jealous, and wish they could join you…

# Richard Pierce, November 6th 2013

Bang on! R

# Austin Duryea, November 6th 2013

Hey guys. Glad the weather is still good. What kind of boots are you wearing?

And also George, or the scott team,how do you follow him on Google Earth?

# George Chapman, November 6th 2013

Glad to see you got your answer on Google Earth thanks. #CaninesCashews. I really love Google Earth. And you can use it for a lot more then just following this expedition.

# George Chapman, November 6th 2013

Glad to see all is going well with you guys. I’m sure it is hard going and every day forward will be getting better. In another week you guys will be saying “This is not so hard”. I can image the view is just belong belief. I go to the ocean a lot and just look out to the horizon and it’s always so beautiful. I’m sure your view is even much better. Take care of yourself and stay warm.

Following you on FB and Google Earth from sunny Central Florida U.S.A. Todays temperature is 71ºF.

# George Chapman, November 6th 2013

For any of you who would like to see a live web cam feed from McMurdo Station which is near where this expedition began you can find it here.  http://www.usap.gov/videoclipsandmaps/mcmWebCam.cfm

McMurdo Station (77°51’S, 166°40’E), the main U.S. station in Antarctica, is a coastal station at the southern tip of Ross Island, about 3,864 km (2,415 miles) south of Christchurch, New Zealand, and 1,360 km (850 miles) north of the South Pole.

# Reinhold, November 6th 2013

Good job guys. Is there a link that further explains what gear you are using…...what type and brand of boots and bindings are you using? Best of luck!!!

# Reinhold, November 6th 2013

Sorry Chessie…looks like my boot question was answered above

# George Chapman, November 7th 2013

As I check my Google Earth it appears as if there has been no movement today. So either the team is not moving or we are having technical problems. They have not moved since 11-5-13 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. It is now 11-6-13 6:00 Eastern where I’m at. Has anyone else noticed this?

# Scott Expedition Team (Chessie), November 7th 2013

Hi George, no technical problems, Ben and Tarka have remained in the same position for the last 24 hours as they wait for the weather to clear.

# George Chapman, November 7th 2013

Thanks for the update Chessie. Maybe during this time they can get more rest and do some house cleaning and maintenance work. Wishing you all well and thanks to the support team. I would have to say I’m a little discouraged seeing post from Kevin Wilson he seems to have an AX to grind.
Following you on FB and Google Earth from sunny Central Florida U.S.A. Today’s temperature 74ºF.

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