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.

Milestones - Take Two (Day 93)

Posted January 25th 2014,
by Ben Saunders

Category: Expedition, The Return Journey

Day 93: S81° 36' 12", E169° 5' 34.8"

Duration: 9 Hr 30 Min

Daily distance: 24.9 Mi

Distance to go: 295.1 Mi

Temperature: -9 °C

Wind chill: -17 °C

Altitude: 154 Ft

I realised that I'd given a blog post this title two days ago without actually writing about the milestones we're becoming increasingly obsessed by each day. Getting safely to the bottom of the Beardmore and safely through the Gateway on to the Ross Ice Shelf again has been a massive one for a while, then of course there are our string of depots dotted back to Ross Island. Aside from those, we have some arbitrary ones: losing site of the mountains behind us is one at the moment, spotting Minna Bluff, White Island, Dark Island, Erebus and Terror are big ones, and we're counting down each degree of longitude as well. Getting to single-figures as far as remaining days to go will be massive (we think we're 11 days away from finishing as I type this) and right now, getting through each day, 90-minute session by 90-minute session is often as far ahead as we can think. 

Today was colder, with sunshine and patchy cloud when we set off, with the visibility deteriorating to near-zero again in the afternoon, and our morale slumping accordingly. Thankfully the surface has been really good on the Ice Shelf so far - the opposite of what we were expecting, and had been told to expect - and we're ticking along nicely with our light sledges. We're both as tired and as hungry as ever; I know a few people have asked why we're not taking a rest day, and the answer is that a) we don't have a huge amount of spare food until the depot-after-next (and we want to keep what we have spare for emergencies/storms/etc.) and b) we're keen to finish, get home to our loved ones, stuff our faces, have a shower and sleep in a normal bed as soon as we can!

Comments

# Heidi, January 26th 2014

Oh,gentlemen, you’ve gone below 300 miles!  Congratulations!  You’ll be stuffing your faces in no time.  Thank heave for modern technology and to receive word that you’re safe and plodding steadily onward.  Warmest hugs from our family in CA.

# Heidi, January 26th 2014

That is, thank heaven!

# Chris, January 26th 2014

Amen!

# wonderwoman, January 26th 2014

Dear Ben and Tarka, it’s easy to understand you are keen to finish. Now it really takes willpower to keep your mind in the tasks at hand, to be able to do all your daily things carefully and take care of each other. We send you love from Finland and pray for you.

# JonT, January 26th 2014

Almost there!  : D

# Pavol Timko, January 26th 2014

It took 31 days to get to the same spot on the way to Pole. This mean you are 3 times faster now.
I was quie worried reading your blog yesterday it seemed to me you would faint from exhaustion any time but then I checked mileage and it seems you are going very strong. I don’t know if this is just shear willpower or you are so strong (a case for Men In Black to investigate).
Also I was thinking about Scott and his mates a lot recently. I would really like to know if they would be able to complete their journey if there wouldn’t be disappointment from being overrun by Amundsen. We will never find out!

I wish you safe journey to the Scott’s hut and back home then. Thank you for inspiration. Have fun and enjoy as much you can :)

# Mark W, January 26th 2014

Of course Scott left orders for the dogs to meet them, but for a number of reasons this was messed up by those in the hut.
If you want to find out more, read:
Could Captain Scott have been saved? Revisiting Scott’s last expedition, by Karen May.
It was published in the Polar Record 2012.

# Richard Pierce, January 26th 2014

Scott’s failure to get back is open to many interpretations, the main one being that they were using up twice as many calories as they were eating. Karen’s paper is very interesting indeed, though it also includes a fair amount of conjecture, as do all evaluations, simply because none of us who have written about it were there.

I have come up with another explanation in my novel, Dead Men.

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

R

# Pavol Timko, January 26th 2014

In this case I try to elaborate on the question to which degree the psyche can change the physical performance. You can see it on any winning team it simply gives more power and endurance. Failure adds wear to the feet.

# Jarda, January 26th 2014

There can be more interpretations of Scott´s failure but the fact is that he gave various and inconsistent orders regarding dog´s team (and at the base camp there was not clear and decisive leadership…).
Scott´s fate would be hardly different, even if Amundsen was not at the Pole first.

# Chris, January 26th 2014

A great distance again and a good post too - after your expression of physical wear in the last few entries (to be totally expected given what prior southern journeys have gone through) I was a little worried, but this was encouraging.  To be below 300 miles, and less than two weeks, is absolutely great.  I am also glad that you guys have GPS, because it is plain from Scott and others’ diaries that a barrier blizzard can strike any time and cause real problems without it.

Also, thank you for being so responsive to and communicative with total strangers on this blog and your YouTube page (the latter prior to you leaving for Chile).  Given your sheer physical effort and harsh environment (especially as you lay freezing in the tent on the plateau) you don’t have to answer our questions or really pay any regard to what we think, but nonetheless you do.  So thank you, it is very engaging and welcome.

Hats off to you guys!

# cristi, January 26th 2014

Counting I can relate to.

I have counted poles marking the trail of a mountain running event, breaths taken on the final 2 K to a mountain hut in waist deep snow, people I pass by in the park, steps I take in one Km (440 at 6 minutes pace), anything to shorten the gap towards the finish line.

But what you’re doing is beyond anything I can imagine.
I can’t count that high.

As they say on the final stretch when you’re already beyond spent: “Keep going, you’re almost there!”

# Janet Stanley, January 26th 2014

Can well imagine how your hours are marked by milestones….3 months on the ice, what an achievement for you both, great mileage again, onward , please stay safe :)

# Jim mclean, January 26th 2014

Your stories are inspirational, the finishing line is in sight, but no less hard work for you, keep,safe and god speed to Scott’s hut. All of the Mclean family in Tarland, where it is snowing today!

# Enrico, January 26th 2014

You are reaching, these days, the last camp of Scott, Bowers and Wilson: what are you thinking about it? Thanks for all.

# Pavol Timko, January 26th 2014

Isn’t it 100 miles further? What is your source for coords?

# Richard Pierce, January 26th 2014

Dear Ben, dsear Tarka,

At one point yesterday, watching the tracker, I thought that you were faltering. In the end, the distance you made is nothing short of amazing.

Thanks for your rational and valid explanation about the rest day and the depots. That doesn’t stop us from worrying about you, though.

Sometimes, when I get caught up in the difficulty of parenting four children, I wish for a challenge as pure as yours, as physical as yours, but then I realise that your venture is just as complex as my sometimes despairing venture into parenting, and that challenges are set before us to test us, to compel us to do things we might otherwise never have done. And so your journey is not just for yourselves, not just for history nor posterity, but to show that selflessness is within the grasp of human nature, at its most pure and noble.

Not far to go, and yet infinitely far to go, for you, for me, for us all.

Go well.

R

# Intrepid, January 26th 2014

Richard - consider what embeds itself layer after layer (present in everything), is part of all action and non-action regardless, and whose structure can be of any magnitude. This is the nature of participation.

# Susan from Michigan, January 26th 2014

Although most of us would like you to have a rest day, we can understand your decision to keep going. The fact that you are so close to home will keep you going. I send you strength and warmth from the states!! We are all so inspired by both of you!! Good job!!!

# Intrepid, January 26th 2014

Dearest Ben and Tarka,

YES!! How powerful it is to let rise to the surface one after the other important markers (including guidance, push/pull tensions, and motivating factors), even if 2 weeks from now or 10 years later you wonder how those could be. It is probably odd to say such a thing…. your post today feels good, complete.

299 miles of skiing to go, 299 miles to go,
You ski some more, make tracks in the snow,
298 miles of skiing to go.
298 miles of skiing to go, 298 miles to go,
You ski some more, make tracks in the snow,
297 miles of skiing to go….

Godspeed!

With abandon,

# Uncle Pete, January 26th 2014

After what you have been through, 11 days seems so close - indeed GE graphically shows how you are consuming the miles up, halfway milestone on the Shelf hopefully behind you soon. I can well imagine you might then want to get past the poignant point of Scott’s last resting place and make sure you have your next main supply safely back on board (and in your tummies!).  It is clear you consider this in your balancing act on rest.
It is a relief to hear the surface is better running, aiding your superb daily advance, let us pray this continues but for better visibility and good weather so you can keep true track to your objective. Willing you onward in safety.

# torsten richter, January 26th 2014

Pavol: Sure it would have made if they had been the first at the Pole Scott. There is much in the mind and the disappointment must have been very great to see the flag, but we can not all by feel. Back then, everything was empty, no houses or buildings as they are today at the pole. I think the power of Scott increases as they have come so far, because that speaks for their great morals. And without the storm and the injured colleagues they would have made ​​it home too. And for me, their performance is the largest and can not be topped. What did these brave men with the heavy equipment, clothing, ski and without the GPS and without help is remarkable.

# Melissa, January 26th 2014

If it’s any consolation, you have people rooting for you from all corners of the planet. Here’s my good wishes from the mountains of Colorado for a speedy last 295 miles. Stay safe and thank you for taking the time and energy to write these updates. Reading your blog entries is the first thing I do every morning. You inspire me to start my day grateful and with no complaints! You have no idea how much you’ve impacted so many people. Still, throughout all of this, my thoughts are with your mums as much as with you! I’m sure they will be very happy to have their adventurous boys safely back home.
PS: I can’t wait for the book to come out. Right? They’ll be a book?

# Ruth Jewell, January 26th 2014

It feels like we are there with you, and I know if any one of us could take a step to help you along the way we would, but that would defeat your amazing goal. Those steps are yours to take on our behalf and each one now takes you closer to home. You have achieved more than anyone would dare to dream, but your dream is a reality and you are living your dream. A true inspiration to us all. Keep taking those steps one by one and remember we are all there with you every step of the way. xxx

# Mal Owen, January 26th 2014

What speed and mileage… ....  the thought of the next depot, closer still to the goal and finally home are great motivators and explain why you forgoe a rest day…..easy it is not, but you are nearly there. ...just keep clocking off those 90 minutes.. single figures imminent !
Prince Harry, recently in the Antarctic for Walking with the Wounded, has a sense of humour too. A news article afterwards reported this definition of A Royal flush ;
‘Prince Harry’s specialised elaborate antarctic latrines with castellated sides, flagpole and loo-roll holder.’

# Leo Houlding, January 26th 2014

Yes guys, you’re closing in on the finish line! Awesome stuff. Sat by the fire with my wife and baby girl in the Lakes following your epic. It’s nice here you must come visit sometime.Great work on this tireless blog, a major accomplishment on top of the massive haul.We’re right behind you.
Sure you’re out there dreaming of home and we’re sat here dreaming of an excellent adventure like yours. You’ll remember this one for a while.
How’s the wind down there on the ice shelf? Speed, direction?
Keep a steady cruise gents,  you’re almost there!
Sending strong support across cyberspace,

Leo

# Tim, January 26th 2014

Hang in there mate - nearly there. I’m watching every step of the way.  You guys are incredible!  WELL DONE! TR

# Marinak, January 26th 2014

Tech Question:  Are you using an ND filter for the camera and if so what No? Maybe Andy knows?

 

# Andy, January 26th 2014

No ND filters on their cameras but they do have UV filters.

# MarinaK, January 26th 2014

Thanks Andy.

# Helena, January 26th 2014

11 days? wow, you are almost there! wonderful job!

Joke 1: For what reason would you now turn back and return to the South Pole? :-D

Joke 2: “Dear, what do you like most about me? My gorgeous body or my beautiful face?”
“No, your sense of humor”.

Me and my mom are sending you hugs and calories, here:  @@@@ and @@@@

# CaninesCashews, January 26th 2014

Hi guys,

Keep doing what you’re doing and the doing will soon be done.

Stay safe,
Gav

# Martin, January 26th 2014

Ben and Tarka
My 7yr old and i have followed your journey from the start and you have been an inspiration to us both. it is extrodinary what humans can achieve given the physical and mental toughness you have both displayed. As Ben mentions in his TEDtalks ‘true inspiration and growth comes from adversity and challenge’ words which seem so poingnant now. Ben, (also from TEDtalk) i guess you can now smile at your old school report which said you ‘lack the impetus to achieve anything!!’ that has to now go down as a classic.. Keep safe and good luck on the final few days….(Staplestreet is rooting for you)

# Andrea, January 26th 2014

This concentration is not just indispensable, it is also admirable.

# Judy, January 26th 2014

I find myself waiting for your latest posts, anxious for you to be finally safe, warm, full and once again rested and with family and friends.  But, deep down I hide a little sadness that too soon the journey/ride along you have taken us all on will come to an end. (Thank you sponsors for making this possible.)

As I type there is a strange reverse rendition of the “12 Days of Christmas” going on in my head.  In reverse (11th day) you would be “Lords a Leaping”, which apparently you are.  God speed!

# Heidi, January 27th 2014

Well said, Judy.  You capture the sentiment of many, me included.

# Nate B, January 26th 2014

A few of us here in McMurdo are wondering a couple of things. Firstly, where will the end of your journey be? Currently there is no ice route to the Hut at Cape Evans, as the ice has gone out. And Secondly where will you be flying out from? Also due to the ice not being around anymore, the ice runway you landed on has gone off to sea…Will you be flying from Pegasus Airfield courtesy of the US Antarctic Program/ KBA or is there another way to get back to Union Glacier? Many of us are watching your blog with great interest down here! Great work so far!

# Andy, January 27th 2014

Hi Nate,

We planned for the eventuality that the sea ice would have gone out and the official start and end point for Ben and Tarka was the edge of the McMurdo ice shelf and not Cape Evans. Getting back to Ross Island or the edge of the McMurdo iceshelf will complete the return journey. It is obviously a shame that Ben and Tarka will not be able to return to Cape Evans.

Our expedition’s air support and emergency cover is provided by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE). ALE’s Basler aircraft is currently on sub-contract to the Italian National Antarctic Program and the pick-up plan for Ben and Tarka is that at the end of the Italian contract the Basler will fly to McMurdo and pick up the expedition from whichever runway is then in use. It’s wonderful to have people following the journey from McMurdo and thank you for your support! I hope you get a chance to meet Ben and Tarka when they reach McMurdo.

# amir azemi, January 27th 2014

Hi Ben and Tarka, i am following you since day 50 i think! And i didn’t miss a single day since,what you are doing is really great! So great that it had quite impact on me. For example i had a meeting today, and it was -7℃ but sharp one, and very dry! I could take my car but i decided to walk! Just to feel a glimpse of what you are feeling there! I tried to imagine but i think it was equal to imagine how big the universe it actually is, which is impossible.

Anyway, i have a question and i really hope you can answer me?! What will happen to the blogging after you are done, i would really want to follow at least a dozen other days how are you gonna cooperate the following days! Or how are you feeling after nearly four months without civilisition? And many more stuff! I really Hope you will continue to share for a little while!

Best of luck buddies.

# Quentin Brooksbank, January 27th 2014

A FANTASTIC achievement fellers! Your guts, determination and battle against the Antarctic elements is superb! Your expedition and daily blogs is what gives us folk inspiration and energy to take on the next big adventure! Following you in awe, Q

# Intrepid, January 29th 2014

Suggestion for the next expedition: engineer a watertight sled, able to go directly from snow to water. And don’t forget transformer poles so when you press a button the poles open up into paddles. Ice or no ice you could still get to Cape Evans!

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