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.
Popular Questions
We’ve had lots of questions since the start of the expedition. Thank you all for your fantastic support!
To keep them all in one place here are answers to some of the most popular topics so far: Frequently Asked Questions
Given the volume we’ve received, and that Ben and Tarka have long and challenging days on the ice, we hope you understand that we won’t be able to respond to each one individually. Ben and Tarka will answer where they can though by dedicating a regular blog (every week or so) to answering a selection. The support team will also answer a selection in between. If you’ve got several questions (for example, as a class) please email scottexpeditionquestions@gmail.com.
If you haven’t already please do also visit the Scott Expedition YouTube channel where there are plenty of great videos about the expedition.
Thank you once again for all your support.
Looking forward to the months ahead!
The Scott Expedition Team
Comments
# Mickey, November 21st 2013
‘‘How do you wash?
... They can wash outside in the snow on warmer days.’‘
Well, that made me laugh XD.
‘‘Warmer days’’ as in -15°C or so. That seems unbearable for everyone, but I guess that temperature with a blazing Sun and possible low wind might make a quick wash doable.
# Mickey, November 21st 2013
Anyway, a huge thanks for the FAQ. It turned out it was my poop question a few days ago that triggered the idea of putting all the frequent answers in one place.
There is, however, another question:
If it’s not a secret, what’s the cost of the mission?
Are there sponsors, or are Ben and Tarka down there on their own expense?
# Mickey, November 22nd 2013
A note for my previous question: I meant private sponsors, because obviously tech firms will back them up with high-tech gear.
Conor - to answer your question, there shouldn’t be any animals at all. They saw a few seals when they were near the coast, and I remember I saw a documentary once about extreme animal habitats, and there was a bird that nests deep in Antarctica inland, to evade predators. Unfortunately, I think it nests within 50 or so miles from the shoreline, so Ben and Tarka should have passed its nesting range a long time ago. Even if they within its nesting range, I doubt they could see it, because the bird is white, and its nest is made of its white feathers. Can’t remember what bird it was; I know it’s not a seagull nor a penguin. Maybe some sort of petrel.
# Conor Calvert, November 21st 2013
Are there any animal or predator that could be a risk, also can you hunt for food there? Thank you have a nice trip. =-)
Conor from California age- 13
# Kiara Thomas , November 23rd 2013
Like how a person asked, When your returning , how are you going to find your poop bag?? What if it’s totally covered with snow?