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.
Season’s Greetings from a Long Way South (Day 61)
Day 61: S89° 20' 3", E154° 17' 43.68"
Duration: 9 Hr 30 Min
Daily distance: 21.6 Mi
Distance to go: 948.7 Mi
Temperature: -24 °C
Wind chill: -32 °C
Altitude: 9708 Ft
Another quick one I'm afraid as it's been a long Christmas Eve here, with a few navigational challenges. We've been navigating so far my using magnetic bearings taken from our two GPS units but today the bearings started taking us wildly off-course, and what's more the two units we have were giving differing bearings by more than 20 degrees.
We've phoned Andy and given it to him as a little Christmas conundrum, but it wasted a couple of hours today and put an annoying kink in our route before we realised what was going on. We can travel due south easily enough, and have been doing so this afternoon on the E 154 meridian, but there are a couple of complicated waypoints at the South Pole station itself that we're supposed to hit, in order to avoid runways and scientific work that's being carried out.
As a result, it's been a frustrating day, though the weather and surface improved as time went on, so things are looking up for Christmas Day. We won't be celebrating in our little tent a great deal, I'm afraid. I have one card to open from a very special somebody, and I've brought Tarka a tiny present (don't let on, but it's some teabags and milk powder; we haven't had a cuppa for two months now). I've no idea if he's brought anything for me, but if he has I hope it's edible!
The photo is of me (looking pretty knackered) with the card that Intel sent us via satellite. Other than that, it'll be business as usual for us, and another nine hours of travel. Wherever you are, another huge thank you for following our journey as it unfolds, and I hope your Christmas Days involve a little less rationed food, a lot less distance from your loved ones, and a little more rest than ours will...
Happy Christmas
Comments
# Uncle Pete, December 25th 2013
Very best wishes to you both for Christmas! We should certainly be thinking of you while we have it easy today! Lets hope you resolve your tracking, but I should just point out to Tarka that Santa actually lives almost exactly the opposite side of the world, though you would not have found him in today anyway! Happy Christmas from us all!
# Alex, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas guys! Good luck.
# dj, December 25th 2013
Those of us following closely, on the Google Earth file you send out, noticed the dramatic deviation in course yesterday morning - actually, it seems to have begun in littles on day 58 and you had drifted a mile and a half “off course” (the point to point baseline) at your camp. Until yesterday, I was chalking it up to you trying to avoid the “crowd” and the possible ruts and detritus a group like that sometimes can leave. Wish there was a way to have given you a “shout out” when I noticed it, to help you avoid being close to 5 miles off the baseline. [I wonder if it could be related to the deviation I wrote Andy about back on the Ross Sheet?]
Onward and upward - A Joyous Christmas to you both. The Antarctic Resource File has been updated with a special Christmas gift to the team. The update can be downloaded free at: http://offroadinghome.blogspot.com/2013/12/scott-expedition-south-pole-by-boxing.html .
# Hilary, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas to you both. Have a great day!
# Angus, December 25th 2013
Happy Christmas, hope you are both having a great day and best wishes.
Angus
# Allison & Mark, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas to you both from a relatively warm Lincolnshire. The sun is a warm orange glow on the horizon and a light breeze (25k) is rustling through the leafless trees. Mark says ” Have a festive energy bar but please wait until lunch time”. He’s all heart.
Stay safe chaps and thanks for the wonderful blogs. Reading about your journey is my priority each day.
# George Chapman, December 25th 2013
Wishing the both of you a Merry Christmas and good traveling today. Take care stay warm and hope you can stay on course.
# Rachel S., December 25th 2013
A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon this expedition quite by accident. However, I’m now a faithful follower and am thrilled to be learning so much about history, both from Scott and that being created by Ben and Tarka.
What I’d really like to communicate to Ben and Tarka is a huge gratitude for expanding my horizons. We all face challenges in our lives, and reading this blog is recharging my own confidence to forge ahead with the expeditions, so to speak, in my own life that I’ve nearly abandoned. Ben—your frank, yet delicious writing is both informative and high inspiring. Thank you so much for being a positive force! The world needs many more like you, and your parents should be immensely proud.
The difficult, Ben and Tarka do immediately. The impossible takes them a little longer. (Apologies to David Ben-Gurion, first prime minister of Israel)
# John Brain, December 25th 2013
A very Happy Christmas to you both. What a massive achievement.
# Chris Barrow, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas from Manchester, England and thank you for the inspiration that your journey brings.
# Richard Pierce, December 25th 2013
Happy Christmas, despite the kink in your route. There are many different ways to get to your goal. A shame modernity has to interfere with your arrival to the Pole (and I mean the modernity installed there rather than the modernity of navigation).
Be assured that the world is watching you, that the world is with you, helping you onwards. And so are the spirits of all those who have gone before you, on those icy plains. It is still Terra Incognita.
God Speed.
R
# Damian Harris , December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas to you both.
I hope you’ll find a little time during the day for at least some festive merriment.
At least you’re guaranteed a white Christmas.
# CaninesCashews, December 25th 2013
Hi guys,
Merry Christmas to you both and all our best wishes on your White Chrsitmas!
Stay safe.
Gav
# CaninesCashews, December 25th 2013
I’ll try that again without the ‘got up too early with the excited kids’ typo…
Hi guys,
Merry Christmas to you both and all our best wishes on your White Christmas!
Stay safe.
Gav
# Ione and Rich, December 25th 2013
Just spoke to Tarka’s sister Chiara who is feeling the cold in the Alps after life in the Middle East. Also had message from a friend near the opposite pole (sadly not father christmas) who shares your temperature range at -40; also a friend in Kabul where it is only -2. Hope you enjoy the tea and happy christmas.
# Štěpán Hnyk, December 25th 2013
Truly unforgettable Christmas. Thanks for all!
Stay strong and safe.
# Richard Talbot, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas from everyone at Mountain Equipment. Not far to the Pole now, a really great effort from you and Tarka. Glad to see all the equipment is holding up so well!
# Nick, December 25th 2013
Go for it !
sunny day all round.
# Rosie Vidovix Unsworth, December 25th 2013
Ben and Tarka
Cheers to one of the most memorable Christmas of your lives and a safe return home.
# Lewis, December 25th 2013
Sitting here on Christmas Day reading your blog (as has been a daily habit for the last 2 months) and wishing you both a very merry Christmas!!
Although not very Christmassy I’ll add one of my favourite quotes to the many that have already been added.
In the words of Rocky Balboa:
‘It ain’t about how hard you can hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!’
Keep moving forward to the Pole and back again!
# Luca, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas everyone..good job guys
# Carlos, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas guys!!
Santa left at home a present for you.
It’s a box full of endurance, success and a pair of socks!
My very best Wishes. Carlos.
# Dean Williams, December 25th 2013
I follow your trek daily, and wonder what it is like to put thoughts of attempting such a feat into action.
Achieving goals of any kind, be it explorational, financial, weight-loss, and the like cannot be achieved without taking the next step, or for that matter, the first step. I have read many self-help and business books, but reading this blog has been be the ‘hammer on the thumb’ for me if you will. I thank you, and wish continued success in your expedition. Merry Christmas from Canada.
Dean
# KEITH, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas guys. If you do sit down for half an hour to think of Christmas and technology allows then here’s my Christmas soundtrack for you. https://soundcloud.com/keithgoldhanger/hideous-wheel-invention-1 Well done so far and good luck for the weeks ahead. - Keith xx
# Dan (San Diego), December 25th 2013
This expedition is a wonderful Christmas present to the world - Thank you.
# Jerry Colonna, December 25th 2013
Very well said, Dan. Thanks B&T for making us all part of the Team.
# Jim Mclean, December 25th 2013
Happy Christmas to you both , we are all humbled and amazed at your fantastic journey, god speed to the pole and safe home. Thanks for all the updates. The Mclean family in Tarland Scotland
# Sanna , December 25th 2013
Happy White Christmas Ben and Tarka!
Greetings from the other side of the earth, namely Finland. Here we don´t have snow almost at all and the temperature is plus five, which is quite rare. But still waiting the white wintertime and possibility to ski. (The Santa Clause is living in the norther part and there is snowy.) I hope your good weather, and the stamina to do your activities of daily living! Enjoy yours beautiful Christmas!
Sanna, reader
# Kristoffer, December 25th 2013
Occasionally in Minnesota (where I live), it is similar. My great-grandfather emigrated here in the early 1900s, and he said that there were years where the fields would be free of snow. I’ve seen those myself. -6 C here, with about 15 cm of snow on the ground and more is falling!
# Ty McClelland, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas guys!!
Rain here in Okinawa Japan for Christmas, and a chilly 65F…
Can’t wait for more updates, sorry you had navigation frustration. Good job on the team work, you guys are awesome!!
# Bård Haug, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas to both of you from Tonsberg (the oldest town in Norway). Rain and wind here today. On the TV news they show pictures from the stormy conditions on Hardangervidda plateau, recommending people not to go out…
Thanks for your very good blogs. Following your expedition is an inspiration!
# Woody, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas!
Go South, then North!
# Dave, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas to Ben and Tarka from Michigan. You must be almost giddy with joy about arriving at the pole tomorrow. Thank you for the great story we get to read every day. Dance a jig at the pole. You earned it. Stay safe.
Love God. Love life.
Dave.
# Jason H, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas :)
# andrew, December 25th 2013
Well done you two, to get the pole in your sights by Christmas is a great achievement. Get that waypoint under your belt, have a Happy Christmas and head North. You know the way, you know you can do it, and we are right with you! Take care ,With love from Andrew, Gill, Nico and Robs.
# Leigh Phillips , December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas to you both!
# Andrea, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas Ben and Tarka! Your target is so near I almost feel it reading your blog.
Hope for a speed and safe return as well.
Cheers from a little spot in Italy under a snowstorm :)
# Bob Miller, December 25th 2013
A fantastic journey with fantastic reporting - thank you for bringing your story to life!
No point in saying have a peaceful and relaxing Christmas but at least I can wish you a productive one :)
Keep up the good work and return home safe and sound - and Happy Christmas!
Bob, Carol, Libbi Rae, & Toby
# Eamon Mason, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas guys. I’m impressed by your preparation, determination, ambition and awareness. You are both an inspiration.
# Alessandro, December 25th 2013
Happy christmas from italy!!!!
# Intrepid, December 25th 2013
Dear Ben and Tarka,
May your hearts glow with the spirit of the day. May you feel the beauty of all the hearts you touch. May what waits to be unwrapped be a wonderful surprise.
Sorry to hear about the zig zags. There is a bit of humor in it, in a kind of animated, South Park kind of way… but when you have limited rations, when each step forward takes so much effort, it is totally understandable that you may have gotten frustrated or impatient. I hope the techno-gear is back in gear and you have a route to the Pole that works well.
And in regards to zig zags and dancing… came across this today and thought it might amuse you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1izm_kP1WI
Happy Happy Merry Merry Christmas Day!!!!
# Mark D, December 25th 2013
Merry Christmas, Ben & Tarka! This particular post gave me goosebumps, perhaps it was the shared sense of excitement at giving and receiving at Christmas, no matter the size of gift - the thought certainly counts. I hope you’re allowing yourselves a little celebration for being where you are, right now, at this moment in time, in the the middle of such a great expedition. It has been a great joy to follow your progress, god bless and god speed to you bth.
# Rocco roberts, December 25th 2013
Good going guys,Merry Christmas from a very wet and windy Plymouth Hoe,Enjoy your well awaited cup of tea.
# Jane Hurd, December 25th 2013
Happy Christmas to you both from Aunty Marion, Uncle John, Alan, Jane, Ali and Jim from Pickering. We are celebrating Mums 80th birthday as well as Christmas. Keep safe and well. Jane x
# Waldo, December 25th 2013
Not going to stop off at the station for a quick pint, shower, and massage?
# Mal Owen, December 25th 2013
Nearly there…the best Christmas present. Merry Christmas.
# Matt, December 25th 2013
Good effort boys. We’re all behind you back here and will be rooting for you to reach the pole tomorrow. Merry Christmas from Wales!
# Sheila England, December 26th 2013
Merry Christmas guys! <3
# Paul, December 26th 2013
Merry Christmas! I’m enjoying everything I read and see on here. Your posts are truly a little gift to the world everyday.
# Also ran, December 26th 2013
#Kristofer
I,I,I, me, me, me! How about wishing the guys merry Christmas like everyone else?
Godspeed Ben and Tarka
# Kristoffer, December 26th 2013
#Also ran
We, we, we! How about I not be like everyone else?
# George Chapman, December 26th 2013
#Kristoffer
Glad to see you back for this discussion. It appears they have made it to the Pole and that’s really good and I congratulate them. Now we just have to see how things go on the return. If they want to keep eating they know they have to get back before they run out. That’s good motivation.
# Kristoffer, December 26th 2013
You have a point. But they do have 6 days’ rations in reserve, which are intended for the possibility that they have to wait for a flight out of McMurdo. In addition, as I’ve pointed out before, their sledges will get heavier when they pick up a depot, then lighter until the next depot.
# Also ran, December 26th 2013
#Kristoffer
Everyone else is hoping they succeed. You?
# Kristoffer, December 26th 2013
Why so accusatory, Also ran?