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.
The Wait is Over
Almost eight months ago to the day I wrote about patience.
“I can’t imagine anything more trying to the patience than the endless wasted days of waiting.”
—Captain Robert Falcon Scott
And I’m thrilled to say that as of today, the waiting is finally is over: after more than 10 years’ planning it was an incredible feeling to stand alongside Captain Scott’s grandson, Falcon Scott, Intel and Land Rover this morning at the Travellers Club in London, on the eve of Scott’s birthday to announce that The Scott Expedition is officially going ahead in 2013.
In October this year Tarka and I will depart for Antarctica. I’ve dreamed of (and worked towards) this moment for an awfully large chunk of my adult life, and I’m still pinching myself that we’re finally able to make this announcement.
With less than 19 weeks until our departure from the UK we’re now moving into full swing. Andy is deep into planning the logistics, Tarka and I are upping our training (I’m off to tackle a vertical km race in Chamonix later this month – more on that to follow) and we’re making the final tweaks to kit and nutrition following our recent training trip in Greenland.
But I want to take this opportunity, as we make our big announcement today, to thank everyone that is playing such an important part in making the Scott Expedition happen. To Land Rover and Intel as co-presenting partners, Kcom and Drum-Cussac as expedition partners, Bremont and CF Partners as supporting partners, Mountain Equipment for providing so much of our kit (including the snazzy black jackets we wore at the launch today), Field Notes for the only notebooks I’d consider taking in my sledge, Hilleberg for our tents and YouTube for its support building the stunning bespoke channel where Tem’s fantastic videos will now live.
Also, thank you Falcon Scott and Rob Swan for your support and guidance as expedition patrons, and to friends and family across the world who’ve believed in me over the years.
We wouldn’t be in this position without you all.
I’m immensely grateful to you all and so looking forward to what the next 12 months will have in store…
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Comments
# Stuart Randal, June 5th 2013
Are you attempting to do this unsupported?
# Kevin Shannon, June 5th 2013
I’ve been following the progress for this expedition for a LONG time and so i’m pretty excited about this annoucement. Looking forward to following the journey.
# Scott Expedition, June 5th 2013
Hi Stuart, yes, we’ll be unsupported - carrying all of the kit and supplies we’ll need for the journey.
# marisol, June 5th 2013
hi I know about this by Ted is very inspirational u travel there, I just want to say congrats!! my best wishes for u travel i will reading u blog…. from Ecuador greetings.
# Stuart Randal, June 5th 2013
Impressive.
Are you intending to use wind in a similar way to Scott and his men did to help make things easier and more importantly quicker?
# Gavin Jackman, June 5th 2013
Hi Ben - it seems an age since you kindly came along to visit the Scouts at Campdowne in 2008 and I have followed your progress (and patience!) ever since.
I can’t wait for the start of your incredible journey.
I’ll go with T.S. Eliot every time at this point, “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”
God speed.
# Beth Healey, June 5th 2013
Awesome news guys!! You certainly deserve it! Take care on this incredable adventure x
# Stuart Rodi, June 5th 2013
Hi Guys, I went to school with Tarka and then with Andy. This all looks amazing. I’m truly jealous, would give anything to be a part of this! The very best of luck to you all! Stu
# Anton Uhl, June 6th 2013
Best wishes to you both on yet another installment in this planet’s Hope and Inspiration and a reminder of the greatness of human potential through your courage and fortitude. I am personally grateful for the day you came into my awareness. Thank you for sharing your joys and pain and for getting us off our asses and couches in our own small ways in the shadow of your greatness. Anton
# mark wood, June 6th 2013
I can imagine your excitement - the best of luck and safe journey. You deserve this.
# Scott Expedition, June 6th 2013
Thanks so much for all your wonderful messages and support! Very exciting times!
# Scott Expedition, June 6th 2013
Hi Stuart, Ben and Tarka will be completely unassisted and supported (and will not use kites, vehicles or dogs)!