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.
There and Back (Video)
If you (like us) are suffering from blog withdrawal this morning watch this short video looking back on Ben and Tarka's incredible journey.
There's plenty more to follow in coming weeks so do stay tuned. Ben will be blogging as he and Tarka make their way back to the UK. We're also looking forward to getting a first peek at the footage and more photos from the final days.
Thank you everyone for your incredible messages of support and congratulations, both over the last 48 hours and throughout the expedition as a whole.
Ben and Tarka will be in touch again before too long... Do keep an eye out @scottexpedition and @polarben on Twitter and on the Scott Expedition Facebook page though in the meantime. For more videos the Scott Expedition YouTube Channel is certainly worth a peek.
Comments
# Jennifer, February 8th 2014
Wonderful! All the very best for a safe and speedy journey home to reunite with your very patient families. I look forward to viewing more monumental footage of your awe-inspiring historical sojourn.
# Helen Riley, February 9th 2014
Conratulations to you both, you are amaing! words seem so inadequate…..
Proud to know you both, and I am pleased to learn that you still had an intact harness at the end of the epic journey!! I can breathe now…..phew :)
Tarka enjoy your long awaited beef wellington, and returning to your beloved Katie & Boogie.
Look forward to seeing you both soon and hearing of your epic journey.
Jon says it is really embarrassing that he is not quite the action man of your calibre!
He sends his congratulations also and have a very safe journey home.
WELL DONE YOU STARS! x
Helen & Jon
# wonderwoman, February 8th 2014
Thank you for sharing this incredible expedition with us. Cogratulations, Ben and Tarka; You did it!!
# Martin Bulled, February 8th 2014
Congratulation. Well Done. Have a safe trip home.
# Vladas Lasas, February 8th 2014
Ben and Tarka,
Congratulations from Lithuania! Thank you so much for sharing.
See you at TED 2014 in Vancouver soon!
Take care, kind regards,
Vladas Lasas
(your humble mile #49 sponsor)
# Thea, February 8th 2014
I sent this message yesterday right at the end of the comments but would like to post it again at the beginning in order to be able to try and thank everybody
Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.
I am so grateful for everybody’s support. Your comments and encouragement not only helped keep Ben and my son focused but definitely helped me more than you can imagine. I resisted posting motherly guidance every morning for fear of being repetitive.
A huge thank you to all of you, all the cautionary guidance and encouragement was given without me having to interfere, I am especially indebted to Richard Pierce, who pre-empted my 4 am worries each and every day, powerfully with wit, wisdom and genuine concern.
Thank you Ben for all the wonderful posts and being a friend to Tarka
Thank you all so much and “God Speed” to every one of you
Thea
# Intrepid, February 8th 2014
Hello Thea.
My heart goes out to you, as well as all Tarka and Ben’s family of loved ones, for what must have been a blend of nail biting and high five’s as each marker was passed, few months. Even though the combination of Ben and Tarka’s skills was critical in battling the perils of Antarctica and their journey through it, I can’t help but wonder about the capacity for influencing outcomes by sending someone love and blessings.
It has been my experience that when rendezvousing with a loved one and wrapping arms around them once again, as all the feelings of pride and relief cascade through, that the moment is welcoming them in the name of love. Whatever is your custom, may it be a grand celebration!!
In peace,
# Andrea, February 8th 2014
You have a splendid son Tarka L’Herpiniere. He is like a Bach trio.
# Barbara B from Clinton, CT USA, February 8th 2014
Thea, You can be so proud of your son.
As the mother of an 18 year old , I can only hope for the future choices my son will make
You have given Tarka the fundamentals from which he has chosen to become a man. He has a place in the history of the world. His name will be spoken with awe and respect. He will be an inspiration for every generation now and to come.
My compliments to you. Congratulatons to your family.
# Constantinos Vlachos, February 8th 2014
Ben and Tarka, sencere congrats for your tremendous accomplishment from Thessaloniki Greece! We stay tuned waiting for more videos and your personal narrations!
Keep in touch ,
Constantinos Vlachos
# Ionut Gradianu, February 8th 2014
Congratulations! Great achievement!!!!
# Abhishek Kulkarni, February 8th 2014
Congrats!!!
# Dave, February 8th 2014
I celebrated your achievement this morning by shaving my beard. Looking forward to hearing and reading about your post-expedition experiences. The story is not over.
# roland sturbelle, February 9th 2014
you two are really great guys, what you did was enormous
congratulation to you both
roland
# Matjaz, February 9th 2014
Very great yourny. I wish i could do it also)
Congrats, matjaz
# Austin Duryea, February 10th 2014
Great job on making it back guys. Stay safe on the way back home and take care. Hope to follow your next challenge.( Also I know I’ve said I’ve wanted to meet you but would you like to join me for a spot of tea). :) :) :)
So long the legendary Ben Saunders and Tarka L’ Herpiniere.
# Timo, February 10th 2014
Well done! Congratulations!
# Brooksfield School (McLean, VA), February 10th 2014
Dear Ben and Tarka,
We’ve just finished catching up with you on your incredible journey and we have some messages for you from our 1st-3rd year students.
“We are amazed at how you’ve done this.” - Penn, 8
“Congratulations and good luck getting home safe.” - Tony, 6
“Even though it sounded tough, I hope you had some fun.” Ankara, 6
“We’re happy you made the journey safely.” Lindsay, 8
“I’m happy that you’re safe.” Mark, 7
“How did you do that! I’m fascinated.” Will, 8
“Your expedition makes me interested in Antarctica.” Tatum, 8
“I’m happy your expedition went well. Thanks for sharing it with us.” Sofia, 7
“We’ve been studying Antarctica for the last two months and this was my favorite part.” Steven, 9
“I learned a lot.” Spenser, 8
“You’re awesome because you survived.” Bilge, 6
“Good job finishing what those brave explorers started all those years ago.” Harrison, 6
“Gung Hay Fat Choy!” Jacob, 7
“I want to go to the South Pole some day, but I’ll probably fly instead of walk.” Samantha, 7
“I really liked seeing what you were doing, especially when you reached the South Pole.” Liam, 9
“Your survival skills are awesome. In fact, I want to be a survivalist when I get older.” Christian, 8
Well done, boys! We’ll keep a close eye out for your next adventure!
Sincerely,
The Brooksfield School
McLean, Virginia, USA
# Carlos Iturrieta Ponce, February 18th 2014
Felicitaciones, es una aventura muy especial y riesgosa, aun en estos tiempos. El año 2004, llegamos al Polo Sur con una expedicion terrestre Cientifica de Chile desde Patriot Hills, y en el paralelo -80 hicimos un alto y recordamos a los conquistadores de la Antartica Admunsen y Scott.
Un saludo para Ustedes desde Chile.
Carlos Iturrieta