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 Weather Window
Ben and Tarka left Punta Arenas this morning bound for Antarctica. It will now take several days to get their starting point.
In the meantime here's a short video about waiting for the all-important weather window and a few pictures from the last 10 days of packing and preparation.
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Comments
# Simon, October 21st 2013
You are heading for the bottom of the world to become the 2 brightest stars in the Southern hemisphere. Ben and Tarka are in the Ward family’s thoughts and prayers over the next few months. Per aspera ad astra!
# Bryce Rutledge, October 22nd 2013
I’m apart of 148 highschool students from Texas that are supporting you every step of the way! Right now it’s winter over here and the lowest tep is about 70* degrees. FWI that’s really cold. Anyways I’m really intrigued by your expedition too the North Pole . I watched your TED talk I fairly enjoyed it.
# Bryce Rutledge , October 22nd 2013
And our teacher is making a test about your expedition. Hope you make a safe flight to the Antarctic.
From New Bruanfels Unicorns 9th grade center.
Texas
# Kristoffer, October 22nd 2013
Bryce, 70 F is shorts weather. Here in Minnesota, it’s 32 F as I write. Got below that temp last night. 8-)
# Laine, October 22nd 2013
I think what your doing is really cool…
# Hunter B., October 22nd 2013
Good luck on your journey from New Braunfels Ninth Grade Center
# Brandon S. , October 22nd 2013
I am from New Braunfels, Texas! I am watching and rooting every step of the way!!! GO BEN SAUNDERS!!!! THE UNICORNS ARE ALL WITH YOU!!!!!!!!
# Bryce Rutledge, October 23rd 2013
Kristoffer, 70-60 F in Texas is is really cold. It’s actually some what rare too have any temp below 50 F. But 32 F that’s insane! I wish it got that cold down here. The last time it’s snowed down here was 3 years ago and it snowed less than an inch. In need to move up north. :)
# Nate, October 22nd 2013
I will be keeping my eyes peeled, hoping to see you guys when you Ski by McMurdo! Your adventure has been the talk around here lately and we’re all hoping you make the trip in good order. Good luck and godspeed!
# Clayton Caniford, October 22nd 2013
Good luck Ben! We are watching you from New Braunfels Texas!!!!
# Devon Humphries , October 22nd 2013
I have been watching all of your blogs and I think it’s crazy how your doing this! I can’t wait to see way more posts especially when your in Antarctica! Good luck from New Braunfels 9th grade center!!!
# Alexis Elias, October 22nd 2013
Bryce, I think his ted talk video wasn’t fairly good it was amazing. Yeah! Us Unicorns are keeping track of your journey so do well. -NBHS 9th Grade Center.
# Adam, October 22nd 2013
Best of luck guys! Will be watching with interest!
# Daisy, October 22nd 2013
Can’t wait till you make it. (:
# RICHARD DEVEREUX, October 22nd 2013
All the luck in the World to Ben and Tarka. And many thanks to Tem for all the wonderful ‘glimpses’ into this remarkable and historical adventure.
We will check progress every day.
# Sergio pina new Braunfels unicorn , October 22nd 2013
I hope u make it and be safe & GOOOD LUCK FROM THE UNICORNS
# victor serov, October 22nd 2013
Good Luck guys! I’ll keep my fingers crossed.I will be following your progress with a great interest.
# Paul Bower (Downe Arms hotel), October 22nd 2013
No snow here yet, let you know if we hear of any coming your way - Good luck to you both, will be following with interest.
# Zak (New Braunfels Unicorns) , October 22nd 2013
Hey good luck! Can’t wait to see you make it!
# Matt, October 22nd 2013
Hope your expedition is a success! We are all watching you every step of the way from New Braunfels High School in Mrs. Alamos class!
# Alex, October 22nd 2013
Hey Ben, From 29.7000° N, 98.1167° W or New Braunfels, Texas. The New Braunfels Unicorns are keeping track of your blogs. We’re routing for you. Get to the South Pole. We know you can do it!
-Sparky
# Ben, October 22nd 2013
Keep a sharp knife and double up on socks.(New Braunfels)
# #mercedes Cranford (new buranfels unicorns), October 22nd 2013
Good lucky Ben! You can do it!!
# Erik Gutierrez , October 22nd 2013
Good luck hope u make it
New Braunfels
# Levi emmons unicorns , October 22nd 2013
We’re all with you go Saunders the unicorn
# Dylan, October 22nd 2013
Hope your expedition is a great accomplishment. We are rooting for you from NBHs Ninth grade center in Mrs Alamo’s classroom
# Darryl Fulgham(unicorns), October 22nd 2013
Good Luck! I hope you make it!
# Destiny (New Braunfels Unicorns), October 22nd 2013
Good luck!cant wait to see your adventures!
# Rachel Barker, October 22nd 2013
Hi! I’m Rachel and I hope you have a great exposition!!! We are all routing for you here at NBHS ninth grade center in new braunfels TX!!!!!
# # Madi (New Braunfels High School), October 22nd 2013
Good Luck!! I know your going to make it! GO SAUNDERS!!!
# Caitlin , October 22nd 2013
The New Braunfels Unicorns are all routing for you and can’t wait to see you make it to Antarctica.!!
# Ruby , October 22nd 2013
Hi am ruby and a am in Mis Alamo class and we are going to fallow your gerny and we’ll be cheering trow your gerny .
# Alexis, October 22nd 2013
New Braunfles High School wishes you good luck on your expedition! Can’t wait to see you make it to Antarctica!
# Arlen (New Braunfels Unicorns), October 22nd 2013
Can’t wait until you leave
# Rachel Barker, October 22nd 2013
Excuse me!!! I meant expedition!!!!
# Winston Class, Wildridings Primary School UK, October 22nd 2013
Good Luck Ben and Tarka!
We hope you make it to Antarctica and the South Pole safely.
We have enjoyed learning about Scott’s Journey and we think it is a fantastic idea for you both to be finishing his trip.
We will be following your expedition and we all wish you both the best of luck. We hope you enjoy it.
From Winston Class, Wildridings Primary School, UK
# BaileyF, October 22nd 2013
“Good Luck” I hope you guys make it to the top and back. We are all happy for you guys.
We are are all routing for you at NBHS NINTH GRADE CENTER
# Tyler, October 22nd 2013
We are routing for you nbngc unicorns and can you mention unicorns ?
# Tucker H. (Unicorns), October 22nd 2013
This expedition sounds truly astonishing, may your calorie bars be soft and your water warm my friend.
# Kait Minnick ( New Braunfels Unicorns), October 22nd 2013
This trip is so cool! I wish I was brave enough to try this! I’m amazed at how brave you are! I hope everything works out, and travel safe!:)
# Riley Horton, October 22nd 2013
Best of luck to you guys going on this exciting expedition! From the New Braunfels Unicorns.
# Ysabel Madrid, October 22nd 2013
Unicorns are rooting for you! Hope you make it safely! We all believe in you (: new Braunfels ninth grade center mrs. Alamo’s class!
# Sophia, October 22nd 2013
Good luck! This is going to be such a cool thing to see. Can’t wait to see y’all make it back! Hope everything goes well & y’all will be in my prayers. -New Braunfels High School
# JT, October 22nd 2013
Good luck on your trip the New Braunfels Unicorns are routing for you.
# Grace Kelly, October 22nd 2013
Hi there, I’m from NBHS in New Braunfels, Texas. I just wanted to let you know that what you do is truly inspiring and I would like to wish you the best of luck on this journey. #rooting for you!:D
# Oscar, October 22nd 2013
Good lick on your trip the new braunfels unicorns are routhing for you men.
# Faith, October 22nd 2013
Good luck! The unicorns are rooting for you!
# Gavin, October 22nd 2013
New Braunfels is rooting for you!!!
My name is Gavin.
# Jenna, October 22nd 2013
Goodluck!! Hoping all goes well! New Braunfels unicorns are cheering for you
# Mariano, October 22nd 2013
You are a goo person for what you are doing
# Gloria , October 22nd 2013
I look up to you for following your deam and so im with you all the way. I enjoy your blogs. The New Braunfels Unicorns says good luck and enjoy your journey
# Mariano, October 22nd 2013
The new braunfels unicorns are all for what you are doing
# Mikayla Stump, October 22nd 2013
New Braunfels Unicorns are excited and are rooting for you!!!!
# Spellman, October 22nd 2013
Unicorns say hello
# Mercedes, October 22nd 2013
Hope you travel safely. We are are all rooting for you from the new braunfels unicorns.
# Kedryn, October 22nd 2013
Good luck on your expedition! I hope somebody makes you a good homemade meal when y’all get home(: the new braunfels unicorns are rooting for you!
# Vincent Rosales, October 22nd 2013
I’m a unicorn from New Braunfels, Texas and I support you! Good luck!!
# Scottie , October 22nd 2013
This unicorn loves your stuff your videos help make the day interesting all the other unicorns love your videos too good luck we hope the best!
# Dora , October 22nd 2013
New braunfels unicorns say good luck!!!!!!
# #Aubrey Nemec, October 22nd 2013
Good luck on your other adventures! The unicorns are routing for you!
# Jenna T, October 22nd 2013
Goodluck Mr Saunders, I hope the trip goes well! Cheering for you here in New Braunfels!
# Zach Schriewer, October 22nd 2013
I can’t wait till you make it!! Good luck!!! (From New Braunfels, Texas)
# Brandon S, October 22nd 2013
New Braunfels, Texas, USA IS WATCHING!!!! UNICORS RULE! Good luck Ben!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
# Victoria, October 22nd 2013
Lots of luck coming your way from New Braunfels Unicorns!
# Raini Vargas (unicorns), October 22nd 2013
Good luck! I hope you make it!!
# Stratton .S, October 22nd 2013
Hey Ben! We’re rooting you on from New Braunfels and we’ll be watching you the whole! Stay safe and good luck.
# Rachel Gruwell, October 22nd 2013
Hi! I’m from New Braunfels Ninth Grade Center. Us unicorns are all rooting for you, Mr. Saunders, to make it safely and achieve a great success!
# Andrew, October 22nd 2013
Hey im andrew from mrs alamo class in new braunfels, and i wish you the best of luck
# Amanda (unicorns), October 22nd 2013
Hope you get to leave soon! Can’t wait to see you make history! We are all here routing for you from New Braunfels!
# Jaco Johnson, October 22nd 2013
I really hope you make it all the way p. It would be amazing we’re routing over here at new braunfels Texas!!!!!!!!
# Josh, October 22nd 2013
Hi I am a student in Mrs Alamo’s class we are cheating you on and admire you for you for your bravery. Good luck on your quest.
# Trenton Leffingwell, October 22nd 2013
Good Luck! Hope you make it! From New Braunfels Unicorns.
# Garrett, October 22nd 2013
Hey I am really excited for you, and I hope that you have a good time and everything goes as planned. Best wishes from New Braunfels!
# Lochlyn, October 22nd 2013
You guys are so inspirational live life to the fullest ya guys can do it! Good luck!
# Jose Cruz, October 22nd 2013
Good luck on your trip we like yor videos ther awesome.
# Kolton Meneley, October 22nd 2013
What your doing is amazing and cool. Be safe.
# Mia (unicorns), October 22nd 2013
Good luck Mr. Saunders, our class is watching you go along your journey and are wishing you the best of luck!! -new braunfels unicorns-
# Maite, October 22nd 2013
I think your videos are really cool. Good luck!!!! Hope you make it all the way keep in contact with us tell us what’s going on and well good luck.!!!
new braunfels high school
# Claire, October 22nd 2013
Good luck! The Unicorns from New Braunfels High School will be supporting you all the way!
# Jared, October 22nd 2013
From all the unicorns goodluck with your expidetion.
# Taylor B, October 22nd 2013
Good luck on your amazing adventure we wish you the best of luck all the way here from new braunfels high school!
# Daniela Martinez , October 22nd 2013
Hi I’m Daniela Martinez from New Braunfels ninth grade center in New Braunfels Texas. What you are doing is just amazing! I wish I could go to the South Pole! Have fine and be safe!
# Jensen Narvarte, October 22nd 2013
I hope that weather clears up for y’all. Hope that you guys can start your trip soon!!!
All the way from New Braunfels, Texas (Mrs.Alamos class)
# Jeffrey mcgehee, October 22nd 2013
Good luck on your journey from New Braunfels ninth grade center home of the New Braunfels Unicorns.
# Madison M., October 22nd 2013
Can’t wait to watch all the great videos on your expedition! Good luck from the New Braunfels Unicorns!(:
# Giovanni Guillen, October 22nd 2013
Good luck on your trip from T.X New Braunfels 9th grade center
# Joshua Norton, October 22nd 2013
Hey, you’re going to make it, everyone here at the New Braunfels High School is following you and cheering you on. The Unicorns here are inspired by you!
# Jon Patterson, October 22nd 2013
Scott good luck on your trip we will be ruting for you back at New Braunfels,TX at the Ninth Grade Center
# Makaila, October 22nd 2013
I watched your TedTalk. I was abosutely amazed. Mrs.Alamos World Geography classes in New Braunfels are routing for you the whole way. You’re a inspiration to us all.
# Ashtyn jones, October 22nd 2013
Best of wishes from Mrs.Alamos world geography class in new Braunfels, Texas!(:
# Jasmine Giron, October 22nd 2013
Hey Scott I’m from new braunfels Texas and I’m here whatching ur blogs and routing for u and ur expedition I happe u could make I’m here routing for u.
# Emma , October 22nd 2013
Hi I’m Emma in Mrs.Alamo’s 7th period class
I think this is the most awesome thing you are doing!!
You are doing a great thing!! Good luck on your journey!
# New Braunfels Unicorns, October 22nd 2013
Good luck! Just know that everyone here in New Braunfels will be rooting for you! Be safe!
# Eduardo Flores, October 22nd 2013
It’s awesome how you are going to travel to Antarctica. Hopefully everything goes great and be safe. From the New Braunfels Unicorns. Good Luck !
# Sarah G., October 22nd 2013
Unicorns here in New Braunfels Texas! I love what you’re doing and I hope you accomplish your goal!! You’re simply an inspiration. We love you!
# Jessica Kramer, October 22nd 2013
Hope you have a great expedition Ben, good luck to you all when you land in Antarctica. New Braunfels Unicorns will be following your blog through your journey. Can’t wait to see when you reach your destination.
# James, October 22nd 2013
Hey Me and New Braunfels Highschool just wanted to say we love what your doing and we want to follow you in your journey through the expedition. But before I go there is one favor I may ask is that my class and teacher including me would just be honored if you could mention Mrs.Alamo class we would love that thank you and we are supporting you and hope that you have a good journey.
# dj, October 23rd 2013
Although this blog site hasn’t been updated to indicate it, Ben and Tarka have tweeted that they are at the Union Glacier tonight and hope to continue their journey tomorrow (wed).
I’ve been creating and updating a Google Earth file of the Scott Expedition https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/567495/specialty/TheScottExpedition.kmz which also contains several ancillary files about Antarctic locations in order to give “dimension” to a map which otherwise just a lot of “white.”
The “official” GPS coordinate for Union Glacier is given pretty much in the the middle of a wasteland in the middle of the continent. It looks to be about half-way from Puntas to the Ross Ice Shelf which was given as their ultimate destination for the flight.
I didn’t read them state they were going to land in the middle of the continent; but, perhaps there is a “way station” there of some sort. Puzzlingly, clicking on the “Antarctic Stations and Bases” network link doesn’t show a base or habitation anywhere close to the Union Glacier! The data could be old, but I hope they aren’t going to need to sleep in their plane seats until next light.
# Kristoffer, October 23rd 2013
Argh, you leaked it early! I knew about their arrival at Union Glacier too, but didn’t want to spoil the surprise.
# Scott Expedition (Chessie), October 23rd 2013
Hi. It’s a private camp. Here’s some info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Glacier_Camp
# Suzanne Smith, October 23rd 2013
Good luck with the expedition from everyone at Kcom.
# Marc Tyler, October 24th 2013
Ben, I’ve followed your blog for many years even before the days when twitter took over.During this time the one pervading theme that stood out on your journey to get here was perseverance.You are great inspiration to me and many others. I wish you, Tarka and your team a safe and successful journey which will see you passing the One Ton Depot mark down the home straight to a triumphant finish.All the best. You deserve success.
# Laine, October 28th 2013
I hope you have a good trip and I’m glad your doing this in honor of Scott. Best wishes from New Braunfels Highschool!