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.
Whiteout, Granola and a Turning Point (Day 56)
Day 56: S87° 44' 56.87", E159° 21' 30.60"
Duration: 8 Hr 30 Min
Daily distance: 18.2 Mi
Distance to go: 1059.8 Mi
Temperature: -24 °C
Wind chill: -38 °C
Altitude: 10062 Ft
Sorry for the lack of an update yesterday. We overslept by 20 minutes, then the surface was terrible all day and we decided to test both of us pulling one sled vs. each pulling individual sleds (we're leaving our last depot tomorrow morning and were considering leaving one sled). The process entailed unpacking and repacking the sleds several times, which added a couple of hours to our day and we didn't finish until late in the evening.
We'll also be doing nine or ten hours per day starting tomorrow, so the alarm goes off at 5.30am from now on, which wasn't the nicest start to today. It was a bit nippy as well, and a complete whiteout all day (I've sent back the only photo I managed to get before my camera died in the cold), which made progress frustratingly slow over the sastrugi fields we're starting to find.
I've always disliked whiteouts intensely, and find them oppressive, claustrophobic and disorientating, but as I retreated into my mind to try to pass our eight-and-a-half hours of hauling, I realised that the less there is to see, the more your thoughts turn inwards. Antarctica finds you out pretty quickly, and it doesn't seem at all tolerant of bluster, swagger or pretence, and a whiteout is perhaps the ultimate blank canvas upon which your qualities, values, foibles and frailties are inevitably laid out for inspection.
Tarka was cooking this morning, and of the two foil breakfast bags (they have no labels, so it's pot luck) offered me the granola with pecans in rather than the honey and oat one we have most often. The breakfasts are all delicious -thanks Dorset Cereals!- but the berry, chocolate and nutty varieties are rare treats, and I jumped at the offer, only to feel guilty and selfish for hours that I hadn't given Tarka what I knew was his favourite.
What's more, I felt physically weak and drained all morning, I felt ashamed that I'd blogged about wanting an expensive suit and some handmade shoes, though in my defense when you haven't touched soap or deodorant in two months, and when you wipe your bottom every morning on chunks of snow at minus thirty degrees, your mind does occasionally miss a bit of luxury. I also felt bad to have heard that my girlfriend was upset she hadn't been mentioned in my list of things I missed (I'd mistakenly thought she wanted to be kept out of the public eye and I now wished I'd made it clear that I'd swap a dozen Saville Row suits and swanky restaurant meals for a home-cooked meal with her and the chance to hold hands as we walked my dog) and my thoughts spiralled negatively as I cursed myself along.
I had a real wobble in the early afternoon, lagging behind Tarka and feeling powerless to move at much more than a crawl as we headed south into the gloom. Things came to a head at our last break when, slumped on my sled, I said to Tarka that I was worried we'd gone too fast so far, and that I was exhausted from trying to hold his pace (Tarka's an internationally-ranked competitive ski mountaineer, he's an extremely skilled and experienced skier, and he's a good five or six inches taller than me, so has a giant stride that I can't hope to match).
Thankfully Tarka took my complaining and worrying and grumpiness in that same giant stride, and gave me a perfectly-pitched pep talk -mainly about the state Shackleton was in when he turned around not far from here more than a century ago, and that they made it back despite being infinitely less fit, well-equipped and well-fed than we are- that made me choke up.
As we sat on our sleds, ate our energy bars and downed our hot carbohydrate drinks, I pulled my hood down a little and turned away so he didn't see the tears welling in my eyes. Once again, he's proving the perfect team mate and I went from gazing into the abyss of self-pity to feeling stronger - in heart at least if not in legs - than I have this whole expedition. I suspect today may have been a more profound turning point than when we swing round the South Pole and start heading home in a few day's time, and I was reminded of something Jerry Colonna said to me once, about the fact that at every moment in our lives we always have the choice to be kind, both to others and to ourselves. So there's my Thought for the Day from nearly 88 degrees south: we can always be kind.
Comments
# Paul Bower (Downe Arms hotel), December 20th 2013
Ben keep your spirits up you are doing fantastic at least you’re having a white Christmas!
All this technology you have, if you had a 3D printer I could have sent you your Christmas present———A snow shovel !!!!!!!!
Keep your chin up you’re both doing what we mortals can’t.
# Carlos, December 20th 2013
Amazing!
After climbing through the Beardmore like two pirates climb to an enemy ship, and living 24/7 at almost 3000m and -20ish, I’m very surprised than in the middle of a whiteout, you are able to keep your mind focused every day.
As always, I’m following your daily updates. Every day I’m more amazed with your progress.
Best wishes from Mallorca
# Richard Pierce, December 20th 2013
Dear Ben,
You had me welling up with this wonderful post. It takes a man of the very strongest kind to admit to moments of weakness and tears, and you should be immensely proud of yourself for letting us, people you don’t even know, people who’ve been nowhere near you, share in your deepest emotions.
This is a turning point in your writing, too, because you’ve opened up more to us than ever before, and I can imagine you pressing the post button on this as quickly as possible so that you wouldn’t have a chance to change your mind.
Tarka does indeed sound like a hero, and you have BOTH chosen wisely who partnered with you in this expedition.
I think I speak for everyone who reads this blog when I say we think about you and Tarka all the time, not just when we read your words, but when we go about our everyday lives, when we’re away from our machines, walking, talking, working, breathing. The Antarctic, and the men and women brave enough to pit themselves against its cruel beauty and its beautiful cruelty, are a life-long obsession.
Keep going, keep working together, and be free. Our collective consciousness is always there, backing you up, invisibly maybe, but tangibly, nevertheless.
God Speed.
R
# CaninesCashews, December 20th 2013
Eloquently put Richard.
# Ann Pagel, December 20th 2013
Yes ... beautifully put.
# Richard Pierce, December 20th 2013
Thank you.
That’s the one thing I’m good at - writing. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Men-Richard-Pierce-ebook/dp/B007FR3UXU
R
# Leigh Phillips , December 20th 2013
Hear hear sir, far more eloquently said than i can ever manage.
Ben you have more heart and courage than most. Stay safe.
# Intrepid, December 20th 2013
R - Will be reading your book. Thanks for the pointer.
# Richard Pierce, December 21st 2013
Intrepid,
You’re very kind.
R
# Paulo Butchary, December 21st 2013
Desearía tener la elocuencia de Richard, y más en inglés, pero desafortunadamente no la tengo…Sin embargo hago mías cada una de sus palabras, ya que describen exactamente lo que siento y pienso.
Gracias por toda la inspiración Ben y Tarka!!!
# Sandra Price, December 20th 2013
My hat is well and truly taken off to the both of you. A stunning post - you are obviously an incredible team. I have no doubt that without your whole support team of family and professional colleagues you would be in a very different place. You are supporting each other out on the ice and we are all supporting everyone in the whole team from our various homes .
# Ruben Rome, December 20th 2013
Ben, that touched a deep spot - I definitely welled up a little myself. Everywhere I look I seem to see this lesson being learnt, that kindness and humility govern all. That yielding brings the greatest strength. It’s both humbling and inspiring to hear these words spoken from a place where many might be fooled into believing it isn’t “manly” to express these things. Thank you.
# George Chapman, December 20th 2013
Love all your post and Photos. The white out’s look very neat I would like to be out in one of those. Like a walk in the fog bank. Glad the two of you work together so well and encourage each other when needed. Changing your routine to 10 Hrs. a day would probable get you up to maybe 25 miles a day assuming the weather or other things are not affected. Taking just one sled to the pole may even get you more mileage. I still think your doing well and I’m hoping you can take a rest at the Pole all Christmas day. I’m still following you every day on Google Earth, FB, and Twitter. Take care of yourself stay warm and keep your chin up.
# AlisonP, December 20th 2013
Wow, we who read your blog every day have been humbled by you and Tarka, but today Ben you have pulled out all of the stops in more ways than one. As Richard so elequently put it,it takes an incredibly strong man to share with us these deepest and vulnerable thoughts. It has me feel even closer to you, and to appreciate and respect you even more. There is strength in this vulnerability. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Perhaps in some or your more difficult moments you can picture some of the thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of people who are reading your blog, and enthusiastically following you and cheering you on. You are so very close to your goal, and have encountered and surmounted so many difficulties. Just a wee but longer and you and Tarka will be celebrating your amazing accomplishments, and we all along with you in spirit and heart.
# Sue (and Noodle ), December 20th 2013
Damm you. I had to re-do my make -up after that blogg, and that in itself is a major undertaking, almost as epic as your stroll in the snow !!! Well done Tarks for just being the pain in the ass that you are.. Much love from a bright and to-day , glorious Cornwall.
# Sans Nom, December 20th 2013
Dear Ben and Tarka,
I’ve been thinking about posting a comment for weeks now, but after reading today’s post, I could put it off no longer…
The least I can say, is that I am not usually a fan of “in-the-footsteps” expeditions, and modern-day “first” - perhaps because so many of them are built and marketed on half-truths and convenient omissions… What makes yours stand out, I believe, is your honesty and the quality of the writing that enables us to share in it. Almost every day, I keep being surprised by how much your entries grip and sometimes move me. You portray your daily slog and meanderings of the mind for what they are - as far as I can tell, you do not pretend - and the result is a touching frankness that makes your endeavour seem worthwhile - just because!
Your last entry also brings to light the weird and twisted modern reality of having to blog every day “live” from the field, and of sometimes also ruminating over the perception of the outside world, even as you sit in splendid isolation. This is something that our beloved Edwardians did not have to contend with, and which once again, you evoke with candidness and finesse.
Thank you! And keep going - by which I mean the blog as much as the slog!
# Richard Pierce, December 20th 2013
Well said, Sans Nom, well said indeed. R
# Sans Nom, December 20th 2013
Thank you, Richard - I think our comments share the same enthusiasm for this journey and blog. And I’ve just ordered your book! I’m not sure how it slipped under my radar before. In any case, I very much look forward to reading it!
# Richard Pierce, December 20th 2013
Sans Nom, whoever you are, many heartfelt thanks. I am addicted to and obsessed by the Antarctic, having been lucky enough to be there in 2008 for just over a week.
Hope you like the book.
R
# Charlie & all at Needspace? Clapham, December 20th 2013
We have been following your blog religously. Fantastic effort guys and keep pushing. We are all rooting for you. Your blog today reminds me of what I tell my kids when they are having a tough time at school. “Strong in the heart, strong in the head”. Keep safe.
# Phil Satoor, December 20th 2013
They have a “Thought for the Day” slot on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme every morning. I’m afraid I find most of them rather tedious but yours however is better than most of theirs, mainly because you’re not preaching to us but telling us how it is.
Greetings from a gloriously sunny winter’s day in London.
# Benjamino, December 20th 2013
Beautifully written Ben - for somebody so isolated, insulated and a world away from most people reading this, you have exposed and shared a warmth that can be felt here in sunny Kent. Keep it up chaps, we are all with you.
# Andrea, December 20th 2013
What a wonderful post! A gem in the whiteout. I’m speechless.
Andrea
# chiara, December 20th 2013
Oh boys, be strong. Tarki i love you, be strong and get both of you through thia safely. Your missed so much xxz
# Rebecca, December 20th 2013
Ben, each step you take, your writing becomes more beautiful, more touching, more honest. You and Tarka are both doing an amazing job, putting your hearts and bodies fully into this challenge—and then somehow you’re able to muster the energy to share your thoughts so eloquently with us. We’re rooting for you every step of the way. I hope today the whiteout is gone, and the path and pulling are clear and easy!
# David Morris, December 20th 2013
Ben I remember when the two of us were on Rowallen Company at Sandhurst for three months and there were some points there that the both of us had, had enough. We always found humour and banter was always the best cure and allowed us to do the next ridiculous activity they had planned for us. Think back to some of the profound statements the Colour Sergeants used to shout at us as it always brings a smile onto my face. Also on another positive side you are not having to wear red tracksuits and plus fours.
# CaninesCashews, December 20th 2013
Hi guys,
What a beautiful piece of writing Ben.
Not for the first time I find myself sitting in my comfy office chair contemplating your journey, both the physical foot in front of foot slog and your emotional path from Scott’s Hut to here, so near to your turning point.
Quite aptly something the late Nelson Mandela said comes to mind,
“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.”
We would know virtually nothing of this great journey if it wasn’t for your ’literate tongue or pen’ so thanks for bring us along and sharing your innermost thoughts, fears and joys.
Stay safe,
Gav
# Andrea , December 21st 2013
This “We would know virtually nothing of this great journey ” is the center of this expedition’s Blog, as the center of executing this expedition is its property of being among the virtuous things of the human spirit (with encouragement from the fact that the likeable things are not necessarily also virtuous). From this angle, you both are doing an honorific approach with this 1800 miles, and that, has characterised all the previous antarctic attemps.
It is highly possible that your velocity has been too fast, initiating the state observed by you today. No doubt, you both have the strong character needed,
Andrea
# Minna R from Rovaniemi, Finland, December 20th 2013
I just hope here that you could see the southern lights on your way to the South Pole. People always talk about northern lights but southern lights are not so “famous”. Maybe they could lift your spirit a bit if you’re having a bad day. But they’re there for you though you can’t see them, nightless night will do their part to help you on your way to home! The strongest people are the kindest ones :) You will have plenty of better days ahead!
Minna
# Deacon Patrick, December 20th 2013
Och! What a wondrous day! What a gift to be so torn asunder by the journey and the white out and the mirror that gives. What a beautiful day!
In my struggles with brain injury I have had to learn how to receive people’s generosity, from my wondrous wife and children to perfect strangers I encounter on my adventures who offer a hand. One thing I’ve realized is that in receiving genuine generosity I somehow give a gift as well. In the wonderful economy of community I seek to help others as bumbling and well as I can as part of receiving that generosity. You’ll find something to offer Tarka when the time is right.
May God continue to startle you with joy!
# Charles, December 20th 2013
Hi Ben and Tarka.
We who read your blog every day, are in spirit and cheer for you guys every day at what you’re accomplishing. Everyday, when I read about your day, the ups, downs, glooms, good and bad spirit, sastrugi, good and bad snow, weather, it reminds me of what I went thru and only brings back good overall memories.
Beaurifully written and touching, keep it up and be safe.
Cheers
# Kat, December 20th 2013
I’ve started reading the posts before I go to work in the morning, instead of when I get home, and a very good thing I did today…I was so moved, am so moved by this post. As many of us race around like crazy people, with year-end work deadlines and Christmas and holiday stress, your message of kindness and connection really struck me, and frankly, I had a good blubb just now. I’m not accustomed to being so emotional in the morning!! Thank you always for your wonderful writing.
It ‘s the most remarkable thing that your writing can bring me a little closer to the un-diaried thoughts and feelings that those extraordinary, brave explorers had. I’m sure if you’re feeling it, others have felt it before. It’s wonderful to know that you both keep them close to your hearts too. Your lucky loved ones will have you back soon.
As all great endeavours and writing moves us, thank-you for sharing, Ben and Tarka!!
# Darren Moore, December 20th 2013
Hey Ben, (and Tarka)
I have been reading the blogs everyday and have so much respect for you guys… It has been cold on the bike when we’re out at the weekend in Richmond Park heading for the Surrey Hills… Then I say to myself, it’s not as cold as the boys en route to the South pole… Before long you will be back with us sharing the stories of how amazing a journey it has been…
Hang in there and keep your chin up… there’s nothing wrong with a few tears either chief… the strength you have doing what you’re doing is amazing…
I’m about to head south too… South Kensington tube to meet the boys for a coffee…
Look forward to that ride on the new road bike when you’re back… Hi from all the guys too..
Darren
# wonderwoman, December 20th 2013
Thank you, Ben, opening your heart and mind to us like never before. We will treasure this moment. Antarctica is truly helping you find yourself out. And that helps us all find ourselves out. To see what this humanity is all about. Why do people do - or are able to do - things like this. What drives us. I completely agree with Richard (once again!): We do think about you two, and these things, every moment. I wish there was a way you could feel our souls trying to ease the steps you’re taking.
We send you love from Finland and pray for you.
# Kathleen mccormack, December 20th 2013
What an amazing post. To be able to eloquently write such humbling and raw emotions is incredible. I can’t even see through my tears right now to type! Sending you strong thoughts from New York City!
# Kerry Rogers, December 20th 2013
Ben you write so beautifully. This made me tear up too. I always try and think of you & Tarka when I’m having a rough day to keep things in perspective. You must remember that even on your best/ easiest days there, that 99% of people couldn’t cope with the work load and elements so you can’t be too hard on yourself for getting down here and there.
Stefan is always telling me stories of how fiercely competative and fit you have been since you were a kid and how hard you’ve trained (Exspecially the last ten years) to prepair for this expidition. You and Tarka are two of the hardest men alive so you’ll get through this just fine :)
Good luck!!
# McDowell Crook, December 20th 2013
Well put and yes. This post is why you’re out there.
# Jason, December 20th 2013
Ben/Tarka
“You can talk with someone for years, everyday, and still, it won’t mean as much as what you can have when you sit in front of someone, not saying a word, yet you feel that person with your heart, you feel like you have known the person for forever…. connections are made with the heart, not the tongue.”
― C. JoyBell C.
Safe Journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
# Jorge, December 20th 2013
Wow. Thank you for sharing the richness and complexities of what it means to be a human being so far out there. Thank you for taking the time out of an (frozen) infernal schedule to share your experiences first-hand and almost real time. You guys are two impressive human beings. Godspeed!
# Lisa Jane Persky, December 20th 2013
Dear Ben (and Tarka) -
I appreciate that in the tradition of many great explorers before you, you bother to keep the blog/diary going. I’m sure that many nights, you’d rather not do it. As you know, it (mostly) feels better to have written than to write. To that end, everything I think of to say to you seems small in relation to your endeavor.
I don’t remember my dreams very often but I had a singularly vivid one about you two at the summit of the Beardmore Glacier. You were looking toward your return and were aglow in the first or last rays of golden sunlight. You probably don’t want to get too far ahead of yourselves since at times (like in a whiteout) it’s one foot in front of the other but I saw you and you were safe and inspired. I awoke with such a great feeling. Like all dreams, this bit is all about me but I tell it because that’s how much a part of me is wishing for you and captivated by the spirit of your adventure.
I’m pulling for you unselfishly as well, for you and your families and wishing you at the least an easy if not completely perfect Christmas.
Thank you again and again for continuing to share all these aspects of your remarkable journey.
Lisa
# Mal Owen, December 20th 2013
So glad you’ve come through that day feeling stronger. You’ve so obviously both made the right choice of travelling companion.
Deacon Patrick says “You’ll find something to offer Tarka when the time is right” this from The 14th Dalai Lama (1935) says you’ve already done just that.
“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”
Be assured we are all supporting you in mind. Today’s responses are the proof of that.
A few days ago I discarded a question from my comment - ‘Can you describe how you feel when you are surrounded by white alone .... Maybe some poetic lines ?’ We certainly got that !
Here’s wishing you fewer whiteouts although if that’s the writing we get maybe they’re not such a bad thing.
Wish I had the gift of the pen !
PS Did you drop the one sled?
# Rayna, December 20th 2013
I echo the eloquent post by Richard and then some. An explorer with the heart of a poet, who knew ! Your post touched my heart as your thoughts turned to your girlfriend: A true romantic would give all the Saville Row suites just to hold her hand. I feel safe assuming that she realizes how lucky she is. Here’s to good travels and good (great) travel companions—Tarka.
# Rachel Barenblat, December 20th 2013
We can always be kind, indeed. Thank you for that reminder.
And thank you for this post—which inspires me tremendously. You’re doing something truly extraordinary, not despite human frailties and imperfections but as an actual human being like the rest of us. Somehow the fact that you also have tough days and tough thought-spirals makes your achievements in Antarctica all the more amazing to me. I suppose it’s a reminder that you’re not actually superhuman, despite the incredible thing you and Tarka are doing.
This is always part of what I’ve found most inspiring and incredible about the accounts of the early 20th century polar explorers, actually. In their imperfections we can see so clearly that they are just people, like the rest of us—and yet they aimed for, and accomplished, such incredible things. “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
# George Chapman, December 20th 2013
As of 1:15PM EST The team is still moving today (12-20-13) and they have travelled nearly 18Miles. Not sure when they plan to stop but so far they are doing well today. Wishing them all the best and I’m looking forward to seeing them make it to the Pole soon. Take care guys and stay warm.
# George Chapman, December 20th 2013
As of 3:00PM EST The team is still moving today (12-20-13) and they have travelled nearly 22Miles. Not sure when they plan to stop but so far they are doing well today. Wishing them all the best and I’m looking forward to seeing them make it to the Pole soon. Take care guys and stay warm.
# Intrepid, December 20th 2013
There are all kinds of journeys we embark upon. Right now trudging through Antarctica enduring the pulling resistance of sledges, your routine with long hours, the cacophonous weather, is as others continue to point out, not your every day kind of journey! Discovering the Antarctic’s whiteout as your canvas is indeed a very important inward part of your journey. The clarity which the canvas unveiled vulnerabilities and doubts about your own goodness, met and graced by Tarka’s uplifting spirit, is a beautiful story to have had the privilege to read. Your posts enliven us with poignant and indelible words (and I am sure there will be many others worldwide who will find yours (and Tarka’s) writing inspirational). Your gift beats from a beautiful heart. Such goodness is a wellspring (even in below zero temperatures) which passes on the most important message we can live—In a world we all participate in, kindness is the best course of action.
Godspeed!
# Intrepid, December 20th 2013
Forgot to add the following:
Read an article in the latest National Geographic written by Paul Salopek who is making a 21,000 mile trek he calls, Out of Eden Walk. Am passing on a quote I found to be very indicative of any expedition/trek/exploration taken by foot — walking is “to see what lies ahead”.
And lastly, a dear friend whom I shared the quote I posted two days ago by Frank Gaines, “Only he who can see the invisible can do the impossible”, replied with, “I can’t, which is why I just do what’s possible.” Seems to me you are doing just that…
# Ryan, December 20th 2013
Ben, I have been incredibly inspired, not only by your determination and amazing will to undertake such a seemingly impossible task, but also by your ability to adapt to the challenges that you are facing from day to day that would put any person to the ultimate test of endurance. The two of you have provided me with a sense of renewed faith in the human spirit and it’s ability to take on almost any task, whether it be typical daily routines and duties, or something as incredibly challenging as what the two of you have taken on.
I have always been fascinated with the farthest, most remote places on the earth, and Antarctica being the most remote and isolated, has to be an amazing place to experience. Watching the two of you journey farther on foot in the most remote and challenging place on earth, than most would want to drive a car, truly displays the tenacity of our species by illustrating how the human mind and body can endure almost anything with the right amount of dedication and commitment.
Although I have a minimal idea of how you truly feel, both physically and mentally, as you journey closer and closer to your goal each day, your posts provide a valuable and priceless insight that gets me as close as I will probably ever be to understanding. After reading this post, I feel like I have a new perspective on what you are going through, and how you are coping with each changing minute.
Thank you for allowing myself, and anyone that is following, the opportunity to participate in such a personal and inspiring example of the human spirits ability to adapt and overcome such incredible challenges. With each day, you will surely inspire so many to dig deep inside themselves for their inner most strength, from the most simple sounding tasks, to the most challenging imaginable in our individual perception.
# George Chapman, December 20th 2013
It looks like the team has stopped for today at about 3:00PM EST (12-20-13). They got in about 22Miles today which is really good. Wishing them a good nights sleep and some time of reflection.
# Jon G, December 21st 2013
Most of us will have done enough training at some point to be able to appreciate your Herculean physical efforts. But very few will have any understanding of what you’re going through mentally every day, and that includes me. I suspect it’s even more remarkable than what your bodies are going through. And that you can write about it, so candidly and movingly, is extraordinary.
“Antarctica finds you out pretty quickly…”. Sure. But most of us would have wobbled in the first few hours, not Day 57 in a white-out at altitude.
Deeply chuffed that Hertfordshire scouts floated through your mind a couple of days ago. There’ll be a welcome in the hillsides next to the M1. Meanwhile…
# ale, December 21st 2013
Hey Ben,
what about leaving one sledge and making Tarka pull??? Just jocking! :-)
Are you planning to get any day off? Be careful since you have to walk back home! Do not run out of energy for the return that might be as difficoult as this.
Sorry for bothering you about your schedule.
And take care of Tarka that might soffer as much as you but maybe he’s not saying anything!!!
And GRAZIE for making me (us) part of this trip.
Alessandro
# Jerry Colonna, December 21st 2013
Ah my friend Ben. As everyone who’s reading your notes, following the trip, will attest, there’s a fearsome power in you writing from your heart. Thanks for letting us in. It’s an honor.
Take heart from the responses…I dare say that if we could, we would hitch ourselves to the harness and drag it for you. (You know how often I’ve complained that if necessary I was going to carry you. Well I mean it. But not Tarka—he’s too big.)
With love from New York.
# Darylcobabe, December 21st 2013
Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men.—-Joseph B. Wirthlin
# Christian C, December 21st 2013
Ben,
Best blog of the trip so far. I’m not one for quoting the good book but I have always liked this one…
Romans 5:3 “we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us.”
Keep at it! If it were easy it wouldn’t be worth doing ;-)
Good luck!
Cheers,
C
# Chris Allen, December 22nd 2013
As said, keep your chins up lads. It could be worse.
# Kate Smith, December 22nd 2013
Thank you for sharing your wonderful blog and photos Cheers Kate
# Gina, December 22nd 2013
Beautiful post today, fellas. Your journey is part of our journey, now, thank you.
# Pavol Timko, December 30th 2013
I was very moved by this blog. Great reading!