A quick update (as it’s just turned midnight on Thursday and I still have things to finish) to say that it currently looks like I’ll be flying to Antarctica tomorrow morning, early on Friday 3rd November.
It’s a four-and-a-quarter-hour flight aboard an Ilyushin IL-76 to a privately-run base called Union Glacier in Antarctica’s Ellsworth Mountains, and I’ve spent most of the last week packing and fine-tuning my gear, clothing and food in a small warehouse in a backstreet of Punta Arenas, while simultaneously trying to get to the bottom of both my email inbox and my to-do list.
We’ll have a weather update at 7am, so I’ll know for sure then whether or not we’re flying that day, but for now I need to keep bashing away at my keyboard for a little longer before I close my laptop – and my emails – for at least two months…
Comments
Simon Howell
04/11/2017
Onward!
Richard Pierce
04/11/2017
Just goes to show how writing a novel about Shackleton has distracted me from the real world, because I only found out about your expedition from a friend. Good luck and God Speed. I’ll be watching from afar, missing the Antarctic myself, and knowing I’d never be brave enough to do what you’re doing. R
Jason Beckett
04/11/2017
The very best of luck Ben, I have no doubt that Henry Worsley is cheering you on. Jason
Mary Patterson- NZ
04/11/2017
Hi Ben
Once again all the very best to you! Travel well and I’m sure all your hard work and prior preparation will lead to yet again a very successful journey . God Speed!
Mary (meet at Scott Base , PCAS student)
Mal Owen
04/11/2017
Will again be following your blog as you traverse the ice. Wishing you every success in your endeavour. Keep safe and warm. Mal
Luke Hull
04/11/2017
Best of luck Ben, Henry got so close but now its your turn, if anybody can complete this last great polar challenge it’s you.
wishing you all the best
Luke
Greg
03/11/2017
Wishing you much luck and safe travels. Las Vegas is with you.
Richard and Lisa Prangle
03/11/2017
Sending love and best wishes for a safe and successful expedition.
Valerie Reading-Kitchen
03/11/2017
Hello Ben, this is Valerie, One of your neighbours. Wishing you all the best, be brave, will be thinking of you all the time. Specially when I’m tucked up cosy in my bed. Or looking out over our Beautiful Green Terrace. Lots of love and best wishes, from Valerie
Matthew
03/11/2017
Hi Ben,
Wishing you the very best throughout your journey and looking forward to the live updates. Hang in there and good luck!