Last ski day of 2011...

Today the team reported good conditions with sun, blue sky and barely a breath of wind. They were expecting a climb between 86 and 87 degrees and today they got just that, with uphill travel all day. They skied 25 kilometers and ended at S86.12.224, W86.46.073.

They were celebrating the arrival of the new year in their tents with a little whiskey and vodka, and a wonderful photo of the Ladies Walking Group from Dennis' other life back home in the UK. Sounds like a grand time! They are, of course, all thinking of loved ones and friends back home, and wishing them well on this New Year's Eve. They hope to be sending some photos of their party to us, and if they come through we will post them tomorrow.

We forwarded all the New Year's greetings that we received. We know that your messages of support and congratulations mean a lot to the team! Thanks for keeping them in mind as you celebrate your holidays!

Make sure to listen to Dennis' audio report and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Much better conditions...

Today the team reports much better traveling conditions with full sun and gently rolling hills. The team was shooting to reach 86 degrees and they almost made it, ending at S 85.58.800, W 86.49.621. That is a total of 24 kilometers. We didn't get a temperature from them, but we will ask for it again tomorrow.

BB leaves a wonderful audio update telling us about the day with a description of what keeps them going through the monotony of pulling. They are all looking forward to New Year's Eve but BB wonders, from the sound coming the boy's tent, if there will be any vodka left with which they can celebrate!

Camp with Thiel Mountains in background

BB leaves two audio reports today. Make sure to listen to them both and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team.

Giant sastrugi, low light...

Today the team reported a tough day after encountering 2 meter sastrugi (that's big!). When they diverted to avoid the sastrugi they encountered blue ice which is very tricky to travel on. To make matters worse the sunny day that they woke up to changed to overcast with very flat light.

Flat light, as we've mentioned before in the blog, makes skiing very exhausting and arduous. You simply cannot see even the slightest variations in the terrain. You might be skiing over large sastrugi and you don't even know it until all of a sudden you are on your butt and your sled has tipped over. There is no doubt there will be some deep sleeping going on tonight. Given the rugged conditions they are probably very pleased with their 21 kilometers. They ended the day at location S 85.46.700, W87.27.845. The temperature was -20C.

Almost at the top of the climb yesterday.

Skiing on blue ice in better weather.

We received many guesses on the mystery person melting snow and (drum roll please)..... no one guessed right! Almost everyone guessed either Oskar (most votes) or BB (second most votes). The most correct answer we received came from Tim Woods who simply said "it doesn't look like my old man Dennis." You're right Tim, it wasn't Dennis. The mystery melter was LISA! Nice try to everyone who submitted an answer, but you'll have to do better next time. We'll try to post another mystery picture again soon.

For those of you interested in records, the South Pole set a new one on Christmas day. From Wunderground.com "On Christmas Day, December 25th, the temperature at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole site soared to an all-time record high of 9.9°F (-12.3°C) eclipsing the former record of 7.5°F (-13.6°C) set on December 27, 1978. The low temperature on December 25th was a mild (relatively!) 4°F (-15.5°C). Records at the site began in January 1957. Its elevation is 9,301 feet (2,835 meters)."

Bob leaves another of his wonderful audio updates (I learn something new each time I listen to him!) so make sure to check it out, and visit again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Up and over the mountain...

Today the team continued their journey up and through the pass of the two mountains next to the Thiel resupply point, then down the other side, and then up again towards the polar plateau. Despite the ups and downs (no pun intended) they made over 24 kilometers and ended at S85.35.622, W 87.20.883. This mileage was made in 10 hours of travel, which is quite good for the team, considering they have heavy sleds again.

We received a new batch of photos from the expedition and will post them over the coming days. The photo below shows the process of melting water, a continual task that takes almost every minute of time in camp, depending on the number of hours you spend in camp of course. Melting snow into water outside is a luxury that comes with having such nice weather. It is most commonly done either in the vestibule of the tent, or in the tent itself.

Believe it or not there is a trick to melting water. If you start the process by putting snow in a pot then heating the pot you are bound to have water that tastes burnt. Rather the correct way to melt snow is to start with a little water and slowly add more snow in small quantities. If you add too much snow at one time it will absorb all the water and you will end up with the same burnt taste. Thus, you need to be mindful, and it is best to plan your day so that you end up with a little water to start the melting process. It goes much quicker!

Any guesses who the person in the photo is? The first person to contact us with the correct response will get special shout out in the next blog!

Making water takes hours every day. Can you guess who this mystery person is?

Make sure to listen to Dennis' audio update and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Ain't No Mountain High Enough…

Today the team left their second resupply and headed south between two mountains. The route took them higher than they expected, but they were rewarded with a beautiful view from near the top. They traveled 21 km to their current position of S 85° 22.872, W 87° 44.339. Be sure to listen to today's audio update from BB and check back again tomorrow for another update from the ice.

Rest, reorganize, and Christmas pudding...

Today the team slept in and had a leisurely morning before digging into the the new ration. They spent the day organizing, washing their bodies, and getting ready for the second half of the expedition. Some people had sent new long underwear in with this ration and the feeling of slipping into fresh undies was most wonderful. They celebrated boxing day with some of Dennis' mother's Christmas pudding.

The second resupply, because of it's location next to a regularly used ice runway, is the only location on the entire route where the team can leave anything behind. Old long underwear, trash, and and any items the team decides that they are not using they can leave at the resupply point and it will be at Union Glacier (or somewhere!) waiting for them after the expedition. Thus, when they leave this camp tomorrow morning it will truly be a fresh start.

Make sure to listen to Bob's audio update and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Xmas, resupply and best mileage yet!

Merry Christmas to all (including our followers in the UK who will read this posting on Boxing Day). Today the team had a remarkable day. Long, yes, but beautiful and very satisfying. They skied amongst the peaks of the Thiel Mountains where sunlight sparkled against the terrain like tiny Christmas tree lights. Dennis' audio report is so descriptive it is worth finding some speakers to listen to it.

The team covered a remarkable 27.8 kilometers before reaching the resupply and at the time that they contacted us they were settled in their tents enjoying some of the "treats" in the resupply, in this case, vodka! Tomorrow they plan to take it easy, do some reorganization with the new ration, and possibly put in a few miles. Dennis also plans to make a Christmas pudding provided by his mother. The phone cut out before the end of his message, but it sounded as though he might have been preparing to sing a song ?!*!

The team is camped tonight at the Thiel iMountain weather station & airstrip located at 85.11.971, W 87.52.326. They have crossed the half way mark! All of your messages of support and greetings are getting through and they mean a tremendous amount to the team, especially on the hard days when they need to dig deep just to put one foot in front of the next.

A couple days ago, when the wind was up.
On tough days messages from the "outside world" mean a lot!

Make sure to listen to Dennis' most excellent audio report and check back in tomorrow for another update from the team! Merry Christmas!

Twas the night before Christmas...

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the tent,
Not a creature was stirring, they were wiped out from the ascent.
Their socks and gloves hung from the tent line with care,
In the hopes that they'd soon be dry from the cold Antarctic air.
Each team member was nestled all snug in their bag,
Dreaming of the day they stand beneath the South Pole flag.
And though they had no tree and from their families they were apart,
They still felt the warmth of Christmas in their hearts.

Today the team had a windy morning that settled into a mild afternoon. They made 24.5 kilometers in 10 hours of travel. Everyone is feeling good and they are happy to be nearing their second resupply. Tomorrow they will pass 85 degrees - the half way point! Tonight their position is S 84.57.516, W 87.13.241.

BB gives us a nice description of their day as well as a reminder that they will soon leave their last visible landmark, the Thiel Mountains. After the Thiel Mountains the landscape is white all the way to the Pole! BB mentions that the view from their tent tonight was spectacular, with the tips of mountains dominating the scene. After BB's update Lisa jumps on to say hello to all at home. In Sweden, Lisa's and Oskar's home country, Christmas Eve is very special, and on this night she and Oskar are thinking about their family and wishing everyone well.

We just received a picture from BB's birthday! It's hard to think of a more memorable party than this one!

BB's 21st Birthday party.

A very Merry Christmas Eve to all! Make sure to listen to BB's and Lisa's audio reports and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

If this expedition were a movie...

Today when we spoke with the team I asked Lisa, "Tell me something interesting about your day," and she said, "well...we skied, we looked at mountains in the distance, it was sunny and a very gentle wind..." Sound familiar? It seems that this description is a reoccurring theme in the expedition! The team feels very lucky to have such great weather.

The team made good progress today, covering 25 kilometers in 10 hours. They ended the day at S 84.44.029, W 86.47.557. (For those of you who are nautical sticklers I realize that this is not the accurate way to write latitude and longitude, but I can't seem to find an easy way to include the degree symbol, so I am going with ease over accuracy.)

Bob, in his wonderful audio report below, compares the expedition to a couple movies and a novel. You'll have to listen to the audio report to hear which novel. The first movie is Ground Hog's Day, and the second is No Country For Old Men. Bob's audio reports are always interesting because he is so creative in finding ways to describe his experiences. It would be fun to read his journal!

Keeping a journal on an expedition like this takes tremendous discipline. You may start the journey with the best intentions of logging your daily thoughts and memories on paper, but by the time you have made water for the evening, cooked, eaten, made more water for your thermos or water bottle, dried your boot liners and gloves, mended anything that needs tending, phoned in your position and taken a deep breath, the thought of writing in a journal can be very unappealing.

The same goes for taking photos. You would think that it would be a priority to take many pictures on such an expedition, but the thought of getting your hands out of your mitts, digging out your camera, stopping your rhythmic skiing, taking off your goggles, holding your breath while you aim the camera (so your breath doesn't fog the lens), and then having to reverse the whole process... sometimes you don't end up with so many photos.

The team approaching 85 degrees South

Tomorrow or early the next day the team should cross 85 degrees which will be a very significant milestone. We'll keep you posted to let you know when they make it. For all of you who have sent holiday wishes to the team we are forwarding your greetings. Thanks!

Make sure to listen to Bob's audio report and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Summer solstice...

Today marks the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere. That's the longest day of the year, the day that the sun reaches at its maximum southerly declination of -23.5 degrees. Of course the team is experiencing 24 hour sunlight, so this day is probably more significant to those of us in the northern hemisphere as it signals a return to the longer days of spring and summer.

Longer days is an interesting concept in polar travel. Some expeditions, in an effort to be more efficient, simply decide to make their days longer. For instance, instead of working off a 24 hour day they switch to a 30 hour day. They may sleep for 10 hours ski for 14 hours and spend 6 hours cooking, eating, making water and mending gear every day. Over the course of many "days" they reduce the number of times they make and break camp, etc. This strategy works only because of the 24 hour sunlight. It simply does not really matter what time your watch says, because it always looks the same!

Our team was happy to have a rest day yesterday, and there were likely a couple 10 hour sleepers in the group. Today they got back to their regular schedule making 24 kilometers. They are skiing towards the Thiel Mountains and they expect to be there in a couple days. As Dennis mentions in his audio update there are some treats in their next resupply that they wouldn't mind having for Christmas!

The howling wind from yesterday continued throughout the night and into this morning. Bob recorded winds 12-15 knots with gusts to 25 knots. The team had to dig themselves out of their camp this morning, as snow drifts had covered their gear and tents. After a few hours of skiing the sun broke through the clouds and they were treated to a very nice afternoon and evening. They are currently located at S 84.30.999, W 86.16.171.

Make sure to listen to the daily audio report from Dennis and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Happy Birthday Bryony!

Today the team reports a relaxing layover day with wind buffeting the tent, and a birthday celebration to commemorate BB's 21st birthday (on December 21 - her "golden" birthday!) BB was very happy to receive all the messages from home, and Lisa and Oskar's tent was converted into a mini party hall complete with balloons! We hope to post some pictures soon.

Layover days offer a chance for the body and mind to rest and recuperate. On days like today, with winds blasting the tent, it feels especially cozy in a sleeping bag, and the knowledge that you don't have to get out, or break camp, or move at all, is absolutely wonderful. There's nothing better than a good sleep in when most mornings are a race to break camp!

Here's the birthday girl skiing a couple days ago.

Dennis and Bob celebrating the "Diamond Wedding" of Dennis' in laws.

Make sure to listen to BB's audio update and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Happy Birthday Bryony! We hope this is the first of many very exotic birthday celebrations in the years to come!

50,000 steps per day...

Today the team reports a partial rest day with the decision to camp early after 17.4 kilometers and seven hours of skiing. They had overcast skies and warm temperatures around -12 F.

Bob, in his detailed audio report, talks about the routine of skiing each day. He tells how they break their day into four 6 kilometer marches. In one day he estimates a goal of 50,000 steps. That's a lot of steps!

We have received a number of birthday wishes for Bryony and we plan to text them to the team tomorrow. From Bob's audio report it sounds as though they might be planning a rest day tomorrow. The chance to sleep in would be a present that everyone would likely enjoy!

The team's position today is S 84.19.36, W 85.44.83. Make sure to listen to Bob's audio report and check back again tomorrow for another update from the ice!

The most beautiful camp...

Today the team reports that they traveled 24.4 kilometers in 10 hours and ended at the "most beautiful camp." It is a gorgeous day with barely any wind and -19C temperature. They set up their tents near the base of a nunatak they estimate to be around 6,000 feet high. The team has marked another milestone...they passed 84 degrees! In less than one more degree they will be half way there!

Everyone on the team is in good spirits but BB and Dennis both have signs of "polar thigh" a cold weather related skin rash that can affect the thighs of people who are traveling in extreme cold, especially into the wind. The team is monitoring the rashes as well as devising ways to increase the thermal regulation of their thighs. BB has a new "skirt" made of down and wool to cover her thighs and it sounds like Dennis is also experimenting with his clothing to try and give his thighs a little more protection. So far this is nothing more than a minor bother but they will keep monitoring their legs.

The team's position today is S 84.10.326, W 85.24.223. Make sure to listen to the audio report from Dennis and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

From a couple days ago when they had windy conditions.

Sighting mountains...

The team reports that they are well today despite an uphill climb against the wind. Conditions were very nice with blue sky and -28C temperature with wind factored in. The team skied 23.5 kilometers in 9.5 hours (of mostly uphill skiing). They have spotted what they believe is the Trans Antarctic Range, home of the Thiel Mountains where their next resupply is positioned. This is still days away but it is exciting to have a goal in sight.

Bob gives a wonderfully descriptive audio update talking about the wind, sasturgi and climbing. For those of you who don't have access to the audio he mentions that going uphill is a triple whammy. First, there is the uphill pulling that is hard enough; Second, the katabatic winds pour down from the polar plateau making it windy; and third, the wind generates larger sastrugi. Hopefully all this hard work will make the polar plateau feel a LOT easier!

The team is getting more efficient and they will likely cross 84 degrees tomorrow. Their current position is S83.57.755, W84.53.470.

Make sure to listen to Bob's audio update and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

New boots for BB, and a nip of whiskey...

Today the team reports that their pace is improving, with 24 kilometers accomplished in 10 hours. They had beautiful weather with temperatures around -20C and a light wind. Off in the distance they can see two nunataks.

For those of you who were unable to listen to yesterday's audio report, the strange sound that scared the team was the roar of a Twin Otter plane landing just meters from them. The plane approached from behind them and they didn't know that it was approaching until it was right next to them! The plane was on its way to position their third resupply. As they were passing overhead we organized for the pilots to drop off a small care package including some new boots for BB (that's Bryony). She has had a rough time with the boots she had brought and the liner was deteriorating. We also sent them a couple goodies, including a birthday cake for BB (shhhh... it's a surprise) as it is her birthday on December 21.

The team sounds happy and in good spirits. Their current position is S83 45.643, W84 15.672

Dennis navigating. That's the chest plate for the compass that allows for "hands free' use.

Make sure to listen to BB's update and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Strange sounds and lots of wind...

Today the team reports wind, and lots of it! Now THIS is the kind of weather they were expecting from Antarctica (but it doesn't mean they have to like it!) Dennis, in his wonderful audio update mentions that his beard froze to his ruff while he was setting up his tent, and that it often felt like the wind was pushing him back one step for every two he took forward. A challenging day to be sure, but they managed to put 22 kilometers behind them.

Dennis also mentions a very strange sound and explains what frightened them so much that they almost jumped out of their skins. I'll let him tell the story... and if you aren't able to pick up the audio file you can email me for the full report.

Not much else to report tonight, other than the team is doing well. They love the support and questions they receive from everyone. We did not get specific coordinates (the sat phone cut out) but we will post them when we get them.

Enjoy the update from Dennis, and Happy 60th (!!!) wedding anniversary to his in laws! Check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Seeing mountains, or maybe not...

Today the team reports beautiful traveling conditions and smooth going. At one point they thought they saw mountains, but it turned out to be clouds. They are on the lookout for mountains, at least the tops of mountains (called nunataks), as they head toward their second resupply in the Thiel Mountains.

They made 25 kilometers in 10 hours of travel. They ended at S 83.21.441, W 83.43.151. Below is a picture we received of the team at the first resupply.

The team at resupply #1

Make sure to listen to Bryony's audio report. We especially liked the part about how light her sled felt before she realized the second one wasn't attached :)  Check back in again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Eighty Three & Happy Anniversary!

100 years ago today Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen reached the South Pole after traveling 870 miles from his coastal base, Framheim. He arrived at the Pole more than a month before British explorer Robert Falcon Scott. The two expeditions were very different from each other, both in their planning and execution. In the end both were remarkable feats of exploration.

Amundsen's tent at the South Pole "Poleheim"

Tonight PolarExplorers has a team at the South Pole to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Amundsen's expedition. In addition to celebrating Amundsen's achievement they also celebrated the spirit of adventure and exploration. As a part of this they toasted our Full South Pole team, who today passed the 83rd degree of South latitude on their own incredible expedition.

Today the team reported beautiful weather and high spirits. They slept in a few hours and then hit the ice covering 18 kilometers.

They feel lucky to have had such good weather, and Bob in his audio update is almost poetic in his description of his surroundings. As they skied today they were thinking about Amundsen's expedition, and they were planning a special toast for dinnertime.

Bob leaves a delightful update, so make sure to check it out, and visit again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Today the team reports a long day, with good mileage, but tired team members. They skied 24.4 kilometers in 11 hours. Their position is S 82.57.965, W 83.42.967. Tomorrow they will pass 83 degrees.

We received the following questions from Doug Williams... "Several times it’s been mentioned that during white-out days the team rely on their compasses (among other things) to ensure they stay on the right course. I was wondering if the difference between the geographic and magnetic south poles is an issue and, if so, how do they correct for the differences?"

Good question Doug. The compass is an important part of their navigation kit, and they are carrying a special compass that allows for travel in the southern hemisphere. The Magnetic South Pole is a good distance from the South Pole. It actually lies off the coast of Antarctica in the ocean, above the Antarctic Circle! It is on the move in a north west direction at the speed of approximately 10-15 kilometers per year.

Our team generally skis in a straight line, making as few deviations as possible. Thus once they establish their daily heading using GPS they can turn the GPS off and rely on the compass for the rest of the day without making any adjustments. We'll talk about another great source of navigation, the sun, in a later posting.

We haven't yet received an audio update from the team, but we will post it when it arrives. Make sure to listen to yesterday's audio report from Dennis (added today), and check back again soon for another update from the team!

Heavy sleds again...

Today the team reports a difficult day, with heavy sleds and low light.. They traveled 23 kilometers in 11 hours, and now "it is time for sleeping bags!" Dennis comments about finding the resupply yesterday, and compares it to the earlier expeditions of Amundsen and Scott. It's only two days until the first of the centennial celebrations at the South Pole! But for our team still 30+ days from reaching that point it is back to the grindstone of putting one foot in front of the next. But as always, that is one step closer to the Pole!

One of the benefits of traveling in Antarctica is that you are on a continent. Unlike travel to the North Pole, which is on sea ice, you get to "keep" every inch of southward progress. At the North Pole you might make 15 or 20 kilometers in a day but you might drift backwards while you sleep! That's not to say that Antarctica is free of challenges... the altitude, the cold and the wind combine to pack a serious punch!

Of course on every expedition some days are bad, some are good and some are great. 100 years ago today Amundsen had a great day. He wrote in his diary:

Magnificent weather. Almost still and partly clear. About –25°C. Same fine terrain and surface. According to the hypsometer it looks as though we are going very slightly downwards. Maybe it is just the weather conditions that make it seem so. Midday observations, which were taken under the most favourable weather conditions, still, clear, distinct sun and horizon, 89°6’. Observations and instruments again completely coincide. We have done our usual 17 n.m. and now lie at 89°15’ – three days march from our goal.

Make sure to listen to today's audio report from Lisa and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

First resupply!

Today the team reported, amidst what sounded like a pretty good party, that they had reached the first resupply. Together in one tent they were celebrating their biggest milestone so far with a honest-to-goodness steak dinner, one of the special treats that awaited them at the resupply.

They skied 15.8 km is 7 hours of travel and the temperature was colder, at -25C. There was a wind of 8 knots, which was a welcome change from yesterday's 25 knot wind.

Tomorrow they start the next leg of the journey with heavy sleds, but happy stomachs :)

Make sure to listen to Bryony's audio report and check back in tomorrow for another update from the team!

Making the miles...

Today the team reports a good day, covering 25.6 kilometers in 10.5 hours of travel. The sun was shining, the sky was blue... only the sastrugi could have been better. Everyone is happy and the general health of the team is improving (there has been a cold going around).

In Bob's audio update he talks a little about the team's tactic for reaching the pole. He mentions how they are making the required distance every day, but that they will be working on increasing their pace to decrease the amount of time they are skiing every day. Finding the right balance is a critical part of every expedition.

Tomorrow they plan to reach their first resupply. This is a big milestone and can be very proud of their work so far. They will be rewarded with more food, and some special treats, but oh! the weight of the sleds! Make sure to listen to Bob's audio report (the sound improves after the first few seconds) and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

A picture perfect day, with a little slope.

Crossing 82 degrees!

Today the team reports a long day with an uphill climb and windy conditions. It all started good, but after their first few miles the wind picked up and visibility deteriorated. The temperature dropped and they were skiing in milky white conditions. They relied on their compass and the direction of the falling snow to ensure that they stayed on the right course.

It was a long day with 11 hours on their feet but they were able to knock out 26 kilometers. Everyone is happy with the progress, and ready for a good meal. They are camped at S 82.11.551, W 82.32.307. The temperature was -15C without wind, and -23C with wind.

Some of the team members are carrying ipods and they have been listening to music which offers a nice break and some motivation. For those who didn't bring music, or prefer not to listen to it, time is passed by thinking about anything and everything that will occupy the mind. Singing or writing songs, reciting poetry, counting steps, thinking about a question, drafting letters or journal entries, making plans for the reunion with family and friends (especially the meals!) Sometimes you think about what you should think about next!

On a day like today the team will be tired and hungry and it's especially nice to know that they have so many supporters back home cheering them on. Dennis has left a wonderful audio update so be sure to listen to it, and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Slow start, but good weather...

Another picture perfect day today, but the team couldn't shake the slow start they got in the morning. They put in a long day of skiing ending at S 81.57.708, W 82.10.080. If my math is correct (not always the case!) they traveled nearly 21.5 kilometers.

Bob cooking outside on one of the recent calm evenings

The cold that had been bothering Bob seems to be traveling a bit, giving some of the team members scratchy voices and stuffed up noses, but nothing too terrible. The terrain appears to be flattening out, and this has been a welcome change. Soon the team will reach their first resupply.

A few people have asked questions about resupplies, and how they are positioned. The resupplies are all pre-positioned by plane so they are ready for the team when they arrive. The resupplies were packed by the team prior to the expedition, while they were in Punta Arenas. Everything that arrives in the resupply will need to be carried by the team. Only once, at their second resupply, will they be able to leave anything behind, such as their trash. The second resupply is positioned near a regular refueling runway for South Pole flights and the team will be able to pick up what they leave behind on their way back from the Pole.

We will send more details about the resupplies as they occur. Needless to say the resupplies are significant events, and milestones. It is great to have new supplies of food and treats, but the sleds get heavy all over again!

Make sure to listen to Bryony's audio report from today and visit again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Uphill all day...

The team reported that they had a good day with clear, sunny weather, but more wind than the last few days with a speed of around 10 knots. Even with the relative warmth of -15C a wind of 10 knots add a sharp sting to the air. Needless to say they ate dinner inside tonight! They traveled 23.6 km today with much of it uphill. Their current location is S 81.46.077, W 81.49.356

The terrain is now bringing to take the shape of the imagined polar plateau. With only the very tip of the Patriot Hills to the North on the horizon. They feel that in the next two days they will be clear of that benchmark and onto the next navigational feature which is two nunataks, a couple days off.

100 years ago today Amundsen also had a good day. He wrote in his journal...

One of our great days. Although it didn’t look like it would be this morning. Fog and bad visibility as usual. But the wind had slackened a lot during the night; the little bit that remained came from the NE. Terrain and surface were first class. Flat, really flat with no signs of snowdrifts. The annoying small heaps of loose snowdrift which had been such a nuisance these past few days, had disappeared and the surface for the skis was absolutely A1

We hope to be posting the audio update soon, so check back again. And visit tomorrow for another update from the team!

Twelve days into the expedition...

Another great day for the team. They have ramped up their efforts and it is paying off with 25.2 kilometers in 10.5 hours of travel. They had balmy conditions yet again with approximately -15C and a slight wind. They are camping tonight at S 81.33.816, W 81.19.101.

Below is a photo from their last white-out day. You can begin to understand the saying "it's like being in a jug of milk." Luckily so far they have had only one day like this! They can't help but feeling that there are a whole lot more in store for them!

The satellite signal was fickle when Bob called in the audio update. The first part of his message is loud and clear, but he cuts off towards the end. Don't let that prevent you from listening and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Their best day yet...

The team reported outstanding conditions today and great progress. With Dennis out front they covered 23.2 km in 10 hours of travel. They are feeling good about their progress. Bob, who has had a cold, is feeling better and getting stronger.

The day started with a wind but it abated and they were treated to spectacular weather that allowed them to eat outside for a second night. They all feel very lucky to have such good conditions.

Their current position is S 81.20.447, W 81.19.496

For history buffs you may be interested to know that 100 years ago today Amundsen had the opposite weather... "Have gone completely blind all day. Breeze from N with thick fog and snowfall."

Make sure to listen to Lisa's audio update below and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Good progress, beautiful day

Today the team reports incredible weather with conditions mild enough to wander about outside after dinner and enjoy the scenery. They made great progress covering 21.5 kilometers, ending at S 81.08.114, W81.13.367.

All Antarctic travel is very weather dependent and the team feels very lucky to have had such good conditions so far. They know that Antarctica's weather is fickle at best and what they have experienced so far is above and beyond what they were expecting.

Sam from Illinois asked if there is much temperature variation between night and day. Thanks for the question Sam! With the sun above the horizon all the time there is little difference in temperature during a 24 hour period unless a different weather system comes through. When they reach the South Pole the sun circles overhead, not dipping at all. That said, weather can change quickly and the team keeps a look out for any indicators of deteriorating weather. You may remember Dennis noting that clouds were on the horizon a couple nights ago and they had "battened down the hatches" in camp. In fact they ensure that their camp is "bomb proof" every night before turning in.

The team will be skiing longer days and shooting for higher mileage as they near the end of their first ration. Your words of encouragement and support mean a lot to them! They thank you for following their progress and they look forward to sending more stories from the ice.

Don't forget to listen to the audio report from Dennis and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team.

Layover day

Yesterday was a layover day for the group. They stayed in place, rested and reorganized gear. Unfortunately Ronny had to end his expedition, and the team is very sorry to see him go. They will all be thinking about him as they push on and hoping he feels better soon!

Layover days are usually spent sleeping and eating, and catching up with journal entries. It's also a good time to make modification or repairs to equipment. The simple pleasure of sleeping in can be a great mini-vacation from the daily routine of the expedition, but after a full day in the tent it's easy to get a little stir crazy. Tomorrow the team will pass the 81 degree mark and they are looking forward to pressing on.

The team has a specific plan for their daily mileage that increases every few days to coordinate with the gradual ascent to the polar plateau and the team's increased efficiency. Caroline from Wisconsin sent and email asking about how the team keeps track of their mileage and what they use for navigation. Great question! The team uses a GPS to get their precise coordinates every day, and to measure their speed and distance. For general navigation the team uses a compass worn on a special chest harness that gives them "hands-free" access to the compass at all times. Following a compass heading eliminates the need to use GPS from minute to minute to verify their course. This is important because the GPS requires precious battery power, and batteries expire easily in the cold. The team will also use natural indicators, such as wind and sun to help them navigate. On a sunny day the sun is a very reliable indicator of direction.

We're happy to answer these types of questions, so keep them coming! Check back again later for another update from the team!

First white-out

The team experienced white-out conditions today and uphill travel that left everyone quite knackered. They made 19.2 kilometers. Their current position is S80.56.673, W81.10.615.

White-out conditions can be mentally exhausting, and particularly draining on the eyes and muscles used for balance. It's difficult on the eyes because there is nothing to look at, absolutely everything is white. The eyes are continually scanning for something to focus on, and there is nothing. It's hard on the balance muscles because they are constantly being used to prevent spills and wipe-outs along terrain that is basically invisible. Sometimes you don't know if you are going up or down, leaning to one side or standing upright, skiing over a bump or stepping into a hole. It's as if you are inside a pail of white paint, and at the end of the day you are ready for bed!

A little more information about their daily schedule:

The team arises at 7 AM and it takes them three hours to melt snow, cook breakfast, eat, pack up, break camp and be on their way. After 20 minutes of skiing they pause to de-layer. They ski for 1.5 hours then have a short break, then ski another 1.5 hours before a longer break. They repeat their skiing routine in the afternoon and stop skiing at 7 PM. They set up camp, melt snow for water, cook and relax and then hit the sack. That's a long day!

Check out Bryony's audio update and check back in tomorrow from another update from the team.

Dark clouds on horizon

The team reports a good day today, with sun and calm winds. The terrain is rolling and as you'll hear Dennis report it reminds him of back home in the UK. The team skied 19 kilometers today ending at S 80.46.355, W 81.10.837. On the horizon are some stormy-looking clouds and they have secured camp in the event that they get some foul weather.

We got a few questions from readers in the past days...

How will they get their resupplies?
Their resupplies are pre-positioned at precise coordinates so that they are ready for the team when they arrive. Each resupply is approximately 15 days apart (providing normal travel conditions).

What is the terrain like?
Right now, as the ascend from the coast they are passing mountains as you see in the photos. These are rock mountains comprised mostly of Cambrian limestone. As the ascend they will see only occasional mountain peaks popping up through the snow. These tips of the mountains are called "nunataks". Once on the polar plateau they will be looking only at snow, as far as the eye can see.

Make sure to listen to the audio report from Dennis and check back in tomorrow for another update from the team.

Tired but happy

The team reports a very satisfying day today, covering 18.6 kilometers in 8.5 hours, often uphill. They are all doing well and getting into the routine of life on the ice. Bob, in his audio update, reminds us all that they are travelling on the greatest ice sheet left on Earth. A very cool place to be indeed! Their location tonight is       S 80.36.252, W 81.07.871.

Back at PolarExplorers headquarters near Chicago, USA, we toasted Bryony, Dennis, Bob, Ronny, Oscar and Lisa at our "South Pole Soiree". This was a get together of adventurers and arm chair adventurers to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the South Pole's discovery. We spent a lot of time talking about Amundsen's and Scott's historic expeditions. Even though much has changed in terms of outdoor gear and equipment (lighter tents, softer harnesses, more efficient stoves, etc.), the teams on the ice today experience the same conditions and terrain as the early explorers. The tug of a sled, the crunch of the snow underfoot, and the endless white - these are the same daily companions that the early explorers encountered. The biggest difference between then and now is that teams today are able to communicate with the outside world (happily for us home-bound friends and family!)

Break time! Can you tell which way the wind is blowing?

If you guessed "from behind" you are right! You can always tell which way the wind is blowing in polar pictures because people always place their back to the wind. You will notice, in the coming weeks, that the team is often photographed in a line, even when stopped for a break. This is simply because it's uncomfortable to face into the wind (and the wind is almost ALWAYS blowing), and therefore they generally won't congregate in a circle or facing each other.

Bob gives us a great audio snapshot of the day so make sure to listen to it below. And visit us again tomorrow for another update from the team!

It's getting colder...

Though the temperature today was far from brutal (-15C) it was colder than the last few days, and with the 15 knot wind that was their constant companion it is beginning to seem a little more like Antarctica and less like springtime in Aspen. The morning was overcast but the sun made an appearance in the afternoon. 
Despite uneven ground and their first encounter with sastrugi (wind patterns in the snow) they increased their daily distance to 18 kilometers. The have been in the good company of some majestic mountains and tonight they are resting in what they describe as "the most beautiful campsite".

Soon they will leave all these landmarks behind as they ascend to the polar plateau. The team is in good spirits and everyone is happy to be making progress. The team's location tonight is S 80.26.515, W 81.02.052.



The team en route with the Independence Range in the background

Cyndi Douglass has asked a question about the team's daily routine. Every expedition has it's own routine, but it usually takes a couple hours to melt snow for water, eat breakfast and break camp in the morning, and the same in the evening to establish camp, make water and eat dinner. During the day the team will stop every 1-2 hours for a quick break during which they snack on high calorie foods and drink water from a thermos or insulated water bottle. We know that today they skied 8 hours, so they likely took 3-4 breaks during the day. We will pass this question along to the team and hope to have their specific answer for Friday's blog. Great question Cyndi!

We have relayed several messages to the team and they are delighted to have people following their progress. Make sure to listen to Ronny's audio update and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Amazingly sunny, and warm!

Another beautifully sunny day today, with virtually no wind and warm temperatures. This is not the type of weather the team was expecting in Antarctica, but you will hear no complaints from them! They are basking in the warmth and trying not to get too used to it.

The sun in Antarctica can be extremely bright, especially when combined with all the reflection off the snow. This makes it imperative that each person protects his or her eyes all the time. Mild cases of snow blindness can occur within minutes of going without eye protection. The most common source of eye protection are goggles, but on warm days like today some team members might be wearing sun glasses with covered sides.

The team made just over 15 kilometers today, stopping a little early to take care of some blisters. They are camped at S 80.17.020, W 80.53.202. Everyone is thinking of family and friends back home and they are happy to be sharing the adventure with loved ones. Remember that short messages can be forwarded to the team by emailing Annie at annie@polarexplorers.com

What a good looking group of explorers!

Make sure to listen to Bryony's audio report and check back in tomorrow for another update from the team!

Leaving Hercules Inlet behind

It's hard to imagine that the team could have yet another day of superb weather, but this is the case! With blue skies and virtually no wind they enjoyed "beautiful scenery" all day. Looking across the snow and ice the team can see the Patriot Hills in the distance. Behind them lies Hercules Inlet, which they rose above and  eventually lost sight of during the day. Their day started with a steep climb followed by a stretch of flat and very smooth ice, ending with a gentle incline. They made good progress today putting 16.5 kilometers behind them. Yesterday their total distance was 12.1 kilometers. Their current location is S 80.08.69, W 80.47.76

The sun is making life very enjoyable with warm tents that soak up the solar radiation like greenhouses. They are all eating dinner together in one tent, and it sounds as though everyone is having a very good time. Lots of laughter in the background when they phone in, and even a little Bob Marley. The only complaint so far comes from Dennis who is missing his Beer Nuts.

The temperature was a balmy -10 C today. Lisa was wearing only one base layer under her wind jacket, but as soon as the team stops for a break everyone throws on their warm parkas.

Make sure to listen to the wonderful update from Dennis and check back again soon for another report from the ice!



The team leaving Union Glacier for Hercules Inlet



First full day of skiing

The team had their first full day of skiing today with much of it uphill, and portions of it through crevasse areas. The crevasses were small and Oskar was out front probing the route to ensure a safe crossing. The weather continues to hold, with blue sky and beautiful scenery. They got their first taste of the winds that are legendary, but nothing that was problematic. After so much anticipation it feels good making progress towards their ultimate goal.

Susan from Ohio asks if they will have full 24 hour sunlight the entire trip. Good question Susan, the answer is yes. Not only is the sun above the horizon, it is actually quite high, making it very bright indeed. Some people wonder if it is hard to get to sleep with 24 hour sun, but after a hard day of pulling sleds, and staying warm most people have no problem falling fast asleep.

The sun becomes a great friend on this type of expedition. In addition to keeping you warm, it also is the most reliable navigational tool (no batteries required!). We'll comment more about using the sun for navigation later... we're just delighted that the team is having so much sun!

Below are a couple of pictures from their flight to Antarctica and getting organized in Union Glacier. Check back again tomorrow for another update, and don't forget to listen to Bob's audio update from the team.

Ronny, Bob and Dennis en route to Union Glacier

Getting sorted at Union Glacier. This beautiful weather persists through today!

South, to the Pole

The team has officially started their expedition! After an earlier than planned flight from Union Glacier to Hercules Inlet they were able to make 13 kilometers today. This was done in 6 hours of travel. Their sleds are at their heaviest, and they have periods of steep incline so it's no doubt that they will be working hard as they get used to their routines. It was another blue sky day, with calm wind and pleasant temperatures. The snow was hard packed making for good travel conditions. They estimate that they climbed approximately 150 meters. Their current location is S 80.01.5 and W 79.42.56

We want to wish a very Happy Birthday to Oskar who is happy to be celebrating his 30th birthday with the team in such a beautiful location. Dennis provided a little whiskey which made the occasion all the more fun.

We have received some photos from the team of their last couple of days and we will post them today and tomorrow. Don't forget to listen to Ronny's audio update and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team.

The team after landing at Union Glacier

On their Shakedown training

Shakedown ski & good weather

Today the team went for a "shakedown ski" by breaking camp, traveling a distance from Union Glacier, setting up camp, cooking, breaking camp again, and skiing back. The goal was to test their systems and gear in an area that gets more wind than Union Glacier, and it sounds like they got what they were looking for.

Besides the wind, which was a bonus for them, the weather continues to be beautiful with temperatures around -15C. Some of the team were overheating while pulling their sleds, and others were in their baselayers. Everyone is very excited to get dropped off at Hercules Inlet, which they hope to do tomorrow evening.

We wish the team a very Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful that they are in Antarctica and only a short flight away from their starting point!

Make sure to listen to Bryony's update below and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!