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!