Blog update from the Polar Explorers Website.

Monday 5th December 2011.

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 keep an eye out for more updates from the rest of the team.

Thursday 1st December 2011.

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.

Click here to listen to the audio report from Dennis and keep an eye out for another update from the team.

Sunday 4th December 2011.

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 keep an eye out for more updates from the team.

Sunday 4th December 2011.

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.

Click here to listen to the latest audio blog from the team.

Friday 2nd December 2011.

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 keep an eye out for more updates from the team.