Great ice, great day.

All three teams reported great conditions and weather today, with temperatures around -25 C and a light wind. The ice offered a welcome change for the dogsledders who have been struggling through lots of open water and rubble. After a little research about birds near the North Pole we've determined that the Last Degree Ski Team most likely saw a Ross's Gull, named after the polar explorer James Clarke Ross who discovered the magnetic North Pole in 1831.

The Last Degree Ski Team reported in from N 89.45.742, E 178.36.678. They had a great day skiing 8 miles in approximately hours of travel. Everyone is doing well and having a good time. They are happy to have a supply of Portuguese sardines, compliments of Angelo. Tonight they are enjoying the "finest cut of the tuna". They saw a lot of east-west leads between 1-2 feet wide which are easy to ski over. They also crossed a 1/2 mile stretch of much younger ice, but most of the day was on big pans. They are drifting slowly to the N/ NE. When we spoke they had three flags flying off their kite and Guy and Carl were just making their way over to Angelo and Keith's tent for some after dinner hot drinks and conversation. They sent in a few photos from their day:

Helping one another over a pressure ridge

Angelo with camp in background

The Chinese Ski Team reported in from N 89.51.52, E 179.41. Rick called the day "one of the best days ever" with calm, sunny conditions and 90% travel across big pans of ice. Everyone enjoyed the day and are now enjoying a social hour (or two...) in the tents.

This is what a big pan of ice looks like. Easy skiing and fast travel.

 

Typical break. Everyone sits on his/her sled with their back to the wind.
Time to eat and drink! Photo from Mr. Li

The Last Degree Dogsled Team finally broke away from all the water and found big pans of ice to travel on. This increased their speed significantly and allowed them to make nearly 14 nautical miles. They are now at N 89.33.8, E 176. Unfortunately Sara Schroeder who has spent the last several days fighting a nasty illness left the team with Mike (her father) to recuperate. The pack ice is a miserable place to be sick and we hope she recovers quickly. The good news is that on the way back to the Borneo Basecamp they were able to land at the North Pole and spend some time at 90 degree North. Back at tonight's camp the team is feeling very positive about the change in ice conditions. The mileage they pulled off today was critical to put them in a position to reach the Pole. Spirits are high and they feel rejuvenated and ready for the next challenge.

On big pans of ice the dogs can run without interruption and travel is much more efficient.