The Last Degree Ski Team called in by accident, apparently pocket dialing my number (not easy to do on a sat phone). For approximately 45 seconds I listened to what was clearly a great party with a lot of laughing and shouting and even Queen playing in the background. The team has two reasons to celebrate. Not only did they reach the North Pole (!!!)but it also happens to be Usukhbayar's birthday! Happy Birthday Usukhbayar! Finally someone noticed I was on the line and after a good laugh they said they were all well and very happy to be at the North Pole after a six mile ski today.
The Chinese Ski Team also reached the North Pole after traveling approximately three hours. They are very excited to be at 90 degrees and the festivities were in full swing. They spent a while taking pictures then making toasts with PolarExplorer's official cocktail of the North Pole the "Aurora Borealis" (vodka, champagne and snow from precisely 90 degrees North all stirred together). Now they are in tents continuing the celebration. Everyone is happy, healthy and very proud of their accomplishment.
The Last Degree Dogsled Team reported in from N 89.52.6. They were ready to travel a little further but they ran into an east-west lead that they could not find a way around. They expect it to freeze overnight making it possible to reach the pan on the other side. As far as they could see to the north the ice looked good. The team did a great job today logging 9 miles despite several leads. Dever skied most of the day in training for a half Iron Man that she plans to do upon her return. Cheryl and John also put in long hours on the skis. Everyone is doing well and enjoying the Caramella Koala's that Cheryl brought from Australia. They will use all those calories up tomorrow on their final push to the Pole!
