The team took a half day today in order to minimize the initial "trail shock" on their bodies. Not only are they pulling heavy sleds in -30 degree Fahrenheit temperatures, but they are also acclimatizing to the approximately 9,300 ft. elevation of the polar plateau.
With that in mind, they team skied for about four and a half hours, covering six nautical miles during that time. Their current position is S 89*05', W 087*22'. The team takes breaks after covering about two nautical miles. The breaks give skiers an opportunity to take a short breather, adjust their clothing layers and eat. The team doesn't take an extended break to cook a midday meal. They just munch ready-to-eat, bite-sized food like Snicker bars, trail mix, dried fruit and nuts throughout the day.
Today the wind was blowing at about 10 knots, and the skies were overcast. When overcast, it's not uncommon for the sky and snow to turn just about the exact same shade of gray. This effect not only hides the horizon and shadows, but can also rob skiers of their equilibrium, making it quite easy to fall over on perfectly flat ground! It's good for a few laughs, but can make covering distance in the polar wilderness all that much more difficult. Despite all that, the team put in a good day, and everyone is looking forward to fueling up on oatmeal tomorrow morning before putting in a full day.
With that in mind, they team skied for about four and a half hours, covering six nautical miles during that time. Their current position is S 89*05', W 087*22'. The team takes breaks after covering about two nautical miles. The breaks give skiers an opportunity to take a short breather, adjust their clothing layers and eat. The team doesn't take an extended break to cook a midday meal. They just munch ready-to-eat, bite-sized food like Snicker bars, trail mix, dried fruit and nuts throughout the day.
Today the wind was blowing at about 10 knots, and the skies were overcast. When overcast, it's not uncommon for the sky and snow to turn just about the exact same shade of gray. This effect not only hides the horizon and shadows, but can also rob skiers of their equilibrium, making it quite easy to fall over on perfectly flat ground! It's good for a few laughs, but can make covering distance in the polar wilderness all that much more difficult. Despite all that, the team put in a good day, and everyone is looking forward to fueling up on oatmeal tomorrow morning before putting in a full day.
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