Position: Lat: 80.50 South Long: 81:31 West

Miles covered: 9

Total miles covered: 39

Air temperature: - 17 C

Conditions: Very good, visibility perfect, minimal wind

Monday was a great day for the team who are extremely happy to be on their way once and for all. Unsurprisingly spirits are very high, bolstered no doubt by good health and good conditions for travelling.

During the 9 miles they travelled the team encountered some large sastrugi and steep hills ("mountains", according to Zoe). They also saw some more blue ice, with a courgette frozen inside in one spot - a permanent memorial to a previous expedition!

Skiing conditions were generally good although some very sharp inclines made the going tough. The snow had an 'eggbox' texture in places and the team have found that in areas where the snow is soft and wet it is especially difficult to pull the pulks (sledges) which each weigh up to twice the womens' bodyweights. However, they say that they are learning to deal with the everyday hazards of life out there and they are now getting used to the constant headwinds. One major lesson they have already learned is that everything has to be attached to them to stop anything blowing away. To this end, apparently, Pom is permanently tied to the tent!

Ann has promised us a report on 'a day in the life of 5 girls walking on the ice' to accompany the next progress update.

Main page