Off to a great start...

The team called in today to say that they made 10 nautical miles North. They traveled over varied terrain, with half of it being on big pans of ice and half of it being across areas of rubble. Big pans of ice are ideal for skiing because they are generally flat and you can head due North. Areas of rubble usually require a good amount of zig-zagging and sometimes the team will have to stop, take their skis off, and scramble over the largest pressure ridges.

The weather today was warm (for the North Pole!) with a temperature of around -18 C and a very slight wind from the SE. The sun was shining all day. Of course the sun circles overhead 24 hours a day at this time of year. At one point the team skied past a huge block of ice that had been driven out of the water by sheer pressure. It had beautiful formations on it, similar to stalagmites in a cave, and the team stopped to take pictures.

Flat pans of ice were separated by areas of rubble.

When the team phoned in they were comfortable in their tents after having soup, chicken quesadillas, and a delicious dessert from Niall's wife Sarah ( a big hit Sarah, thanks!) Ryan sends a special Happy Birthday wish to his father Dean. Happy Birthday Dean!

Make sure to listen to the audio report below and check back tomorrow for another update from the ice!