Thee clouds, calm and almost humid warmth gave way into a clear and cold morning. 20 minutes into the day, my hands felt like icey blocks. I tried the usual tricks: lowering my hands below my waist, pulling my fingers into the palm of my gloves, making a fist 50 or 60 times. Nothing worked.

There are basically three ways to get warm here: eat, move or put on more clothes.

Eventually, I would add another layer of Terramar tx2, switch gloves and pick up my pace, but for over an hour I was down right cold. I had to laugh because I knew at some point (later in the day) I would be hot, skiing with my gloves off and jacket open.

Dong and Bill continue to be excellent teammates. With the entire crew navigating now, I feel less and less like a guide and more like a team member.

While cold, conditions are perfect. We experienced some minor sastrugi at the base of a moderate climb, then mostly flat snow. The flattest I've seen in Antarctica. We are excited about making '81' as well.

Dong's optiimism and positive attitude continue to make Bill and I smile. He is becoming the philosoper and poet of the trip. 'this view... Priceless,' Dong commented at one break. Then falling into simile, 'I feel like a boxer.' Noting how are our big Sierra Designs down jackets resemble a boxer's robe.

Image: Eric keeping the frost at bay.

Remember, it's cool to be cold. Save the Poles. Save the planet.

For more information, please visit www.savethepoles.com

For information about guided Antarctic expeditions, please visit http://www.antarctic-logistics.com/

For information about Bill Hanlon's foundation, please visit www.basichealthinternational.org

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