If I were to pick one thing that was most worrisome to me about our journey (besides the first week) it would be the first four or five days on the plateau. My nervousness proved correct and the few days after Christmas were arduous back-breaking work. Every step was an effort.

While we were aiming for the pole, there was just too much time and distance between us and it. Therefore, we set a more attainable goal of 89=B0. Tired, sore and unacclimatized, it felt like a million miles away.

Remember those 1,584,000 steps. We have now completed 90% of them. I can't even begin to describe how good that feels.

Dongsheng says, 'I feel like we're still climbing.' As a side note, I have been telling Dongsheng that although the terrain levels out we will ski uphill all the way to the pole.

Bill says, 'it's almost as good as what I think 90=B0 (the pole) will feel like.'

Of course, our journey is not over yet. If there is one thing that Antarctica has taught us it's that things can change very quickly. The wind, snow, our own physical energy... We are celebrating this small victory quietly for now. Tomorrow, we still have to get up and ski.

There are more steps that need to be taken.

Image: Eric peering through the 'jungle' - our drying socks, gloves, boot liners, etc.

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

For more information, please visit www.ericlarsenexplore.com

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

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