The wind cut knife-like through our anoraks as we started out the day, for the first time since day two, on skis. An apparently openish piece of multi year ice instigated the discussion.

'We may not be faster on Madshus skis than our Atlas snowshoes, but we'll definitely save energy,' suggested Darcy. It was an easy decision. Every day is about saving as much energy as we possibly can in hopes that we'll have enough to eventually make it to the pole.

We were able to make decent steady progresss for over three hours - hard work to be sure, but the ice had opened up just enough to at least minimize the stress of navigating. Then, only 15 minutes into my turn in front, we stepped gingerly on to the very flat ice of a newly frozen lead (a lead is a crack in the ice - usually open water). We could tell by the size of the ice crystals (1-2")on top that it was safe enough for travel. A quick sighting from my Suunto compass revealed a straight shot to far corner. Beyond that, more flat ice seemed to unfold. Polar pay dirt.

It's hard to describe the emotion that you get after catching such a lucky break after 12 very hard days. It was the biggest lead I have ever seen and we skied effortlessly for nearly an hour and a half - all the while marveling at small cracks, seams, folds and places where one sheet of ice buckled against another.

At one distinct line, we saw where the ice took on a darker hue and the crystals on the surface of the ice were less than an inch. Borderline. We gave the ice four good pokes with a ski pole and it held fast. Still, our first steps sent ripples across the ice. Amend previous statement: very borderline. In the end, we skied hurriedly across the 50 meter span feet wide, harnesses unbuckled and thinking about helium balloons. Near the opposite side a small section of open water made for a bit more sketchiness but we all crrossed safely.

We stopped for a while to collect another algae sample and hearing the sound of the ice moving. 'It sounded like a train being shunted,' AJ suggested. Darcy observed, 'its like a pulse... Of the ocean.' Then added, 'or the scary part of a horror film.'

I have a saying that keeps me honest and humble here, 'wherever there's good ice, bad ice follows.

We soon switched back to snowshoes, floundering for a bit through more pressure then slowly finding a rhythm.

Image: Mountain House freeze dried dinner, butter and cheese awaiting the final ingredient - water.

The Save the Poles expedition is sponsored by Bing with major support from the University of Plymouth, Terramar, Seventh Generation, Goal0, Atlas, Sierra Designs and Optic Nerve.

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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