Six in the morning seems to be coming earlier and earlier for some reason. However, I am surprised to find myself awake before the alarm goes off. For anyone that knows me (especially Bill and Dongsheng my two South Pole clients/team members), I am many things but a morning person is not one of them. While we are a bit more tired these days, getting up is easier as there is less frost in the tent due to 24 hours of sunlight.

First shift skiing was good - no real problems - lots of winding through drifts. During second shift Darcy got into some bigger pans and it felt like we were making miles. Third shift seemed to be a mix of thin ice leads, cracks and drifts. Fourth shift - overall pretty good. Fouth, a cold start after soup break, AJ had a few difficult spots but overall a steady plod. Fifth, more winding back and forth through drifts and pressure. Sixth, and last shift of the day, winds die and temperature drops. We count the minutes down to tent time.

Of course, there was much more that happened than just that and more than enough slips, falls and other struggles. Now more than ever we are simply enduring. Each shift is work. But somehow, it's also not that bad. There is lots to look at, plenty of quiet time and as much ice and snow as we could ever want. Today, I found myself taking pictures of snow drifts and ice blocks. None of the images will do the real thing justice unfortunately - yet I keep trying. I want desperately to share this place with you.

Taking off my Sierra Designs parka then an extra Terramar base layer, I had to laugh. How many times have I done that exact same action with exactly the same movements? Every day for 48 days.

Remember, Bing is helping students become aware of their environment through an Earth Day Photo Contest. If you know of teachers and students that are interested in photography and want to take part in a great cause, have them enter at www.earthdayphotocontest.com.

Also check ouy the www.350.org Petition: People's Petition to Cap Carbon Dioxide Pollution at 350 Parts Per Million

Image: Using the Madshus to give my sled the big heave-ho over some slabbed pressure ice..

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/

For media inquiries, please contact lora@screamagency.com

For technical inquires, please contact webexpeditions.net