For a while today it seemed like we just couldn't catch a break. We just finished sewing a big gash in Ryan's sled cover then his harness broke. Worse, the route I had scouted through this massive area of huge jumbled blocks of ice and drifts the night before was completely obliterated and drifted over.

Double worse, the light turned flat and I couldn't even see the big ice chunk I was aiming toward anymore. It was a low moment to say the least.

But as is starting to be the dynamic out here one of us starts feeling discouraged and the other person keeps it positive. It seems like such a small thing, but it provides just enough boost to get us through.

'Let's just start moving toward that close chunk of ice and we'll figure the next steps as we go,' Ryan suggested

The deep snow, razor edge drifts (4-5') that we are trying to cross, the millions of slips, falls, they are difficult to deal with - especially since just standing is like fighting for your basic survival.

We didn't get eaten by a polar bear either... Which is nice.

We received a message through our DeLorme inReach giving us the news that the Norwegian and Irish teams have both been picked up. The Norwegians frost bit all their toes on the first day. The Irish were injured when a sled slammed into them. We applaud their effort nonetheless - just getting to the starting line is a huge feat.

Our Nemo Equipment sleeping systems have proven to offer us the only real respite from the elements. At night, we are extremely warm and comfortable inside.

Next to sleeping the other warmest part of our bodies has to be our feet. Thank you Wigwam!

Image: Ryan on his way back to H.M.S. Merritt (sled #2).