Yes, it was a hard day with low visibility (again), colder temperatures and some wind, but how cool is this amazing sun halo? There aren't too many places that get sun halos as frequently and as beautifully as Antarctica, and seeing one in person, on the polar plateau, en route to the South Pole is triple cool!
Last night the temperature dropped 10 degrees giving them a frigid temperature today of -18°F. That's cold enough to feel it! Luckily the wind shifted to the north which means that it was at their backs which was nice. Visibility was never great. Sometimes it went from bad to worse, then better. Other times bands of wind blew at 8 knots which picked up the snow off the ground and blew it around until there was zero visibility. But everyone did a good job and they made 9 nautical miles, which is great. They are into a routine and getting stronger, and at the same time their sleds are getting a little lighter. I say only a "little lighter", because while they are eating up their food and using up fuel they have to pack out their poops in plastic bags. This is a biosecurity measure that is taken to reduce their impact. It's not so bad once it becomes habit, but it does mean that the sleds don't get quite as light as they do on other expeditions. It's a small price to pay for being in such an amazing place.
They set up camp and got the wonderful present of a sun halo to top off their day.
Check back again tomorrow for another update from the polar plateau!
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