OK, so maybe the headline is a little dramatic, seeing as the wind speed hovered between 10-13 mph. But that's still a strong enough wind to make a big impact when it's -15 degrees out. Claus reports that at times everyone in the group was dealing with cold hands and feet as they skied 8.5 nautical miles south. And Taylor agrees that it was certainly their toughest day on trail so far.
Even with the chilly winds blowing, the team still plans to sleep in separate shelters as a countermeasure to the overnight heat wave in the tent. Claus went so far as to describe the tent as his and Arne's sauna!
When Taylor transmitted his trail report for the day all three members had just enjoyed one of Taylor's famous Polar quesadillas and a cup of hot chocolate. We understand that there may have also been a nip of whiskey as an appetizer to their dinner of spaghetti Bolognese!
If it's a clear day tomorrow, there's an outside chance that the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station will come into view for Taylor and Claus. They still have a ways to go, but, with 19 miles to go, they're still on track to make the Pole Saturday evening.