Hitting Their Stride

PolarExplorers Annie Aggens stands in deep, sticky snow during a 2024 Greenland Crossing

The team is starting to hit a rhythm. Over the past few days they've established a pattern of skiing 6 marches over the course of 9 hours on trail. They take a break to eat, drink, adjust layers, and use the bathroom (figuratively, of course!) in between each march.

The snow and weather conditions have been challenging over that time frame. For the last two days they've had to contend with sticky, deep snow in the morning, and surprising warm temperatures in the afternoon.

This morning the snow was so sticky they took a break to apply some wax to their ski skins in an attempt to reduce the friction caused by clumping snow. Wet, deep snow like this can make breaking trail especially taxing. In order to share the load, the team has been trading off the lead position after each march. This way they can share the burden and maintain a steady pace over the course of the day.

A steady 8-10 mph wind had been blowing since yesterday evening. But by the afternoon, that wind died entirely, making for some sweaty work over the last couple marches. When your sleds are heavy and the snow is deep, it can be a challenge to keep from sweating despite the below freeing temperatures.

Despite the less than ideal snow and temperature conditions today, the team managed another very commendable 11.3 miles of easterly progress today. They've fully emerged from the labyrinthine icefall, and are now ascending rolling hills of ice as they slowly progress toward the summit of the icecap.

The next major milestones for the team are reaching 100 kilometers in total distance, and, after that, reaching the abandoned Dye 2 radar station. More on that later!

Thanks again for following, and check back tomorrow for another daily dispatch.