Land Ho!

Descending to the east coast in 2024.

The Ruff Riders are in high spirits today. They managed to ski another 23 miles in favorable conditions, and got their first glimpse of anything but snow and ice since leaving DYE 2. The mountains of the east coast are in plain sight now, and signify their final descent down to the sea. I have a distinct memory of seeing the mountains of the east coast for the first time on a crossing last year, and it was nothing short of an emotional experience. I can only imagine how they must be feeling now, camped amongst the east coast giants.

Keith noted that snow conditions today were "fast", though the weather was very warm and again they were skiing in nothing but their base layers. If all goes to plan, the Ruff Riders intend on getting down to the coast tomorrow, Saturday the 31st. The terrain that lies between them and the coast is unpredictable, crevassed, and while they will be losing thousands of feet of elevation, it is far from the easiest day of the trip. It is however extremely beautiful and the culmination of all of their hard work heretofore. We all have no doubt they will tackle this final challenge with style. Big kudos to the team, we'll be standing by eagerly tomorrow!