Pickup position:

69° 33' 24 S

93° 36' 20 E

"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Dixie and Sam continue to wait for their pickup from the ice.

Our logistics partner, TAC/ALCI, is working tirelessly to get an airplane out to Dixie & Sam's final campsite.  But as of yet, no operations have been set in motion.

It has been a very long day for our entire team, and the waiting will continue for the next hours as the "morning" light in their area of East Antarctica begins to slowly dawn.

Still, just as we were beginning to allow ourselves to grow weary, our Antarctic ICE Expedtion Team received a congratulatory phone call from the director of UNICEF Belgium, Yves Willemot.  It was the perfect reality check for our current situation.

Dixie is one of Belgium's UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors.  It is a question of engagement that he takes very seriously.  Through our travels for UNICEF, we have been in places where children are waiting much longer than Dixie and Sam for basic human needs to filled:  food, safety, shelter, education.

Inspired by our friends at UNICEF, we resume our wait and focus on what is truly important.  We will update you as soon as we hear of a pickup, but until then, if you feel the urge to engage in something bigger than all of us, have a look at www.unicef.be and see what they are actively doing day after day after day - instead of sitting around and waiting.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Final position:

69° 33' 24 S

93° 36' 20 E

Total Distance: 5013 km

Daily Average:  68 km per day

After an epic journey of more than 5013 kilometers, 74 days on the ice, and with a world record distance to their name, Dixie Dansercoer and Sam Deltour are bringing their Antarctic ICE Expedition to a close.

Dixie announced, following careful consideration, that he and Sam have closed the Antarctic ICE expedition and would slowly begin their departure from Antarctica.  All of the signs point to this lucid decision:  their current "excellent" landing spot for an airplane and the pending end of the Antarctic season.  There were many more components to this decision, but all of them led to the same conclusion: the time has come to end the expedition in safety, in harmony, and with total satisfaction.

In Antarctica, the approaching winter weather brings increasingly unstable conditions.  At this moment their current location still guarantees a safe pickup.

The Antarctic ICE Expedition Team is now busy coordinting the logistics necessary to arrange their safe return from the ice with TAC/ALCI. We must first initiate their transport to Progress Station.  This initial flight operation could take place as early as Sunday, February 5th.  However nothing is certain because the weather in Dixie & Sam's area has high winds and low visibility due to blowing snow.

More news to come, as we are admittedly digesting this announcement ourselves.  We are filled with so much pride for what Dixie and Sam have achieved, but we'll save the celebratory moments for later. One thing is certain:  until we have them safely off of the ice, we still have a job to do.  There is still an amazing story to tell.  One day at a time, we will bring them home.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current position:

69° 33' 24 S

93° 36' 20 E

Daily Progress: 7 km

Total Distance: 5013 km

"A victory of human mind and human strength over the dominion and powers of Nature; a deed that lifts us above the grey monotony of daily life"    Roald Amundsen

Storm coming up

"It might get a little bumpy and it's not for sissies, but excitement is guaranteed",  Julie wrote yesterday in this blog.  And the ride promises to be quite bumpy for Dixie & Sam… the weather forecast predicts strong winds for tonight, gusts up to more than 80 km/h, heavy snow fall and almost no visibility.  The only thing Sam & Dixie can do for the next hours is waiting out the storm in their tent. Dixie also built a protective snow/ice wall around the tent today. He and Sam confirmed  they are now safe in the tent.

It was a wise choice to stop progressing and put up the tent when the wind had reached a speed of 50 km/hr. When the anemometer shows 75 km/hr, you will be likely to spend 5 times the time needed to put up a tent in normal conditions and when all hell breaks loose with 100 km/hr wind speeds, you are playing the lottery with good chances that either you cannot put up the tent or that something will break in the process.

What kind of activities keep them busy in the tent? We haven't mentioned this before, but Dixie decided to take a Chine language course along to Antarctica. We asked Sam if Dixie already speaks Chinese fluently. His reply: "Sometimes Dixie speaks in a strange way, but I doubt whether this is correct Chinese!" This caused some heavy laughter in the back of the tent…

We keep you posted!

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

69° 34' 32 S

93° 45' 54 E

Daily Progress: 63 km

Distance Total: 5006 km

(we're dropping the ".4" - seems a bit silly at this stage)

"A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers." - Plato

Dixie and Sam called tonight from the deepest confines of their sleeping bags.  The cold is taking its toll and they are conserving every bit of energy by huddling in the pseudo-warmth of their tent whenever possible.

- 42° C.  Wind speed at 30 km/hour.

Earlier today, they emerged from their cocoon and progressed another 63 kilometers.  Without fanfare they passed the 5000 kilometer mark.  And then they quietly put away their kites and crawled back into their tent.

Dixie admitted that they had a very stressful workday simply because it took constant concentration to meander through the sastrugi.  Yet, he happily announced that they made their way through some very unfriendly terrain and came out on the other side.  Their current campsite is in an excellent spot with smooth conditions all around them.

What we must however admit, and what Sam & Dixie already know, is that a storm is looming.  By Friday, we anticipate rather harsh meteo conditions, with heavy winds and heavy snowfall predicted. Combined with the current temperatures, this means that Dixie and Sam will wait out the blizzard from the safe confines of their tent.  Dixie is experienced in such harsh weather conditions, and is already prepared to build a snow/ice wall around the tent.  They have been pushing so hard as of late that they will use the storm as a forced rest day.

For the rest, both expeditioners sound good.  They are tired and they are cold but they are good.  They are shocked by the outside attention of the last days, and it pleases them to know that they are not alone.

And so now we progress with them into the complete unknown.

The numbers are unknown - we have never guided an expedition past the 5000 kilometer mark.  It's like driving a car beyond its warranty - we hope that the motor holds out until we reach our destination.

The environment remains a mystery - Dixie and Sam continue to journey through largely unexplored terrain - a bit of a "Twilight Zone" if you will.

We have no idea when they will stop - although it must be before the end of February when our logistics team closes shop for the Antarctic winter.

But we do know this - Dixie and Sam invite us to stick with them and they genuinely hope that we will enjoy the ride.  It might get a little bumpy and it's not for sissies, but excitement is guaranteed.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current position:

69° 46' 44 S

95° 16' 59 E

Daily Progress: 114 km

Distance Total: 4943,4 km

"Desire is creation, is the magical element in that process. If there were an instrument by which to measure desire, one could foretell achievement." - Willa Cather


The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind of activity for the Antarctic ICE Team.  We are accommodating a global array of interviews for Dixie and Sam, as well as processing hundreds of messages of congratulations and continued support.  The world-wide outreach is mind-boggling for Dixie and Sam. This is heady stuff for a duo who are currently huddled in a crispy - 44°C tent with no one around for many, many miles.  The concept of outside attention is simply too far away for them to grasp.

Dixie's first words during his call today: "These are magical moments."  A change of season is in the air and a distinct difference between night and day is now established.  The light quality as the sun plays on the horizon make for stunning visual spectacles.  Dixie is soaking it up with total pleasure, and he admits a bit of pride to be able to share it with Sam for the first time.  There are nuances to seeing the beauty of a place like Antarctica, especially when one must ignore the discomforts associated with being there.  Eyes wide open and all senses on high alert, Dixie and Sam continue their journey.

The plan for the coming days includes continued progress and safe travel.  We are keeping an eye on a potential storm which is predicted to be in their vicinity on Friday of this week.  With that in mind, Dixie and Sam are searching for a solid campsite where they can "hunker down" and ride out the storm from inside their tent.

Weather will be the number one factor for all decisions to follow in the days & weeks to come for this expedition.  Patience and smart decisions will be the goal of everyone involved.  Just like a mountain climber who has reached the summit, we are also now in the descending days of this adventure.  Until Dixie and Sam are safely back in a base camp, we must stay very alert, very focused.

But we promise to keep our eyes open and enjoy the view through the privileged vision of Dixie & Sam - eyes full of desire, hearts brimming with achievement.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current position:

70° 14' 10 S

97° 58' 27 E

Daily Progress: 104 km

Distance Total: 4829,4 km   -  A new world record!

"Sat down on a rock.  Rolled up a cigarette.  Lit it up and sat overlooking the bay and the Campbell Glacier.  I quietly sat there, enjoying the sight of life on the beach, the sea, the sound of the waves and mighty nature.

'I'm there!' I said loudly.  And again: 'You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?'

Felt proud as I could answer the question:  'Yes, I can! '

-  Rune Gjeldnes, 03 February 2006, upon his record-breaking completion of 4804 kilometers in 90 days across Antarctica

What does one say?  What does one do after setting a world record, especially when no one is around to witness it?

Dixie Dansercoer and Sam Deltour have re-written a piece of Antarctic history.

As of today, Day 70 of the Antarctic ICE Expedition, Dixie & Sam have broken the previous world record for unsupported and non-motorized distance travelled in Antarctica.  The previous record was held by Norwegian polar explorer Rune Gjeldnes, who in February 2006 completed 4804 km in 90 days.

Dixie and Sam have achieved 4829,4 km in 70 days … and they are still going strong!

Today is a day to celebrate a new world record … and that is exactly what Dixie and Sam are doing.  How did they celebrate?  Well neither Dixie nor Sam smoke.  They have no more alcohol.  Dixie did what any middle-aged man about-to-turn-50 would do:  he called his much younger about-to-turn 48 year old wife and said with all of the testosterone he could muster:  "Would you like to sleep with a world record holder?"  For those of you who know us, this totally inappropriate question is of no surprise.  And then the laughter mixed with tears followed.  Tears of relief, tears of joy, tears of life.

Sam, who normally voices comments in the background, sat stunned and silent.  What must be going through his head?  27 years old, never before on a polar expedition, hasn't bathed since early November 2011, listening to his equally stinking expedition partner speak of long-forgotten carnal knowledge ... trying to grasp the fact that his name will be in a record book for an accomplishment so daunting that most people wouldn't spend a nano-second considering to embark upon it.

And then, that was it.  The celebration was over.  Time to eat.  Time to sleep.

And tonight they will get back up and go back out there.  There are more kilometers to travel and the final goal to achieve:  a safe expedition completion and a safe return to a place where loved ones, supporters, partners, fans, and followers hope to welcome them and finally, in an appropriate manner, celebrate this world record accomplishment (among other things).

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current position:

70° 45' 25 S

100° 17' 48 E

Daily Progress: 81 km

Distance Total: 4725,4 km

"With valour my leader and good fortune my companion" (Marcus Tullius Cicero)

All good!

With temperatures  way below -46°C and a very strong wind outside the tent, Dixie and Sam have just decided to take another nap for the next few hours and will start their kiting day only around noon today. Yesterday they managed to put 81 km on the counter. Not bad at all. Luckily the terrain is also a bit less demanding than yesterday.

Only 79 km separate them from the world record for the longest unsupported and non-motorized expedition in Antarctica. The next report promises to be a memorable one…

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

71° 10' 54 S

102° 08' 31 E

Daily Progress: 141 km

Total Distance: 4644,4 km

"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible"  Arthur c. Clarke

A complete chaos

"What a chaos!" Dixie's words expressed disbelief and astonishment. The terrain he and Sam are now in is a complete chaos with the most extreme structures of sastrugi they have ever seen in Antarctica. Wild structures even up to 3m high and lots of dramatic snow dunes all around. Nevertheless they managed to progress 141 km last night in that terrain. Truly amazing! Definitely this has been one of the most supernatural efforts of both: navigating for hours in between large chaotic snow structures in search of a safe and windy route and all this in extreme cold temperatures (-45°C - wind chill equivalent up to -70°C depending on the wind). But they managed to make this impressive progress and are now enjoying a long and well deserved sleep.

The next objective of the breaking of the world record is now really within reach. We keep you all updated about their progress.  Spirits still very high, even after 68 days on the ice!

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

71° 51' 26 S

105° 30' 28 E

Daily Progress: 91 km

Distance Total: 4503.4 km

"It is better to travel well than to arrive." - Buddha

Dixie and Sam are travelling well, very well.

But they have the distinct impression that they are fumbling along.

Dixie explained that they had a rather frustrating day yesterday.  They found themselves repeatedly changing sails, the sastrugi returned, and their food was brick-hard and quite difficult to eat in the bitter cold of - 44°C.

And yet, somehow, they completed 91 kilometers of progression.

Dixie has always sought to move with grace and style on the ice.  He believes that such movements increase efficiency and provide the most pleasure during long monotonous hours of travel.  He doesn't like to feel clumsy on an expedition, or anywhere for that matter.

It took our phone call to remind both Dixie and Sam that while they may feel a bit clumsy, they are progressing in a grand fashion.  They listened, and they finally agreed with this rather obvious perspective at the end of our conversation.

They were ready to head back out again and see where the next hours of travel would take them.  But Dixie & Sam agreed to keep this promise:  to look around, enjoy the view of this unique voyage, and make a mental travel journal.  Because in a few weeks their horizons will have a different appearance, and they will be longing for these infinite white expanses.

One day soon, they will be sharing their travel journal with the rest of us.  How lucky we will be.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current position:

72° 19' 08 S

107° 41' 00 E

Daily Progress: 146 km

Distance Total: 4412.4 km

"For art to exist, for any sort of aesthetic activity to exist, a certain physiological precondition is indispensable: intoxication."- Friedrich Nietzsche

Antarctica is indeed intoxicating.

Dixie and Sam have come so far in their expedition that they now dare to describe the sastrugi as "aesthetically beautiful."

146 kilometers - they spent 11 1/2 hours meandering through the pristine beauty of Antarctica.  Neither Dixie nor Sam spoke of their physical ailments - it was as if the magic of their environment erased the aches and pains of their bodies.

Sailors have for centuries described the seduction of sirens in their waters. Perhaps for Dixie and Sam the sastrugi have transformed into mermaids, luring them to continue enticing them to dare to push boundaries.

Dixie called today at a completely unexpected hour.  It is now abundantly clear that the duo will progress whenever possible.  Our support team is as flexible as ever ... we'll be there to guide them to the finish.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current position:

72° 46' 25 S

111° 47' 13 E

Daily Progress: 79 km

Distance Total: 4266.4 km

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature." - John D. Rockefeller

"Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? We swim, swim." - Dory, Finding Nemo (2003)

How do they do it?

Dixie and Sam's perseverance and determination have many of us scratching our heads and asking ourselves where they get their energy to keep moving.

Yesterday, they progressed another 79 kilometers, but not without noticeable physical ailments.  Dixie's "low grade" frostbite on his cheek is now something to be considered, and he is doing just that.  Dixie however reassures us that it is not "serious."  Sam is battling a touchy Achilles tendon, but again he is ready to manage the situation with a medical kit that he brought along on the expedition.  Autonomy reaches all proportions on such an expedition!

Dixie and Sam are about to begin their new work day.

The ambient temperature at this hour is -45°.

Such brutal conditions prohibit travel without consequences unless both Sam & Dixie are vigilant.  They have promised to take care of one another and will continue to do so.

Dixie and Sam also wish our expedition humor partner, Ed Gorzynski, a very happy 80th birthday!!  Keep 'em coming, Ed!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current position:

72° 50' 53 S

114° 09' 13 E

Daily Progress:  202 km

Distance Total: 4187,4 km

What else could we possibly write except the number:

202 kilometers.

Beyond anyone's hopes or expectations ... Dixie and Sam have surpassed the 4000 kilometer mark in grand fashion by progressing a total of 13 hours today.

They have descended to a lower altitude which has provided them with a slightly warmer temperature of -35°C, but the winds are forcing them to accept some small frostbite wounds on the left side of their faces.  Dixie described the condition as manageable and low-grade frostbite.  He was also pleased to see in today's forecast that the wind direction will gently turn, allowing for a break from the wind's constant assault.  The speed of the wind is predicted to remain extremely generous for the next few days, so if that holds true we could see some intense progression.

Sam is also self-treating a troublesome Achilles tendon, but again the situation is being managed and is not considered to be a serious problem.  Both Sam and Dixie are on high alert for any problematic issues which could arise in these final weeks of the expedition. They are aware that prevention is the key to endurance in Antarctica's unforgiving conditions.

Their spirits are understandably high tonight.

Time to celebrate a huge accomplishment in the middle of an overwhelming journey.  When broken down into manageable components, the equation of this "ginormous" adventure seems suddenly possible.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current position:

73° 19' 52 S

120° 08' 20 E

Daily Progress: 34 km

Distance Total: 3985,4 km

Surviving the freezing cold

"Almost no wind at all today", Dixie reported a bit disappointed on the phone tonight. "But it is cold, freezing cold." Nevertheless they managed to progress 34 km. After 6 pm a faint breeze appeared and off they went!  In a slow but intensive kite session they managed to progress 34 km. Not bad at all in temperatures down to -41° C.  Frostbite is now a constant worry for Dixie and Sam. Frostbite is frozen body tissue, causing injury by freezing.  It most often affects hands and feet.  Nose and ears are of frozen concern as well. These areas are either the extremities of the human body or the parts that are constantly exposed to the cold.  Hands and feet do not receive the same amount of warm blood that the head receives and are therefore at risk.  The face, even though the warmest part of our body, needs to remain exposed to breathe, see and smell, three basic survival functions.  There are two ways to prevent frostbite, and that is to remain actively aware and check for the first sigs and secondly understand what actions can help you do everything to build a defense mechanism by incorporating a couple of ticks and tricks. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in the stricken area, potentially causing permanent blood vessel damage that, when neglected, may require amputation.

The weather forecast is promising for the following days. Cross fingers they manage to progress way beyond the 4000 km mark in the next hours!

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

73° 30' 24 S

121° 00' 22 E

Daily Progress: 101 km !

Distance Total: 3951,4 km

Record set!

Dixie and Sam were blessed to receive a good wind yesterday, allowing them to get finally away from their 'enemy'  Dome C! What a relief it was!  Dixe and Sam wrote in their report: "Sam and I first got off slowly, but bit by bit the wind picked up.  We totalled 101 km which made us very happy. It was a marvelous day with near perfect terrain, good wind, perfect visibility and warming temperatures during the day.  Almost the perfect expedition day!"

We are also very proud to mention that Dixie surpassed yesterday his own personal Antarctica record of 3924 km which he set together with Alain Hubert in 1998 when they both made the crossing of the Antarctic continent, a world premier: almost 4000 km with revolutionary powerkites in most difficult conditions. On his first Antarctic expedition Sam also is writing history: already 4000 km on the counter and heading for a world record. Most amazing! Now Dixie and Sam have set their sights on Rune Gjeldnes' world record in Antarctica (longest unsupported kite expedition) which stands at 4804 km. With high probability, they will pass the 4000 km mark tonight.

Both explorers can now turn their map and are looking forward to the next and final stretch!

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current Position:

73° 42' 10 S

124° 07' 18 E

Daily Progress:  21 km

Total Distance:  3850.4 km

Dixie's groggy voice shouted above the noise of their stove as they prepared their breakfast during their "morning" phone call placed this evening.   The stove is louder than normal as it struggles to purr in the extreme cold conditions (- 42°C).  This exponential cold is bringing new challenges to their routine physical functions, but so far both Sam & Dixie are doing fine and adjusting well to the frigid temperatures.

No matter how much sleep they were able to catch, their bodies still need to make the sudden jump to a new rhythm.  They'll get there, but this first morning - at night - is as perplexing as one could expect.  It is confusing just to write about it!

For the rest, no real news to report. 

Yesterday - or very early today - Dixie and Sam progressed 21 kilometers.  They are currently in what Dixie describes as a "bad spot" due to their relatively high altitude.  The slope winds are a bit lower, and tonight Sam and Dixie will go searching for them.

Tomorrow morning, just as our Belgian supporters enjoy their pistolets & koffie koeken, Sam & Dixie will stop their work day and crawl back into their tent, hopefully satisfied with a new amount of kilometers behind them. 

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

73° 49' 55 S

124° 35' 39 E

Daily Progress:  50 km

Total Distance:  3829.4 km

It was up to Dixie's 9-year-old daughter Robin to sprinkle fairy dust through the Iridium airwaves and help her dad & Sam get ready for an early sleep.  Their alarm clock is set for midnight, and then they will do a "ctrl-alt-delete" to their bodies and force a new time zone restart into their veins.  Dixie knows that it will be a difficult shift tonight, but he sincerely feels that the effort will be worth it.

Dixie called at 16:00 UTC to announce that they progressed another 50 kilometers and that they were thrilled with the distance due to the marginal wind conditions.  Bitter cold temperatures at -41°C had them very grateful for warm sleeping bags and the sun enabled a bit of solar heat in the tent.  A delicious dinner and a full belly following a long day guarantee a sound sleep.

Our next telephone update is expected tomorrow night.  Until then, we leave Sam and Dixie to make their adjustments and do what they need to do in the best manner possible.  Slaap zacht!  Sweet dreams!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

74° 11' 15 S

125° 30' 34 E

Daily Progress:  65 km

Total Distance:  3779.4 km

"Night, the beloved. Night, when words fade and things come alive. When the destructive analysis of day is done, and all that is truly important becomes whole and sound again. When man reassembles his fragmentary self and grows with the calm of a tree." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Dixie and Sam phoned later than expected this morning, due to a shift in their work day.  They were calling from the road, several hours into their prgression.  They awakened at a brutally early hour and began to progress by "skating," an efficient manner of progression during marginal wind conditions which allows them to glide on their skis while hauling the sleds.  Dixie and Sam have avoided sled hauling up until now due to the risk of sweat which freezes and could lead to frostbite.  However, by skating along on their skis instead of making heavy steps in their boots, the sweat factor is diminished.

We have reached the point in the expedition where all method of travel will be used to progress.  All cards are now on the table.  We know where they have to be and when they have to be there.  And Dixie and Sam are more determined than ever.  Thus, the night shift.  The wee hours enable them to move forward without the glare of the sun constantly in their eyes.  The night hours also allow them to experience slightly warmer temperatures. And their perception is that the wind blows more consistently in the night - we shall see.

The duo have promised to be vigilant with frost bite monitoring of one another.  Temperatures are indeed very cold at -40°C.  Dixie described the weather as splendid, with bright skies and excellent visibility.  But he admitted that yesterday was a challenging 10-hour stretch of advancement.   Difficult.

For our loyal followers:  please bear with us while we also make the 12-hour shift together with Sam & Dixie.  We'll continue to post daily updates, but the next few days could be a bit "off" as we settle into our new pattern.

Sam is hoping to have the computer up and running again in a day or 2.  In the meantime,  we have pages of messages from YOU waiting for them to read.

Enjoy your weekend!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Postion:

75° 33' 14 S

130° 00' 36 E

Daily Progress: 149 km

Total Distance:  3714.4 km

"We're back in the triple digits!" - Dixie Dansercoer & Sam Deltour

Sam's voice spoke loud and clear this morning over the Iridium connection.  His recognizeable West Flemmish accent sung in my ears and the emotion of what we are all doing rose in my throat. For the last 59 days (and longer if we count their initial Antarctic foray), it is always Dixie's voice and Sam's e-mails which provide the balanced account of their awe-inspiring expedition. But this morning, Sam's voice admittedly caught me off-guard.  He is 27 years old and someone we met as a naïve teenager 9 years ago at a Swiss mountain running race - Dixie and I could be his parents.

The responsibility of running a safe & ethical polar expedition is heavy with details. Split decisions are made on behalf of 2 people who must blindly trust the support team. That intense job is done with focus and pleasure, but the human element makes it mentally exhausting when allowed to rise to the forefront.  Sam is now an official adult who makes his own decisions, but to Dixie and me he will always be that wide-eyed kid on a steep dusty Alpine trail discovering the world with every new step.  We looked into his parents' eyes before Sam and Dixie's departure to Antarctica and made a promise that every decision for the next few months would be made with safety as the top priority.  And we will keep that promise.

The risk factor of a polar expedition is clearly present, but it is a calculated risk that we take.  Considering the news that bombards us on a daily basis with disasters, we know that our meticulous preparation and our outstanding team of experts provide Sam & Dixie with every chance to not only return safely but also satisfied.  Planes crash, ships capsize, floods & wars & winds cause horrific destruction around the globe ... for once we have a situation we can to a large extent control.  And right now, Dixie and Sam are taking back that control.

149 kilometers.

11 hour work day.

Computer battery loaded - not full, but enough to give us a new photo of our intrepid duo.

Sam described an excellent sleep last night, but Dixie admitted to a groggy start.  Tucked into his sleeping bag, Dixie allowed his thoughts to run wild, and he kept returning to the year 1998 and his unforgettable and life-changing Antarctic adventure with Alain Hubert.  Dixie knows that soon (within 210 kilometers) he will reach the exact maximum distance that was once a record-setter together with Alain.  Dixie could not believe that this amount of distance would (if all continues well) soon be surpassed.

Sam, a novice on his first polar expedition, wisely surmised that a key to success in this admittedly bizarre endeavour is to relax and accept:

"My father once told me that 'you need to be two in order to fight.' So Dixie and I stopped fighting the whole situation, and that very night we both slept well. The next morning a little wonder happened. I don't know if I have to thank everybody for sending their good vibes but we woke up two days ago, bad visibility and barely wind. We prepared our kites and right when we were to leave, the sun peered out from underneath the clouds. Ten minutes later we had great visibility and the wind stabilized, we took off and finally we were truly moving again."

Yesterday, a bird appeared in their vicinity.  Dixie and Sam couldn't get very close, but they took its presence as a sign, a good sign.  They've made their turn, the terrain is favorable, and their spirits are high.

They have promises to keep.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Postion:

75° 33' 14 S

130° 00' 36 E

Daily Progress: 123 km

Total Distance:  3565.4 km

"All the best stories in the world are but one story in reality - the story of escape. It is the only thing which interests us all and at all times, how to escape."  - Walter Bagehot

Elation.

It would be a pleasure to write a zen-like text which describes the gentle release of Sam and Dixie from their Dome C prison, one of non-violent acceptance and deliverance from hardship.  But such a gentle account would not be sincere.

They escaped.  They took it.  They earned their freedom by digging in and clawing their way way across the sastrugi mine-field, but not without a toll to their equipment and their bodies.

Dixie phoned this morning and stated with little elegance, "We're out of that rat hole!"  Then he giggled at his own gruff voice.

He and Sam battled their way across 123 kilometers of wicked terrain.  The indescribably hard sastrugi slammed into their sleds and wreaked havoc on the aluminum band and handle of Sam's sled.  They were however able to repair it last night, as well as nurse their bruised bodies.  They may be a bit banged up, but neither Sam nor Dixie have any serious injuries.  Just a few battle scars, like any good gladiators.

The other damage from yesterday's adventure:  a ski sliced into one of the fuel bottles and they lost 1.5 litres of fuel which contaminated 7 meals.  However, Dixie was proud to say that they have been extremely conservative on this trip with cooking fuel consumption and still have about 40 days of fuel left along with plenty of food to complete this expedition.

Dixie also noticed that an MSR stove pump had snapped off during the turbulent ride, but again was reassuring by revealing that he had 2 spares.  The new system purred last night as it boiled water for their well-earned dinner.

They awakened this morning to open skies, excellent visibility and much improved terrain.  The temperatures are back to a frigid -29°C, which is just how they like it.  Sam is hoping to get the computer up-and-running tonight, so we should receive some more information and hopefully a photo from their new location.

In the meantime, both Sam & Dixie would like to deeply thank everyone for their messages of support that were sent in the last few days.  The energy that they receive from all of you is indeed appreciated, perhaps more than they can possibly express in the middle of their journey.

One thing is certain - these guys are in it for the long haul and our support team is right there beside them.  We've all sharpened our claws and are ready to dig in and do everything we can to help Sam and Dixie help themselves to an epic finish.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Postion:

76° 37' 02 S

128° 51' 41 E

Daily Progress: 2 km

Total Distance:  3442.4 km

"I see the world, feel the chill.

Which way to go ...

I'll ride the wave where it takes me.  I'll hold the pain.  Release me."

- "Release" by Pearl Jam

Dixie departed Belgium back in November when a new documentary had just been released - Pearl Jam Twenty.  He has yet to see it, but it is waiting for him to view on a soft couch in front of a roaring fire once he returns home.  It is a compelling film on many levels, but most of all it speaks to us about intergrity and the courage to stay true to oneself over a long period of time amidst a myriad of distractions. The ability to stay focused on one's core values, the need to stay honest, real, and true ... strong messaging from fine people.

Dixie and Sam epitomize this mindset.  They know what they need to do and how they need to do it, but not all of the ingredients to their success recipe are in their hands.  They knew when they embarked on this pioneering expedition that it would present tricky moments, and this very place where they find themselves stuck is such a point in their itinerary.  They are waiting for their release.

Sam and Dixie may be facing the most frustrating and impotent situation so far, but they insist that they are fine.  They have plenty of food and fuel, they are making safe and conservative decisions, and their equipment is in order.  The fact that they can't use their computer on a regular basis is a luxury problem - their core communications devices are in good order. The recent foggy conditions have prevented them from getting a good solar charge, but that will change in the near future.

What they did not have yesterday, and what YOU provided in spades, was a fresh outside perspective to re-inspire & re-motivate.  We were overwhelmed with web messages and mails of support yesterday, and for that we must humbly say thank you.

ExplorersWeb.com, the source for all things adventure on the web, published an update on January 12th which describes a plethora of courageous polar expeditions, but among them they characterized Dixie and Sam as "mega-kiters" on a "titan circuit."  Such words from those in the know in the adventure world weigh heavy and their respect means much to this Antarctic ICE Expedition team.  Adventure is often viewed as something frivilous and egotistical, but without such dreamers who dare to become "do-ers," the world would miss the audicity which helps us all to live just a little bit fuller.

And so we celebrate Dixie and Sam's 2 kilometer progress yesterday with the same passion as we cheered their triple-digit progress several weeks ago.  They moved forward, they did not give in to complacency, and they reminded us of the intergrity behind grand goals.

And they did it together with you ... we hope you'll stay with us until the finish!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Postion:

76° 38' 11 S

128° 53' 16 E

Daily Progress: 38 km

Total Distance:  3440.4 km

"It is not the clear-sighted who rule the world. Great achievements are accomplished in a blessed, warm fog." - Joseph Conrad

"Total fog.  No visibility."

Dixie's weather report this morning described more than the current meteorological situation at the Antarctic ICE camp.  The tone of his voice could not conceal the fact that Dixie and Sam needed some outside help to see the proverbial forest through the trees.

While the determined duo stumbled through difficult terrain yesterday, they still managed to progress 38 kilometers further along their journey.  Dixie admitted that this was not a graceful day - they fell often due to poor visibility and uneven terrain.  Temperatures are currently very warm at - 18°C.

Today however shows the promise of less humidity, which will dissipate the fog.  We will start to see distinct temperature differences between the Antarctic day & "night" - much colder temperatures in the night hours.  And the wind has indeed made its predicted turn, which could very well signify the final swing toward the direction of the NOVO/ALCI Base.

And now a message to our loyal supporters:

Many of you are following this expedition with disciplined enthusiasm. The messages that we are receiving on a daily basis mean more than you could possibly realize.  If you think back to what you were doing at the beginning of November 2011 - and what you have done every day since then - you can begin to realize the amount of time that Dixie and Sam have spent on the ice doing the same thing, day after day after day.

Their monotony is now at an all-time high, and YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT has more power than you could possibly imagine.  If you have a few spare moments, please drop them a message on our website.  Even though Dixie and Sam are on computer embargo through at least tomorrow, we will read them messages during our daily communications phone call.  Once their computer battery is again charged full, we'll send every single message their way.

Thanks in advance for helping us help Sam & Dixie by loading their motivation batteries!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Postion:

76° 58' 11 S

129° 07' 35 E

Daily Progress: 53 km

Total Distance:  3402.4 km

"I think we're going to the moon because it's in the nature of the human being to face challenges." - Neil Armstrong

"We are travelling through a moonscape full of female cloud figures."

Dixie spoke these compelling words this Sunday morning as he described yesterday's visual stimuli. The Antarctic sky is changing into late summer, and the moon has made an appearance.  While daylight is still a constant, the sun is already at a lower angle and the cloud formations are taking on more depth.  It is a relief to hear Dixie speak of sensual desire while describing the female figures that he and Sam see in the clouds - nothing wrong with a little healthy imagination of bodily pleasures while fighting the monotony of life on the ice.

Yesterday Dixie and Sam progressed 53 kilometers.

Relief all around.

The duo are admittedly a bit "off" when it comes to sleep. Dixie expressed a type of "jet-lag" feeling because they are on a constant edge and sleep quality has diminished.  They know that they have quite a challenge ahead and that the luxury of a typical workday does not exist for the moment.  They have a common agreement to travel when the conditions permit, which means that they will progress sometimes during the night.  However, safety remains a top priority and they both promised to rest sufficiently between travel days.

Contact via computer has been determined a luxury for the next few days, but they promised to do their best to get us fresh photos as soon as possible.  Their voices sound strong and their desire is clear ... Dixie and Sam are going for the finish in grand style!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Postion:

77° 23' 49 S

128° 22' 47 E

Daily Progress:  3 km

Total Distance:  3349.4 km

"A mask of gold hides all deformities." - Thomas Dekker

The wall. The doldrums.  The tipping point.

Anyone who has ever attempted a grand goal knows the moment of truth when exhaustion and circumstances create a blockage of progress.  Sailors have written gripping accounts of the doldrums, the eyes of a marathon runner glaze when remembering the wall, and every new parent describes with clarity the level of crippling exhaustion which accompanies an infant's arrival.

It goes without saying that Dixie and Sam are at a tipping point.

They still have over a month to go, they still have an unspeakable amount of kilometers to cover, and yet they are currently stuck in an area of Antarctica that is for the most part windless and forbidding their progress.  Yesterday, they snuck in 3 kilometers, but their voices did not speak with pride of this paltry distance.

Dixie described a situation that is not unusual, but one that is not easy to hear. They are desparate to get moving, and spent less than 2 hours sleeping last night due to their constant awareness of any sound which might indicate wind.

Their motivation is high and their resources are plentiful. They re-established e-mail contact last night, and although we may not expect it on a daily basis for the time being, it was a huge relief to hear that their solar panel is operating well. Food and cooking fuel are in excellent supply. But the fickle wind on the outskirts of Dome C is simply not providing them with their expressway to the finish.

That said, a bit of creativity filled their time yesterday, and Dixie enjoyed some epic photography through his protective eye goggles.  His mask of gold allows us all to view the majesty of Antarctica as it should be seen - regal and omnipotent, humbling and seductive.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Postion:

77° 24' 50 S

128° 16' 27 E

Daily Progress:  0 km

Total Distance:  3346.4 km

"A high station in life is earned by the gallantry with which appalling experiences are survived with grace." - Tennessee Williams

"Poise: the ability to be ill at ease inconspicuously." - Earl Wilson

With determined patience and a sled full of grace, Dixie and Sam are still camped at the same spot where they stopped for their rest day.  They are waiting for the wind to make its appearance, and the second it begins to blow, they are ready to pounce.

While the force of the wind is too low for the moment, the perceptible direction has indeed changed to a good bearing.  Dixie hopes to be able to begin solid progression this afternoon.

In the meantime, their battery situation has improved, as they have had the time in the last days to tweak their solar panel and its backup charging system.  We are hoping to recommence e-mail exchanges again by tomorrow.

As the rest of us wind up our work week, our intrepid duo are rested and eager to "get 'er done."

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Postion:

77° 24' 50 S

128° 16' 27 E

Daily Progress:  0 km

Total Distance:  3346.4 km

"I think I'm maintaining the quality, but internally I'm paying for it." - Gary Larson, creator of The Far Side

As expected, Dixie and Sam took a rest day yesterday.

They spent their time - well, resting - and also poured through maps and a variety of information to examine all possibilities for their pending route.

Dixie called this morning to report that the sun is a bit elusive for the moment.  They have sufficient battery power to continue their daily phone call, but the computer embargo remains.

They were excited to begin progressing again today, and clearly eager to twist their path in the direction NOVO/ALCI Airbase.  While this small point on the Antarctic landscape is still very far away, it represents the last stop before ... home.

Until then, it is up to Dixie and Sam to complete their journey, as a team composed of two inspiring, strong, and dare we say unique individuals.  They are not only maintaining the quality, but they still sound as if they're having fun doing it.  It will be a privilege to join them for the remaining ride!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Postion:

77° 24' 50 S

128° 16' 27 E

Daily Progress:  10 km

Total Distance:  3346.4 km

"A man who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another has by his words." - Phillips Brooks

We have been very spoiled during the Antarctic ICE Expedition.  Dixie and Sam have been able to provide us with written e-mail updates and daily images since they first embarked on the ice in early November 2011.

Last night, that luxury was temporarily suspended.

Dixie phoned at 22:00 UTC to inform the Antarctic ICE support team that their battery power for electronic devices has reached a critical stage.  They have sufficient power to place their daily Iridium phone safety check-in, but all other extraneous electronics (computer included) must be kept off for the time being. This electronics embargo could go on for a few days.

Today is also a planned rest day for Dixie and Sam, one that is well deserved and much needed.  The spirit of the duo remains high and their motivation continues to soar, but the limits of the physical body are making themselves heard.  The ability to fully rest - without the pressure of an intricate communcations routine that takes about 2 hours - will most certainly do them both a world of good.

Dixie has been completing polar expeditions for almost 2 decades and he has never before had such consistent and detailed daily communications with the outside world. While he admits that the exchange of ideas is refreshing and at times highly motivating, he doesn't expect it or need it.  Sam is clearly from a generation of increased social contact through evolved social media. His desire for communcations is only normal in an era where messaging is instant.

Antarctica, however, is a bit slow to join the technological advancements of the other six continents.  The language of this mysterious seventh continent is outside of any frequency that we can understand in our "civilized" world, but that does not negate the fact that this pristine polar region of our globe has a lot to say.  Perhaps today during their radio silence, Dixie and Sam will be able to tune in to all that Antarctica wants to tell them.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

77° 26' 32 S

127° 52' 56 E

Daily Progress:  114 km

Distance Total:  3336.4

"A safe but sometimes chilly way of recalling the past is to force open a crammed drawer. If you are searching for anything in particular you don't find it, but something falls out at the back that is often more interesting."

- James M. Barrie (who wrote among other things Peter Pan)


Dixie and Sam are searching for the wind.

Not just any wind - they are probing around the outskirts of Dome C in an attempt to find the currently elusive katabatic ride back in the direction of NOVO/ALCI Airbase.  This hunt includes a detour that is now taking them in the opposite direction of their intended final destination, but will eventually benefit their progress.  It is as if they have encountered a traffic jam on the infamous Belgian E-40, and are now off on an alternate route in order to avoid sitting still and wasting precious time.  Should Dixie and Sam allow themselves to go too far into Dome C, they could be trapped in a known windless area, so they are very careful with their route for the moment.

Yesterday, they were pleasantly surprised to see that they covered a distance of 114 kilometers.  Sam wrote:

"What a weird day! Dixie and I have been saying this a lot to each other.  Every day is a new surprise and we can't allow ourselves to have any preconceived expectations.

There had been wind all night long and then this morning there was very little. For a while we told each other we should have been progressing at night but then again it's good to have some sleep. We did not expect snowdrift overnight so we had left our nasawings outside for the next day. Alas, snowdrift, so we had to dig our kites out which took extra time in our morning routine. We also prepared our Ozone Yakuzas, which added to the intricate pre-departure preparations.  Once we were finally on our way, the wind died further and the Yakuzas had to be put away. So we prepared our nasawings again. Dixie and I told each other that we really need to remain zen out here:  always stay calm, never get upset, and always be prepared for the unknown.

We have been blown quite a bit to the east but we figured we might go underneath Dome C if necessary. We noticed it is really cold here. We are wearing more clothes than before.  Keeping our hands, feet, and faces warm is a real challenge. As a matter of fact we frostnipped our noses a bit today. Nothing serious, but not much more we can do about it.

We both feel our bodies are tired but at the same time they are in good shape and are performing amazingly. It is a real challenge for mind and body to be dodging gnarly sastrugi day after day for 10 up to 12 hours. Today we kept going till 19.30."

This morning during our Iridium check-in, both expeditioners admitted to a continued deep physical fatigue. They are wisely contemplating a well-deserved rest day in the near future, a day that is also becoming increasingly necessary in order to take care of their equipment.  In particular, Dixie explained that they need to reload much of their battery power.  Last night, their computer power was so low that they were unable to send a photo.  They simply have been progressing so much that their "office" time has been limited for equipment maintenance.

Who knows what they may find when they start rummaging through their stuff?

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

78° 07' 29 S

124° 18' 39 E

Daily Progress:  69 km

Distance Total:  3222.4 km

"Wind in my hair, I feel part of everywhere. Underneath my being is a road that disppeared ..."

- lyrics from "Guaranteed" by Eddie Vedder (soundtrack from Into the Wild)

Just as many of our Belgian supporters are setting forth today into the unknown of a new work or school year, Dixie and Sam are rounding a subtle corner on the Antarctic continent and embarking into completely new expedition territory.  Their pioneer work is approaching a new level of mystery, and to enhance the atmosphere Mother Nature has painted their current horizon with a dramatic brush of fog.

If you look closely at the Antarctic ICE Expedition map, you will see Dixie and Sam begin to make some crucial turns that will wind them into the direction of the ALCI/NOVO Airbase, their original landing spot in Antarctica and their eventual departure point from the seventh continent.  They still have a long way to go, and we won't dare to speak of a finish just yet, but this change in direction has always been a huge question mark in our intricate expedition plans.

No one really knows where Dixie and Sam are headed. If any of you have ever been driving on a remote road that gradually narrows, bit-by-bit breaks apart into pot holes and loose gravel, and eventually deteriorates into an indiscernible dirt track before finally disappearing into the wild ... this is the psychological feeling that our expedition duo is beginning to experience.  It is exhilarating and at the same time daunting to consider where they are headed. But they are not doing it alone.

We have an expert team of scientists and weather specialists supporting this expedition, and their combined efforts have resulted in what we confidently feel is the best theoretical route possible for Dixie and Sam to follow.  But that route will most certainly include a myriad of deviations ahead.  Those of you who know Dixie, especially the lucky few who have been out in the Arctic or Antarctic with him, have witnessed his uncanny ability to sniff out a safe path amid chaotic ice rubble. Like a trusty hound, he has proven time and again to lead folks through mysterious and perceptibly impossible terrain and come out in a desired spot along the path to the ultimate goal.

Sam wrote at the close of Day 48:

"We stopped a little sooner today to complete our scientific data collection and are cozy in the tent right now.

The wind has been acting weird:  turning, twisting, rising and falling. We are on Dome C now and this is a little bit of a turning point. Dome C, also known as Dome Charlie, located at an altitude of 3,233 meters above sea level, is one of several summits or 'domes' of the Antarctic Ice Sheet. The wind is less predictable here and we need to meander across and sniff out the easterly winds that will blow us back in the direction of NOVO.

Real adventure this is! We have no idea what will unfold out here in these next few days, how the surface will change, or in what direction the wind will blow. It really is a practice in surrendering!"

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current position:

78° 43' 33 S

123° 35' 15 E

Daily Progress: 130 km

Distance Total: 3153,4 km

"No matter how many goals you have achieved, you must set your sights on a higher one." Jessica Savitch 

In unknown territory

"Today it really dawned to me. Nobody has ever been here before", Sam reported yesterday. Dixie and Sam have not seen any signs of life since they left the pole and probably they are the first human beings ever to watch this pristine, beautiful, peaceful place of the planet. Sam wrote: "Once Antarctica was part of Pangea and dinosaurs and other critters lived on top of this continent. Then Antarctica drifted south and got burried underneath over 3000ms of snow. All live vanished and for thousands of years nothing breathing passed here, until now. Two little, crazy Belgians are kiting peacefully over the surface. It's just wonderful here.

Other than that, this was just another peaceful kiting day. It's wonderful to see how the two of us can travel this area. Gotta keep it short. Batts are dying and we don't have enough time to stop and charge, we're on the move too much."

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

79° 53' 18 S

122° 52' 49 E

Daily Progress: 138 km

Distance Total: 3023,4 km

"The vitality of thought is in adventure. Ideas won't keep. Something must be done about them." Alfred North Whitehead  (British mathematician and philosopher) - sent by Linda Parlee Chowns via www.antarcticice.be

Those darn sastrugi

Yesterday morning there was still a lot of wind and visibility was not really all that good but at 9h Dixie & Sam got impatient. They measured the wind (38km/h) but put on a lot of clothes and went outside. Sam wrote: " I am a big fan of storm sessions when it comes to kitesurfing. I love to see the ocean wild and foamy, with huge waves and all the flags flapping frantically in the wind.

 Yesterday  reminded me about the better storm sessions. One important thing for me is to keep the wind as your friend. Never fight it cause you will loose anyway. Everything gets a little risky when there is so much wind. For example, if you let go of the tent the expedition is over cause you'll never get it back. But Dixie and I are pretty good at all that stuff right now and though everything was flapping nervously in the wind we were pretty calm. I was surprised to feel how much we were in control of our little kites. They truly are amazingly friendly and wonderful kites. Never did I feel overpowered. As a matter of fact I was having fun. Dixies kite was acting a little weird though. I figured it had to be because of snow in his kite and sure enough, we took out about 3 kilo of snow. After that everything went very smooth. Only those darn sastrugi...

Slowly the drift settled down and visibility got better. At 16h we changed to our 11m kite. A little after that I started having a very hard time. Just mentally. Those darn sastrugi. They were again ever present, slowing us down, giving my knees a hard time and also in those sastrugi- fields you're constantly fighting to keep your balance. Anyway, back in the day when I was mushing we used to say, just mush. That was kind of our motto in the kennel, just mush. Whenever the going gets tough, when you're tired or when the whole world just seemed to have turned against you, just mush. Don't think too much about it, don't waste time complaining about everything but just mush, just keep going. So slowly I tried to let everything go. It partly worked. Part of me was still mad at the sastrugi and the slow progress but somehow I felt like I was observing myself and quietly making fun of that whining part inside of me. Anyway, at 19h30 we called it quits and were happy to see 138km on the gps!

Early this morning when Dixie phoned in wind force and direction seemed to be ok. Sam & Dixie will continue today their fight with those darn sastrugi…

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

81° 06' 09 S

124° 09' 33 E

Daily Progress: 0 km

Distance Total: 2885,4 km

"Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible." ( St. Francis of Assisi)   - sent by Pat Verbraecken via www.antarcticice.be

A new record

Yesterday evening we received this report from Sam: "With sleepy eyes I erected myself in the morning. There was a lot of noise, too much noise. Dixie was peering outside the tent and I can tell by the look on his face it was not looking good. I joined him and I understood. Lots and lots of snowdrift, poor visibility. There was too much wind yesterday. We went back to bed and got another hour of sleep in. We enjoyed breakfast and told each other it wasn't all that bad, our bodies  could use a break, in the afternoon we would get another 100km in. During the morning we dug the tent free. It was cold outside. The windchill was eating us alive and we crawled deep in our hats and sjawls.

Once back inside I went back to bed and got another 2 hours of sleep in. Sleeping is healing. We had lunch and I crawled back into my sleeping bag, another 2 hours of sleep. Then we drunk some tea and got the dices out for a game of Yatzee. It's funny, yesterday we were telling each other how long it had been since we played Yatzee. As a matter of fact we have been going so hard there was no time for anything other than eating, sleeping and kiting. Even the sleeping was cut short some time and so today we had some time to catch up on all these things.

We regularly kept going outside to measure the wind, hoping we would be able to get going but it always remained around 40km/h. Oh, we were thinking about trying to get going. A couple of times we almost decided to do it. It's limit you know. 6bft... in Belgium I would be happy as a little kid to go kitesurfing. But here, there were some serious reasons to be a little conservative. For one, there is the risk of breaking things, not only our bodies, but kites, sleds, the tent,... Also, there is the risk for frostbite. It's almost -30 outside and with 6bft winds on top of that it gets really, really chilly. We could have tried but it would have meant taking a risk. On top of all these other things there is the terrain. Everything is rock hard here. Hard patches of solid ice and long stretches of huge, hard, humongous sastrugi. At this point, there was no reason taking risks.

So as we were waiting for the wind to die down we caught up with our lost Yatzee time and I managed to throw a new record, three Yatzees in one game and a score of 414, yay! Dixie won the two other games we played so everybody happy. We have noticed that if we are busy during the day we sleep a little less good. If we have a day of rest we sleep better as well! Take care everybody!!!"

Although the forecast is the same we hope the wind will die down later on  today. This morning the wind was still fiercely blowing with gusts over 40… But spirits are high and as soon as weather permits, Dixie and Sam will be flying over the ice again!

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

81° 06' 09 S

124° 09' 33 E

Daily Progress: 135 km

Distance Total: 2885,4 km

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams!" (E. Roosevelt) - sent by  Dirk Callier via www.antarcticice.be

Going fast, really fast

The sleds did great yesterday but had a hard time. Sam wrote: "The day started very slow but we were expecting more wind and we wanted to take it easy on our knees and our sleds so we took off with our beloved Frenzies. The wind kicked in in the afternoon . We were going fast, really fast though with our frenzies in perfect control. But there were sastrugi, lots and lots of sastrugi. As I followed Dixie I could observe his sled closely and oh boy, they get abused... They bump into the sastrugi, jump over them, slide to the side, ... it wasn't looking pretty. But they are strong our sleds and our fix is a good one. The sleds look fine and I am confident that we fixed them right.

For a long time I felt like I was walking around in a great exhibition, gallery mother nature, artist, master wind. The sastrugi were wonderful, big, majestic, smooth and rough, big and small, everywhere. I was just enjoying it. Every day the landscape is different, the atmosphere, the feeling of a place. In the beginning I did not pay much attention to that, I was too focused on doing km's. But as we're spending more time here we both start noticing the subtleties of the landscape, its beauty, its wonderful features. It's true that nothing lives here but then again, it doesn't feel dead over here. The whole area is very much alive.

This land is the winds' playground. She has so much fun here, you can tell. Sometimes I feel like we are on a different planet and I wonder if there is live here. Of course there is not but it is not hard to let your imagination take you away as you're gliding along.

The days are long and Dixie and I both feel the fatigue in our muscles and joints. Nonetheless, spirits are very high and at the end of each day we have to convince each other to stop and tell ourselves that tomorrow is another day, that we need our sleep and rest. We're doing fine, everything just seems to happen now. It's a very special feeling to surrender to it all. Oh yes, before I forget, I've been cold today, we both have been cold. Part of it is that we are progressing at night for a big part of the day. We decided not to change our daily rhythm but we are in a different time zone and because we are already 1000 kms from the pole we start feeling the difference between day and night again. We'll dress a little warmer tomorrow! Take care you all!"

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

82° 17' 18 S

125° 55' 26 E

Daily Progress: 56 km

Distance Total: 2750,4 km

"No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking"  Voltaire

Nightmare on the Antarctic Plateau

Yesterday Sam and Dixie awoke feeling quite groggy as they both had not slept so well. Nightmares maybe?  Sam was awakened regularly by the stormy wind and flapping tent canvas, while Dixie had to deal with a throbbing, red-hot left knee. Dixie reported: "Not so much from the pain that I wanted to take care of, but the salve that should lessen the inflamed knee, just made it worse.  I should have known better, as I had used the same warming cream in 2007 when I had very cold feet. During the day, and by friction in the boots, the cream (Rado Salil with lots of capsicum) had made my feet feel on fire that I had to take off boots and socks and stand there with my bare feet on the snow for a while to cool off...

Anyway, the real nightmare came when Sam announced on his way back from the loo: 'Dixie, I believe we have a problem... come and have a look!' Upon inspection of his sled, I saw one of these things that you do not want to see.  Our 'piece majeure', our sled was limp, handicapped, in dire state:  both of the runners were only holding on to the body of the sled by the front and rear screw. The metal strip plus the ski that slides over it were no longer attached to the sled.  Yes, we knew that since two days now, the snow conditions should be called rock-hard ice conditions and the sled suffers more on hard ice, especially when you are going at 20 or 30 kms/hr and sastrugi or other obstacles bite hard in the sled.

Sometimes the sled, that actually lives its own life, goes sliding sideways and hits one of these monstrous sastrugi head-on.  No wonder that the lateral impact on the skis underneath the sled is enormous.  Anyways, the verdict for my sled was the same!  We had packed all of our stuff and were ready to go, but with a major problem like this (a true mortgage on the expedition!) we had work to do.  My mind raced and immediately I took stock of the repair stuff that I had left. We had all the tools necessary to make new holes, put screws all the way through the ski, runner and the body of the sled, and also a good deal of two-component glue for this purpose.  We emptied both sleds, cleaned them thoroughly and dragged the first one in the sled where we operated on 'Orythia' first and were quite happy with the result.  'Eolus' followed and we used the last of our screws to finish the same procedure.  It is of course quite amazing that the 12 rivets on each ski had all snapped!  We are now holding our breath to see if our repair will hold, but actually we are quite confident.

After the short progression of the afternoon, everything is still nice and snug and perfectly in place.  It was actually a good test, as we passed an amazing zone of huge, old, stately sastrugi.  Lone- standing statues, proud to be there and aestetically so beautiful, that Sam and I stopped regularly to either just look at them or take a photo.  What a love-hate relationship we have with them!  They only make our life here on the ice miserable, as they slow us down, make our knees hurt terribly by endless bouncing over them (imagine your ski slope without snow and replaced by cobble stones and see how happy you will be at the bottom of the ski run!), they grab the lines of our kites and make a mess, they make our sleds suffer to the degree of damaging the runners/skis.... but then you see their endless beauty when they show how the wind has created them with a perfect flow and gracious form!

We managed to get 56 kms on the counter and were happy about it. Especially since we had to change kites three times, as we first started with not enough wind and so we changed for the Nasawings that took us for a wild and crazy ride, on the edge of the acceptable, safety first, so we put them down in an appropriate place and changed again for the 11 m Frenzy."

An eventful day it was! Early this morning weather conditions seemed to be ok and both were ready to rock and roll!

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

82° 47' 30,47 S

125° 57' 44,64 E

Daily Progress: 121 km

Distance Total: 2694,4 km

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. "
William James

More wind, more sastrugi, longer days…

Yesterday was Sam's birthday so they enjoyed a special treat! Sam wrote: "I brought two candybars along for this occasion and we enjoyed them with a cup of tea and sang together the happy birthday songs. My dear sister had given me a letter I could only open today and with some very touching and nice words she had packed away a candle. So we put that on top of the candybars, lit it and had our little birthdayparty. 

It feels surreal, 27, it dawned to me I'm getting older. I still feel like a little puppy with this old, experienced and wise geeser next to me. I was so grateful yesterday. I realized how lucky a boy, or is it man, I am. So much is given to me. My great girlfriend, my awesome family, all my wonderful friends and on top of that all those opportunities and experiences life has given me so far. Yep, I was really happy. What I'm getting to experience right now is such a gift and I thanked Dixie again from the bottom of my heart for letting me be part of this adventure.

There was wind as well yesterday, lots of wind. We took our smallest kites, 6m trainer XT and took off flying over the rock hard surface here. And I know it's rock hard from experience. I wiped out once and it wasn't soft powder that caught me. Other than that there were the sastrugi, lots of them, and rock hard like the surface. Our knees had a really hard time today and at 17.30 we called it quits. It was time for another meteo-reading of the different layers of the wind.

You might wonder why all of a sudden we are going so much faster than in the beginning of the expedition. For one and foremost, there is wind right now. If you're doing a kite-expedition wind always comes in handy. On top of that the terrain is a lot better than it was. Yes, the sastrugi are not gone but they are not as bad and as numerous as before. Also, we are doing longer days. When Amundsen set out to discover the South Pole he took off easily too. That way the dogs he was using were getting stronger and stronger, near the end he could go on forever without the dogs getting tired. We are like the dogs now. We are stronger, although we do not really look like it. When we strip of our clothes we look lean but our muscles have adapted themselves to what they need to do. Stubbornly they are ready for anything right now and they refuse to get tired beyond the point where we need to stop.

Thank you everybody for the messages of support and well wishes! As always, they warm our hearts, keep our spirits up and give us that extra bit of energy to keep giving the very best of ourselves."

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Happy Birthday to Sam!

One very important thing we forgot to mention in the update of this morning is... the birthday of Sam today. We all like to wish Sam a Very Happy Birthday and many, many, many fantastic years to come!

Hip Hip Hurray !!!!!

The Antarctic ICE Team

Current position:

83° 51' 53 S

127° 16' 59 E

Daily Progress: 160 km

Distance Total: 2573,4 km

"One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time."  André Gide, Nobel laureate in literature (sent by Linda Parlee-Chowns via www.antarcticice.be)

Do not stop!

Yesterday Sam & Dixie got a great present from mother nature to start this year. A nice SSW wind, 20-25 km/h and no sastrugi half of the time. Sam reported enthousiastically:  "Yep, nothing is perfect I guess but this day was so nice. Sunny, wind in the back and we were cruising. We were not going very fast but we barely stopped. Every two hours we took a little break to eat and drink, we kept going for 11 hours.

'Do not stop', is something I learned during my little sled dog racin career. If you keep going at a steady pace and don't stop every five minutes to do this or that you can actually make great times even though you're not moving all that fast. I guess in life sometimes it's the same.

Sometimes you wish things were going faster but if you keep working towards your goal eventually you'll get there, little by little. Anyway, little by little we got to a new daily record.

More and more I feel like Dixie and I are colliding with our surroundings. We are dissolving in all the colors of white here. We don't need very many words, we understand each other without speech. We take terms leading and we will just feel if the other one is in trouble coming behind. Also, we don't need our watch. We will stop and it will be exactly two hours later. We are in the flow and we are both really enjoying it!

Spirits are great. We decorated our sleds today to celebrate the new year. Thank you for all the messages!! They really warm our hearts!

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

85° 13' 48 S

122° 36' 34 E

Daily Progress: 108 km

Distance Total: 2413,4 km

Happy new year everybody!

While enjoying a well-deserved rest after another successful day of kiting, Dixie & Sam, sent us their warmest New Year's Wishes: "May all your wishes and dreams come true and may you find to courage to make them all come true!"

Sam added a personal  message: "I was a little boy when I was dreaming about this. Somebody asked me if it is like a dream all this or if reality is harder. Well, let me tell you this, I think nothing really comes for free. There is always dream and reality. Things have to start with dreaming and then there is reality in which you have to overcome the obstacles and harsh truths from the real world. But from what I got to experience in this beautiful world few things are impossible if you're dedicated, devoted and willing to bring the necessary sacrifices. Anyway, enough seriousness! May your dreams be wild and may they come true!

Yesterday was tough. They're back, our old friends the sastrugi. Nothing too bad but they were high from time to time. There was less wind than the previous days so we used our yakuza's. Rock 'n roll over the sastrugi! I jumped pretty high today as we were going right over 1m high sastrugi.

We stopped at 19h when the wind died further and we weren't really moving anymore. We were surprised we managed to pull of 108 kms. We're on a roll and don't think about stopping. This machine is rolling right into 2012."

Spirits were high and music was playing happily in the tent. It's been a lot colder outside lately and their hands and faces are having a hard time staying comfortable. Nonetheless, the sun was shining on the tent and they were cozy inside. They decorated the tent with some balloons and a disco-ball, mr Captain Morgan decided to pay them a visit, 5ml of rum was enough to get them a little tipsy and they even had some little extra's for appetizers and dessert. A great evening!

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

86° 03' 43 S

129° 01' 40 E

Daily Progress: 137 km

Distance Total: 2305,4 km

"The highest reward for a man's toil is not what he gets out of it but what he becomes by it." John Ruskin (quote sent by Erika from Anchorage via www.antarcticice.be)

On a roll!

We received this report from Dixie last night: "With such solid weather forecasts, we pretty much knew that we were in for a good day yesterday.  To not keep the suspense for too long... 137 kms!

We woke up with a darkened tent, which means that snowdrift has us partly buried, so I went out to shovel the white stuff away from our tent, but before doing so, I took the photo and 3D videocamera to record the beauty of this morning scene.  The sun was beautifully surrounded by a halo and underneath it there was very strong light refraction making like a fireball sit on the horizon.

We got the 11 m Frenzy kites ready and were off in no time.  Now that we know all kites inside out we dare to take a size bigger for the windy conditions, but it was just right.  We went at high speeds also because the terrain was nice and flat.  Snowdrift made for a floaty atmosphere whereby we did not seem to ski but glide on a cloud of snowdrift.

After a good two hours, the terrain changed in a complex combination of pits, holes, little mounds and other creations of the wind and snow.  The wind also diminished but stuck around in a lesser form for the rest of the day.

We are on a roll and feel a bit like 'les employees de l'inutile' as we routinely will munch down the days as they come, hopefully accompanied by our friend the wind."

Dixie, Sam and the Antarctic ICE team wish you all a pleasant New Year's Eve and all the best for 2012!

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

87° 17' 3 S

127° 19' 7 E

Daily Progress: 146,2 km

Distance Total: 2168,4 km

"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many races one after another."   Walter Elliott

This team is rocking!

Dixie & Sam reported a 'great day' on the ice yesterday. They left with the frenzies in light wind conditions. They were not going really fast but more wind was predicted and sure enough, after a while a perfect 20km/h wind was blowing gently in their backs. Sam wrote: "The snow started drifting merrily, our kites were dancing happily and the big grin on our faces topped it all off. Until 4 o'clock we had lots of little sastrugi but nothing to frighten us anymore. We had some good yanks from the sleds and our knees weren't very happy with this but it was not all that bad. We barely stopped today. Three stops to eat and drink, that's about it. At 16h the terrain flattened out all the way and we surged forward. Heaven on earth!!! It felt like we were floating, and we were going fast! The wind was kind of gusty and at times I think we were going over 30 km/h but with the frenzies we always stay in control and on this terrain it's such a pleasure to go fast."

At 18h15 all of a sudden the wind kicked in even more and everything became very dark. The snowdrift made visibility poor and they decided to call it a day since yesterday had been a long day and there is more wind in the forecast for the next days.

But the long kiting day also resulted in aching knees and shoulders. Sam: "My knees aren't very happy and my shoulder is aching as well from making the figure eights with the kites. Also Dixie is having problems with the knees. But it's nothing serious and we can put the pain to the background.

Only our first steps when we take the skis off are a little... crooked, weird, funny and very painful. Sometimes I will just tip over and grumble between my teeth. But after taking some steps and doing some stretching it will go away."

"High spirits here!", Sam & Dixie confirmed this morning on the phone. " We feel like we are on the highway now. This team is rocking!!! Take care you all! Thank you so much for the support! You must know that we think of everybody at home with so much love and gratitude! The thoughts of all of you give us so much energy."

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

88° 27' 11 S

110° 38' 52 E

Daily Progress:  105 km

Distance Total: 2022,2 km

"Yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind"  (Bible)

Wind blowing in the right direction at last!

Yesterday morning there was very little wind, but it was from the right direction!  We have some great meteorologists in our team and they gave Dixie & Sam the advice to start heading east since at the spot they were there was very little wind in the forecast. So they gave our polar travelers some gps-coordinates and off they went.  Sam wrote: "We were going slow yesterday but we were moving. We progressed for 11h45 stopping 2 times for 20 minutes. The terrain was marvelous. I lack the proper vocabulary to describe to you how heavenly the surface is here. Flat as a pooltable, just amazing, great and all the other proper adverbs for wonderful conditions like this.

More and more I feel like Dixie and I are starting to become part of this habitat. You can feel that the human body isn't designed for conditions like this and I keep having a hard time to keep my face from freezing but nonetheless, more and more, we're becoming one with Antarctica. It is a great feeling! We're starting to feel at home here.

Also, all our equipment is doing so well. I should really thank Dixie for this. For 4 years he's been preparing this trip and that on top of his huge experience has made we have such great stuff with us. Also our bodies are doing extremely well. At the pole everybody complimented us on looking so good, fresh and healthy. I think we should really thank our great food for that, but also the extensive preparation we did and the discipline we have been expressing towards taking care of ourselves.

We hope we can benefit some good wind the coming days. If we can do over100 kms in such light wind we had today that is very promising for the future!"

Now Dixie & Sam have already over 2000kms on the counter and are back on track for good wind conditions.

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

88° 49' 27 S

74° 17' 41 E

No progress yesterday

Distance Total: 1917,2 km

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in making new landscapes but in having new eyes."    Marcel Proust

Ready for distances!

Yesterday morning Dixie & Sam checked in what direction their  next waypoint was and the wind couldn't be more wrong. Sam reported: "With our kites we can go 75 degrees left and right from going perfectly along with the wind but there is no way we can go against it. So there was nothing else to do than spent a cozy day in the tent. We fixed some things, read a book, listened to music and did some aerial-filming using our go-pro and the weather-kites. Really wondering what those images will look like. I hope it will catch some of this unique feeling of being out here all by ourselves and having absolutely nothing or nobody around us. It is a very special feeling and it's getting stronger the longer we're here. We talked a bit about this. More and more we're starting to get detached from our daily lives, from society, from everything at home. More and more you start looking at it from a distance. It truly is an amazing thing and though I miss parts of it, it is a privilege to experience something like this.

Also, before this expedition I said this would be like one long meditation. I don't know a lot about meditation but I must say there are some parallels. When your meditating, sometimes you want to get away, do something else, get out of that cramped posture. But you don't. It is the same here. Sometimes you want to be back home and away from the burden of an expedition like this. And then you let go. I think everybody must have felt this going on a long expedition like this. Especially when you want to keep moving and you're stuck in your tent. But you let go, you surrender to what is. More and more that is working so nicely, just accepting what is and letting go all else."

Today the (weak) wind turned NW and is a bit in their favor again. Plan for the day: making some nice distances!  Dixie & Sam on the phone this morning: "We're ready for it. Spirits are high!"

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

88° 49' 27 S

74° 17' 41 E

No progress yesterday

Distance Total: 1917,2 km

"Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future." Niels Bohr

About the predictions of a Yatze-game…

What's the situation? More northern winds so kiting would mean being blown back to the pole. Since Dixie & Sam have been there already they decided to stay put and wait for better winds. Sam wrote: "We used  the wind today to turn this little spot of Antarctica in mini-Hollywood and spent the day filming and taking pictures. We both kited quite a bit in front of the tent and filmed from every possible angle.  We also charged a lot of batteries but there has been a fog so charging stuff was not all that easy."

"Spirits are great!", both confirm. "We really believe conditions will change and then we'll  do some truly great distances. Tomorrow we might try to get a little more back on our normal route but might end up going a little bit back to the pole.  Yesterday afternoon we both enjoyed a great nap and after that Dixie bet the N-wind on Yatze. I beat him twice so that means I own the N-wind now and I decided that it will change for a Southern one. The weather forecasts are not really going along with that but hey, nothing can beat the predictions of a Yatze-game. Take care you all!"

Sam and Dixie

Posted by Stefan Maes, Expedition Coordinator

Current position:

88° 49' 27 S

74° 17' 41 E

Daily Progress: 14 km

Distance Total: 1917,2 km

"The ancient Greek definition of happiness was the full use of your powers along lines of excellence" - John F. Kennedy

A strategic move

On Christmas Day Sam & Dixie woke up with almost no wind but gradually it got a little stronger. They enjoyed breakfast and wished each other a very happy Christmas. Sam wrote: "We talked about how weird it is to be over here now, all by ourselves, everything just the same as yesterday. On days like these though you feel that you are on a mission and not really part of everyday life. We talked about our families and on how at these moments you really feel like you're gone and not part of society and regular life. We're in a different place and a different mindset. I rarely really miss people and family but I have to admit, today I really missed everybody and most of all those really close to me. It was special to think about them celebrating, eating, chatting, being together. Yesterday I felt like we were really far from everybody and everything."

There was wind although from not such a good direction. They had to go over 90 degrees on the wind direction and that is very difficult. Dixie explains: "We took our Yakuza's out and they got up after some trying. We went a good speed for a while though not really the good direction. But this should be mentioned, it is a bit of a strategic move. The predominant wind direction is SE, we can also see this on the scarce sastrugi here. The wind direction we're having right now is fairly abnormal. By the way, we've been talking to some people here at South Pole Station and they also said this has been a weird season in Antarctica. The wind and the weather has been doing very strange things. Normally everything is very stable and predictable here.

This whole expedition is based on those statistics but somehow this year appears to be different. That is how statistics work though, they represent averages and we have been a little unfortunate to be on the bad side of the Gaus-curve.

Anyway, we've been going a little the wrong way but as I said, this might be in our favor in the long run if things return back to normal here. Also, it's better to be moving than to sit in the tent all day long. Hope everybody is doing well. Thanks for all the Christmas Wishes!!!!"

Yesterday afternoon they have been chilling in the tent enjoying a cup of coffee, great chocolate and good conversation. Dixie & Sam also did some meteo-measurements.

Posted by Stefan Maes, Project Coordinator

Current position:

88° 56' 06 S

77° 17' 00 E

Daily Progress: 78 km

Distance Total: 1903,2 km

Merry Christmas to everybody!!!

"Both Dixie and I wish everybody a great and peaceful day. We wish that everybody can get along as peaceful, respectful, patient and loving as this team has been living together for the last 50 days. It's been such a privilege to be part of this incredible two man team."

Yesterday started with the blizzard that was happily raging outside. No way Dixie and Sam  could move in these conditions. Sam crawled deep into his sleeping bag after breakfast and dreamed about all the nice people in his life. He wrote: "I'm no supernatural being. Yesterday morning I was a little homesick and I felt my stiff muscles more than ever. I wanted to continue and at the same time I just wanted to be in my sleeping bag and be a little miserable. I slept and listened to music and wandered through all the nice memories of friends, family and other beloved ones."

At 14.30 UTC there were no more excuses. Visibility was very poor, the wind was blowing strong at 30kms/h and there was lots and lots of snowdrift but in these conditions it's possible to travel.  They  packed everything away in no time, got out of the tent and set up their 6m-kites. They flew off and were progressing at great speed through the remains of the blizzard. Sam: "Once we were moving life was great again. I love to just glide. And this must be said, the terrain has been such a blessing yesterday and today. It's amazing how much faster we go now. Anyway, all of a sudden we were in a crazy white-out again. I took over navigating and for a moment I had to adjust to this weird feeling again. There is no above or beneath, no horizon and there is no way you can judge the terrain. For a moment we debated stopping but I hate to stop when there is wind and we're moving. I focused on relaxing and we kept going. It's weird at first but you get used to these conditions. You cannot judge the occasional sastruga or bump you will hit so you just have to react as soon as you loose your balance."

After about two hours of floating in this fog-bubble things cleared out. They kept going till 20h and decided it was time to start celebrating Christmas! How did they celebrate? "Not much special but I got some presents for Dixie and Dixie some for me. The music happily sounds in the tent and we are both so happy with the 78 km we did today. I also brought some wodka and that we drank happily :)

We're wishing everybody the very best for this Christmasday and want to thank you for all the support and loving messages!"

Sam and Dixie

Posted by Stefan Maes, Project Coordinator

Current Position:

89 24' 47 S

112° 45' 54 E

Daily Progress: 66 km

Distance Total: 1825,2

"We need time to dream, time to remember, and time to reach the infinite. Time to be."  Gladys Taber (posted on the AAICE-website by Erika from Anchorage)

Dixie and Sam are back on the road!

For both it was really an incredible experience to spend a full day at the South Pole, especially since the weather was beautiful, the people they met were truly nice and the visit to the South Pole Station was more than interesting. Dixie wrote last night: "Our 'tour guide' actually was surprised to hear that we must have met in 1997-98 when I passed there as well. We also bonded well with the Norwegians and the people running the camp, good vibes all around.  Needless to say that the whole thing was experienced in a state of elation as we were truly happy to have reached the 'bottom of the world' and it felt like having reached the summit of Everest or any other high mountain, and now we continue to make it safe back down the mountain."

Yesterday Dixie and Sam started their way 'up' as any direction is now to the North. They left with splendid conditions, good visibility, good wind and on top of that from the most favorable direction, so spirits were kite-high!  Sam: " We made good progress for the first 45 minutes, but then, fog kreeped in and soon the wind picked up, it started snowing hard, visibility was reduced to zero and we continued for another 2 hours like blindfold...  We changed kites (Ozone Frenzy 11 meter was replaced by the 6 meter Frenzy) but soon enough the blizzard set in and we had to stop.  Too dangerous and we must stay faithful to our promise to keep it safe!

Tent was set up and soon enough (after cleaning out all of the snow that had blown in) we were back in our little cozy bubble. The weather forecast is calling for more unstable weather, so we will stay open to whatever the weather gods will offer us in the way of visibility, wind strength and should anyone be willing to do a 'no-sastrugi-dance', all of that good stuff is welcome!

A big thank you to all of the well-wishing mails that we received well in our little tent, it truly means the world to us!! We send you our warmest and coziest Xmass wishes already!!!!!!!!!!!!"

This morning they were  still in a condition of whiteout (visibility reduced to near-zero) and had to face strong blizzard winds so they have decided to stay in the tent until the weather clears up. They hope to make further progress later on today.

Posted by Stefan Maes,  Project Coordinator

Current Postion:  90° S

Daily Progress:  0 km

Distance Total:  1759.2 km

"If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored. One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things." - Henry Miller

With soft yet determined movements, Dixie and Sam quietly packed up their camp and departed the South Pole at 09:00 UTC this morning.  Most of the inhabitants of the nearby Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station were already thinking of a good night's sleep, as it was 22:00 local time.  Dixie chose to keep the team on UTC for the short stay there, and wisely avoided "jet lag" for Sam and him.

Yesterday's rest and rejuvenation among civilization gave both adventurers the new-found energy they will need for the days, weeks & months to come.  Dixie reported that they were treated very nicely by the folks in their neighborhood, but that the duo also kept a certain distance for various reasons: Dixie and Sam insisted on remaining autonomous and the temptations of comfort needed to be resisted for the time being. But no worries - their time will come!

Many of you are joining Dixie and Sam today in the holiday departure mode.  The Antarctic ICE Team wishes you a safe and enjoyable holiday season.  When you lift a glass among loved ones, perhaps you could add an extra toast to Dixie and Sam out on the ice.  And please don't feel sorry for them - they will spend Christmas Eve in perhaps the most beautiful natural setting that any of us could imagine.

Happy Holidays to you all!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

The picture says it all.

Congratulations, Dixie & Sam!

Current Position:  The South Pole

90° South

0° East or West

Daily Progress:  60 km

Distance Total:  1759.2 km

Dixie Dansercoer and Sam Deltour have arrived at the South Pole.

Dixie phoned last night at 20:15 UTC to report their arrival.  "Dazed and confused" would best describe his voice, but then elation seeped through his exhausted words. He knows that this is just a brief stop along a lengthy journey, but last night he allowed himself to pause and celebrate.

Sam also took the time to update us with a quick e-mail from the bottom of the world.

"Haha! We made it!

What a day, full of surprises again.  When I awakened it was dead quiet in the tent. The wind was supposed to be blowing 20-30km/hour, but the weather has been iffy and unpredictable and today appeared to be no different. It was cloudy and grey and there was a mystical atmosphere outside. Nonetheless, we were hopeful. The wind increased a little as we put the tent away and we started off.

At one point during a kite exchange, my kite spun around and crashed. Dixie tried to throw my kite in the air but got tangled in my lines and we had to release both our kites. I had a hard time staying calm, knowing what it would mean to lose a kite.  But I walked the hundred meters to my kite, got it ready again, and we both re-launched without problems. By this time, however, the wind had dropped all the way and we were going slow, really slow. I think our imperceptible speed was a whopping 4km/hour!

And then the wind increased. In four hours we covered 40 kilometers and arrived at our first sign of life:  the camp run by TAC-ALCI (The Antarctic Company). We had been invited before we left the ALCI Base back in November to stop by. But no one was around, so we had a quick lunch there and continued on our way.

20 kilometers to go to the Pole. Then it started snowing and the wind dropped all the way.  Really, the wind was gone. Dixie could still go very slowly with his 30 meter Nasawing, but I was standing still with my 50 meter kite. I had to do something, so I started walking on my skis with the kite attached to me. At one point the wind dropped so far that my kite fumbled out of the air. Dixie told me over the radio that we could maybe put the kites away and start walking - another 18 kilometers!

But I didn't want to give in and then I did something perhaps a little revolutionary and downright gawkish in the polar explorer world. I allowed the kite to pull me the little bit that it could, took out a walking stick, and started pursuing Dixie in this limping fashion. I was not going very fast, and it certainly wasn't graceful, but I was at least advancing. It must have been quiet a sight! I did this for about half an hour, all the while thinking, 'We must get there!  We must get there!'  I started sweating like crazy, took off my helmet, opened my jacket, and kept giving it all I had.

The wind eventually picked up and we started moving again together via kite power. And then, we became surrounded by fog. For the next hour we were completely shrouded and could barely see anything. Suddenly, as in a dream, there it was.  Emerging from out of the fog, in this endless icy desert, there were grey shapes revealing themselves in front of us. Buildings !?!  We made it! We made it to the South Pole!"

We expect more news from Dixie and Sam in the hours to come and will post what they give us.  Suffice to say that our entire Antarctic ICE Expedition team is cautiously celebrating this achievement, and breathing a deep sigh while Dixie and Sam are in the company of other humans for this short while.

In the meantime, we have discovered that the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station has a webcam.  Perhaps in the next several hours Dixie and Sam will wander in front of it!  To read more about the United States Antarctic Program, and the impressive work that their scientists and staff accomplish, please visit their website.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

89° 28' 14 S

03° 21' 43 W

Daily Progress: 96.7 km

Progression Total:  1699.2 km

"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy." - William Blake

Dixie and Sam would like to wish all of their supporters in the Northern Hemisphere a very happy first day of winter!  May you discover unexpected subtle pleasures within the cold, brisk days to come.

Yesterday our determined duo advanced another 96.7 kilometers toward the South Pole, but like the proverbial "watched pot that never boils" they are still waiting to reach this first of many destinations.  Close, so very close.

Their day progressed as follows:

"This morning there was a very light headwind coming from the South Pole. We allowed ourselves a slow morning routine in order to give the lazy breeze a chance to intensify.  We enjoyed breakfast, fixed some equipment, and waited.

At 11.45 we packed up camp and began our journey with the Nasawings. The wind was irregular but the terrain good. One of the few negative things about these kites is that they drag us downwind without much control to edge upwind when necessary.  It is very strenuous on the quadriceps. I always try to think happy thoughts and ignore the aches that inevitably arise during such kite sessions, but every two hours I needed a break.

To lighten things up a bit I decided to start playing tag with Dixie. Fun when you're hanging on a kite. It takes some skill, but it helps to ease the mind.  While we were in the sun much of the day, we could see a cloud bank in front of us.

The wind steadily increased and we decided to change to the Ozone Frenzies.  What a great, great move!  We eventually entered the cloud bank that had been looming on our horizon and proceeded to navigate through a white-out for about one hour.  We stayed very close to one another and slowly adjusted to the absence of dimention:  very weird not to see any ups and downs or even the sastrugis anymore.  It was admittedly disorienting.  We kept going until 20:00 UTC when we called it quits and dared to check the gps.  We were very happy to see we did almost 100 again! Tomorrow we hope we'll be at the pole but everything will depend on the wind."

This morning Dixie's phone call informed us that the wind was indeed very light this morning, but the hope as always was that it would build throughout the day.  Dixie dared not predict their arrival time at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, but he did begin to consider the abrupt adjustment to a UTC +13 time zone (the station operates on New Zealand Daylight Savings Time). Then he giggled at himself and admitted that they still need to get there ... ever the realist, and thankfully still able to laugh at his own absurdities.

-posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

88° 36'  21 S

08° 14'  50 W

Daily Progress:  105 km

Total Progression:  1602.5 km

"I've never seen so many men wasted so badly."

"Put your drawers on, and take your gun off."

- from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (starring among others, Clint Eastwood)

In a world filled with cameras on practically every street corner and full body x-rays at airport security screenings, privacy is an increasingly rare privilege.  But for Dixie and Sam, there are thankfully no witnesses to their many stumbles along the tricky Antarctic terrain.  Although a tumble is never pleasant, it appears that a bit of humor has kept them going and enabled them to have a good laugh at their own expense.  And no matter how clumsy they were yesterday, they still advanced another 105 kilometers!

Sam's account of their day:  "We started off with our nasawings and were slowly plodding along. All of a sudden the wind increased and turned from the west to a gusty, irregular breeze from the east.  I was overpowered on my 50 meter kite, so I tried to change to the Yakuza but discovered that the wind was too irregular for that choice. Dixie and I alternated kites and at one point I was going faster than him, but it never lasted for long.  After 2 hours of changing more kites than a teenage girl changes clothes, we found satisfaction for these wind conditions with the 50 and 30 Nasawings. Inevitably we were being pushed to the west. The wind stabilized in the afternoon and we were moving to the pole, and moving well.

Dixie did some tricks today. As we were kiting he followed me closely and went to sit on my sled as we were moving. Pretty funny! I was taking  pictures all the while, so please enjoy this image of Dixie's less than graceful fall. I crashed as well today and shoved a bucket full of snow in my pants.

This evening we had a not so pleasant surprise. Some fuel had leaked out of one of the bottles onto our evening meal, so we had some nafta-spice in our food.  We can probably light our burps right now."

With the South Pole in striking distance, both Dixie and Sam are allowing themselves to feel some excitement.  Very soon they'll be able to park their ponies and saddle up to a saloon - or at the very least pitch their autonomous tent in the neighborhood of other cowboys for a while.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

87° 48' 53 S

08° 14' 43 E

Daily Progress:  0 km

Distance Total:  1497.5 km

"Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances." - Thomas Jefferson

Easier said than done.

But this morning, Dixie and Sam were the living example of "unruffled."

Yesterday, they were all dressed up for the party that never was.  The wind that they thought was their date for the Pole, turned out to be a bit of a tease and disappeared without even a goodnight kiss.  When they awakened the morning after their passionate 151 kilometer Saturday night, they discovered a lonely landscape outside of their tent flap.  No wind.  No progress.

Still, instead of giving in to complete despair, they used the unexpected pause in their tent to further calculate and re-calculate their steps after the South Pole.  Time is a precious commodity during an expedition, and just like the wind, it must be used to its fullest potential when it is there.  Rest was not an issue yesterday, as both Dixie and Sam feel deeply rested and physically strong. But many little logistical tasks filled their day.

When they awakened this Monday morning, the wind had somewhat apologetically returned.  A cheerful early phone call from Dixie announced their imminent departure.

As they proceed closer and closer to the Pole, one cannot help but be excited for them.  It will represent much to this unstoppable duo, and also to their support team.  It will be a welcome relief to have our two expeditioners in the midst of human contact for a brief period, and the break will breathe renewed energy into this lengthy and ambitious expedition.

In the meantime, we hope that the windsock in today's photo is no longer listless and now flying strong full of pure Antarctic air!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

87° 48' 53 S

08° 14' 43 E

Daily Progress:  151 km

Distance Total:  1497.5 km

"They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art." - Charlie Parker

Dixie and Sam are pushing the boundaries.  Yesterday they advanced 151 kilometers in 12 hours of progress.

According to Sam:  "All of our prayers were answered today, smooth surface, good wind. The wind wasn't all that powerful, but it was just right.  Our speed was a comfortable 12km/hour, at times slightly faster. No stress, but a relaxing cadence. The terrain was irregular but hard and the sastrugi had changed direction so we could easily find our way around them. It was quite simply a great day. Dixie and I were all smiles all day long. We were dancing during our breaks and couldn't get enough of it. We kept saying, 'One more hour! One more hour!' untill it was 21:00 and we decided to stop.  We need our sleep for physical recovery and since there is wind in the forecast for tomorrow, we want to be rested up and ready for it."

It took a while for the adrenaline of their epic day to stop pumping, so Sam used the time to answer a few questions from our web followers:

1.  How do you go to the restroom?

Quick and fast!  I consider it utterly unpleasant, but Dixie thinks it's ok. We always go in the morning and have rationed our toilet paper supply for one motion a day.

2.  Have you been cold?

Yes, of course, this is Antarctica! In the morning it's always a bit of a shock when we first leave the tent to go outside. Hands and feet are cold during the first hour of progress, but then they gradually warm up. During breaks we get cold very quickly, so dancing helps as we're eating our chocolate and drinking our water.

3.  Does it hurt?

Well, let me say this, never in my life have my knees hurt so badly. I don't focus on the pain very much, though, especially since the aches have improved considerably.  Pain is weird; our bodies get used to it and it passes after a while. The human body is just an amazing thing!

4.  Does your pee freeze right away?

Nope.  And we don't eat the yellow snow.  :)

On the phone this morning, Dixie spoke with the artful authority of an expedition leader. Plans. Routes. How to best execute the expedition as they progress past the Pole into largely unknown territory. But first they have to get to 90°S and this morning the wind was quite still.

The South Pole is both a desination and a mental challenge.  Dixie's experienced leadership will be important when he and Sam abruptly re-enter "society" in a few days.  Dixie knows that it can be confusing, tempting and downright perplexing to suddenly be confronted with all things civilized, knowing that they need to continue unassisted past the South Pole Station.  His graceful yet disciplined attitude must guide the Antarctic ICE compass to and through this first milestone point on the map.  It is indeed an art to maintain focus along a 100 day expedition, while still allowing for improvisation along the way.  At delicate moments, Dixie knows that the boundary line must be respected.

The AAICE support team, along with all of Dixie and Sam's loved ones, hope that the generous scientists and staff who run the South Pole Station will warmly welcome Dixie and Sam.  But then, ever-so-softly, they have our permission to gently encourage our ambitious duo to be on their way.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

86° 28' 34 S

11° 28' 32 E

Daily Progress:  100 km

Distance Total:  1346.5 km

"Where is my beloved Antarctica?" - Dixie Dansercoer

Dixie and Sam remained in the triple-digit progress numbers yesterday, although their advancement was admittedly "stressful."

Dixie wrote very late last night:  "During our 8 hours of progression I tried to recall a similar activity that offers this same kind of 'enjoyment': going at a relatively high speed perched on very slick skis that slide over endlessly bumpy terrain requiring split-second decision making to avoid having to bite the (dust) ice.  Nothing came to mind.

Whoever invented the word 'sastruga' (in singular form) should have known that the very definition was incorrect!  There are seemingly billions of sastrugi that conspire to find human beings and bring them down.

Where is my beloved Antarctica?

Where is the frozen continent that I first met in 1997 when Alain Hubert and I only occasionally encountered short stretches of sastrugi?  Then the bulk of our kiting was done on much smoother terrain.  This year Sam and I have maybe had 10% of smooth sailing, while the rest has been completed on an ice surface that resembles a war zone.  The ice and snow appear to have been recently bombarded or, even more accurately, stealthily loaded with million of mines that have exploded and created pits, mounts, trenches, gullies, and other razor-like barriers.  What has gone on here?"

Apart from their obvious frustrations with Antarctica's terrain, Dixie and Sam report excellent spirits and continued passionate desire to move forward in style.  They are nursing their bodies each evening, especially the knees and backs which are taking a beating in the sastrugi mine-fields.

But the most important quality of both Dixie and Sam is their perspective:  they know that they have the choice to be there, and that it is a privilege they are living this experience. Armed with that positivity, they are already back at work, defensively weaving through the sastrugi, and allowing their minds to float to peaceful places.  All of it in harmony.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

85° 34' 32 S

12° 17' 15 E

Daily Progress:  115.3 km

Distance Total:  1246.5 km

"Flying might not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price." - Amelia Earhart

Dixie and Sam progressed 115.3 kilometers yesterday after travelling via kite for 11 hours and 15 minutes.

Their late-night mail and early morning phone call confirmed their excitement and their hunger for more.

"The pole is getting closer - our current calculations show approximately 494 kilometers between us and South Pole Station.  Our Diesel engine is warmed up, spirits are high, and above all, the wind predictions are good," wrote Sam last night.

Dixie and Sam's impressive distance yesterday was achieved by using a combination of kites:  the Nasawings in the low winds of the morning and then a switch to the Ozone Frenzy 11 meter kites once the power of the wind made progress rather exciting:

Sam wrote:  "My kite-friends know I like to be heavily powered, but this was on the edge. Luckily the terrain was relatively flat.  For 30 minutes our speed was at least 30km's/hour. I kept my kite low and went straight downwind. It was fun and intimidating at the same time. But once we reached the 'danger zone' we put our Nasawings away and continued with our trusty 11 meter Frenzies. The wind was still weird, very fickle and unpredictable. But the wind was there nonetheless, so we gratefully used what we were offered by Mother Nature."

Some important weather changes yesterday signify the arrival of the Antarctic summer.  The wind, which had rotated to the west, returned to the NE and made travel comfortable for Dixie and Sam.  Also there has been a steady rise in temperature, with balmy weather around -20°C expected by early next week.

Exciting days ahead full of soaring spirits among the Antarctic ICE Team.  Today's photo of Dixie bears witness to that enthusiasm.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

84° 34' 56 S

15° 32' 31 E

Daily Progress:  0 km

Distance Total:  1131.2 km

"Every night I have the same dream.  I'm hatching some plot, scheming some scheme.  No line on the horizon.  No, no line." - from "No Line on the Horizon" by U2

It's exam time here in the Belgian school system, and yesterday that pressure-filled atmosphere permeated the Antarctic High Plateau and offered a tough test for Dixie and Sam.

No wind.  On one of the most significant historical days in polar history.

The duo lived on "stand-by" most of the day, and even went so far as to break down camp and attempt to progress at 17:00 UTC.  Sam wrote:  "Alas, alas, as soon as we were standing outside, we realized that it was not going to happen.  The 11 km/hour wind that had grabbed our attention had quickly dropped to 6 km/hour by the time we were ready.  As I am writing, it has lessened even further and we are now drinking an extra cup of soup as a toast to Amundsen."

Today's photo shows an honest Sam in his resting position - somehow making a tent in -26° C temperatures look cozy and inviting.

Dixie and Sam awakened this morning to change in the air.  They passed their "mental exam" with flying colors by not succumbing to the potential frustration of continued "rest," and were ready to go this morning with a renewed and ever-determined energy.  For the first day in a long time, they awakened to gray skies, rising wind and an absence of orientation due to a missing horizon.  In the polar regions, this phenomenon happens when sky and terrain seem to seamlessly blend together, and provides a depth-perception challenge similar to sailors on the open sea.

Dixie promised very convincingly during our morning communications that they would begin their day with safety in mind.

And through their continued demonstration of courage, Dixie and Sam's actions prompt the rest of us to examine our own horizons - both internal and external - and perhaps encourage us to dare a glimpse beyond ...

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

84° 34' 56 S

15° 32' 31 E

Daily Progress:  51 km

Distance Total:  1131.2 km

"So we arrived, and planted our flag at the geographical South Pole. Thanks be to God!" - Roald Amundsen, 14 December 1911

100 years ago today the first human beings stood at the mythical 90° South Pole.  Roald Amundsen of Norway and his team successfully arrived - and more importantly safely returned - from this historical discovery.  Today, a global tribute to their pioneer spirit is taking place.  In particular, the Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg is at the South Pole Station for a live tribute from the ice.

A myriad of expeditions this Antarctic season have set their ambition to arrive at the Pole on this day.  Even in 2011, few have been able to achieve this goal due to nature and logistics.  Dixie and Sam have a much longer objective in front of them and are admittedly trying to avoid the "circus" around the South Pole celebrations.  By the time they reach 90° South, they are hoping that the atmosphere will have calmed a bit. But more importantly, they are profoundly aware of the courage and clever tactics it took for Amundsen to lead his team to such a remote and potentially deadly place.  It is with deep respect that Dixie and Sam pay quiet tribute today to Roald Amundsen.

Yesterday, Dixie and Sam steadily advanced another 51 kilometers.  The terrain is quite kind for the moment, but the powerful wind is missing from the progression equation.

On a very sad note, Dixie and Sam learned of the horrific attack in their homeland of Belgium yesterday, where in the city of Liège at least 6 people died and over 100 were injured due to the inexplicable actions of apparently one disturbed lone gunman. Together with the Antarctic ICE team, they have asked us to share their deepest sympathy with the victims, their families and loved ones.

An event such as this tragedy is a reminder that while the world has changed technologically since Amundsen's era, we as human beings have evolved very little. Wars and senseless violence remain a fact of the human condition. Explorers such as Amundsen, and dare we include Dixie and Sam, may not realize it themselves, but their ability to inspire us in times of sadness or confusion is a powerful thing.  We can choose to wallow in the negativity and anger which results from the destructive actions of a few, or we can encourage our children to believe in the possibilites within us and to dare to dream. The world will apparently always need positive reinforcement, but if we open our eyes there is inspiration all around.  "What we pay attention to grows."

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

84° 10' 43 S

17° 45' 39 E

Daily Progress:  0 km

Distance Total:  1080.2 km

"If absolute power corrupts absolutely, does absolute powerlessness make you pure?" - Harry Shearer, comedian (otherwise known as Derek Smalls of Spinal Tap)

Impotence in the face of nature.

Could a more appropriate concept present itself in the days before the centennial celebration of Amundsen's South Pole arrival? As the polar expedition world gathers to honor the bravery of both Amundsen & Scott (and let's not forget their courageous teammates), Dixie and Sam experienced their own reminder of nature's omnipotent power yesterday.

No wind.

No progress.

Forced respite.

Dixie explained on the phone this morning that both he and Sam allowed themselves to finally, deeply rest yesterday.  Like jetlagged travellers or sleep-deprived parents of a newborn baby, they had not realized just how desperately their bodies needed repose.  They awakened this morning extremely refreshed and, to no one's surprise, chomping at the bit to get moving.

Sam described yesterday's rest day:  "This morning there was no wind whatsoever.  We were of course a little more than disappointed, but it is what it is. In this weather there is not really a smart method of progression. Walking and sled-hauling are counter-productive due to the risk quotient of potential muscle strain in comparison to the amount of kilometers we could possibly gain.  In the end, acceptance won the battle of our psyches, and we discovered that it was actually kind of nice to give our muscles a break.

We fixed some equipment.  We caught up with our message backlog and these words of support delighted our hearts.  It was funny though how our eyes were fixed on the wind-vane constantly. A couple of times it started moving a bit and we rushed outside to measure the wind but soon enough it would die down again and it never got above 7km/h.

Spirits were high in the tent. We are clearly both physically and mentally ready to increase speed and distance during our future daily progress, and we are more determined than ever to keep moving beyond the Pole, deep into East Antarctica.

Other than that, not much to tell you. We're doing fine. More and more we realize what a privilege it is to be here. It remains very, very strange that there is no life around us. When the wind goes to sleep there really is nothing here, only endless shapes and forms of sastrugi around us, as far as we can see. It's surreal but a real treat for a soul who normally resides in a modern busy world. The mind receives time to become quiet and in that silence there is space to listen again. Listen to ourselves and to the echoes of our past. There is even room for new thoughts, new creativity. Again, this really is a blessing. We pay for it with our sweat and pained muscles and the lack of luxury, but it is worth it."

Dixie's voice echoed the harmony that reigns in their daily life on the ice, but admitted to an intense desire to do what he does best - get outside and kite!

We hope to be able to report some substantial progress tomorrow, but in the meantime the Antarctic ICE Team remains grateful that safety and well-calculated decisions are being made by Dixie and Sam.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

84° 10' 43 S

17° 45' 39 E

Daily Progress:  63.7 km

Distance Total:  1080.2 km

"Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction." - John F. Kennedy

Monday morning can often present an abrupt adjustment to a new work week, but for Dixie and Sam it proved to be a relaxing start to a new day.  The winds at their campsite were a bit elusive when they awakened, but were slowly puffing ever-so-slightly at 6 km/hour during their breakfast.  The duo were patiently (or in all honesty a bit impatiently) waiting for the wind to hit 10 km/hour, and then they were heading off to work.

In the meantime, both Sam and Dixie were very proud to report their progress of 63.7 km from yesterday.  Sam described their Sunday as follows:

"This morning it was dead quiet in the tent, but when we looked outside our little Ozone flag was struggling to rise, an effort which reminded me of myself. I like to take things slowly in the morning. Dixie is however an energetic early bird and at 07:00 he starts rolling, gets the stove humming, stuffs his sleeping bag away, and lights an incense. All the while I snooze happily in my thick goosedown sleeping bag. Than I turn on some music,roll over, and ask Dixie about the wind.  Eventually, just like the little Ozone-flag, I manage to rise and start my day.

Sunday is always a bit special since we allow ourselves the luxury of contact with our loved ones.  Before the expedition a journalist asked me what I would probably miss the most during our lengthy expedition.  Without hesitation I gave him an answer which is proving to be very, very true:  my girlfriend, Seraphine.

In every story there is a girl, I guess. But this is a very special one. She is what I'm thinking about 90 procent of the time and these thoughts give me so much energy out here.  Antarctica intensifies everything:  the loneliness,  the mental and physical efforts, and of course emotions.  Sunday is the day I get to talk to her and that means so very much to me. All week long I look forward to it and all day long I was hopping around with a smile on my face from this brief phonecall.

There was very little wind today, but we still were able to progress with the Nasawings. 8 square meters of fabric and 600 meters of line pulled us 63.7 kilometers further down our route. It was slow going but we were moving. Both Dixie and I were all smiles today.

My skills on the ski's have also improved dramatically. At one point, after having progressed non-stop for 3 hours, Dixie asked me: "Samme, shall we keep going for another hour or two without a break? I'm afraid the wind will soon die."  I agreed with him, even though we cramp-up due from holding the same position for hours at a time.  Must be like horseriding, I guess.

Just then a gnarly sastrugi hit my ski while I was looking at Dixie and caught me by surprise.  I fell forward, flat on my face. Great. Good fun. I can already imagine the grin on Dixie's face. My ski's are crossed behind me and my kite drags me forcefully forward on my belly. Must have been a great sight!

I don't fall very often anymore but when I do, I do it in style now.  What's more, I'm experienced in falling correctly now. It has become more of a nuisance than a danger. Two hours later, as Dixie predicted, the wind completely died and we called it a day."

For those of you tracking Dixie and Sam on the map, you will notice that they have begun a westerly tack.  Dixie explained that - for various reasons - once they are only 20 kilometers from the South Pole, they will need to approach from as close to 20° WEST as possible.  No problem for Dixie & Sam, as the sastrugi formations encourage this change in direction.  The farther west they proceed, the faster they seem to go due to the improved terrain.

The expeditioners are also enjoying their work which includes monitoring cloud formations.  This morning the sky was only a brilliant blue, but often uniquely shaped clouds dance above Dixie and Sam as they sail along.  The Antarctic sky, which is now fully illuminated 24 hours each day, provides a wonderful distraction amid the monotony of polar travel.

Whatever provides them with a sense of direction & purpose - loved ones, scientific field work, or simply the privilege to be living this experience - Dixie and Sam remain determined and positive.  They are sincerely having fun out there!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

83° 38' 45 S

19° 41' 55 E

Daily Progression = 81.7 km

Distance Total = 1016.5 km

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." - Nelson Mandela

Dixie Dansercoer's first determined yet humble foot-print in Antarctica was made in November 1997, and together with fellow Belgian and experienced expedition leader Alain Hubert, those feet traversed the entire continent.  Along the path of the then record-breaking 3924 kilometers, profound changes took place within Dixie, in large part due to each subtle revelation that Antarctica exposed.  It was a complete paradigm shift in Dixie's then 35 year-old-life.  Sam Deltour was 12 years old at the time.

Yesterday, Dixie and Sam were confronted with more signs of life on the Antarctic continent - they stopped for lunch at a fuel depot.  Without any doubt, and for the second day in a row, Dixie was made keenly aware of the visible increase of human presence in Antarctica since his initial visit 14 years ago.  He did not rush to judgment or criticize these "signs of life," as Dixie humbly admits to also being part of the temporary population increase during the Antarctic summer.  Plus, he and Sam realize that such fuel depots are placed for flights which transport not only eco-tourists (who possess the real potential to return to their homelands as engaged environmental ambassadors), but also hardy scientists and researchers who need  to reach their remote fields of study.

And yet, somehow, Antarctica remains for the most part unchanged in its imposing and commanding natural kingdom.  Whatever signs of life Dixie and Sam do encounter, such appearances are miniscule compared to the vast, empty continent which is not designed to support human life in its interior.  There is no natural food source available, except of course on the continent's coast line.  And as we have witnessed by following Dixie and Sam on their expedition so far, the weather and terrain prevent all but the courageous few from staying out on the high plateau for very long.

Sam described their encounter last night:

"Today we were heading for the fuel depot and at noon we arrived. A very surreal thing, that fuel depot. Until yesterday, we haven't seen any signs of life in this frozen desert, and suddenly we found ourselves sailing along surreal jeep tracks. For the most part, our scenery has been limited to sastrugi, clouds, and undulations in the landscape.  Other than that, nothing.

But all of a sudden late this morning we saw black dots on the horizon. We came across more familiar jeep-tracks and a little later we were standing in the middle of a landing strip for polar aircraft. Scattered around these tracks were neatly stacked fuel drums in groups of 10.  Some were partially buried by storms, others had obviously only recently been deposited.  What an expensive encounter! Liquid gold they call it.  We couldn't resist taking our break there and as you can see in today's photo Dixie was inspired to refuel as well."

Later that afternoon, and 81.7 kilometers further along their journey, Dixie and Sam set-up their new camp in a wind-still environment.  After a relatively busy night which included "paperwork" followed by a spirited round of the Norwegian version of Yahtzee, they awakened this morning to a breeze which hinted at further progression.  While they are satisfied with their current daily average of 53.5 kilometers, both Dixie and Sam are eager to raise the numbers and move along down the Antarctic highway.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

82° 54' 45 S

20° 01' 01 E

Progression total = 934.8 kilometers

"It is great folly to wish to be wise all alone." -  François de La Rochefoucauld (17th century French writer)

"Profit from folly rather than participate in it." - Warren Buffett (21st century businessman)

T.G.I.F.!

Friday wrapped-up another intense work week for the Antarctic ICE Expedition, but unfortunately it did not signify a relaxing weekend. Dixie's phone call this Saturday morning was one of a true expedition leader, full of plans and calculations for the days and weeks to come.  For the first time since the start of this expedition, he allowed himself to mention their current distance from the South Pole.  While not exact, due to the fact that their route consistently changes due to weather and terrain, they estimate that they are around 770 kilometers away from 90° South.  And from that mythical point onward, Dixie and Sam will find themselves in terrain that Dixie has never before seen, and that few have dared to explore.

Pioneering a new route is a daring task, but Dixie and Sam are approaching it without trepidation.  Dixie simply wants to have all of his "ducks in a row," and his Antarctic ICE support team is happy to quack with as much information as we can provide.

As for yesterday's impressive progress of 93.4 kilometers, Sam described in a late-night e-mail their atypical Friday which included a bizarre encounter:

"What a day! From one extreme to the other, but nothing about Antarctica surprises me anymore.

We began to progress using our 11m Ozone kites. It was very hard to judge the wind since it was extremely gusty, varying from 20 to 40 km/hour in a timespan of 2 minutes. We quickly discovered that we were hugely overpowered on our 11 meter kites, and wisely made the switch to our 6 meter kites.  Perfect.

While we had set-up last night's camp in a sastrugi-zone, we were pleased to sail out of it rather quickly. The wind increased a bit more and we had the sensation of flying over the ice. Actually the ice turned into nice soft snow, and for an hour or two it was like heaven on earth. We travelled between 25 - 30 km/hour and it was so much fun, so effortless, so great, so fantastic, so lovely - so everything I had ever dreamed that this expedition would be.

At one point we came across the trail of the jeeps from Extreme World Races.  Very strange to imagine their presence out here.  Their tracks (see today's photo) were heading straight to a fuel depot that was on our path, so we decided to follow them.  Dixie and I admittedly had so much fun racing along those tracks.  But we were also aware of the fact that any motorized presence in Antarctica - including our own to get to our expedition start - presents a potential threat to her pristine environment.  Food for thought and a healthy dose of self-criticism as we sailed along using the generous power of the wind to advance us.

But in Dutch we say "Mooie liedjes duren niet lang." which translates into "Beautiful songs don't last very long."  Soon enough the sastrugi rose from the terrain ahead.  Slowly they increased in size and density.  Then the wind fell.  We decided to accept Mother Nature's signs and ended the day with a total of 93,4 kilometers.  We're happy, even though we really wanted to go for the symbolic 100 km, but circumstances dictated otherwise.

At 4.30 we established our new camp and proceeded to complete our scientific meteo measurements. It took a little more than 2 hours, which is never easy at the end of the work day, but the effort is so worth it.  It is a vital activity for both of us. This expedition wouldn't mean nearly as much if we weren't giving back to the scientific community in some way.  We hope that we were able to forward them an interesting set of data today."

Many wise thoughts were presented by both Sam and Dixie at the end of Day 18.  Perhaps an indirect invitation for each of us to examine our own follies, and more importantly our own contributions, which eventually impact others.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Current Position:

82° 06' 39 S

18° 23' 03 E

"Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination." - John Dewey

"Facts are the air of scientists. Without them you can never fly." - Linus Pauling

Yesterday we celebrated another triple-digit day of progress for Dixie and Sam - 103 kilometers to be exact.  They reported unusually late last night, due to their extremely long work day, but were nonetheless awake and ready to go very early this morning.

Dixie wrote last night:  "Quite a day today!  We expected the wind to increase as was forecasted, but luckily we decided to commence with our trusted huge kites as the wind was not too strong when we departed this morning. Good choice, as the wind stayed pretty much the same all day. We went for 10 hours straight with only one lunch stop.

Sam and I may be proud that we have been able, every single time -  again and again! - to solve whatever problem in order to maintain progress. At one moment during the day, I was almost a kilometer downwind, but I still heard Sam's primal expression of frustration when his kite lines became tangled for the umpteenth time.

Our progress was not fast most of the day.  Since the wind was not strong enough to 'park' the kites in the air, it forced us to constantly make sinuses, which is exhausting and tedious labor.  After 8 hours, we thought that the day was over.  However, out of the blue, the wind increased just enough that we could keep a straight course.  At the same time, the normally sastrugi-filled terrain became quite flat.  We found ourselves progressing twice as fast and we enjoyed these last two hours TREMENDOUSLY!

One last crash by Sam and we abandoned our plan to keep going for one more hour.  Once we had put up the tent and stowed away the kites, we were ecstatic to read the 103 km figure on the gps!"

Dixie's final words on the telephone this morning were "Wind up!"  We assume that this means that we may receive another report of substantial progress later tonight.

Dixie's first words, however, referred to the scientific data which they have been hoping to collect for weeks now.  He and Sam take very seriously their contribution as "field workers" for researchers who are helping us all understand the impact of Antarctica's katabatic winds on our global climate.  The winds have been too low, however, to launch their weather kite at their campsite.  This kite holds an apparatus which measure winds at high altitude.  But without the wind, this specific kite won't fly and the data will not be measured.  If the forecast is correct, Sam and Dixie will begin to transmit this vital data over the weekend to researchers who are very patiently waiting.  And perhaps we will all eventually have a clearer view on what we can do, what we should do, to protect our global environment.

One look at today's photo (taken by Sam) of the pristine and majestic Antarctic landscape should inspire all of us to engage in some small way.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

"Wake up it's time - We need to find a better place to hide - Make up your mind." -  "Razor" by the Foo Fighters

"Nothing wrong to give - I can finally live - Come Alive." -  "Come Alive" by the Foo Fighters

It should be abundantly clear by now that Dixie and Sam receive huge amounts of energy from the music on their expedition.  Due to modern technology, their iPod libraries are vast, and this morning it was the Foo Fighters who first encouraged them to "Wake Up!" and then insisted that they "Come Alive."  No problem, because both Dixie and Sam were ready to roll, but the amazing passion and sincerity behind the music of the Foo Fighters kicked them out of the tent just a little bit faster.

Yesterday, after 20 kilometers of progress in almost no wind, Dixie and Sam made the wise decision to set-up their new camp in the early afternoon and rest their bodies.  This tactical rationale was cleverly made in preparation for the days to come - the weather forecast is predicting wind and lots of it.  Dixie's back and Sam's knees in particular needed a chance to recuperate from the incessant pounding they are receiving as they slalom around and over the sastrugi zones.

Sam's explanation:  "This afternoon we relaxed and gave our bodies a break. A nap, good food, nice chat, good music - seems to have been a smart decision.  The next days appear to be full of wind, so we really hope we can start flying forward after this mini-break."

Waiting to hear if the forecast is correct, and very much alive with Dixie and Sam.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

"We are forever.  We are that light.  We are immortal.  We are tonight.  16 for good." - K's Choice (Gert & Sarah Bettens)

"The best substitute for experience is being sixteen." - Raymond Duncan (developed a theory of movement called kinetics -  believed that the intrinsic value of labor mattered more than production or earnings)

80 kilometers - progression earned for the most part in a stubborn and admittedly irritated manner resembling at times the frustrated movements of a confused adolescent.

According to Sam:   "Something strange happened today.  We were climbing with an uninvited expedition partner:  the sastrugi. Big sastrugi.  For the first time we encountered a huge pit in the terrain. On the downward slope into the pit, there was very little wind, almost none, because the hill behind us took it away.  Inside the depression there was no sastrugi but an extremely hard ice surface. Tricky stuff.  On the way back up, large and dense sastrugi joined us once more. We continued bumping among these wind-created snow sculptures until ... guess what... same thing, another pit formation.  Again slip-n-slide down in to the pit, climb back up, say hello to the sastrugi, and continue.  That same pattern went on and on for most of the day.

I have been told that if you type the word sastrugi into an internet search engine, our blog pops up as one of the first sites.  Well, that isn't much of a surprise since I think Dixie and I have seen more sastrugi than anybody else out of the 7 billion people inhabiting this planet.  All shapes, sizes, and formations. The wind must have been very busy here this winter.  Mother Nature is the creator of these fine snow-sculptures - they are her stylish signature. But it seems that since she was so busy constructing her Antarctic fine art exhibit during the winter months, she is now taking a well deserved rest and leaving us with little wind.  If it would be up to me, I'd get her out of her bed and put her back to work. She doesn't have to do all that much, really, just a nice 3 Beaufort breeze would be nice."

Dixie admitted this morning that he and Sam are experiencing some "mechanical" aches and pains, but nothing debilitating.  Dixie's back and Sam's knees are asking for a bit of extra care, and both expeditioners are doing everything necessary to take care of their physical health.

One bodily adjustment is clear:  they have completely adapted to the extreme cold.  Many followers have asked what the temperature difference is between the inside of the tent and the outside conditions.  Sam wrote:  "Some web visitors asked how warm it gets in the tent.  I guessed that it was around +15°C, but we measured it today and it is actually -14°C. Our bodies have clearly adjusted to the cold because I was way off.  The coldest thing out here is the wind. In the tent there is no wind so that immediately creates a sense of comfort."

Today's photo offers a glimpse of tent life - Chef Dixie making dinner.  Bon appétit!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony." - Thomas Merton

"Eighty percent of success is showing up." - Woody Allen

At the beginning of their 15th day of this expedition, Dixie and Sam have established a graceful cadence.  The team behind them has also settled into a balanced rhythm which will allow this adventure to continue to unfold as safely and smoothly as possible.

While it requires a global cooperation to keep any polar expedition in motion, it takes the courage and fortitude of the expeditioners themselves to get out of their tent each morning and achieve progress.  Yesterday, with an elusive wind fluttering between 5 - 13 kilometers/hour, Dixie and Sam made the decision to give it a try, and were promptly rewarded for their efforts with an advancement of 82 kilometers.

Dixie wrote in an e-mail last evening:  "Should it not already be abundantly clear, Sam and I form a great team on the ice.  We are patient with the weather, with the conditions, and with each other.  We take each work day to the red line, both of us aware that it is 'now or never,' and we often amaze ourselves at what we are able to accomplish.  We enjoy each other's company, and humor in particular reigns in our tent.  Ed Gorzynski's jokes are leaving us in stitches!  We like sharing our life stories, and when we tire of conversation, a game like Yahtzee has become a standard activity."

This morning, Dixie called briefly to announce a decent wind beckoning them outside. High expectations for the day and high spirits all around - carpe diem.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

"Take me down to the paradise city - Where the grass is green and the girls are pretty - Take me home - So far away" -  Guns N' Roses

"It's my life  -  It's now or never  - I ain't gonna live forever -  I just want to live while I'm alive!" -  Bon Jovi

Dixie and Sam completed a marathon distance yesterday - literally.  They reported an advancement of 43 kilometers and were fondly reminded of the tingling sensation one feels when crossing the finish line of a demanding race.

Dixie explained their current heading which has them at 16°E.  They will eventually tack back in a westerly direction, but 400 kilometers in front of their current position is a wide crevasse zone which has been reported to stretch between 5° - 20°E.  Dixie and Sam wisely hope to circumnavigate this area and then redirect straight to the South Pole.  Like every decision being made out there, safety reigns.

Sam described their Sunday in an evening mail:  "Sunday, always lovely. Phone calls to the loved ones and coffee. Luxuries.

We didn't linger too long this morning though and headed outside to a rather still environment.  We sensed some upper level movement, so we pulled out the Nasawings to tap into what little wind we felt.  We crawled along, bumping over some relatively small sastrugi, but at least we were moving. It was really beautifull outside, simply great weather.

When we glide that slowly it is very strenuous on our muscles since they are locked in the same position all the time.  We don't allow ourselves too many breaks in conditions like these, as it requires too much energy expenditure to relaunch the kites with so little wind.  After several hours my back was cramping up but I tried to focus on some simple relaxation techniques.  As I glanced sideways I could see Dixie struggling with the same issues by stretching his back.  I reflected with enormous respect on the dedicated Zen monks who sit in the same meditative position for hours at a time.

At 15.30 the wind died completely and we stopped to set-up our new camp, more than satisfied with our 43 kilometers of progress.  Right now our bellies are full, the sun is shining down on the warm tent, and life is good."

It took both Axl Rose and Jon Bon Jovi to get the guys in the right spirit this morning, and their palpable energy shot through the Iridium connection.  While they long for a bit of grass and so much more, Dixie and Sam used the passionate music as a substitute Monday morning caffeine jolt and a reminder of their privileged luck.  So thrilled to be living their lives on their terms, Dixie and Sam headed down the road toward their next little bit of paradise.

- posted by Julie Brown

"Always carry a flask of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore always carry a small snake." -   W.C. Fields

There was a cautious celebration in the tent last night when Dixie and Sam viewed the numbers on the gps - 109 kilometers, marking their first triple-digit progress of the expedition.  No snakes were poised to strike along their path, but a few sastrugi kept them on their toes.

Dixie had been tenderly transporting a small plastic flask of his "magic potion" in a padded corner of his sled - a mix of whiskey and cognac - but it was intended to be consumed during one of the upcoming holidays.  Yesterday, due to the hard bouncing through the sastrugi and the plastic's weakened structure caused by the bitter cold, the flask cracked in the sled and was leaking.   The only solution:  set up a bar in the tent last night and drink what was left as a toast to the excellent day.

Sam described their triumph in an e-mail last night:  "The meteoroligists were dead on. They rock! They've been so good at predicting the weather, it's amazing.  The wind was up and in no time both Ozone Frenzy-11 kites were enthusiastically flying above our heads.  As we launched I could not suppress a scream of joy.  We were flying!!!

It was such a pleasure to go fast.  We went straight downwind.  Not the easiest course, but it was fun to make quick figure eights with the kite all the while zigzagging slightly on the skis. We were able to shift our weight from one leg to another, a technique which prevents cramping.

The next four hours we knew we were making great progress. We stopped once to eat a little bit and again at 13.30 for a brief pause.  We couldn't stop for long or we would invite the cold to assault our bodies. While we were kiting, we were actually really warm. I had my jacket and my fleece open most of the day to let the perspiration escape. Since we were heading downwind and due to the fur ruffs on our hoods, our faces stayed warm as well.

In the afternoon the sastrugi were back.  It's just incredible how many sastrugi zones we have traversed so far!  We spent 3 hours on a slalom course through sastrugi at least half a meter high.  Very stressfull.  Part of me liked the challenge of maintaining skilled control over the kite while skiing perfectly, all the while staying in tune with the sled.  No sharp turns or the sled would plow straight ahead and yank us to the ground. I speak from the experience of falling every 20 minutes.  Dixie wiped out once.  Nothing to worry about. It's just part of the game. Each moment I hit the snow I admit that I'm a little angry, but soon the kite tugs me back up and the tumble is quickly forgotten."

Thankfully this morning neither Dixie nor Sam suffered a hangover and both expeditioners were eager to return to work.  The winds, however, which were so favorable yesterday at 20 - 25 km/hour had dropped in the night and were only whispering between 5 - 10 km/hour as of 08:00 UTC today.

For the number crunchers supporting this expedition:  at the end of Day 12, Dixie and Sam advanced 511 kilometers making for a daily distance average of 42.58 kilometers.  Slow and steady, and fueled by a bit of magic potion, our intrepid duo sense the possibilities ahead.  Cheers!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

Good news can't wait!

Dixie and Sam just e-mailed with something to celebrate ... their first triple-digit day of the expedition.

109 kilometers!

More news tomorrow.

"Grown-ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives." -  Albert Einstein

This weekend in Belgium, many children are receiving an early visit from Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas), whose birthday is normally celebrated on December 6th of each year.  The pre-dawn excitement of kids who discover treats and sweets waiting for them in their strategically placed wooden shoe (preferably near the open hearth) is always a special reminder of the power of surprise.  Their unrestrained and innocent delight infuses our sometimes heavy adult atmosphere with more power and energy than a vitamin cocktail.  Sublime!

Dixie and Sam received such a memory prompt yesterday when they unexpectedly discovered an advancement of 36 kilometers, although they initially suspected much less.  Dixie's enchanted voice proudly announced their accomplishment this morning.  There was no expression of what could have been, but the perfect amount of zen satisfaction for what was.

Sam wrote:  "Sometimes one has those days with pleasant surprises. This morning dawned amid dead quiet with no wind.  We permitted ourselves to wake up slowly, enjoy breakfast, music, and the nice warm tent. Then we went outside to start working on kites and other equipment.  Many small things needed repairs, but I kind of like to fix stuff.  It's always a little cold on the fingers, but it's nice to get our equipment in order to be prepared to go again.  By noon everything was ready for battle.

And then the wind hesitantly increased.  I didn't know about it. I thought it wasn't good and I didn't believe in making much progress. But I have been wrong before, so we decided to give it a try.  And yes, we began to move, at first just a slow crawl, but advancing all the same.  The soft snow was gone so we needed less traction, but we spent the first 3 hours dodging sastrugi.

Suddenly it cleared out, the surface was smooth, and we started gaining speed. We did not stop once and progressed for 5 hours.  Dixie told me it was such a nice sight to see me with the kite and the same goes for my view of him sailing along.

At 20:00 it was time to call it quits. We put up the tent and once inside we hesitantly checked the gps.  What a surprise to see 36 kilometers for the daily total.  Considering the fact that we could barely feel the wind today, not too bad. Weather forecast is looking better, terrain is better, so we might start gaining speed and distance."

Infused with the energy of visible progress, Dixie and Sam were back out early this morning to see what other surprises Antarctica has in store for them.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

"The hardest thing about learning to ride is the ground." - Anonymous

"We can't all be heroes because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." - Will Rogers

"Yesterday was like a rodeo!" exclaimed Dixie this morning.  "Falling - getting up - riding the unpredictable wind until she dumped us like an untamed bronco.  We bounced our way across 41 kilometers of Antarctica's wide open spaces, tangled up between the lines of our kites and the sharp sastrugis wating to snag us.  Not pretty, but we earned the distance."

Sam described their less than graceful progress last night:  "There is a real art to this. It's all about timing, steering the kite correctly, applying the right amount of brake on the lines, and holding a steady course.  If we go too much with the wind, our kite collapses.  If we go too little with the wind, we start heading the wrong way and lose too much speed.  It's not easy on good terrain, but the real difficulty begins among the monstrous sastrugi.

Very nervous progress today.  We were on edge and hyper-alert most of the time.  Exhausting.  One small mistake and we'd fall. Oh, and we fell repeatedly. But still, at one point I actually started to like the art of dodging in and out of the sastrugi, feeling the kite, finding my way.  Nonetheless it was slow going."

This morning the hardy duo awakend to absolutely no wind - not a spit.  The last few puffs were coming out of the N/NW, but for the time being they are using the windless conditions to make some repairs on their kite lines.  Even though it is a crisp -36°C, the sun warmed the tent and provided a barber shop atmosphere for Dixie - he decided to shave his face and get rid of the irritating beard which is trapping ice crystals close to his skin.

Hoping for wind in the next few hours and then, a bit bruised and battered, our polar cowboys will hop back in the saddle.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

"Imagination is the highest kite one can fly." -  Lauren Bacall

Like two little boys on a breezy summer day, Dixie and Sam called excitedly to report that they were going outside to fly their kites.

Our scheduled call came earlier than usual this morning, due to their desire to profit from the wind's sudden presence.

Yesterday, after completing an additional 35 kilometers on tricky terrain, Sam and Dixie crunched the numbers:  after 9 days of progression they have advanced a total of 325 kilometers.  This current average of 36 km/day needs to eventually double in order to achieve their final distance goal, but as we are still early in the expedition, we have no worries about this expected increase.

One area of development that has installed itself on this expedition:  the zone.

Sam wrote last night:  "In the mean time, we are enjoying the simplicity of life here.  It's hard, no doubt about that, but also very beautiiful and very enriching!  What amazes me is that the concept of time becomes very vague.  As we are on the move, my thoughts just wander and I enter this zone where nothing really matters anymore.  I surrender completely to what is happening and time just fades away.  It's a great feeling!"

Long familiar with this phenomenon, Dixie contentedly revisited the same sensation yesterday.  "The zone is a huge privilege to experience during any intense activity where concentration and physicality interconnect," he explained.  "This flow is not something one can pursue ... it just sort of happens, and when it does it transforms the whole dynamic of the experience.  Powerful stuff!"

May the simplicity and serenity of Antarctica fill your corner of the world today!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." - Louisa May Alcott

"Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World." - Christopher Columbus

A polar disco filled my ears this morning as Dixie called with the deep bass groove of Level 42 blaring in the background.  He and Sam were harnessing generous amounts of solar energy during the last few days in order to power their necessary communications devices - the satellite phone and computer.  But due to an overabundance of sunshine, their solar panels were able to provide power for a few luxury items like a mini-speaker system for their iPods.  The adrenaline kick from a good rock song may not be underestimated - and the volume was cranked-up to the max in their tent with no neighbors in the vicinity to disturb.  Next up on the playlist:  Kings of Leon to send them out the door and off to work.

Yesterday was a day of resilience.  A series of progression attempts allowed Dixie and Sam to progress 4 kilometers during 5 hours on the ice .  The fickle winds and dynamic snow conditions left them with little to show for their efforts.

Dixie wrote last night:  "Today, as expected, the wind was totally marginal.  We could feel no wind at the ice surface, but suspected that higher up we might tap into something.  We first tried the Ozone Yakuza 14 m kites, but soon realized that there was not enough wind for this selection.  Then we re-rigged and put extra lines on first the 30 and then the 50 square meter Nasawings to reach the air at 100 meters altitude.  Still very marginal -  the wings filled nicely with air, but the combined weight of our bodies together with the loaded sleds proved to be too heavy to advance over the crusted snow.

We were out for 5 hours for a measly 4 kilometers.  Gradually the wind up higher even melted away like snow for the sun.

Frustrated?  Not really, because we truly gave it our very best, studying all possible options and never hesitating to change our gear to accommodate the marginal conditions."

Their workday continued in the tent where both Sam and Dixie completed intricate fine-tuning of various pieces of equipment.  The fussy manipulations were made easier by the warmth of the sun beating down on their tent and the musical serenade which filled their atelier.

Our trusty weather experts, Gert Coone & Fritz Buyl, have described an abnormally huge high pressure zone which blankets much of the High Antarctic Plateau for the moment.  While most of us crave such lovely weather, it prevents our adventurous duo from progressing due to lack of wind.  Thankfully, the weather modules show increasing wind starting this evening and in the days to come.

And then we expect to see Dixie and Sam "rock and roll" to the South Pole ... and beyond.

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

"Advice is like snow - the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper in sinks into the mind." - Samuel Taylor Coleridge

While it sounds deceivingly comfortable, the soft snow which composes Dixie and Sam's current terrain is making for a bit slower progress than desired. Yesterday, they were able to move forward 27 kilometers, but every meter was hard earned.

Sam wrote: "Very little wind today. It felt like we were crawling. Weather was warm, sunny, and comfortable, but not at all what we needed. Our kites would sometimes tumble down for seemingly no reason at all. We had to constantly keep them moving, but if one of us had a problem, the other one needed to wait and set his kite down. Sometimes Dixie would have his kite lines untangled after 15 patient minutes of intricate work, then I would get in trouble, and vice versa.

At 12:00 the wind fell completely and we pulled out the 'monster' 50 m kite. That kite was pulling hard and performing well, but the snow is very, very soft here which makes for extremely heavy pulling of our sleds. Our 50m kite simply did not have the power to pull us closer to the Pole today. But all of the hard and frustrating hours from the morning did pay off. We are again 27 kilometers further and we are determined to do everything we can to keep progressing."

For those of you who have followed Dixie's past expeditions, you witnessed a combination of progression techniques. The current Antarctic ICE Expedition has been innovatively designed to cover most of the 6000+ kilometer distance via kite, with specifically adapted material for this method of travel. In other words, man-hauling and portages are nearly impossible and downright nonsensical due to the energy expenditure it takes to simply advance 2 - 3 kilometers in one day. You will see some sled-pulling when Dixie and Sam find themselves with no wind but on solid ice, as such terrain allows the sleds to glide without wasted effort. But these sleds are still over 190 kg each and are sinking into the soft snow, which makes for inhumanly heavy pulling at this stage in the expedition. As any distance athlete knows, every precious morsel of energy must be cautiously spent, as the body must be conserved for the long haul. It is a delicate balance between the desire of the human spirit and the limitations of the human body.

Dixie estimates that given their current terrain conditions, they need a minimum of 10 km/hour winds in order to sail along for long distances. This morning they awakened to bright sunny skies and a relatively comfortable temperature of -28°C, but the winds were variable between 5 - 10 km/hour. As we hung up the phone, the tent was unzipping to begin their new day.

posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

"Do not fear death so much but rather the inadequate life." -  Bertolt Brecht

After re-charging (literally) all batteries on Saturday, Dixie and Sam used their Sunday to get a fresh start on the new week.  They were happy to deposit another 76.6 kilometers in their progression bank, a sublime distance under brilliant blue Antarctic skies.  These "Côte d'Azur" conditions had Sam singing for most of the day.

In an e-mail last evening, Sam described their special Sunday morning routine, one which involves a precious cup of coffee and phone calls with loved ones.  For the java enthousiasts out there, you must know that Dixie and Sam only allow themselves coffee one morning a week and stick to herbal teas the rest of the time. They then headed out for a productive day of work, most likely fueled by the caffeine spark.

Sam wrote:  "Slowly the wind increased and we could start to kite faster. We had some initial issues with the sail, but we took our time getting reacquainted with it and eventually developed a graceful cadence with the 14 meter Ozone Yakuza.  Suddenly, I felt something snap behind me and I  began to summersault forward.  I stood up with a mouth full of snow and looked behind me to see that the rope that attaches my harness to the sled was loose. Dixie and I inspected the sleds further and noticed the absence of washers between the screws which attach fabric to the sled's kevlar.  We made a temporary adjustment and kept moving.  At 16.30 Dixie experienced the same thing happening with his sled.  While his fall was not too spectacular, we decided to call it a day, knowing that we had a night full of repairs ahead of us.

The past 3 hours we have been working on the sleds in the tent. It's been hard work and it's not pleasant to do stuff like this when you are tired, cold and fatigued. But we got it done in style. Dixie had some washers with him and luckily my leatherman fit the nimbus-screws on the sled, so we took the whole thing apart and put it back together. We are a good team!"

Unfortunately for Dixie this morning, we put our "bad news" communication system into practice.  Dixie and I lost a dear friend over the weekend, and after determining that Dixie was in the mindset to receive such news, I shared the death of Renaud Toussaint.  Renaud died unexpectedly last Friday in Chateau D'Oex, Switzerland at the age of 33 of apparent heart failure. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, his students, his friends and all of his loved ones.

Renaud was a vibrant adventure athlete with a pure love of nature and a seemingly endless supply of energy.  Renaud worked tirelessly to encourage others to get out and enjoy sports and nature, no matter what their ability, no matter what their disability.  While it is impossible to imagine Renaud's death, it is vividly clear that he lived fully, generously, completely, and passionately.  We would like to honor his memory by placing Renaud's photo, taken on the Swiss Aletsch Glacier by Dixie, as our photo of the day.  Un grand merci pour tout, Renaud!

- posted by Julie Brown, Polar Circles

"It was a good day even though we did not make any progress" - Sam & Dixie

Yesterday Dixie and Sam rested up. No wind whatsoever. Sam: "It's amazing the atmosphere here. I really wish I could share this experience with you all. It's so quiet, so peaceful. The pristine beauty of this place really struck me today. It was a good day even though we did not make any progress."

So what did Dixie and Sam do? They enjoyed a great breakfast together with some good music. They are really starting to enjoy their meals more and more. Thank you Frank, Diane, Dirk and everybody else who helped to work on these great packages of awesome adventure-fuel. They really give Sam & Dixie something to look forward to.

After that it started getting really warm in the tent so they got out. They lengthened the lines on the 14m kites and put them ready in case the wind would start to blow. They also worked on the 50 m kite. It's now ready to rock and roll. As a matter of fact it flew for a while but was not creating enough traction to pull both expeditioners.

After that they got back in the tent, read, wrote, played Yatze, wrote on the computer and... they both took a bath. Dixie: "As crazy as it may sound, outside it was -30 but inside it was nice and warm, we were sittting here all naked washing ourselves with a wipe, hot water and soap. It felt really good to smell a little better."

On top of that the sun was giving a lot of energy today so they charged all their batteries. Satphones, computer, camera's, iPods, speaker, it's all juiced up to the max. Sam: "It's so cool to think we can thank all of our luxury thanks to the sun."

Sam also commented on his kite-skiing efforts. Sam: "I'm not a really experienced skier and I think the problem is that I am a little too tensed and stressed standing on ski's. But I learn fast, recover quick and I'm in great shape so I think real soon I'm going to enjoy the kite-skiing as much as Dixie!"

"All smiles here.  Another 76 kilometers in the pocket!" -  Sam & Dixie

Friday was a productive day for our persistent Antarctic duo.  The wind blew well and allowed them to use their 11 meter kite for steady progression.  Dixie and Sam saw a small white bird along the way, and its movements inspired them to fly along as well.  A perfect day to dedicate to Ozone, our expedition kite partner.  Thanks, Matt & Ozone team!

Dixie's call this morning was a bit later than usual due to slow satellite connection with the Iridium phone.  Once we were connected, however, it sounded like he was simply next door - loud and clear.

Dixie predicted a slow start for Saturday, as it is wind still at their campsite for the moment.  Spirits were excellent and hope was high for a bit of wind in the afternoon.

Sam wrote last night:  "The terrain was perfect today except for some little sastrugi. My legs cramped up after about 30 minutes, but I'm starting to find tricks to deal with it. I just try not to think of it too much but once in a while I wipe out pretty hard.  I still have some technique to learn apparently. But, I'm improving my skills every second on the skis and Dixie is just a great, patient and very nice teacher.  It was tough but I know I'll get better.

Dixie was just all smiles today.  He said that he is having so much fun and told me this is what he has been dreaming of for so long. Amazing how different our days were!  I know we can do even better and I know those days will come. With less sastrugi and the same wind that we had this morning, we should be able to do 100k."

"I am building a fire, and everyday I train, I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match." -  Mia Hamm, soccer legend

72 kilometers ... excellent steady progress with a methodical increase of momentum.

Dixie and Sam took advantage of nature's open door yesterday and completed a productive workday which began at 03:30 UTC and ended at 14:30 UTC.

Sam described their day:  "We awoke at 03:00 with the wind blowing well. We had to go. So we quickly munched down our breakfast and got moving. The wind could have been a little better. We had to make constant sinuses (kite maneuvers in the sky which encourage power generation) which is hard on the arms. The first five hours were great. We passed a couple of little sastrugi zones which slowed us down, but in all everything was going well.

Then I hit a wall. It's hard to describe but I just couldn't find the strength anymore to keep edging. My legs were cramped and slowly I could feel all energy drain out of my body. At 10 o clock we put up the tent for a break, ate something, and rested up.  I felt some energy return.

We then headed back out for three more hours. The last two were just miserable for me. I had no strength left in my body. I kept telling myself to keep going. The head wanted to continue but the body was empty, so empty.  I hit a wall right at the moment that we entered a gnarly sastrugi zone. While we were not nearly in the type of terrain we saw last week, I still was unable to progress without my tired body falling over and over again.  I had to ask Dixie to call it a day at 14:30.

This afternoon I rested up and now I feel a lot better again. I must say though that this whole trip is way harder than I expected it to be - so many times I come into the tent completely dead. But, and this is so amazing to me, the human body recovers quickly and every morning I'm feeling ready to 'rock and roll' again. We are in the zone, Dixie and I, and I'm sure there are many good days to come."

Dixie's phone call this morning was full of measured excitement.  He had clearly tasted the team's potential yesterday and was eager to keep up their momentum, knowing that one day soon they will "light the match."  The weather was looking good as they lifted the tent flap and headed off to work. Dixie put their intense adventure into perspective when he heard about the morning traffic jams in Belgium ... he and Sam were grateful to "jump into their saddles and head out on the open trail."

"To give thanks in solitude is enough. Thanksgiving has wings and goes where it must go." - Victor Hugo

Dixie and Sam began their workday at 03:30 UTC, using their blowing tent flaps as an alarm clock.  They phoned briefly at 08:00 UTC this morning - in the middle of kiting progress - to confirm their unexpected early departure and intermediate position of the day.

Yesterday they received a taste of the volatile weather menu served on the Antarctic Plateau. They awakened in their first camp to heavy winds and white-out conditions.  As Sam wrote late last evening, "After the noon hour, it changed completely.  Bright sunshine pierced the sky and as we were unpacking our kites, the wind completely died.  We decided to unleash the 50 meter kite and it performed very well, tapping into the upper level katabatic winds.  In 30 minutes we covered 5 kilometers, with literally no wind to be felt on the terrain's surface, so this is extremely promising for future progress.  Unfortunately, one of the lines broke so we were forced to stop and make immediate repairs, content with at least 5 km of progress."

Dixie's experience in Antarctica has taught him to "make hay while the sun shines."  He was excited to hear the wind in the wee hours of this morning, and estimated that due to their early departure they may have covered over 30 kilometers already today.  The duo will send exact measurements from their next campsite later this evening.

The consistent and sincere gratitude in the voices of Dixie and Sam has been loud and clear these last few days.  And in that line of thought, the entire Antarctic ICE team wishes our generous supporters in the United States a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

"Action is the foundational key to all success." -  Pablo Picasso

31 kilometers in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Dixie and Sam were able to cover more distance during their first hours of progression yesterday than they could muster in the entire 10 days of their first attempt.

A brief phone call earlier this morning confirmed the elation that they both felt at sailing smoothly toward their goal.

Communcations with the eager duo were understandably short and sweet as they were ready to get moving again this morning.  They admitted to a less than stellar sleep last night, with one of the factors being their abrupt return to an altitude of 3310 meters, but their adrenaline kicked them out of their sleeping bags and had them biting at the bit.

Sail on!

Starting Position:

74° 53' 40 S

12° 18' 27 E

16:30 UTC:  Dixie and Sam were safely deposited at the re-start of the Antarctic ICE Expedition.

For those of you counting, we're on DAY 1, KILOMETER 1.

Dixie called just as the Basler airplane was taking-off from their drop-off on a piece of "perfect terrain."  The entire Antarctic ICE Expedition team wishes to thank the TAC/ALCI Team for making this transition as smooth and safe as possible.  They are incredible professionals in a remote and logistically challenging environment.

With no hesitation and a southeast wind, the kites were already flying and our courageous duo were not wasting any time in "hitting the road."  They hope to progress for a few hours and then set-up Camp 1 of this ground-breaking expedition.

More news tomorrow ... first we will all breathe our collective sigh and give thanks for the good news.

"In the case of news, we should always wait for the sacrament of confirmation." - Voltaire

While we are thankfully in an era with more communicative options than only carrier pigeons, the Antarctic ICE HQ has been waiting patiently for news from Dixie and Sam this morning which would confirm their re-start.  None yet, and the oft repeated adage of "no news is good news" must satisfy us for the time being.

Last night, Sam wrote:  "It's blowing here but it isn't too bad.  It is actually very beautiful.  Once in a while our whole container shakes and moves, but I mainly just enjoy this storm.  The clouds, the snowdrift, the sun peering through it all, it's just magnificent and I feel really privileged to be a part of all this.  Nature is such a great artist.  Once again I sense that Antarctica is like a different planet and that human kind was not really meant to be part of this, and that makes this experience so special.   

We really hope we can get out of here tomorrow to immerse ourselves fully in the raw and untamed beauty of the Antarctic interior.  Our wish of course depends on the weather, so we humbly surrender to whatever life has to offer us.  In the meantime we are enjoying the company of the team here at the base. Lots of good talks with lots of good people!  It's amazing how everybody here has a story to tell and what rich and varied backgrounds surround us.  The storm is slowing life down which allows us to enjoy our meals together in the mess tent, a coffee in between, a lazy nap, and reading a book after a good conversation."

Dixie's call late yesterday afternoon was filled with practical details of meticulous preparation.  He and Sam are packed and ready to depart at any moment, poised to pounce upon any opportune weather window opened by Mother Nature.  His determined voice spoke volumes ... while Dixie heartily appreciates the excellent care at the ALCI Base, he would rather bid his new mates a fond goodbye and get busy with the task he has envisioned for over three years.

And when the carrier pigeon arrives, we'll pass along the message.

"Spending that many hours in the saddle gave a man plenty of time to think.  That's why so many cowboys fancied themselves Philosophers." -  Charles M. Russell

The intense storm which has plagued the ALCI/NOVO Antarctic bases continues to rage today, but the forecast for improvement looks good for tomorrow and even better for Wednesday.

Like cowboys who have spent a bit too long in the confines of civilization, Dixie and Sam are restless and ready to get back out on the open prairie and "get 'er done."

The Antarctic ICE Team spent the entire weekend on the logistics details necessary to place Dixie and Sam at an appropriate re-start position.  Armed with the fresh knowledge of never-before-witnessed super storm damage on the high plateau, the team brought in a posse of scientific, meteorological, polar and aviation experts to help identify the extensive damage zones and avoid returning to a sastrugi nightmare at all costs.

Except for Mother Nature and her weather conditions, everything is now in place to recommence with the Antarctic ICE Expedition.  Our adventurous duo is rested and healthy, their equipment top-notch, and their team and supporters 110% behind them.  As soon as the ALCI logistics team is able to safely release a flight, Dixie and Sam will be on their way.

"I am accustomed to sleep and in my dreams to imagine the same things that lunatics imagine when awake." - Rene Descartes

The honest excuse for an unexpectedly late phone communication from Dixie this morning:  "Sorry!  We overslept."

Dixie and Sam spent a busy day on Friday at the ALCI Airbase by re-examining - and for most likely the 100^th time (no exaggeration) - confirming that everything is in top working order.  This meticulous labor, combined with their incessant toil over the past weeks, finally caught up with them and they dove into a well-deserved deep, long sleep.

They also completed a lengthy workday yesterday because starting today the ALCI Airbase and neighboring NOVO Base are preparing for a "doozy" of a storm.  The increasing wind was clearly audible during our short phone conversation this morning, and our trusty weather expert Fritz Buyl (http://weather.thisconnect.com/) predicts that the worst of it will hit their area by early Monday.

At 11:30 last night, Dixie wrote:

"Sam and I have used our time at ALCI Airbase well today going through all of our equipment, preparing for a quick and expedient return to the ice.

However, as swiftly as we would want it, there will first be a few logistical hurdles to jump.  Our transportation back out to the high plateau must be puzzled into the existing ALCI logistics program, and this is a complex work in progress which is being done with safe consideration.  On top of this, as of tomorrow, everything will pretty much shut down here as a fierce storm is coming our way, predicted to lasting until Tuesday morning.  Sam and I are MORE THAN READY TO GO, but we must SURRENDER, a theme that comes up again and again."

A message to our web visitors:

Since it is Saturday, Dixie assumed that school-aged children will have time to check out the site, so he included a photo of a local resident near the ALCI Base.  Penguins only live on the coast of Antarctica, so this little guy won't be able to join Sam and Dixie when they return to the high plateau, but the adventurers are enjoying his company for now.

We are also preparing a bundle of your web messages to send to Dixie and Sam.  These notes of support have piled up in the last days and the duo is very excited to sit down later this evening and read your words of encouragement.

Dixie and Sam awakened today at the ALCI Airbase with a full agenda.  They hope to complete their logistical calculations for the re-start and will be able to give us solid information by tomorrow.  They are surrounded by a genuinely supportive ALCI team as well as their expedition team back in Belgium, and this sense of community gives them wings.

Sam took the time to write a thriller of a story last night about their pick-up:

"Wow ... that was close, so close. Holy cow!  What an adventure, what a thriller!

Let me take you back to this morning. It was blowing. It's always blowing out here.  But today it must be a little less. It just has to be a little less. I look at Dixie and he's already up writing in his diary. We make some jokes but I can tell he hasn't slept very much last night. We both just do not dare to look outside. As we ignite the stove, we open the tent to let in some oxygen.  Snowdrift, a lot of snowdrift. We try to be optimistic. Oh, it's always better in the afternoon, it will get better. I put on some music - Jack Johnson - to make the silence a little less. We both don't dare to say it, but we are thinking the same things.

The plane has to pick us up today. Today it's in the neigborhood and we must get out of here if we want to organize a second start. At 10:30 we go outside and check on the landing strip. It's short and wobbly compared to what we know as a traditional runway.  We know it's not perfect, but it is the best we can do. We worked really, really hard on it.

Last night I went outside again to whack on an iceberg in the middle of the landing area. I knew  it had to disappear but we couldn't get it away. Two hours, piece by piece, little by little, I finally removed it. 

We keep convincing ourselves this will work. There is snowdrift, there is fog, there is a lot of wind, and yet we keep telling each other how good the weather is, that this will work, even though we both kind of know it really isn't all that great.

11.30:  Dixie calls the pilot and receives the message that the flight will arrive in 40 minutes. I didn't know 40 minutes could be such a long time!  We put most of our stuff away and go outside. Still a lot of snowdrift, still a bit of fog, still not a perfect runway. We start dancing because we're getting cold, we walk up and down in the wind, and we hope. We hope for the best and we realize that this is it, it's now or never. If the pilot doesn't land we'll be stuck out here.  Then we will have to find a new runway and work harder and hope for better weather that we haven't really seen out here.  We feel the weight of 4 years of preparations, so much work, so much thought, so much energy ... all potentially lost.

Then, all of a sudden the sun starts shining harder and the wind doesn't blow as strong anymore.  We see the faint outline of the horizon, and as the snowdrift  settles down, an airplane suddenly appears.  I wave, but then I'm startled to see the size of this airplane.  Wow ... I forgot how big it is!   Is our landing strip wide enough, long enough? 

Three times he flies over the airstrip.  My heart is beating so fast. Come on, Chuck the pilot, you can do it, you can do it.  And then he does it!  He plants his enormous machine on the patch of snow we worked so hard on.  With a lot of noise he breaks with all he has, an enormous cloud of snow arises and I yell, I cry out screams of happiness.  He did it!  We're gonna get out of here. We are on our way to a new start."

Enough said.

Dixie and Sam were successfully evacuated from their campsite today and are now safely at the ALCI Airbase.  Thank you to Chuck the Basler pilot for his aviation skills and sound judgment in completing these delicate maneuvers.

Dixie called at 15:30 UTC to report their good news and his voice could not hide his relief nor his excitement.  Sam also enthusiastically whooped in the background.

Tonight they have organized a meeting with the ALCI logistics coordinator, but first we assume that a shower and meal of some sort may be in their plans.  A good sleep out of the incessant wind will also provide a welcome respite from the past week's howl during each night.

Most important news of the call, and an announcement which few who know the duo have doubted:  they will restart this expedition as soon as possible and are more motivated than ever to do so.

We'll have more details of their plans tomorrow morning, but for now they hope to bid goodbye - perhaps ever so briefly - to the sastrugi who clung to them these last days like an uninvited house guest.  Ciao, sastrugi!

And a very important message to all of you from Dixie and Sam:

Your messages of support have meant more to them than you could possibly imagine.  They have received these texts in bundles via satellite "e-mail" and both Dixie and Sam could not believe the number of global supporters that they have out there.  Your wisdom, your humor, your sincere encouragement, and your concern have all touched them deeply.  Thank you.

"I can imagine few things more trying to the patience than the long wasted days of waiting."  -  Robert Falcon Scott 

"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it."  -  Robin Williams 

Patience, madness, humor, & passion.

These qualities are keeping Dixie and Sam in the right frame of mind for the long road ahead.  It is not always easy to maintain such a high level of determination during the uncertain moments of impotence - having to wait for external factors to align - but for those of you who know Dixie and Sam, you know that their attitude is positive and their focus is strong.

Still waiting for their safe pick-up and return to the ALCI Airbase.  As soon as it happens, we'll let you all know.

The flight pick-up of Dixie and Sam has been postponed due to poor weather conditions at the duo's campsite.

This is a "drill" that we have experienced before on polar expeditions.  Polar flights are completely weather dependent, and polar weather conditions change without warning.  This morning's sunny skies at Dixie and Sam's camp became cloudy with poor visibility in the early afternoon.  The Basler pilot wisely declined to attempt a landing in precarious weather conditions.  When observed from this perspective, it is a comforting decision.

Another attempt to fetch Sam and Dixie will be made as early as tomorrow.

Dixie and Sam, while clearly disappointed, are safely tucked into their tent which now serves as a border marker for their self-made runway.  They will be spoiled tonight with a mail including uncountable messages of your support that have been posted in the last days on the Antarctic ICE website.  They will also receive a new round of humor (some bawdy, some innocent) from our official expedition joke officer Ed Gorzynski.

Controlling what we can - not wasting energy on the uncontrollable.

"Be thankful for your problems.  If they were less difficult, someone with less ability might have your job." -  Astronaut James A. Lovell

The intricate logistics surrounding Dixie and Sam's pick-up have been set in motion.

If all continues to go as planned, the Basler aircraft will reach their campsite in the early afternoon - we hope to have them back at the ALCI Airbase by this evening.

Weather at their current location is good with sunny skies, temperature around -30°C and winds out of the SE at 30 - 40 km/hour.  Dixie and Sam have groomed a safe and clear runway and are busy at this moment packing up their camp and placing all visible markers around the runway border.

Our thoughts now turn to the safe and successful operations which will follow.  Our respect goes out to the "polar cowboys," pilots who fly these airplanes in barren environments like Queen Maud Land.  Their profession is uniquely adventurous and one that still amazes us after so many expeditions in both the Arctic and Antarctic.

The Antarctic ICE team has also been gathering information from many outside experts, including but not limited to ESA (European Space Agency), to assist Dixie and Sam in choosing their new route.  We appreciate the many, many weather specialists who have scrambled to try to find information on the mysterious "super storms" that have clearly ravaged a massive swath of Queen Maud Land's surface terrain.  These storms roared through the area during the Antarctic winter, a time when no human being was out on the plateau.  What we have so far learned is very little, but what expeditioners like Dixie and Sam are discovering is unsettling.

Sam wrote last evening:  "We are licking our wounds and taking good care of our bodies.  We are enjoying our meals, applying salve to the frostbite marks on our faces, making small equipment repairs, and studying carefully the map of Antarctica.  The desire to 'go for it' is more profound than ever!"

Dixie reported some minor sleep difficulties last night, but admitted that a myriad of thoughts kept his subconscious alert.  His devotion to this expedition is beyond description, and his leadership - not only out on the ice - to the whole expedition team is exemplary.  Whatever challenges he is contemplating, Dixie will put them quickly into perspective.  And whatever complexities keep him awake will soon lift with his kite and sail off into the Antarctic skies.

"Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly, you are doing the impossible." - St. Francis of Assisi

"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." -  Dolly Parton

Dixie and Sam have made a lucid decision.  They will accept a flight back to the ALCI Airbase and re-commence the expedition from a new starting position.

Dixie's vision on this project is both goal-oriented and safety-driven and he accepts that the chosen drop-off point in unknown territory has compromised the goal.  He has soundly chosen to stop their nonsensical progress in an area that is growing increasingly dangerous for the team.  Their ability to advance without physical risk has now approached the "red-line" and he has wisely and expediently decided to re-position the team for a new start.

Sam wrote:  "This first week has been great because we have adapted to altitude and will not lose that physicality during the re-positioning.  All of our gear has been tested and we are routined in its operation.  We have witnessed the fruits of our preparation, both physically and mentally, and we feel stronger than ever."

Sam also humbly compared their challenges over the last 9 days with polar pioneer Roald Amundsen:  "Amundsen left for his South Pole attempt too early, and due to the extreme cold and with luck to avoid a near disaster, he returned to his base to wait for better weather.  Eventually he was successful and we aspire to follow his wise example."

The intricate logistics to re-position Dixie and Sam are now underway.  The duo must build a safe runway for the Basler flight to land - this they will do by smoothing any sastrugi possible and line a visible border for the pilot to see (using any dark-colored objects to mark the runway).  Should weather cooperate, their pickup is scheduled for sometime tomorrow, November 16th.  Once they return to the ALCI Airbase, they will choose their new starting position and depart for it when possible.

We will keep you posted ...

"After some time, with my eyes closed, I began to enjoy this wonderful play of colors and forms, which it really was a pleasure to observe. Then I went to sleep and the next day I was fine. I felt quite fresh, like a newborn." - Albert Hofmann

Of course the famous Swiss scientist was describing his early research on the psychedelic effects of LSD, but we are quite certain that Dixie and Sam's first week on the ice was equally hallucinating.

Week Two of the Antarctic ICE Expedition began with a synopsis by Dixie via satellite phone.  He reported a grand total of 27 kilometers of progress for the week, with a paltry and optimistic 4 km/day average.  Advancement has been accomplished only through double-team portage and Dixie admitted that he has never encountered such mystifying conditions in Antarctica.  "I feel as if I have begun an Arctic expedition," he said this morning, alluding to the usual rubble expected more in the North due to the dynamic movements of the Arctic Ocean.

Both Dixie and Sam are admitting that they are "on the edge" regarding their physical efforts.  Dixie admitted that they are in the "danger zone" for frostbite but that they remain vigilant in protecting their faces, although some frost nip has appeared on their noses.

Sam wrote last evening, "We're getting in really top shape, but the terrain is merciless.  It is brutal, but we are managing our skin and extremities for frostbite.  Totally empty after 6 hours progression, we put up our tent and then allowed ourselves to observe a nice sun spectacle outside.  However, the show was brief as we retreated quickly back into the relative comfort of our tent."

Their equipment is holding up very well, especially due to the incessantly stormy conditions.  Both Sam and Dixie expressed their deep gratitude for the satellite connection which enabled them not only to speak to loved ones yesterday, but to make a surprise call-in at a K's Choice (www.kschoice.be) concert in Leuven, Belgium last night.  Their brief interlude was a rare and much appreciated treat to an already delighted audience and our thanks go out to Sarah & Gert Bettens and Reinout Swinnen for taking the risk to bring Dixie and Sam "on stage" with them.  Sublime moment.

"A man should never neglect his family for business." -  Walt Disney

Dixie and Sam started their first Sunday on the ice with the grand luxury of phone calls with loved ones.  Communication with the home-front during a lengthy expedition is a delicate balance of loving encouragement without the burden of negative emotions.  These short phone conversations with family cannot be filled with mundane details - on average they last between 3 - 5 minutes.  Each rare contact must remain positive and uplifting for both parties.

We are only on Day 7 of what will most likely be a 100-day expedition.  The symbolism of resourcing on a Sunday means much to Dixie and Sam.

That said, they will not consider Sunday a day of rest.  Each precious kilometer must be earned and today is no exception.

Dixie reported on the phone this morning:  "These pure katabatic winds just keep roaring out of the south/southeast.  Last night we were serenaded with the constant howl and we awakened to 50 km/hour winds and a temperature of -28°C.  We are of course imagining all possible scenarios to achieve better progress, but for now we accept the daily drudge of portages and hauling."

Sam wrote last evening:  "All of our electronics are in top shape and functioning to the max.  Thanks to the solar panels and the sun we are able to enjoy our music and send out our daily messages.  That these devices can function in such an extreme environment is just amazing - you can really tell that human kind has not been designed to live here and yet Dixie and I are having a blast in the tent thanks to technology."

Both Sam and Dixie report excellent team spirits and a real joy at working together out there.  They also are enjoying their meals very much.  Sam wrote, "It is wonderful to have an appetite again.  We are really enjoying the flavors in our meals."  A huge "shout out" to Frank Fol, Dirk van Overstraeten, Diane Moonen & Christine Tobback for their delicious culinary contributions to this expedition.

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir

Nature's omnipotent supremacy is once again clear to Dixie and Sam.  This humble reminder is perhaps a positive message in disguise.  From the very beginning of their adventure, Mother Nature has purposely slowed them down in order to emphasize the need for safe, conservative movements in the vast Antarctic landscape.

Yesterday, Dixie and Sam began their workday at 15:00 UTC and continued until midnight.  They spent 5 of those 9 hours progressing 3 kilometers.

Sam wrote:  "At 3 o'clock the winds started to subside - we decided to break down our camp and get going.  As we were putting away the tent, a piece of it ripped apart.  Luckily, Dixie had needle and thread and so we sewed it back together while exposed to 6 Beaufort, - 35°C conditions.  If I may say so, it is a nice fix."

Sam further explained:  "The kiting did not go so well.  Dixie took off and fell just 5 meters further (with no injury). There is simply no flat surface here and it is impossible to navigate through the sastrugi on skis.  We then commenced with hauling the sleds, a brutal act which we have decided to use as a symbolic tribute to Scott and his team who hauled all the way to the Pole 100 years ago."

At midnight last night, the temperature dropped to -40°C, but the winds had subsided to 15 km/hour.  By 08:00 UTC this morning, the temperatures had risen to -30°C, but the winds joined the ascent and were back up to 40 km/hour.

Dixie reported on the phone this morning that these winds are "head-on" and make their faces particularly uncomfortable and vulnerable to frostbite.  Both Sam and Dixie are vigilent for signs of frostbite, and they regularly monitor one another throughout the day.  They are also relieved to discover their appetites slowly returning and they both enjoyed their evening soup with gusto!

"Do not fear the winds of adversity.  Remember:  a kite rises against the wind rather than with it." - Anonymous

Sam began his e-mail yesterday with the subject line:  "The times they are a changing."

After a distance covered of a small but valuable 3.35 km, he and Dixie were still able to exude a positive atmosphere.  Sam wrote, "We are like an oiled machine out here and we remain cheery and full of humor despite everything.  In the tent we are enjoying the time to play chess, tell stories, read books, and listen to music.  Gradually we are starting to see changes and the weather forecast promises better conditions, so maybe we will use the kites tomorrow."

Dixie's phone call this morning confirmed that choice:  while they are still in less than optimal terrain, the sastrugi formations are clearly improving.  With steady winds of about 30km/hour and a relatively warm temperature of -25°C, Dixie and Sam have decided to pull out the kites and sail out of their inhospitable terrain.

Neither Dixie nor Sam are able to eat more than 1/4 of their meal provisions due to altitude adjustment.  Dixie in particular is suffering from digestive discomfort, but he insists that they are hydrating well and sneaking small amounts of food into their drinks.  Sam's medical background is a huge advantage and he seems confident that their altitude adjustment is on the positive side.

"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do." - Bob Dylan

Sam and Dixie awakened to Day 4 of their adventure in frigid -35°C temperatures with winds between 40 - 50 km/hour (wind chill of -56°C).

However their spirits were lifted by the fact that last night they received in their tent the many messages of support which have been posted on the Antarctic ICE website.  A huge thank you to everyone!

Yesterday evening, Sam wrote:  "We're still stuck in this huge sastrugi zone.  Dixie told me he has never seen something like this before. Eolus was really roaring this morning - the wind god lifted up all of the loose snow and visibility was very poor.  No way we could travel in those conditions, so we waited in the tent until the afternoon when it calmed down a little.  Still hauling the sleds and neither one of us is feeling well, probably due to altitude.  No appetite, headache and general fatigue.  But, that's how it is.  Slowly we'll work our way to better conditions.  Spirits are good; joking keeps the smiles on our faces.  Not really the start we dreamed of, but adventure remains unpredicatable."

The good news:  this morning Dixie reported that their altitude sickness was subsiding, especially after a good night's sleep.  Both he and Sam could eat a bit more as well.  The weather predictions are good with improvement expected in the next hours.

Total progression:  12.34 km.

Time to get up, get moving, and live the dream!

"Rhythm is something you either have or don't have. But when you have it, you have it all over!" - Elvis Presley

Sam and Dixie are searching for their rhythm.

The start of any expedition is so - every movement, every thought, every sensation is alien. Time for a paradigm shift.

Last night, Sam wrote: "Before the expedition, Dixie told me that this would be a kite adventure. I envisioned not a man-hauling trek, but a smooth glide along the ice. All of the scientists, experts, maps of the route - everything pointed to a solid kite expedition. Alas, we don't have everything in theory planned perfectly."

Yesterday, Dixie and Sam progressed by trekking another 5 km in an increasingly heavy wind amid the incessant sastrugi. They were forced to join up and pull each sled of 200 kg with the 2 of them. They would then go back and repeat with the second sled. Hard labor.

The weather conditions deteriorated and by nightfall they were in a full-blown storm with heavy snow drift, which is still continuing this morning. Dixie has wisely decided to keep the team safe in their "cozy" tent until conditions improve. At 08:10 UTC they were experiencing winds of 40 - 50 km per hour and temperatures around -30°C.

Despite everything, Dixie reported a good morale in the tent. They are adjusting to their new diet, which is admittedly slow to digest but tasty.

"You may find yourself in another part of the world ... you may ask yourself, well, how did I get here?" - Once in a Lifetime, David Byrne

Dixie and Sam awakened this morning in their new home, fully rested and ready to begin Day 2.

They admittedly had a difficult start yesterday and Sam in particular felt physically empty and uncomfortable last night.  However, after eating well, rehydrating and sleeping, both expeditioners awakened with renewed gusto for their exciting journey.

Due to the immense sastrugi zone, the duo will be forced to head ever so slightly off-track in a SW direction.  Temperature at their camp at 08:00 UTC was -20°C with winds blowing out of the ESE at 20 km/hour.

Both Dixie and Sam expressed their gratitude to all who have sent messages of support their way.  It always helps to know that so many followers across the globe are sending positive energy their way.

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." - Henry Ford

One bite at a time ... or in this case, a distance of 5 kilometers.

Dixie and Sam have completed Day 1 of the Antarctic ICE Expedition.

On their 3rd landing approach, the Basler pilots dropped the polar duo at their starting position in a minefield of sastrugi, shark-like snow sculptures which make the terrain nearly impossible for smooth progress. Dixie has never before seen such a volatile terrain caused by sastrugi in Antarctica. He and Sam progressed 5 km amid the ice rubble and then exhaustedly set-up their first camp of the expedition.

Dixie described their progress as clumsy but admitted great joy to be finally underway. Temperatures in their camp this evening were between -25°C and -28°C. They were situated at an altitude of 3000 meters and expected to continue an uphill climb tomorrow.

"It's on!"

Dixie and Sam just called to say that the Basler flight to the Antarctic ICE start line would be departing from the ALCI Airbase to the high plateau in 30 minutes.

We are expecting a phone call within the next few hours to confirm their first steps.

For those of you counting down - or up as the case may be - we could very well be on Day 1 of the expedition.

Confirmation to follow ...

Antarctic ICE Expedition Coordinator Stefan Maes phoned from the ALCI Airbase tonight with excellent news:  the Basler aircraft has arrived and is ready to operate 2 flights tomorrow.  If all goes as planned, the first flight will be a fuel drop and the second flight will take Dixie and Sam to their starting point on the high plateau.

Why is a fuel drop necessary?  When operating flights in Antarctica, pilots need to rely on fuel caches in case of an unexpected or emergency landing.  By strategically placing fuel between destination points, the safety factor of polar flight increases.

We also had 2 bonus communications from the ICE team tonight.

• Dixie took over the call from Stefan and spoke with optimistic caution about tomorrow's hopeful start.  His experience was palpable over the satellite connection - Dixie knows the waiting game and was wisely harnessing his enthusiasm for the right moment.
• Sam was able to send his first e-mail via their Iridium satellite system and in it he expressed his pleasure at a "beautiful kite session" around the ALCI Airbase today.  He added:  "The colors are so gorgeous here and the desire to begin this adventure just keeps growing.  We are hoping for the right conditions to enable us to begin this adventure in style.  I never felt more ready."

Dixie and Sam departed Cape Town late last night and arrived safely at the ALCI Airbase this morning at 04:10 UTC.  Their 6 hour flight was a bit longer than expected due to strong headwinds.

Dixie and Sam are accompanied by expedition coordinator Stefan Maes, cameraman Mark Boone & Mobistar ICE Challenge winner An Van Rie.  Stefan, Mark & An will escort Dixie and Sam to the start and then return back to Belgium on November 10th.

The Basler aircraft which will transport Dixie and Sam to their drop-off on the high plateau should arrive at the ALCI Airbase tomorrow.  Weather permitting it will whisk the expeditioners to their official expedition start on Monday, November 7th.

Dixie called tonight to report excellent conditions and good spirits among the group during their first Antarctic day.  Temperatures hovered between -10° and -15°C with the sun barely touching the horizon at "sunset."  There is only a core group of airbase workers who are still setting-up the Antarctic camp with no tourists as of yet.  Dixie and Sam took advantage of the extra time in the airbase to fine-tune equipment and practice some kiting in rather gusty conditions.

Dixie and Sam awakened this morning to springtime rain showers in South Africa. However, the weather forecasts here and at the ALCI Antarctic Airbase look favorable for the moment.  We are awaiting final departure confirmation at 14:00 local Cape Town time (13:00 for our Belgian followers).  Should the affirmative "Go" be announced, the Antarctic ICE team will depart for Antarctica tonight at 23:30 local Cape Town time.

According to Fritz Buyle, meteo specialist from World Wide Weather 4 Expeditions, the conditions at the drop-off point on the high plateau for Dixie and Sam are exciting for the moment.  The team has long wished for wind, and that desire has been granted with a forecast of 7 to 9 Beaufort.  Be careful what you wish for ... 

"Patience is also a form of action." Auguste Rodin

The Antarctic Company (TAC) hosted a pre-flight briefing today in their Cape Town Antarctic Club.  Before flying to their ALCI Airbase in Antarctica, TAC requires each passenger to attend a vital information session which outlines the logistics involved in a 6 hour flight to the Queen Maud Land region of the 7^th continent. 

Dixie, Sam, Stefan, Mark & An listened attentively to the instructions of TAC General Manager Victor Serov and Representative Anne Froehlich.  Anne outlined the uniquely intricate procedures for the flight, one which requires each passenger to put on polar clothing 1 hour before landing at the ALCI Airbase, where the current temperature is a relatively pleasant -8°C.

The unfortunate news of the briefing:  the flight is officially delayed until Friday evening, November 4^th.  While the weather conditions at the ALCI Airbase are not optimal at the moment, they are steadily improving.  The team in Antarctica needs some time to clear the runway after the recent inclement weather in order to prepare a safe landing spot for the Ilyushin 76.

Dixie and Sam are patiently digesting the news of the extended delay, but are clearly ready to get started.  The mental training continues …

"I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures." Lao Tzu

The strength of any polar expeditioner is not developed solely in the fitness club weight room during the tedious months of physical preparation. It is honed in the days before the start of his or her adventure through the constant mental training which is required to embark on such a folly as a 100-day Antarctic expedition. Without a doubt, the core power of any polar traveler is graceful patience.

Dixie and Sam have just learned that their flight from Cape Town to the Novo Air Base in Antarctica has been delayed by at least 24 hours. The earliest departure will be on Thursday, November 3^rd. This wait is due to the logistical positioning of the Ilyushin 76 aircraft and to weather conditions at the Novo Air Base.

The pre-flight briefing for the Antarctic ICE team of 5 (including Dixie & Sam, Expedition Coordinator Stefan Maes, Cameraman Mark Boone, & Mobistar ICE Challenge Contest Winner An Van Rie) will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, November 2^nd. During this briefing the realities of Antarctic travel will be outlined. The pre-flight briefing is a paradigm shift in one's thought patterns. It is the start of functioning in a new environment, and a reminder that one's very survival depends on clear, calculated decisions.

"Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go." - Herman Hesse

Dixie and Sam departed Brussels tonight for the first stop in their long journey … Cape Town.

Together with our expedition coordinator Stefan Maes, cineaste Mark Boone & Mobistar Ice Challenge contest winner An Van Rie, they boarded the first of many flights to the end of the earth … Antarctica.

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, messages flowed toward the intrepid duo from supporters, well-wishers and loved ones. Slowly and methodically, we witnessed their withdrawal toward a new world, one where they must function as a seamless duo.

We anticipate news of their safe arrival in South Africa tomorrow morning. They will spend 5 days there in final preparation for the flight to Antarctica.

Many thanks to all who have helped us bring this project to the starting point … exciting moments await us!

Polar adventurers Dixie Dansercoer & Sam Deltour will begin on November 4^th the greatest Antarctic challenge since the discovery of the South Pole: Antarctic ICE will be the longest autonomous expedition in the previously unexplored area of East Antarctica.

In 100 days, both expeditioners hope to advance more than 6000 kilometers by maximizing their wind energy through newly developed kites and compact sleds. During this journey both Dixie and Sam will complete innovative scientific research which will help us better understand the impact of katabatic winds on our global climate.

It has been exactly 100 years since Roald Amundsen and his team were the first humans to reach the South Pole, and Dixie and Sam hope to honor that spirit of adventure by undertaking a phenomenal new challenge of their own. A century later, these adventurers will explore what remains undiscovered terrain in East Antarctica. Until today no one has dared to embark on a journey in this barren area high upon the Antarctic Plateau (averaging 3000 meters above sea level and with a lowest recorded temperature of - 89.2°C).

With Antarctic ICE, Dixie Dansercoer and his partner Sam Deltour will attempt to surpass their sportive, scientific & human boundaries.

If they achieve success in their goal, these polar adventurers will break the current world record of the longest autonomous and non-motorized expedition. This record is currently held by the Norwegian adventurer Rune Gjeldnes, who 5 years ago completed 4808 kilometers in 90 days, without any resupply during his expedition.

Read the full press release in the press section of this website.

An is the winner of the ICE Challenge competition launched internally by Mobistar to create a link between all the company's employees and Dixie and Sam's expedition.

Respect for the environment, team spirit, outreaching themselves, these are the values upheld by adventurers Dixie Dansercoer and Sam Deltour that led Mobistar to come on board as exclusive partner on their Antarctic ICE expedition, running from November 2011 to February 2012. The two Belgians are aiming to break the world distance record for a non-motorised and unsupported Antarctic expedition. They intend to complete more than 6,000 kilometres of totally ecological and independent travel with the aid of a new type of kite and a specially designed sledges.

Of course, these same values should also be alive and well at Mobistar. That is why the company launched the ICE Challenge. As part of an in-house competition whose fabulous first prize is to travel with Dixie and Sam to the Russian Antarctic base from where their expedition will leave, 10 Mobistar employees came up with exciting projects around the company's corporate social responsibility, which is about mobility, a healthier lifestyle and the environment. Their aim was to get the suggested projects work and to realize them by involving the maximum number of their colleagues and to get the whole company mobilised around the Antarctic ICE adventure.

Through their unstinting efforts, the 10 ICE Challenge participants really surpassed themselves. Most notably, they persuaded their colleagues to sort their rubbish more thoroughly, to eat less meat, to do more sports, to come to work by bike more often, or to raise money to help the homeless. But in the end it was An Van Rie's "Move Green" that the jury decided was the clear winner of the ICE Challenge.

"Move Green", whose main aim was to persuade Mobistar employees to come to work on their bikes more often, showed impressive results: between 1st April and 31st August, 145 of the company's employees cycled more than 9,000 kilometres between their homes and their work places, which equals nearly 5 million grammes of CO2 saved! Beyond this great sporting performance, An Van Rie's project was also, and most importantly, rewarded for its sustainable aspect. Brimming with energy and motivation, An succeeded in fostering real enthusiasm for the bike at Mobistar. Even more remarkable: she even persuaded 3 of her colleagues to ride a bike for the first time in their lives!

We are happy to announce that the expedition and training sleds finally made it from Norway to Belgium after some delay in production and troubles with customs, but all that is solved now. The new sleds are custom built for Antarctic use by the team of designer Alexander Bierwald (Acapulka) in Norway. Alexander constructed two expedition and two training sleds for us.

Sam and Dixie have decided to give both expedition sleds names in order to get the grace from the wind, crucial to a successful completion of the expedition. Both explorers were inspired by Greek mythology when deciding on the names:

Aeolus (Aiolos), a king of Thessaly, made the immortal king of the winds by Zeus.

Orithyia, an Athenian princess abducted by Boreas (the north wind) and made the goddess of cold, gusty mountain winds.

We are now getting very close to the finish line. There is still some branding of the expedition gear to be done before we can start preparing shipment of the sleds to Antarctica. Logistics partner DHL Global Forwarding will take care of the transport of gear, sleds and (frozen) food containers to Cape Town in South Africa. From there The Antarctic Company (TAC) will transport the expedition team and all the freight to the Russian base Novolazarevskaya in Dronning Maud Land in Antarctica.

The rainy autumn streets of Paris seem as far from Antarctica as one can imagine, but it was there in the crowded city where our paths unexpectedly crossed with Benoit Scheen, CEO Mobistar, in October 2010. During his past career at Compaq/HP, Benoit experienced first-hand the engaged sponsoring support of Dixie's earlier polar expeditions and it was with sincere pleasure that he recalled the intense anecdotes of those special times.

When Benoit asked about our future plans, he was visibly interested in Dixie's ambitious Antarctic wind expedition scheduled for November 2011. This demanding journey, which would cover over 6000 kilometers via an innovative new kite system, would include a new young Belgian polar explorer, Sam Deltour. The synergies between Dixie's ambitious plans and Benoit's enthusiastic challenges at Mobistar became crystal clear - it was indeed time to work together again, and now in an information era which would permit innovative virtual contact from one of the most remote corners of our globe.

Dixie and I are particularly motivated by the parameters which surround a partnership with Mobistar - a dynamic new partner with an enthusiastic familiar leader. We are intrigued by the communication possibilities which will allow Dixie and Sam to share stat-of-the-art impressions (via text and imagery) of their 100+ day expedition. And as someone who manages an intricate expedition "back office," I am already encouraged by the tireless and focused work of the dedicated Mobistar team. We anticipate an exciting year ahead as we prepare for Antarctic ICE - Mobistar's first Antarctic expedition. May we Inspire, Connect & Explore … together.

Julie Brown, Managing Director, Polar Circles

After a boat trip with an immersion in the Arctic splendor of Northeast Greenland in August, Dixie and Sam disembarked in Iceland, where they travelled to the edge of the Vatnajökull glacier. With their prototype sleds, new kites and all of the other gear that needed to be tested, they climbed to the highest point of Iceland's biggest glacier where they found just cold enough temperatures and adequate wind, a rare commodity in early September it seems. Upon descent, they became one with the many crevasses and were drenched by the lower altitude rains, just enough to re-appreciate the more welcome minus 30°C temperatures that will be awaiting them during the AntarcticIce expedition!

• Watch the video and images of the Iceland training 2010: click here!

Combining guiding and a second round of training and testing for Sam and Dixie, the duo left 30 November for Cape Town, which is the take-off point to travel all the way down south to Novolazarewskaya. This is the Russian base in Antarctica's Queen Maud Land, from where they travelled with two mega-jeeps to the training grounds around the Gruber mountains, part of the Wholthat Mountain range. After repairing a scientific meteo station at the wonderful 'lake' Unterseen, they were snowblasted by the typical katabatic winds for the rest of their trip. They climbed all the way to the high plateau, analyzed the good functionality of communications equipment, scientific kites (difficult with an average of 6 to 8 Beaufort!) and shot a good amount of stock imagery, both in photo and 3D video. As the conditions in Antarctica are so unique, this was an important trip for Sam to get a good feel for the environment the 2 polar adventurers will be living in for 100 days.

• More pictures of Antarctica training 2010: click here!

With the results of the very productive training and testing in Iceland and Antarctica, little time was left to fine-tune and adapt doubtful equipment before the end of winter. One major change needed to be carried out since the sled did not hold up to our expectations: we needed to change manufacturers and found Acapulka in Norway to offer the best expertise and knowledge. Sam, having succeeded wonderfully in his first term exams as a 5th year medical student also needed to up his level as a ski-kiter. A visit to designer Alex Bierwald to pick up the new prototype sleds at Acapulka and the stay at an idyllic Norwegian chalet in Hardangervidda gave wonderful results and confirmed that the last couple of months of preparations before the expedition would now only be filled with minor adaptations. How wonderful to be so prepared and ready to go!

• You want to view more pictures of the Norway training 2011 ? Click here!