Written 5 Jan 2008
3705 meters above sea level
Maximum & Minimum temperatures: - 29 to - 37 °C

We left the Pole of Inaccessibility this afternoon. For the first time during the expedition we are heading straight south.

When we get close to the Pole we will have to make a 150 km detour due to two specially managed areas, one being a clean air sector and another a silent zone. Further, we will descend about 1000 meters between the Pole of Inaccessibility and the South Pole. Thus, we expect higher temperatures and more oxygen the coming days and weeks. The solar elevation will also change less and less as we approach 90 degrees South, thus the light and temperatures conditions will become the same regardless of if it is day or night.

- Jan-Gunnar

Photo: Lasse is heading straight south (Photo: Jan-Gunnar Winther)

This contribution is from the log of the Norwegian-US Scientific Traverse team, who are en route from Troll Station to South Pole Station. Much more information can be found here.