Yes, today we reached 89th latitude with a good margin – the golden latitude! – and our position now is N89°07’55”, E78°49’41”. After walking 26 km today we have 97 km to go. It’s been a good day, for me, with good ice, even though we have felt the grip of the strong wind from east-northeast. We’ve had alternating white-out and sun. Never seemed like it wanted to go down – the sun has followed us along the horizon.
The ski repairs that I did last night have worked well. Finally! They’re half a metre shorter now. That’s definitely a disadvantage when there’s a white-out, because long skis work like elongated sensor, letting you feel the terrain in front of you. With these short skis, it’s more like I’m stumbling ahead, partly blind – I can’t even see the tips of the skis below my facemask. But I’ll manage, and I think they’ll last all the way in. There are just a few days left.
Much worse is the fact that Mike has had real problems with his body today. He’s been a bit troubled for several days, but today it was really bad – one of his worst days on this journey. Mike has been tired and nauseous, warm and cold and then warm again, and his kidneys and stomach hurt. We suspected a fuel leakage inside his pulk, and that it may have contaminated some of his food. However, we really don’t know; we can’t smell any stray fuel in the pulk – but one way or another he got something in his body that he shouldn’t have.
That’s why it’s been a tough day for Mike. I suggested that we camp early, but he insisted on continuing. He’s made of tough stuff and endured the entire day – without any significant decrease in pace.
So, that is our story: It’s been good for me, terribly tough for Mike. We hope we find the cause of his ailments. In the meantime he can eat as much of my food as he wants. We have more than enough.
It was uplifting to read your progress this morning; It charges me up there are men who can improvise, adapt & overcome. Very impressed with the repairs to the equipment.
Best wishes for healing to Mike…
Hang in there, Mike – you’re almost there. Wishing you well, Julie in Washington, DC.
Mike and Borge, we found your website after reading National Geographic Adventure magazine. Your adventures are very exciting. We are studying the globe and now your trip to the North Pole. You’re doing a good job. It’s amazing what you’ve accomplished, quite a feat. Good luck with the days that remain. Hope you feel better soon, Mike!