Dec 15
When we got up this morning, it had snowed heavily. Our sleds were almost completely buried and I could just about see my skis peaking through the snow! I could tell Pat and Clare were disappointed – but I loved the feel of the fresh snow and began to hum ’I’m dreaming of a White Christmas!‘
We started out and Clare was in front; we could see nothing – the snow, the clouds and the sky were all a dull grey colour – we couldn’t even see the bumps (sastrugi) in the snow!
Although Clare was using her compass, she wandered like a blindman and so Shaun had to shout right and left from behind! It looked like a great game and I wanted a chance to go in front; for the next half hour they let me – I couldn’t believe how difficult it was; my sled sank into the fresh snow and I needed all my strength to haul it behind me. At the same time, I felt dizzy trying to see in front of me and keep a straight line – I kept tripping over sastrugi I couldn’t see and at the end of my lead I felt completely zapped of energy… And I still had 7 hours to go!
I moved to the back of the line and chatted to Polly about my phonecall. ‘You know, Polly, I never wrote to Santa Claus before I left home in November. I wonder if he’ll manage to find me down here?‘
’Who?’ replied Polly – I couldn’t believe it – she had never heard of Santa Claus! My heart sank.
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