In the last update it was reported that Penguin Charlie were experiencing increasing winds such as those hitting Resolute of late. This certainly proved to be the case not only for Penguin Charlie but for all the expeditions on the Arctic pack ice.

The increased winds caused the team to stay put yesterday. This enforced rest day was, it could be argued no bad thing in view of the mileage that Charlie had been putting under their belt, although being in a tent for two nights and a day can become very frustrating. However the real issue is that the high winds are causing the pack ice to to drift at up to 1 knot (1 nautical mile per hour)! Penguin Charlie experienced varying drift levels aggregating in an eastward movement from 72degs13minsW to 68degs54minsW, some 15miles, on their layover day. Fortunately it wasn't southwards, unlike a lone Japanese who having walked from the Russian side to within 11 miles of the Pole over recent weeks is reputed to have drifted back such that he is now a staggering 42 miles south of the Pole. Very depressing.

The weather forecast is for the wind to subside over the next couple of days and perhaps increase again from the West thereafter. It is therefore unlikely that the Easterly drift will subside much prior to the intended Charlie/Delta changeover due on Friday 25th.

Penguin Delta are currently on their four day / three night final training session around Resolute. They have been subjected to the full force of the blizzard which has been blowing over the last couple of days. We look forward to their tales.

The Argos position tonight is 86degs10minsN 68degs02minsW. 185 miles gone 230 to go.