Penguin Alpha's position tonight is 83deg50minsN 73deg46minW, with the goal of breaking the 84th parallel clearly in their sights. That would be one down 6 to go.

Each day holds a new challenge for the team. Yesterday's progress was halted when Sue Fullilove was partially immersed in some open water. The team therefore stopped to pitch camp and dry her and her clothes out. By all accounts she set off this morning undaunted.

Today after achieving 6 miles over some very rough ice, Penguin Alpha came to a stop at the edge of a lead across their path.. Visibility being poor they were unable to see the other side of it at the time of the HF comms this evening. It is likely that a scouting trip will be sent off to look for potential crossings before they depart tomorrow. Alternatively luck might be on their side and the lead might have closed up by the morning.

With changeover of Penguin teams due on either the 28th or 29th depending upon weather and ice conditions much of the talk on the radio was what the changeover supplies should comprise. In general the food quantities are to be upped a bit, taking more weight but for more calories. The fuel consumption has been less than feared, but temperatures have been higher than expected. The guides therefore have wisely not chosen to cut corners and have asked for the same quantity again. Maybe at the next changeover when everyone can be sure that temperatures are likely to stay up they will take the decision to cut back. That is a decision for them at a later date.

Penguin Charlie arrived on the bi-weekly Canadian Airlines flight. Charlie comprises Paula Power, Lynne Clarke, Sue Self (reserve) and the mother and daughter team of Sue and Victoria Riches. Victoria works for one of the expeditions gold sponsors Angela Mortimer the UK's leading quality secretarial recruitment firm. Now that we have Alpha on the ice and Bravo and Charlie in town, the High Arctic is becoming pretty familiar with the women of the MPPR.