Zoe Hudson of Penguin Echo writes: "The training continues to go well. We had a surreal experience the other day involving a photo-shoot by on an iceberg for the expedition sponsors. The big question was the styling of the photos for our Damart Thermawear ...!

We planned each of the shots in advance in our Vander sledging suits. We then stripped off in our nice warm tent to just our Damarts, snowboots and sunglasses; then legged it out onto the icebergs for the shots (only about -15C!).

In the event only our hands got cold (shows you how good the thermals are) and we stayed out longer than planned and did some funny pictures too - couldn't resist it, it's not everyday you get to stand in the Arctic wastes in your underwear.

We're getting used to the way of life up here now. You have to be well organised in looking after the vast amount of kit and equipment. Making sure you dry off each night ready for the next day, making any necessary adjustments and running repairs. Skied for 5 hours yesterday, up gulleys and right onto the top of the hills behind Resolute Bay. The views were absolutely stunning. We saw some old polar bear prints too. This morning we have been preparing our food as we go out for 4 nights on the ice. I know we have to take 5,500 calories or so a day, but if you ever put all the food you eat in one day in a bag (which I'm sure you do often) it's quite scary and heavy, even taking into account we tend to have high calorie per weight foods.

Off for our four day training on the sea ice in a few minutes - we'll be in touch when we get back."