Some of the team had a few days to sort gear and see some of the sights of Longyearbyen. Others landing a mere two hours before heading out. The group was a team even before we all met today, with everyone pulling together to get things ready after missed flights etc.

It's been quite mild the last few days but this morning we were greeted with sunny skies and a chilly -14C.

Early afternoon, after a busy hour and a half getting Irina sorted and packed, the bus arrived and we loaded up and drove out to our start point in Adventdalen.

We jumped off the bus and got everything ready. Bit of a chat as to what we'll be doing and off we set. Skiing up a wide valley flanked by beautiful mountains bathed in sunlight, we couldn't have asked for better conditions.

Jennifer has been a little anxious about polar bears. About an hour into skiing she spotted a dirty while/yellow shape walking along the valley about a kilometre away. Her keen eyes has spotted a rather large reindeer, but a timely reminder of who's territory we are sharing over the next six days.

We had a meal break and skied another hour or so with David and Jennifer both having a go out front. With a late start and a couple hours skiing under the belt we set up camp.

Some warm food in our bellies and good banter and the team is now in sleeping bags enjoying some -16C tent life. The coldest that a couple of the crew have ever been in.