The day broke in clear sunshine and with temperatures similar to those of yesterday. This gave rise to the misguided belief that the going today would be as fine too. We were wrong. A nasty cutting wind blew. Our hoods were securely fastened all day long.

Inside our hoods, however, we were again pondering Life's Big Questions. Or we would have been, were it not for that single overwhelming subject, on everyone's mind, blocking out all other cognitive activity: FOOD. Our regime of continuous high energy consumption and strictly-rationed calorie intake causes chronic pangs of hunger. Various delicacies spin before our eyes like icons in a One-Armed-Bandit. On breaks the subject, invariably, is food. How much of this or that dish is each team member going to gorge. Who would like to eat what, right now. Regular favorites on this menu are:

• Grilled chicken
• Sausage and potato casserole
• Finnish meat pie with two sausages
• Kalakukko
• New potatoes
• Charcoal-grilled Entrecote steak (or just anything charcoal grilled)
• Frozen berries topped with hot caramel sauce
• Confectionaries to finish

When we finally get off this lump of ice called the North Pole, we shall gorge ourselves to death like hungry hound dogs. By that time, however, our trusty Support Team will be watching our every move and saying: `You can't eat that, it's bad for your health.´

All is well with the Expedition.