Leaving Patriot Hills camp for the second time in less than a week, we were instantly reminded of one main reasons why we we are here: breathtaking Antarctic scenery.

It was with a bit of relief that we skied away from the outer perimeter of Patriot Hills camp. It is definitely a welcome outpost in this place where humans really don't belong, but our destiny lies away from even those modest comforts.

We skirted the edge of the same long slab of blue ice that the Illushyn landed on a week ago and then hooked south around the end of the patriot Hills (the mountains).

It was so nice to have actual scenery to look at. Climbing slightly, we were treated to magnificent views of jagged peaks and creamy blue glaciers pouring over in some places. To our west three Nunatuks (rocky peaks sticking out of the ice) aptly named the Three Sails offered the only contrast to endless white and sky. Several times I was startled at their presence.

I was also surprised by how so much of what I do on an expedition is innate I tried to count the things I do without thinking on the trail. When my nose is cold under my nose beak, I puff up my lips and blow warm air up. When I take my bigger gloves off, I shove them deep in my left pocket lodged and further secured behind my harness. My stumbling ski stride through rough sastrugi (snow drifts), bringing my compass up to level before I stop moving so I don't have to wait for the compass to settle... The list goes on and on.

How long does it take for a habit to form, I wondered today. Or kick a bad habbit. Or get someone to change one thing. Just one thing.

The aim of the Copenhagen climate summit is to set ambitious targets for cutting greenhouse gases in industrialised nations, but also to raise funds to help poor countries slow their own emissions growth and tackle the worst impacts on crops and water supplies.

But negotiations have been bogged down, with developing nations accusing the rich world of failing to set themselves deep enough 2020 goals for curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

In Copenhagen, governments need to create a legally binding framework with an amended Kyoto Protocol and a new Copenhagen Protocol. Legally binding is the only thing that will do if we want to see real action to save the planet.

Changing one thing takes work, but it is not impossible.

Dong has changed two things at our brief check in at patriot Hills and is 'pleased to have a new a ski/boot system to use that I can actually remove. More importantly, I get to work on a new system to make my boots easier to ski in.'

Bill commented, 'it's nice to be back on the trail and the quiet uninterrupted beauty of Antarctica.'

Image: Lenticular clouds above the Patriot Hills.

Remember, it's cool to be cold. Save the Poles. Save the planet.

For more information, please visit www.savethepoles.com

For information about guided Antarctic expeditions, please visit http://www.antarctic-logistics.com/

For information about Bill Hanlon's foundation, please visit www.basichealthinternational.org

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