Day 48 to the Southpole - Happy New Year!!

Today, the last day of the year, began with the usual routines: waking up, lighting the stove, making coffee, drinking water, eating breakfast. Out here, everyday life is just as routine-based — if not more so — than it is at home.

At the same time, on this final day of the year, I find myself reflecting on how incredibly special it is to be allowed to be here in this icy wilderness. It’s anything but ordinary.

The year 2025 has been the coldest year of my life so far. I’ve spent several months of the year in the coldest places on Earth — both north in the Arctic Ocean and south in Antarctica. It’s been a year full of contrasts: periods of intense work when I’ve been home preparing for this expedition, with stress levels through the roof for much of the year to secure funding and equipment. And yet, I’ve never felt greater calm than during the months I’ve spent out on the ice.

This year has also been filled with much more than polar travel and work. It’s been filled with many wonderful people who have been incredibly important in making this project possible — both practically and mentally.

So on this final day of the year, I want to thank all the amazing people we have in our lives. Thank you for being there throughout this strange, cold, and wonderful year! ❤️