6th February
Tonight will be the first night the four youngsters will camp out over night. The sun rose just before 11am. Through falling snow I headed out with Pingo, Sasha, Piper, Timber, Hansel, the youngsters and a sled prepared for three days and nights. Huge flakes fell as though we moved silently through a giant fall of feathers from a pillow fight. River ice conditions were good while skiing beside the dogs and sled. I included experienced leader Sasha at the last minute. Soon to retire she has a calming influence over Pingo who she will be in lead position with. Pingo can be a little boisterous and I don't want the youngsters overawed. Sasha will keep Pingo in line.

This year has seen particularly heavy snowfalls here. The colossal weight on the Mackenzie can cause ice to fracture and water to rush up causing overflow and slush. Despite ice over the river water continues to flow underneath. Bends or creeks running into the river create less stable ice. These are potential nightmare spots. At 30 below zero this can make for difficult travelling. Today our only confrontation was with a hefty cow moose. Pingo noticed her first. With head up and extra zip in his stride he fancied his chances. The moose stood there, defiant. I was wary she might have a calf with her. I halted the team 200 metres short and let her decide the next move. She crossed in front of us and up the bank. Then vanished. With over an hours daylight left I made camp at just gone 5pm.