A Ski Trip to Remember.

This woman's story adds a whole new dimension to "cool." If you're not into fighting frigid temps and pushing your body to its physical and mental limits for 100 days straight, maybe Anne Bancroft's expedition isn't exactly your cup of cocoa. Call it crazy. Call it exciting. Call it whatever you like--but you've gotta respect her. As a seventh grader, Anne was diagnosed with dyslexia--a learning disability that affects many people. Though her dyslexia made school extremely frustrating sometimes, she never gave up on her dream. Now she's living it. Anne and fellow explorer Liv Arnesen have set out to become the first women to ski clear across Antarctica. The trip is, oh, a mere 2,400 miles, and their estimated travel time is just 100 days! Erase that serene image of cross-country skiing from your mind. These women won't be slowly gliding through the woods as snowflakes gently settle on their parkas, and mugs of hot chocolate will not be waiting by the hearth. No, this is not your leisurely jaunt through the sn ow. The women will fight brutal weather as they each pull sleds piled with 250 pounds of supplies. As for food? Each is starting with 50 pounds. of high-fat potato chips to keep their weight and energy up. Ugh! We're tired, cold and whiny at the mere thought of such a journey. Way to go in the snow, Anne and Liv!