The Journey Continues

So after reading pages 221-240 in The Left Hand of Darkness, It really got me thinking that if I were along for this journey what the scenery would actually look like.  Ursula Le Guin does a really nice job describing the setting in this book.  They are trying not only to survive vocanoes and ice but all the bad conditions such as ash from the volcano and the cold from the winter weather.  I mean come on, they "butt their heads on cliffs of ice in a cold dusk full of ashes!"  I felt bad when Estraven talks about Mr. Ai's condition in this cold torturous weather for him.  He talks about how his face was badly frostbitten.  It really seems like Estraven has a greater respect for Mr. Ai because of the way he describes how Ai has shown much strength and endurance through the journey.  Estraven states in his own log about how their lungs are raw from breathing in all the ash and fumes.  He talks about how Mr. Ai was "exausted and enraged" but even though he felt very ill and weak, he continues to progress forward.  I found it interesting how Mr. Ai describes women to Estraven.  Kind of funny!  Not only do they eat less and have children, and are less muscular, but are NOT stupid!  I am looking forward to seeing if they make their destination safely.