When my mom used to ask me what I want for Christmas it was always a quick easy answer, 'wool socks'. While to most, socks may not seem like an awe-inspiring present, but for me it was the perfect gift. Warm, comfortable. There are few better things than having toasty feet on a cold day.

Now-a-days, I ask for Carbon offsets as presents so my sock collection has dwindled a bit. Never fear, the sock fairy is near. I received a box of Wigwam socks for the North Pole today and immediately put on a pair. My feet were pleased with my behavior - especially since I had been wearing the same pair for the last three days.

I am almost totally geared up now. There are a few last gear details but with the arrival of a second Iridium phone, some palm pilot parts from Farm Logic, we are almost GTG. (Good to go). I have been working for almost three years designing gear and equipment for this trip. While much of it has been donated, we have to purchase things as well. Yesterday I ordered 70 days worth of freeze dried meals from Mountain House. I don't even want to tell you how much that cost. Still, we were able to get a very good deal. Thanks Melanie! We appreciate your support.

There are three of us going to the pole now. You haven't really met Darcy from Canada or AJ from the UK, but you'll get to know them soon enough. That is one aspect of this expedition in which time is not our enemy.

We have been passing around a 'North Pole To Do' list between the three of us and there is still much to be done. Early Monday morning, I'll leave boulder and drive to Minnesota, then pick up a few items at Tim and Elisabeth's in Minneapolis, and finally, Grand Marais. The next morning its up and to Canada where Darcy will meet me. There, we'll go grocery shopping and then drive to Ottawa. Yikes. It hurts my but just thinking about all that sitting.

The stress of all these intense preparations is getting to us. Today Darcy and I got in a bit of an argument on the phone. Nothing serious, but we are dealing with such an infinitely small margin of error that everything has to be perfect. With different styles of working and communication, there is bound to be some friction. We managed to talk through the issue and find an amenable conclusion. Later, in talking to my mom, I broke down a bit. This task is so overwhelming.

Helen Keller says that, 'life is either a daring adventure or nothing.' I'm inclined to believe her.

Picture: A box of Wigwam's from the sock fairy. Thanks Donna!

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

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