When I was a kid, I didnâ??t know much more of the world than I could see or touch. Back then, everything was analog and if I didnâ??t have direct contact with it, it didnâ??t exist. I got a paper route when I was thirteen and saved up enough money to buy my first road bike and very quickly the size of my world increased 20 fold shifting where I could walk to where I could ride. It was incredible to be on my own and see so much more of the area in which I lived. The thrill of Discovery, I learned quickly, was something that I wanted more of.

Over the years, seeking out new experiences and ideas has become cornerstone to who I am as a person. While there is always uncertainty and risk, the rewards outweigh the costs (most of the time) and I feel that I have grown as a person, partner and father as a result. I am also an optimist so I tend to focus on the positive (maybe to a fault at times). Regardless, I feel so lucky to be here and heading North one more time - especially when not so long ago I was given no more time due to cancer.

We are in a new place and that is both exciting and nerve wracking. Trying to find stores to shop, learn new systems, navigate a new location. So far itâ??s been surprisingly easy and even the kitchen staff at hotel where we are staying cut our salami and cheese portions and wrapped them in plastic wrap for us!

Of course, we are preparing for a North Pole expedition and I have been doing this for a long time. So much of what we are doing is old routine and I find great comfort (and safety when weâ??re on the ice) in all that repetition- especially when trying to navigate through a world of swirling chaos in which I have little control.

Packing soups, taping fuel bottles repacking our freeze dried mealsâ?¦ these are the simple systems that I have based my career on.

I received a report that it was -40 at the temporary camp thatâ??s being established roughly 100 kilometers from the North Pole. That should make our trip a little spicy. While I my primary focus is guiding clients, this adventure will also serve as a great proving ground for my new Jack Wolfskin polar suit as well.

I am nervous and excited. Or as I like to call itâ?¦ Tuesday.