I wanted to send a quick update from our somewhat messy hotel room in Punta Arenas: all systems are go for flight to Union Glacier in Antarctica! All the bags and my bike are already on the Ilyushin and that's left for Tim and I to do now is make final checks on our electronic gear.

It's been an intense couple of days here trying to rig and prepare the moonlander, food and other equipment. I've still got a ton of office work to take care of as well as a very important Skype call with Maria and Merritt. It will be the last time I will see them for almost six weeks.

Most likely, I will be up all night finishing a variety of tasks and of course, shaving my head - a pre expedition tradition I've had for over 10 years!