It is with Amundsen's quote that I start my final blog before my own attempt to walk to a pole. Whilst I doubt my effort will be as celebrated, I hope it will be as successful. In the final hours before getting on the plane, I am very aware of the scale of the challenge ahead - far harder than anything I have ever attempted. Given the risks, challenges and dangers ahead, I also remind myself of a great quote from Shackleton 'Better a live donkey than a dead lion'.

Packing on an industrial scale

The amount of planning kit to manage is truly staggering. I have 285 individual items to take with me. After months of careful planning, research and shopping I still found myself packing the day before and even shopping for things I hadn't considered. Who would have thought 24 hours before flying out I would be shopping for a square topped egg timer? Answers on a postcard if you can guess why...

Tracking my progress

You will be able to see my progress on the Maps and Tracking page from April 4th (start of the race). Using a GPS tracker, my position is automatically updated every 4 hours. It's a good safety feature, but also useful for people back at home wanting to see how I am getting on! If you are looking at it, don't panic if I haven't moved for a while - chances are there is bad weather and I will be wrapped up warm in the tent! I will also be trying to make the odd Twitter (@MusingTraveller) and Facebook update. This isn't as easy as it sounds and involves a few link ups using the satellite phone!

Support the charity!

It is great to see so many generous donations coming in! This really does mean a huge amount to me and the charity. I would love to be able to get to £25k before I go, so I would hugely appreciate your support by donating on my JustGiving site. 

'I am just going outside and may be gone some time'... 6 weeks!

Alas, I will finish as I started, with a poignant quote from Lawrence Oates who died during the infamous Scott expedition. It serves as a reminder of the difficulty of such challenges and that more experienced men and women have suffered a tragic fate on the frozen seas and summits of the arctic and antarctic. Be under no illusion though - I fully intend to come back in one piece!

Thanks for all of your help and support! Wish me luck!!!

Paul