Well, it's T-minus 10 days now and we're down to the final strokes... So, the die is cast; there's no turning back now, and the final stages of preparation are underway. The trip has it's own unstoppable momentum now and we'll need to work hard to wrestle it to the ground. We've sketched out our itinerary, drained the Frequent Flyer bank and assembled all our gear - well, most of it. Any flaws in the Plan will shortly be revealed and we'll be in it. Fantastic! ...

Patagonia?? Why?? To quote from our letter of intent: "Men, In this coming of age year for you both, I feel it fitting that we round out our triumvirate of adventures with a journey to the end of the world... The lonely pampas and the proud gaucho beckon, drawing us inexorably southwards along the spine of South America, across the glittering glacial-carved mountains of the Andes, through verdant forests and around crystal clear lakes, under rugged snow-c...

The fire burned intently in the hearth, a mother coddled a baby in one arm and slowly stirred a simmering pot of soup on the range with the other; eager rosy-cheeked children sat around the simple wooden table, waiting expectantly - suddenly simplified, all was good in the world. A cozy scene indeed, but we shivered in the cold as we pressed our noses harder up against the window pane; onwards transport was vague and the only facilities here were a lonely park b...