It’s 3:28 am. Sleep has been a bit difficult tonight, despite still being quite tired. I got up to try to call my husband and son, unfortunately can’t reach either of them. Same thing happened on Aconcagua before the big 5 day summit push, I guess I should get it out if my head that I talk to them while on expedition.

In a few hours, we’ll be sitting in a little Twin Otter plane, heading to a very small landing strip at Sugapa. Then there is a harrowing motorcycle ride to look forward to (!!!), which will bring us to the final village, called Suangame. It’s inhabited by part of the Dani tribe. We’ll meet with the chief, hire porters, re-arrange gear and then try to get some rest before heading off on foot early the next day. The first few days will be through swamp and mud in the jungle, probably 8-10 hours a day. After day 3, it’s supposed to get a bit easier. Less mud, shorter days.

I’m nervous. And ready to go. It’s time to do this thing. It’s going to throw a lot at me; I hope I have the strength – and the good fortune – to see it through. If you’d like to follow along, visit me at https://share.garmin.com/Jaimi

where I’ll check in once a day. Otherwise, I’ll be back in a couple weeks, super excited to reconnect with you!

In the meantime, what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done? Comment below, I’d love to hear about it!