Excitement is building in Punta Arenas

Our team at the statue honoring Ferdinand Magellan. It's good luck to rub his foot which is why it's so shiny!

Welcome to the dispatches of our 2025 South Pole Last Degree team who have all arrived in Punta Arenas, Chile for the start of this awesome expedition. We are very excited to share daily updates from the team that will give you glimpses into their journey!

Several members of the team were in Punta Arenas for the city's New Year's Eve festivities and they continued the celebration on the morning of January 1st with a polar plunge in the Strait of Magellan.

Brrr!! Actually it wasn't too bad.

Everyone's gear was checked and preparations are underway. Today was a busy day with packing, shopping, a review of thermoregulation and a pre-flight briefing which covered fun subjects like the luggage and carry-on requirements and the airport boarding process. Dinner was at the Shackleton Bar in the Jose Neguero Hotel in the Wild Room (those of you familiar with Shackleton will know that Frank Wild was Shackleton's right hand man).

Dinner in the Wild Room

Tomorrow will include weighing luggage and getitng ready for an early morning departure on January 4. Weather delays are common on Antarctic flights but our fingers are crossed that all will proceed as planned. We will keep you posted!

Getting ready for the Antarctic flight which is on January 4