Mark Beaumont's messages home

Very pleased to be short-listed for Best New Writer in British Sports Book Awards.

4:25am, Wednesday.

I am standing in line at passport control. Slightly uncomfortable in crowded spaces – not least as my clothes haven't been washed.

12pm, 16 February.

My Mum, Una, works with me every day back at "base camp UK" to make these expeditions happen. Morning Mum, you're amazing!

4:10am, 16 February

Where every man dreams of spending Valentine's night – sleeping in a bus stop! It's too windy to sleep in my tent.

5:30pm, 14 February

Woke in my tent to lots of scuffling outside at different times – assume my local armadillos were playing around!

3:41am, 6 February.

Been told that there are loads of pumas in the area that I am camped – I am not talking about trendy trainers!

6:51pm, 27 January.