30 January, 2000

Greetings!

I wanted to take one last opportunity to thank you for allowing me to share this experience with you. I hope you have enjoyed following along. Life on board the ship is subdued. It seems people are

trying to acclimatize themselves for reentry into the real world. I suppose it is necessary, even for seasoned researchers, because Antarctica is unlike any other place on earth. Tomorrow we will dock in Punta Arenas, Chile. I can tell we are almost there because the ride is smooth and free from the heaves and hoes characteristic of

the Drake Passage. I will always be grateful for this experience. Not only has it allowed me to explore a unique, pristine environment in the most remote place on the planet, but I have been priviledged

to share in polar science research. The interesting talented people I have met are, simply put, the icing on the cake! I believe the people who make the journey to Antarctica have one thing in common. Each feels the lure of adventure and exploration. I am honored to be associated with them. This will be my last journal entry. Whether you are a student, teacher, and other interested party, you have

certainly enriched this experience for me. Thank you for your engaging correspondence.

Wishing you wonderful adventures!

Mimi Wallace

TEA January 2000