On the Schedule for Today:

• Visit museum in Anchorage
• Final pizza party in downtown Anchorage
• Fly home (10:05)

Report from the Science Committee:

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Average Altitude:

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Daily Report from the Journalism Committee:

Our Last Day in Alaska
Karissa Kalisz
5 July 2007

Today was probably the most tear-jerking day of our stay here in Alaska. We knew that it was our last day of our 3 ½ week adventure. After the long, exciting night in the Church of 1000 Trees, we woke up and had our last breakfast of bagels and a variety of cream cheese. We scarfed them down and started packing right away. Some people took everything out and re-packed just to fit all of their things in our one duffle bag. We also had to take out ALL of the liquids in our carry-ons. We worked together to take all of our bags and squeeze them into the back of the vans and clean up every little scrap in the church and in the vans.

After everything was spic and span, we headed to the vans for a ride to the Iditarod Headquarters. The place was amazing; we got to see all the dogs that go through so much each year. We even watched a movie on the dogs’ daily lives. My favorite part was the little puppies that we got to hold. I can’t believe how smart those dogs are. They understand all of the calls and turn signals and know the paths. It was great.

After the Iditarod Headquarters, we headed back to the church for one last lunch of a variety of pizza. As a treat, Ishtar got us all a pint cup of ice cream! It was delicious. Most people ate all of it (including me)! With our stomachs full, we took our last drive in the vans we call home to the Anchorage airport. It seemed like just yesterday when we were arriving here and getting our vans, but now we are leaving and giving back the vans. We waited inside the building for our plane, some sleeping, while others getting food. When the plane came, we all took one last look at Alaska, sad to be leaving it, yet excited to see our family once more.

We boarded the plane and got settled because we weren’t going to be moving for seven hours. As the plane took off, I watched the trip flash before my eyes. There were some great memories that I had experienced that I will never forget. I wrote in my journal my last thoughts, and then slowly dozed off to the quiet buzzing of the air plane. Today was a great way to end our amazing trip that I will always remember.

Menu for Today:

Pizza Party before setting home