With hindsight, I feel that expedition PS118 consisted of three loosely connected parts. The first part was the attempt to reach Larsen C and the A68 breakup area with the all emphasis on travelling southwards constantly hoping that sea ice, winds, and tides would be in our favour. Eventually, it became obvious that we could not even make progress through the ice slush between thick ice floes. On the 3rd of March, we decided to abort the attempt to reach Larsen C. Then, the second part started. It covered the northward journey and sampling in the Weddell Sea. For me as a greenhorn chief scientist on Polarstern, it was interesting to experience how the sea ice dictates all scientific activities. Most plans I made during this phase of the expedition had a rather short expiry date. This part ended when we passed Rosamel Island and left the Weddell Sea. The third part covered our work in the Powell Basin when we soon settled into sampling and surveying routines.

As always, towards the end of the expedition, time was flying. Luckily, enough scientific questions remain unanswered to make returning to this part of Antarctica for further research worthwhile.

I hope everybody on board enjoyed the expedition as much as I did. Amazing scenery, breath-taking wildlife and the feeling of extreme remoteness are only some of the impressions and experiences to take home.

Now with Punta Arenas almost in sight, I would like to thank the people on board who with their effort and enthusiasm have constantly kept the spirits up. For the last time during PS118, I sent best regards on behalf of all expedition participants from Polarstern.

Boris Dorschel