Burlington woman’s trip to Antarctica completes goal to visit all continents

Julie Michaels was inspired to start traveling by a fellow teacher, Cathy Clymer, the art teacher in Burlington at the time. Clymer led a big group to Europe, touring England, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and France. 

“That was an eye opener for different cultures,” said Michaels. “I absolutely loved the art and architecture there. The people of Germany and the Netherlands were warm and friendly. A big juxtaposition to France where the people were as offensive as the streets.” 

A few years later, Clymer led an all-theater trip in London. “I was hooked,” said Michaels. “I couldn’t wait for the next one and saved all my change and did lots of extra jobs to afford to travel.” 

Michaels has been all over the world and to some places several times. “After Australia and China, I knew I could live through the long flights to get to my last continent, Antarctica. However, our summer is their winter and as a teacher, I could never justify missing a couple of weeks of work for just travel. I’ve done all my traveling in the summer months.” 

But Michaels retired last year after 36 years in education and as a present to herself, she started looking for someone to go with her or for someone leading a tour there with no luck. “I started researching different tour groups and tried to find a way to get down to the bottom of the Earth. I found a great lady who had been and she recommended Atlas Tours. I booked this trip in May 2023.” 

Of all the places she has been, Michaels lists this trip at the top. “This, by far, has been my favorite and most awesome inspiring adventure. This is a special place that no one owns and everyone needs to take care of this precious place. Oh yeah… and penguins are really noisy and really stink!” 

There are several places still on Michaels’ bucket list, including the Galapagos, Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal, The Wailing Wall and Petra, just to name a few, but for now has her sights set closer to home. “While my great-granddaughter is still young enough to want to road trip with me, I think the 48 contiguous states come first.” 

Michaels will be presenting on her Antarctica trip in two different assemblies at Burlington Schools on April 1. For the middle and high school, it will run from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m.; for the elementary, 2:50 to 3:15 p.m.  The public is welcome to attend.

Burlington woman’s trip to Antarctica completes goal to visit all continents

By Stephanie Tolman 

Julie Michaels was inspired to start traveling by a fellow teacher, Cathy Clymer, the art teacher in Burlington at the time. Clymer led a big group to Europe, touring England, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and France. 

“That was an eye opener for different cultures,” said Michaels. “I absolutely loved the art and architecture there. The people of Germany and the Netherlands were warm and friendly. A big juxtaposition to France where the people were as offensive as the streets.” 

A few years later, Clymer led an all-theater trip in London. “I was hooked,” said Michaels. “I couldn’t wait for the next one and saved all my change and did lots of extra jobs to afford to travel.” 

Michaels has been all over the world and to some places several times. “After Australia and China, I knew I could live through the long flights to get to my last continent, Antarctica. However, our summer is their winter and as a teacher, I could never justify missing a couple of weeks of work for just travel. I’ve done all my traveling in the summer months.” 

But Michaels retired last year after 36 years in education and as a present to herself, she started looking for someone to go with her or for someone leading a tour there with no luck. “I started researching different tour groups and tried to find a way to get down to the bottom of the Earth. I found a great lady who had been and she recommended Atlas Tours. I booked this trip in May 2023.” 

Of all the places she has been, Michaels lists this trip at the top. “This, by far, has been my favorite and most awesome inspiring adventure. This is a special place that no one owns and everyone needs to take care of this precious place. Oh yeah… and penguins are really noisy and really stink!” 

There are several places still on Michaels’ bucket list, including the Galapagos, Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal, The Wailing Wall and Petra, just to name a few, but for now has her sights set closer to home. “While my great-granddaughter is still young enough to want to road trip with me, I think the 48 contiguous states come first.” 

Michaels will be presenting on her Antarctica trip in two different assemblies at Burlington Schools on April 1. For the middle and high school, it will run from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m.; for the elementary, 2:50 to 3:15 p.m.  The public is welcome to attend.