An experience in Antarctic is one worth remembering. Garden City AAUW invites you to such an encounter at its Book & Author Luncheon, Friday May 8 from 12-3:30 p.m. at the Swan Club in Glenwood Landing. John Hane, author of his just released book, "The Coolest Race on Earth" will transport all present to treeless Antarctica known as the "Last Place on Earth" by marathon runners.

Hane, himself, an accomplished marathon runner, couldn't resist the opportunity to become a contestant in the 2005 Antarctica Marathon. There, on the planet's coldest, driest, and windiest of continents, he ran the 26.2 mile course on King George Island. Its intractable terrain was like no other Hane encountered. Moments after the start of the race, thick muddy ooze, reaching calf-high, was impeding his ability to trot or even just to move. With fatigue already being felt so early on, the reader can only wonder if Hane and the 211, men and women, from many nations, made it to the finish line.

The drama of Hane's Antarctica adventure becomes enhanced by the many people he meets: Among them is William Tan who attempts to become the first person to complete the Antaratica Marathon in a wheelchair; three bicycle-riding grandmothers competing for Seven Continent acclaim; and Roger Biggs, a saucy Brit, with 315 marathons under his belt.

Most enlightening are historical facts covered by Hane in his polished and smooth flowing text. Not only accounts of marathon racing, but also intriguing elucidations of polar explorations are included. Be fascinated as Hane unfolds the conflicting tales of two explorers considered first to have set foot on the North Pole.

Reservations for the luncheon at $45.00 per person may be obtained through a check made out to:

AAUW - GC/EF/LAF

Mail to: Joan Stafford

111 Cherry Valley Ave.

Apt M28

Garden City, New York 11530

Proceeds of the day will benefit AAUW's Educational Foundation and its Legal Advocacy Fund.