Hey dave,
I like your spunk, we could really use an asset like you. Are you sure you don't want to join our trip? We could sure use an additional researcher, plus you've already got a sweet ride.
. And truly, I do want to thank you for your humbling praise. You are more right than you know in many regards.
I don't come anywhere close to considering myself a scientist, but thank you, it is one of my aspirations. The reason we're starting in Alaska is because we are traveling the Pan-American Highway, which extends all the way north, to all the way south. I know these ideas are big, but I can't tell you how fulfilling it is to work a 16 hour day researching, writing, emailing, training, researching, and researching, and then be rewarded with the smallest bit of progress. It's great, and please don't confuse my enthusiasm with sarcasm.
Please let me be the first to apologize if I offended you in my previous letter. Though I knew I should have waited a night before sending my reply, I was a little on the defensive side from being called a F****** wanker, or whichever it was. It's water under the bridge though, and I hope we can keep up this conversation because I still do have much to learn. What I wouldn't give to have the knowledge you all possess. I am trying, which hopefully accounts for something.