"Denver, we have a problem!" Today was supposed to be the first full day of the first Moon Society crew ever at MDRS (temporarily renamed the Moon Desert Research Station). But in fact, only one crew member, coming in via Grand Junction, CO arrived yesterday. The five us driving south from Salt Lake City had a simulated pressurized rover malfunction. The Mars Society's trusty 1983 Ford Crew Cab pickup, despite obvious signs of mechanical aches and pains, pushed on valiantly. But then alas, our faithful steed took its last breath about half way between Price and Green River. We thank it for picking the one small cellphone hot spot along the way. We were able to call for help.

Several people passing by stopped to see if they could be of assistance. Finally, Don Foutz, our fix-anything can-do agent in Hanksville, arrived. After trouble shooting battery cables, the oil system and a loose starter, we finally got the engine to start only to hear the characteristic racket of a bad rod. We waited a couple of hours more for a tow truck. The crew packed in Don's van and we followed the tow truck with Blue, finally arriving in Hanksville a bit past 9 pm. A command decision was made to spend the night at the Whispering Sands and get a good nights sleep before coming out this morning. The alternative would have been to transfer all the luggage and cargo and to arrive by midnight, maybe.

After morning showers for all and something to eat, Don drove us out to the Hab about 8 am for our briefing by Crew 44 and the handover of the Hab. We had arrived with minimal essentials, so while waiting for the rest of our luggage and cargo to arrive, we held short planning meetings, and took a tour of the facilities to acquaint first timers with everything. We didn't expect the cargo to arrive before late evening, but the departing crew pitched in to transfer it from Blue to a trailer, and it was delivered about 3:30 pm. Thanks to Danielle, John, Jonathan, and Lealem!!!!

We are all in good spirits. Tomorrow will be our first full day and we expect to get a start on our various projects. Meanwhile, for the balance of today, the order of business is to unpack, have a good meal, settle in, and relax.

Crew Gifts for the enjoyment of future Mars Society Crews:

• DVD Science Fiction Mars Exploration film: "Stranded"
  
• Book: "Abyss of Elysium" by Dennis Chamberland (Sci-Fi novel)
  
• A set of 6 laminated Mars Placemats

Peter Kokh
Commander, MDRS Crew 45
Artemis Moonbase Sim 1