I took the opportunity today to take some exercise outside, going for a run, and getting some time alone to organize my thoughts. I followed one of the ATV tracks which went north. After a short distance it did a U turn taking me up to the top of the cliff overlooking the Hab. I found a wooden sign directing me to the radio, which I took to mean the repeater. After about another mile I found a sign pointing to another track heading north marked "Schriapellar". We had found the other end of this road on a previous EVA and so we are now able to pin the two ends together and will be able to traverse this track at a later date. I continued on towards the west for about another mile where I found hoof prints leading towards the west. On following these tracks they were later joined by deep rounded prints. These were not as clear as the previous prints found, but I took them to be more Cougar prints. Due to the depth that the prints had penetrated the ground I took the animal to be extremely large.

On my way back to the Hab, I saw two men behind the hill to the South of the Hab. Being the person I am I went to investigate. John Barainca and Thomas (Sorry did not remember his surname) were taking readings from equipment left at this location for research at the Astrobiology Department in Ames. John was involved in the building of the Hab and served on the first crew rotation here. He also brings youth teams out here during the Summer. I invited him to join us as we were on a partial Sim day and the crew had a pleasant chat with them both, giving Susmita an opportunity to further her research into the design of the Hab and giving the rest of us a chance to enjoy some stories regarding the continual evolution of this Hab.

Normal routine continued with the mundane chores that would be required on any mission, clothes washing, report writing, and continuing the clean up. For myself after a hard run and a good wash I was extremely refreshed and eager to get back into the swing of things. I cannot speak for the rest of the crew but as we complete our first week I am very aware of our time here running out, and have so much more I want to do.