The crew is rather quiet tonight. Probably due to all the activity we've had the past couple of days.

Today, we conducted two EVA's to test operational procedures and aids for transporting injured crewmember. The first EVA used a standard stretcher with a face-down crewmember (Elizabeth). The second EVA tested a modified stretcher and use of the ATV to assist. Marcus did a wonderful job building an interface to the ATV for the stretcher to be secured; he is SUCH a talented engineer! The whole test went spectacularly well, and it marks the completion of Alex's EVA program, on schedule.

I have to say, the Mars Society has done a great job developing these suits. No, they aren't the real thing (and I know, because I've worked with the real thing at NASA), but when you wear them and immerse yourself in the stark majesty of this strange desert landscape, you can definitely relate, and for brief moments fully capture for yourself, what our initial voyagers to Mars will experience. Intoxicating!

Tomorrow morning we will conduct our final EVA, to test radiation protocol procedures on two crew hit by a solar storm. Then in the afternoon we will scout outside (without suits) for a new waypoint of interest that future crews may explore in detail; we will take pictures and report our initial reactions on why we found the area worth noting.

Sim is scheduled to end tomorrow evening (although we have had to abandon those conditions so many times for various reasons, Elizabeth wonders if we ever really started...), and we will end the day by joining the world in the celebration of Yuri's Night.

Also of note: P.J. re-activated and focused the Observatory webcam; we hope you can "observe" a difference. Marcus gave the dead mouse (from the underground grey water tank) a proper burial behind the Hab. Elizabeth, who has taken on the brunt of the cooking duties during this rotation, and has delivered delicious dishes without fail, tickled our palates with chinese cuisine tonight. And Irene notified us that an article has been published on-line at the Penn State University website about her work here. Please check it out at http://live.psu.edu/story/23541

The end of the rotation is in sight, and we realize time is running out to finish our own to-do lists. I have scheduled a field trip for the crew Saturday, as a reward after we complete the final clean-up, summer season preparations, and packing. The sooner it's all done, the more time we can spend on it. There's been much speculation on where we will go.

Be Safe, Have Fun, Get It Done - Crew 61!!!

Chip Shepherd
Commander, MDRS Crew 61