Commander's Report

February 24, 2008

Randall Shelaga



Day 7 of Boot Camp started with dark skies, high winds and a dust
storm, not the best of conditions for EVA! Freeze-dried granola and
blueberries were the order of the day for breakfast...much better than
the dreaded eggs and bacon. Discussion around the table focused on how
the weather was abnormally cool and wet for this time of year and a
chorus of "why us?" echoed around the table. The question of the day
was "Is this mission living up to your expectations?" The crew as a
whole had very positive comments about the mission and the ExMATS
program in general.

The morning was filled with EVA equipment maintenance, EVA Tracklog
downloads and some much appreciated science training. "Biobabe" gave
the crew a tour of the Biology Lab and an overview of sampling
techniques used in her research. Next "Fam" continued her geology
lecture series, briefing the crew on various minerals in the area and
providing a chance to view specimens under the microscope.

The skies cleared with "Fam", "LOx" and "Biobabe" suiting up for an ATV
EVA to Box Canyon and on to Lith Canyon for Microbial Viability Study
sampling and some good views! Much to our astonishment, there is a
substantial river flowing through Lith Canyon...there is water on
analogue Mars. Upon their return the skies opened up and it rained
once again.

The reports are completed, the daily photographs are being posted and
the crew is getting ready for Supper and bread. Tonight we are not
having a presentation and the crew has a chance to relax and prepare
for hopefully a full day of EVA's tomorrow.

Until tomorrow!

Ut Mars per erudio!