We are truly not in Kansas anymore. Crew 69's first day at MDRS, and
already we are faced with challenges and triumphs. After arriving in
the Black Lander (our affectionate name for our black Dodge Ram)
somewhere around 0100 this morning, we unloaded with ease thanks to the
amazing assistance of the F.L.A.M.E Crew. If anyone was bleary-eyed
before our arrival, the excitement was contagious and the crews
couldn't help but talk, greet, and eat (banana-bread...thanks to the
Alvey family. Amazing!) until about 0300. While you would think this
may have been a problem for conducting crew turn over at a decent time,
Crew 69's desire to see their first Martian Day overwhelmed any
weariness.

The FLAME Crew showed us the ropes and conducted an amazing turnover.
After two weeks with only occasional showers, you would assume 68 would
want to "take off," so to speak, ASAP. But their love for this land was
evident, and they stayed long enough to give us the rundown on the
ATVs/unpressurized rovers... and a foot race to the top a dirt hill
against "Gino the Jack Rabbit". He won, but I am convinced it's because
he weighs 80 lbs and didn't slide down the dirt hill like a full grown
adult would. Next time... next time....

The remainder of the day was dedicated to making the massive amounts of
food we brought fit into the kitchen, and after much re-arranging we
were successful. That's when things got interesting.

At GA Tech (where we all go to school) it's Spring Break. We are going
to the desert. In Utah. We brought clothes for the desert. You know,
sun, sand, cactuses. What we got was a Martian Wonderland. It started
snowing about 1600 and has not stopped since. We threw on pretty much
every layer of clothes we brought, and headed out to the wilderness.
Only one word can describe seeing an avilanche of snow fall in a Martian
Desert... never mind, there is no word. It was spectacular. We hiked
to the top of HAB Ridge and stood in silence as the snow fell around
us. Silence never has sounded so lound. It was almost spiritual. We
eventually decided it was prudent to head back before it got dark, and
after a small snowball fight we headed in for the night to warm up and
cook dinner.

We are looking forward to another day of adventure, and are diligently
preparing for sim. Tune in tomorrow for more stories from the Red
Planet. Two Points for Martian Snow Blizzards!


Crew 69 out!

By the way, Tulika can do wonders with instant coffee.