July 18, 2008 - Twin Otter Arrival

Photos of the Day: HMP RS - July 18, 2008

[Note: Click "Read More" below for my personal journal that I am keeping as Mars Projects Manager for the Space Frontier Foundation. See MarsOnEarth.org for the daily status reports for the Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) that I post as EPO for the Mars Institute.]

Stephen Braham (HMP Associate Director), who leads each morning and evening meeting, with a rather strong cockney accent, explained this morning that wind force is not proportional to the wind speed, spelled out the scientific formula, then summarized, "A small change in wind speed can mean a big change to your tent!" All tents did stay secure through last night's winds, but WOW it was noisy. This is actually how I remember it from 2003 and 2004.

A twin otter flew in this afternoon once the weather cleared up. Eight people went out and only three came in, so we will have a lighter crowd over the weekend. The traverses went out as usual, undeterred by the drizzle.

It's tough when a large group like this leaves, after having bonded with them at camp. Their personalities and good energy will be missed. 'Til we meet again, comrades! It also reminds me that I will see several more arriving and departing groups before I go home. I haven't shifted into the mindset of a long-term participant yet, although it HAS hit me. I am both amazed and horrified by it. Until I can adjust, I am putting that out of my mind and taking it day to day, keeping busy, and enjoying the great moments that happen here, capturing it all in digital form.

over and out.
-Elaine

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Elaine Walker

Mars Projects Manager
Space Frontier Foundation
marsfrontier.org