We're counting the days here at the MDRS Hab. It's almost time to go, but it seems like we've barely figured out what we're doing here. We had some training ahead of time, some more when we got here, but as usual it seemed that we did the most learning on the job.

Many of our daily reports have a "Lessons Learned" section. It seems like the whole experience here has been a massive "Lesson Learned."

Here are just a few of the lessons we've learned:

Commander Digby Tarvin: Boredom is definitely not going to be a problem on Mars for any crew that's as motivated as this one. Sleep, maybe, but not boredom.

Kyoichi Sasazawa: I learned to appreciate the majestic beauty of this area, the geology. I learned how to wear a spacesuit. I made a lot of really good friends. I enjoyed learning about the efforts of many people who aim to mount a Mars mission.

Celeste Gale: I really am surprised how easy and comfortable it has been to live and work together with five total strangers and become good friends. I normally view myself as an outcast so I find it very strange.

Bob McNally: There's nothing like working with a highly motivated team of people who are committed to the job and not to their image or their ego but just want to work and are willing to work with other people to get something good done. Nothing like it!

Diego Casa: The exploration of Mars doesn't have to be done by superheroes. Any of us can do it if we're really motivated.

Louise Wynn: I have found five new friends whom I never would have met if I hadn't come here. I used to hate grapefruit and now I really like it. I can make breakfast out of practically nothing. I have seen examples of leadership and camaraderie and teamwork that motivate and inspire me.

Three more days before the next crew comes to take over. We'll hand over our collective knowledge about the MDRS and go back to Earth and never forget the lessons we've learned here.