Brief Summary: There were Two (2) EVAs today
EVA-20: Expedition to find the Southeast passage
EVA-21a: Remote Radio Lock Down
EVA-21b: Final Land survey

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EVA-20
Expedition to find the Southeast passage

Duration: 3.25 hours

Weather: very sunny, very few clouds. 18 C

Maximum distance from the Hab: ~8km

Participants: Alex Diaz and Julie Wardlow

Equipment: ATVs, Map, GPS, Digital Camera

Route: South on Lowell Highway, northeast through North Pinto Hills, follow the path of a stream east to Muddy Creek, and then identify route east along Muddy Creek.

Objectives -- Work Done: Find a passable route along the bank of Muddy Creek, east of North Pinto Hills, (position: E/W 5236, N/S 42512) to meet up with the jeep trail that travels parallel to Muddy Creek for about 2km. The route to Muddy Creek was harder to find than we were expecting and although we had already travelled about 1/3 of the trail before, the route past the point got more difficult, as the trail petered off to nothing and soon we were facing a downhill slope with no visible trails. We negotiated this slope and still could not see any trails (even though they were shown on the map) so we found our own route by following the path of an (almost) dried up stream; by this method we found ourselves at Muddy Creek at the position we had been aiming for. After taking a look around we decided to try to move on and find a path that went along the bank to Muddy Creek. We walked a possible route and found that although there was some vegetation and a slope to climb, we thought we could make it onto a plateau and from there go on to find a path along the river. The mission was successful in this sense as we did indeed find an ATV trail, but not before having to go through previously unventured passages. We then joined BM4262, and then went on another mud track which took us to highway 24, along to Lowell Highway, and back to the Hab.

This was by far the most exciting EVA I have done this fortnight for a number of reasons. We were not following roads as they were no longer apparent, so the navigation skills we learnt in the first week were used to the full extent. The terrain that we came across was also very dramatic and although we tried, I don't think it could be captured on film. It was also strange to see signs of civilization again, and we saw a number of people who were interested in what we were doing and who took photos of us.

All in all, a very successful mission.

Lessons Learned:

1. Trust the GPS, but most importantly your common sense.
2. Use the landmarks around you.
3. If you are unsure of the route, check it on foot first.
4. Land forms are hard to navigate over when you're down below
5. The map always looks easier than when you get there

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EVA-21a
Remote Radio Lock Down

Duration: 11:35 - 13:06

Weather: Sunny; Wind: Windy 25 - 30KPH; 22C - 24C

Maximum distance from Hab: 300m

Participants: William Foltyn, Wil McCarthy

Equipment: Volt Meter, wire cutters, wire strippers, cordless drill, Digital camera, protective remote radio cover

Route: From Hab to top of 'Rock Pile' Continued to EVA21b

Objectives - Work Done: Objectives were to do a final check of the remote radio. Secondary objective to test the 'Dewey Vest' in elevated temperatures. EVA21a was another milk run. Hit the top of the 'Rock Pile' and continue with the final radio install and check. On the way up the 'Dewey Vest' kept Bill from over heating in the bright afternoon sun, while carrying the toolbox double time up the peak. The vest added a good percentage more weight to the whole suit but the weight was offset by the cooling effect it provided. At the top, the hand made wire connectors were put quickly to work, and the radio was permanently installed on the tower. Wil ran through some preliminary tests and certified the radio 'as good as it's going to get!"

Lessons Learned:

1. The unstable ground is even worse the more weight you bear on it
2. The 'Dewey Vest's' cooling property is more beneficial than the weight disability.
3. The Vest also provides a better simulation to space suit stiffness.

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EVA-21b
Final Land survey

Duration: 13:06 - 14:48

Weather: Sunny; Wind: Windy 25- 35KPH; 22C - 24C

Maximum distance from Hab: 2.84Km

Participants: William Foltyn, Wil McCarthy

Equipment: ATVs, Dewey Vest

Route: Left Hab and traveled North on Sagan St up to Radio Ridge Road. Followed Radio Ridge Road south to lower radio ridge road about 2km and then turned west. Followed washes to intersect with Schiaparelli Hwy and headed back north and east along washes to rendezvous with Radio Ridge Road and north to Sagan St. Headed west on Sagan St. to the base of Skyline Rim and then back to Radio Ridge Rd. Final leg was to the north about 1.6 Km on Radio Ridge Rd and then a U-turn and Back to the Hab.

Objectives - Work Done: While on the plateau of Mid Range Planitia for the first time Wil was able to navigate over washes and mudstone dunes about 10m in height. Also observed water related geomorphology and sediment flow. The Dewey vest preformed well in the hot conditions of the afternoon sun. It provided adequate cooling with minimum and medium movement impediments. The Dewey Vest is recommended to any traveler that is planning an EVA in Sunny Weather that exceeds 22C.

Lessons Learned:

1. Traversing washes is unpredictable. (The trail can go from smooth to rough in 2m)
2. Don't leave loose straps dangling about when riding an ATV.