One of the things I was really looking forward to in my role as commander was writing the commander's log each night. I have always enjoyed reading the thoughts of the various crew commanders and was eager to make my own contribution. Well, I guess it is a good thing that I have always enjoyed a good fantasy, because with a crew this size (thirteen), I seem to never have a free moment to reflect what is happening here, let alone write it all down!

We had another eventful day, our second in sim. Graham completed his comparative rover study and all involved agree that it was an unqualified success. It wasn't that mistakes and unexpected problems didn't occur, because they did, but these things can be great learning tools and have lead to spirited discussions about the rules of a sim.

An additional biology EVA rescheduled from Phase Two was completed as well. This EVA marked a first for me; we had to traverse a longer distant than first intended due to human intrusion into the area. There were ATV tracks everywhere and we collected some garbage that someone had left behind. It was quite a shock for me, because in my previous experience at MDRS as a member of Crew 4, we seldom saw any evidence of Earth on our EVAs here on Mars.

Life at MDRS is never dull. Jennifer tonight handled an outreach event held by the San Diego Chapter. People attending Stars in the Park, an astronomy gathering and lecture at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego, chatted with several crewmembers on the MOO. She is also preparing for the arrival of a French film crew scheduled to be here tomorrow and Friday.

But the most unique event happened earlier this afternoon, while I was on a visit to the port-o-potty / port-o-loo (again, remember that we are an international crew). I was surprised to be greeted by three aliens from another world-- a group of three men on horseback. After I explained what we were doing here, they agreed to my request that they pose for a photo in front of the Hab. I couldn't resist asking as the sight of them here was just too incongruous for words.

I guess that the horsemen make a great analogy for my experience here at MDRS. Expect the unexpected and learn to make the most of it when it happens in order to truly get the most you can out of your experience. Even if it means giving up your dream of writing the perfect commander's log!