The flurry of activity is over -- the SAG (Science Advisory Group) is gone. The morning got underway quickly with breakfast together (crew and SAG) then right down to business. We finished outlining the science projects and went over what still needed to be done for each area. Brilliant minds were at work! We took the luxury of a short break for lunch and a quick stretch of the legs that was greatly needed. We wrapped up the meeting with a brainstorming session over the crew name. Many different ideas were bounced around; some a little better than others. Nothing final was decided but I believe that the consensus is that MAIA, Mars Arctic Intense Analog, is the best thing that we have come up with. Maia is the Greek Goddess of spring, the month of May is named after her (we will be arriving in Devon in May, for those of you who are not paying attention), and much of the mythology surrounding her ties in very nicely to many aspects of the FMARS mission. Overall, it was a very nice and fun way to end the day. The SAG even managed to leave a little early. I know you don't believe me but it's TRUE.

Being left alone the crew was able to settle in and take a minute to relax. However, it didn't take long for the ideas and planning to start rolling again. There is a lot to be hashed out before we are ready to go. We all want to take this opportunity of being together to focus on what needs to be decided and planned. I know that we are all very appreciative of this opportunity, to not only get to know each other, but also the SAG. I believe that it will be one of the key factors that helps the cohesion of the team in the long months to come. Well, progress has been made, plans have been set and science happens.