Crew 265 Journalist Report

May 2, 2022

Sol: 08

Summary Title: Not all who wander are lost…

Author: Sarah Treadwell, Crew Journalist

Sol 08 brought us another beautiful day with another long EVA. These EVA’s last about 4-5 hours and they are quite tiring. Today Commander Marc and I stayed back, while the rest of the crew went out to push the limits again of how far the radio systems will go. They also continue to test the maps and maps to check how accurate they are. Commander Marc explained to me the GPS units and showed the amount of satellites they pick up at any given time and, frankly, it is incredible. May this serve as a reminder how space exploration helps humanity.

While the crew was out, back on base the commander and I spent the day recharging our mental batteries and doing our own personal projects. I have become extremely fond of doing video editing and writing work in the science dome. I have also discovered that the acoustics in that dome are so much fun, and I spend far too much time singing and being silly. Frankly, being here and staying back is the much needed respite I have required for quite some time.

I also prepared the much anticipated and always talked about “Mars pizza” while they were away. Luckily for the crew, one of my specialties is bread making so we had amazing pizza, with a crust that was perfection, and with zero hopes for any leftovers. Making food for others is quite satisfying for me and the added challenge of dehydrated food makes it just a little bit more rewarding.

I know my reports are getting a bit repetitive, but in reality, this is what our days are like. The simple rhythm and routines are flying by and there are equal parts of me that want to be back home, but also want this peaceful simplicity to continue. I am sure my fellow crew members also feel the same way, especially as they enjoy trekking in the outside world, despite the hardships. A fellow expedition member, on my trek to base camp 1 on Mount Everest, said this to me so succinctly, “Often, the most difficult things to endure make the most beautiful memories.” I know there will be a lot to process about this experience upon my return. I end with, not a space quote, but a very notable and personal one to me nonetheless.

“All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring