CREW 219 JOURNALIST REPORT 16JAN2020
AUTHOR: Keith Crisman
SOL 11
ALL THE FEELS FROM MARS: ALPHA AND OMEGA AND ALPHA AGAIN
The beginning of the end… and rebirth. Last night, with little
the ceremony, roles among the crew shifted. As Crew 219’s mission begins
nearing its termination point they will begin to prepare the Hab for
the arrival of their replacement crew and transport back to Earth.
Further, training for ARES’ next season MDRS crew’s CO (C. Montanez,
current GHO) and XO (K. Crisman, current HSO) begins with a transfer
of titles from the current CO (D. Masaitis) and XO (N. Hadland). Our
new (acting) CO and XO are taking the reins with planning and
execution of duties and responsibilities of the roles they will
proudly inhabit next season. As such, in a combination of the end and
a new beginning; today marked the last day our crew held EVAs, the
very last of which was commanded by our (acting) CO and XO.
These EVAs were a slower pace, returning superfluous samples, giving the
crew time to slow down and reflect on the environment, landscape, and
the natural beauty of our Martian desert home. For some, they are ready
to go home, full of stories and experiences ready to share with their
family, friends, and peers. For others such as myself, despite the
short two-weeks stay, and badly missing my wife, daughter, and home
(not to mention a good steak, hot shower, and soft bed), I can’t help
but look out over the sheer beauty of this landscape. It may have
been a short stay, but this crew has become family, this desert has
become home, and although I am ready to leave, part of me will forever
stay here.
To my crew mates and those that follow our stories; Per Scientiam ad Martis, Semper Exploro! To Mars through Science, Always Exploring!