Date and time: 21 April 2012
Written by Mike Bodnar, Mission 118, Executive Officer
The Mission 118 KiwiMars 2012 crew assembled in Grand Junction, Colorado without incident, although three members had a very long drive from Los Angeles.
With the MDRS rental vehicle secured and packed we headed for Hanksville 
in calm, sunny weather, a distance of approximately 150 miles. This too went without incident, although some crew members could not contain their scientific curiosity as we neared Hanksville, and we had two stops for 'geological expeditions' (and taking of photos).
On arrival at the MDRS we were welcomed by the outgoing Mission 117 crew, 
who gave us a clear briefing on the operation of the Hab and it's ancillary equipment, including instruction on the ATVs. That done, Crew 117 departed, but their mission journalist Daniel stayed a while longer to interview each of us for a documentary he hopes to make on humankind's exploration of space which will include the role of the MDRS.
Once Daniel left we concentrated on settling in and organising our equipment and belongings, reconnoitering the nearby environment on foot, finding mobile phone signals and generally becoming familiar with the Hab operatIon and idiosyncrasies.
The weather at MDRS is hotter than it likely ever gets on Mars even on the equator during the Martian summer, with the forecast for continuing hot weather, at least for the next two days.
ENDS.