When everyone was assembled and the vans loaded, we began the trip from Moffett Field to Lassen Volcanic National Park. About four hours later (with an hour still to go to arrive at Lassen) we chatted by cellular phone with the other van, decided we were all hungry and needed to stretch our legs, so we stopped for lunch. Over lunch, Jennifer, Margarita and Chris studied maps of the park to determine the best way to approach the search for a perfect spot to do the studies.

How would this part of our trip be different if we were traveling to Mars?

The roads became more narrow as we approached the park, but we were wowwed by views of Mt. Shasta, a dormant volcano, near the Trinity Alps (part of the Cascade Mouintain Range) in the distance.

Lassen Peak is at the southern terminus of the Cascade Mountains, approximately 50 miles east of Redding, California.

Can you think what sights might be seen on a trip to Mars?

Finally a roadsign lists our destination, a town named Mineral just outside of the park.

With each passing sign our anticipation grew.

What signs might indicate an arrival to Mars?

After a little more than 5 hours' drive, we arrived and saw where we would be spending the next three days: The Mineral Lodge. We were all glad to see that there was a Cafe so we could have a hearty breakfast before starting each day. It was good to stretch our legs and...

then we all went into the Country Store where we were to register for our rooms -- but wait! Today was not over yet!

What do you think this process might look like on Mars. What about supplies and snacks?

When you're sight-seeing, t's nice to have helpful signs from those who have explored before .

Where might we get help in exploring Mars?

What kind of helper could a scientist count on for Mars?

Work started right away for Jenn and Margarita. Checking their GPS instrument they sought to find the areas that Brian had seen and suggested for study.

As we walked around the beautiful Lake Helen, it was impossible to not throw a snowball or two. Snow, in California, in July!!

The team grabbed a sandwich dinner just before the sandwich shop closed, watched a beautiful sunset over the mountains, and then headed over to the campfire area where that evening they were to speak to campers.

What do you suppose sunsets will look like on Mars?

What a terrific way to cap off the evening. As we watched folks file into the small arena, Park Ranger Steve Zachary, circulated while passing out NASA stickers, bookmarks and pencils to young and old alike.

Jennifer Heldmann spoke specifically on her Lassen work and snow algae, Chris McKay gave an overview of Mars analogs and other research locations, and Bill Clancey described and showed videos of work with mobile agents and how they fit into the picture. The crowd consisted of over 200 people who were anxious to learn about why NASA was interested in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It was well after 10 p.m. when we started back to the Inn to turn in after a long day.