Run For The Hills!, The flight to Winter Quarters... Options

[sattrackpro]

It seems it might be time to start a post about the run to the hills... there are few days left to get Spirit to a winter-friendly spot somewhere up there - with all those tempting spots that we ~might~ be able to stop by on the way. That is - if we don't dally too long at each!

A discussion of what the best spot would be, and why it would be the best spot seems in order - along with what the best targets on the way would be interesting.

I'm looking forward to the possibility that we'll have a chance to see several outcrops that appear to have layers, maybe similar in some respects to HP. Or will they be?

I'm also looking forward to the possibility that we might get a look from the top of these hills, off to the South as winter ends, before we descend from the hills and head to the "Promised Land."

Later I'll post some snips of locations I'm hoping to see up-close... thought I'd get it done on posting - but, just had an 'emergency' that demands quick departure!

[Bill Harris]

This image shows the path that I think Spirit might follow over the Winter and next Spring. Spirit will start the trek to the north-facing slopes of McCool Hill and investigate the various outcrops-- layered and massive-- along the way. The impact crater near the summit may show a good section. Depending on time and what is seen on the way up, she may or may not look at the top of the hill. As Winter passes and insolation increases, she will make her way down the Western slope of McCool Hill. Depending on the need to do additional work at Homeplate and Pitchers mound, she will work her way Southward toward the chaotic terrain ("Promised Land"??) working the outcrop or she will stop by the "Ballfield" on the way to PL.

I am inclined to think that another visit to the "Ballfield" will happen since this is good exposure of a volcanic construct close at hand.

Again, thanks to Alan for his much-used color image of the Inner Basin.

--Bill