Mailbox Peak - Old Trail — Saturday, Mar. 3, 2018

Cat's Log, traildate 03.03.2018. The crew requested my presence on an away mission for diplomatic purposes. Normally I avoid such formalities but after an all too busy week inspecting boxes and chattering at birds, I was more than happy to step away from my duties for a while. 

Sensor sweeps indicated acceptable conditions to set down near a local maxima frequented by the natives for an invigorating climb - Mailbox Peak. A celebration of snacks was to be had at the top. After an uneventful shuttlecraft flight we set down in the final available spot in a clearing at about 10:15 am.

Early on, I took great interest in the local flora. In particular, I found being in the presence of a large coniferous tree especially gratifying.

Not long after the trail conditions turned to snow. How I enjoy a brisk walk in the snow! As the sun was out, the trail was filled with others hopeful for a clear view from the top.

More than once I was stopped by a fellow traveling with an odd interest in scratching my head. A peculiar ritual of the locals I assume. Nonetheless, I found each scratch quite gratifying!  

We soon found the summit and upon it an old earth relic for the sending and receiving of hand-written messages. Overcome by the moment I hopped on top for a few holo-images surrounded by fellow travelers. Basking in the warmth of the sun, taking in views of the surrounding mountains, chatting with the people and their canine friends... And eating the tasty snacks - the mission was a success!

Round-trip we spent about 5 hours and learned the humbling lesson that Mailbox after a few months of relative physical inactivity is quite the endeavor! 

- Jean Luc Piccat