Found this on the Cydonia discussion list:

Mars is Melting
The south polar ice cap of Mars is receding, revealing frosty mountains, rifts and curious dark spots.
"The boost in pressure has some interesting consequences. It won't make the martian atmosphere thick by Earth-standards. At best the air pressure on Mars is 100 times less than Earth. But it might become thick enough in some places for liquid water to flow.
"Liquid water is normally impossible on Mars because the air pressure is so low. On a warm summer day, ice doesn't melt. It vaporizes. But a small boost in pressure could be enough to allow water to flow under a warm summer sun. Southern summer, therefore, might be a good time for future human explorers to visit."
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/07aug_southpole.htm

Also a nice amateur image of Mars on this page, taken through an 8" scope.
Anyone have any other links for Mars images by amateurs?

Bob Clark