re: Nothing unusual about the slopes
Hi, Robert.
Not sure if this is the best example. This is Clavius crater on the moon. It's a very old crater with several smaller impacts that happened later. Notice the small one to the lower left... the one that fell on the rim and is partially filled.
The same could have happened to Sputnik and add the deposited soil due to Martian wind.
Of course, Opportunity could have another look around before entering Victoria. I'm afraid that Victoria may just be Opportunity's resting place. She's come a long way since Eagle Crater.
Best.