David Finch's solution:

http://mytsoftware.com/dailyproject/mars.html

I've only tested it with the one map. In addition to the solution string, it renders the map with the path when it's done.

I had to make some simplifications to get it to finish in a decent amount of time. Mainly, the feel() function only traces one path, repeating the same move for 8 steps.

I've tested it in FireFox and IE6.