Before the start of Fall Quarter, the group trekked up to Mammoth Lakes, CA (Eastern Sierras), home of endless scenery, breathtaking activities (not only due to 9000+ ft of elevation), and enlightening research talks. Each of us choose different activities during that day, ranging from hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and climbing, and came together in the evenings for discussions on past and future research directions. Add in a bit of bagpipe playing, pool shooting, card games and some beverages, and it was a great trip. Our group activity this year was a hike to the top of Lembert Dome in the Tuolumne Valley in Yosemite National Park, where we took in the amazing view and a research group picture. We invite you to find another research group with a better picture. We doubt you will be successful.