The Calm Before the Storm

This weekend I and a bunch of HHMI scholars went on a retreat to Mason Mountain, a wildlife preserve (I think) or ranch in the Hill Country. We stayed in a large cabin with many rooms and an abundance of bunk beds, overlooking a large field that had Thompson Gazelle grazing around more often than n0t. The area itself is really nice, and we spent some of Saturday hiking and 'herping.' We also went swimming at the hunting lodge which overlooks a small but pristine lake with huge man-eating catfish. Well, not man-eating but they did attack Kelsey and me. Well, they didn't 'attack' but they definitely splashed us. And to think we were feeding them. Punks.

The rest of Saturday was spent studying (because we're all a big bunch of science nerds), playing Frisbee, watching a movie or two, and swing dancing. Swing dancing was fun until Densmore ran in a freaked us all out with "There's been a tornado sighting, everyone in the cabin." Yikes! It turned out NOT to be heading straight for us, but somewhere else in the county. The storm was nice other than that, and made a comeback late that night even stronger than before. I wish I had taken some pictures; I've always wanted a nice lightning shot.

It was a really nice trip. I enjoyed getting to know people better and having good reasons not to study. Unfortunately, I no longer have those good reasons so now I have to bid thee farewell. I will post pics sometime next week, when I have the time.