I felt very engaged at a scientific engagement meeting for Merck in SF last week, capped by dinner with some of the leading minds in AMD research. The drive back took longer than expected, so I was grateful for my wife for bringing lunch to clinic so I could quickly catch up. After the busy week, a lab retreat to Yosemite offered the perfect reset. The recent government shutdown meant free park entry, but our initial drive was fraught with range anxiety. We were relieved to find a free Rivian charging station, and finally got to enjoy the serene hike with my lab mates past Lower Yosemite Falls and Cook’s Meadow Loop. After a picnic with banh mi and ravens, we squeezed in another short hike before settling into to our Airbnb for some billiards, air hockey, and ping pong. Dinner was a hearty spread of grilled corn, crab cakes, burgers, and salmon, which fueled some intense rounds of Sequence. We warmed up afterwards with s’mores by the firepit that somehow evolved into an extended lab meeting. We awoke Sunday to pancakes, french toast, and omelettes while the kids laughed over Looney Tunes. Though kayaking at Pine Mountain Lake was closed, I managed to secure guest passes for a morning of pickleball, badminton, and tennis that led to my racquet’s eventual demise. By the time we arrived at Priest Station Cafe, we were shifting tables to escape the blazing sun before we could enjoy our scenic meal. Feeling full and more rejuvenated, we decided to skip Mariposa Grove and head home early to unwind before returning to the grind.