With all the new scientists having arrived at the lab the past year (me being one of them) and the start of the DEEP research group, Andy (our almighty leader) decided it would be a good idea to take everyone out to the Peak District.

Monday morning we got off to a great start, with me being late due to other volunteering for the university that ran late, and the insane traffic we arrived an hour after we planned. We stepped out of the bus to a beautiful location where Chris (Davies) had been waiting for us. Each of us gave an interesting presentation of what our part in the DEEP project would be, and what we had been up to so far. Some interesting and complicated science was presented, and some embarrassing (for Dan) photo’s were shown. When it was time for dinner everyone was even more excited to be able to be a part of this promising research team. We showed some of our competitiveness in a nice shoot out game of pool, and there was some time for discussions with a nice cold beer (or two).

The next morning we started a structured discussion group split up into three groups (paleointensities, modelling and magnetic stratigraphies). We discussed our views on the next year, next three years and instant complications and possibilities, after which the outcomes were presented to the others.

We ended our outing with a nice beautiful hike in the area where we could test the water and mud resistance of our hiking boots/shoes.

The plan is to have these away meetings more frequently, and I personally think it was a great success (although I admit to some regretting moments). Thank you so much Andy and Michael for organising it!!!