u/Unable-Extreme-2166

I've [M28] been a chemistry postdoc for a year and a half at an R1 university and have found it impossible to make close friendships here. I work for an emeritus with no grad students and only research scientists 20+ years my senior. The grad students my age in my division are already deep in their cohorts and I haven't found them to be opening to including me in, despite that I've tried to join. Other postdocs just come and go and don't seem interested in making friends either.

I never had this much trouble as a PhD student, and had a rich social life. Is this just how it goes when you're a short-term research employee? I've got a tenure-track position starting in the fall at a small PUI. Will it get better or is academia always going to feel this lonely?

Planning to do both Wind and Jewel Caves in mid-July during my 5 days in the Black Hills area, and I figure I should do (at least) one tour in each of them. Which tours are best? I'm interested in the Wild Cave tours but I can't tell if they're worth the extra cost. Thanks!

Hi all,

I've got 3 days / 2 nights to spend to hike (moderate difficulty) and see the Rockies, but also interested in seeing cute towns. Definitely want to see Maroon Bells, but I've heard Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs is fantastic too.

I'm thinking I either spend 3 days / 2 nights in Aspen, or just 1 night in Aspen and the other night in Glenwood Springs so I can see Hanging Lake. Can I see all of Aspen in only 2 days? Which do you think gives more bang for the buck? And what hikes/activities do you recommend?

Thanks!

I'm living in Orange County until the end of June. Any hikes in the OC / SoCal area that I'll regret not doing before I leave?

I'm a moderately experienced hiker. 8-10 miles is probably the very high end I could manage for a single hike.

Hi all,

I'm (28M) driving through the South Rim for two nights on June 28-30. I'm a moderately experienced hiker from Colorado but have never hiked in desert summer heat like I expect here. If I stick to hiking in the mornings and evenings (I know to avoid being on the trail between ~11-4), what trails would be relatively safest for me? Are there sections of the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and Rim Trails that are doable if I'm not out midday?

Thanks!