It’s been a big year for the Gaus Lab, with the launch of our new Centre for Single Molecule Science and EMBL Australia node, the purchase of super-resolution microscopes that will use Nobel Prize-winning techniques, and being finalists in the Eureka Prizes.

December is our time to unwind, although that doesn’t mean we have to sit still. Last year’s Christmas activity was a hike along Sydney’s beautiful northern beaches; this year, we took on a treetop challenge in bush northwest of Sydney.

The obstacle course included balancing over wobbly steps, climbing nets to reach the canopy, zooming along flying foxes and swinging on ropes far above the ground, all between wooden platforms attached to the trunks of the giant gum trees.

With several courses of different difficulty levels and varying heights, everyone was able to enjoy a challenge. And by branching off into small teams, we were able to support each other and make the experience memorable for the whole group.

Afterwards, exhausted but satisfied, we enjoyed a communal lunch among the green grass and chirping birds at a nearby lagoon, followed by chilled beer and our traditional Secret Santa in a pub in eastern Sydney.

It was a great way to round out a successful year. To everybody, may you have a great Christmas and an even bigger 2015.

Philip Nicovich navigating the swings (Photo Carola Benzing)

Sophie Pageon on a platform (Photo Carola Benzing)

Mayan Amiezer, Sophie Pageon, Joanna Kwiatek, Quill Bowden and Abbie Pollock getting ready to go on the zip line (Photo Carola Benzing)

Ewoud Compeer and Philip Nicovich on a platform (Photo Carola Benzing)

Toby Rosenkranz on a rope bridge (Photo Carola Benzing)

The team listening to their safety instructions (Photo Carola Benzing)