Hiking Around Baltimore (HAB)

During this hike we will see scenic trails along with getting the benefits of fresh air and exercise. We will start @ 9:00 am with a medium pace, which allows our team to stay together and have ample time to appreciate beautiful natural surroundings. Definitely bring a great attitude and come with water. This hike is cross posted with other meetup groups.

PLEASE READ detailed information below such as NOTE, etc. (Thanks!).

OREGON RIDGE PARK has 1,043-acres. It features walking and hiking trails, nice waterways, nature center, picnic and recreation areas and a lodge.

NOTE: There are a few hills (Estimated - Elevation Gain @ 950 to 1060 feet), and some stream crossings. Terrain is mostly hard packed trail with some grounds encompassing tree roots and rocks. This is a hike for those who hike or walk at least 10 miles per week - and please RSVP only if you can maintain a medium pace and navigate through stream crossings, up and down hills & hike 10 miles - THANKS.

SUGGESTED HIKING MATERIALS:

• Long hiking pants, long sleeve shirt, hiking shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended.
• Hiking/trekking poles (optional).
• 2 liters of water
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen.

WHERE TO MEET:

Let's walk/hike to the Christmas Tree, Lights & Fireworks @ The National Harbor

Come join us on an easy-moderate approx 8-9+/- mile 243 ft elevation gain 2.5 mph walk from Alexandria, starting at Jones Point Park. We will walk along the water in Alexandria, then walk across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to the National Harbor located in Maryland (Oxen Hill).
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We will eat dinner (bring your own or there are many take-out places) at the National Harbor (you can pick your own place to get food). I am bringing my own food and I plan on eating outside by the tree & harbor. You are welcome to join me. But if you are cold there are several restaurants with indoor dining.

We will enjoy the daytime views of Alexandria, DC and the National Harbor from the bridge. Then we will enjoy the sunset, and the lights at the National Harbor. At 5:30 they light the 60 foot Christmas Tree adorned with over 2,000,000 twinkling Christmas lights. Following the lighting of the tree, there will be a fireworks show as well. When that is done, we will start to head back to our cars and enjoy the lighted views of the National Harbor, Alexandria and DC. We should be done and in our cars by 7pm (But plan for 730pm just in case.

BRING WATER, & HEADLAMP OR FLASHLIGHT

WEAR SNEAKERS or any hiking shoes, your choice. (I am wearing sneakers)

DRESS WARM-BE PREPARED AS THE TEMPERATURE WILL DROP AS THE SUN SETS & AS WE WALK BACK ACROSS THE BRIDGE. And there is always wind as you walk across the bridge AND IT CAN BE COLD!!!

NO PETS

Cross posted with HAB, and MAO for a total of 50 participants

THE CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP IS BACK! This is a truly amazing event! We get to visit 9 churches as they open their doors to the public. They are beautiful decorated for the holidays. The churches have their choirs and have music events and most have refreshments free for visitors. And yes, there are restrooms available once this starts and we are allowed to enter the churches.

Come join us and meet as a group outside of the Calvary Church at 2:45pm.

We can then head into Calvary Church together. If you are a few minutes late, come in and look for us. We will probably be in the dining room. The Cavalry Church that we start at has a large dining room with many long tables, their food is great (home-made corn chowder, hot chocolate, hot teas) and sometimes they have Christmas ornaments and/or posters that they give away. Really great place to start. They will have maps there showing the location of all the other Houses of Worship.

Then as a group we will head out at approx 3:20 to the other churches together. Or you can split off on your own. Your choice. We will go from church to church spending a short time at each. If the music is great and/or you are feeling comfortable you can hang out as long as you want. That’s up to you.

This is an awesome event if you haven't been to it...Every year Frederick opens up all their historic churches in downtown Frederick for an evening...Most of the churches offer food and non alcoholic drinks. The church we are starting at has the best corn chowder, another church has soup and hot chocolate every year, most have their choirs and organs playing, clustered spire bell tower to climb, one church during civil war was converted into a hospital (they even have a picture on the wall showing it when it was a hospital), etc...Urban walking in a very serene environment... it is truly amazing.

We will possibly break up into small groups so we can enjoy this without trying to herd the cattle...and there will be maps for all, so no worries. You can go at your own pace if you choose.

As we move from, church to church, I will post our next location.

We will not be stopping for dinner so please eat before you arrive.

PARKING: There is free parking around Baker Park and some other areas as well. Otherwise there is paid street parking and parking garages nearby.