Early Morning 'Beat the Heat' at Rock Creek Park (and maybe post-hike breakfast)

SIGN-UP INSTRUCTIONS:
You must sign up at https://p.ridj-it.com/app/trip-detail?id=111686. You will need to have a Ridj-it account, NOT a Meetup account, in order to sign up. You'll be prompted to create a Ridj-it account if you do not have one. You'll receive an email confirmation from Ridj-it after booking- this will indicate your entry to the event. Only having a RSPV on Meetup does not get you in the event. Any questions you have about the trip can be posted at the link above.

DETAILS:
Yes, it will be very hot during the day on Sunday, but let's do an early morning hike in the blissfully shaded Rock Creek Park before the sun is too bright and the heat is too high! And if the group is up for it, we can grab some breakfast tacos and iced coffee (or any other breakfast items!) in Mount Pleasant.

The plan is to start at Peirce Mill on Tilden Street NW (address: 2401 Tilden St NW, Washington, DC 20008) and do a loop that spans the Western Ridge trail and Valley trail. The start point is about a 15 minute walk from Van Ness-UDC or Cleveland Park metro stops on the redline, and there is some parking nearby as well. We'll end near Mount Pleasant to get some food and coffee.
Distance: 5.6 miles
Elevation gain: 685ft
Duration: 2-2.5 hours for the hike, and about 1 hour for post-hike hangout

The trail map can be found here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/western-ridge-trail-rock-creek-valley-trail

What to bring:
-Trail map
- Hiking boots, trail runners, or sturdy sneakers
-Bug spray
-Sunscreen
- Moisture-wicking clothes
- 1.5-2 liters of water
- Snacks
- Positive attitude

Additional expectations

1. I am not a guide and this is not a service - I expect you to be fully prepared with the gear listed below and the mindset that you could get yourself out of trouble if needed.
2. We stick together - this is a group event, so if you feel that you are not flexible in working as a team, this will not be a good hike for you.
3. You can be turned away from carpool or the trailhead if you look/seem unprepared.
4. Showing up without registering on Ridj-it with a profile and then actually signing up for the trip is a safety hazard and will get you banned. Do not message to join in any alternative manner.