Park

**After a long winter hibernation, we're baaack!** Let's start off the kayaking season on the Rio Nabão while the water levels are still high from the rainy season. We will paddle 7 kms down the lush, isolated river landscapes from the beach in Sobreirinho all the way to the templar city of Tomar, passing through a few "mini rapids" and one portage near an abandoned paper factory. Whether you're an experienced kayaker or a sporty beginner looking to try something new, this event is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. **Duration**: approx. 5 hours in total * 3 hours on the water (incl. breaks) * 2 hours for a picnic lunch and swim at the river beach **Price**: €20 per person. This includes: * Kayak rental, including life jacket and paddle * Certified monitors to ensure the safety of all participants To reserve your spot and facilitate organization with the kayak company, please send your **payment** via Revolut (@maaadison) or MBWay (+491624520214) **by the end of the day Tuesday, April 7th**. First come, first served! **What to bring:** * Swimsuit, neoprene, and/or clothes that can get wet * Shoes/sandals that can get wet * Sunscreen and hat * Change of clothes, second pair of shoes, and a towel * Waterproof case for your phone to take pictures along the way * Picnic lunch and blanket **Level:** Suitable for sporty beginners and children (12+). Well-behaved dogs welcome. Basic instructions will be given by the guides before we begin. The kayak rental company covers personal accident and civil liability insurance at no extra cost. Safety is taken very seriously and there will be certified monitors guiding us along the descent. **How to get there**: 🚙 : Arrive by **09:30** by car(pool) to the [river beach in Sobreirinho](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bnyce8K8AmWaySSP6) After you have pre-paid, you will be invited to the WhatsApp community to organize carpooling as well as share pictures and other event-related information. There is no public transport in the area, so make sure to join the group chat! **Important notes:** * If the water levels/current are not safe on the day of our descent, we will switch to the nearby river Zêzere * This event will take place even with a chance of light rain - consider a rain jacket for your own comfort See you on the water! *Lisbon Kayak Crew is not liable for any damages or injuries incurred during this activity. Please evaluate your own health and physical state and participate at your own risk.*

We'll meet at Wyandot Park, cross Riverside Dr at Lane Rd, then walk south along the water to Griggs Park and back — 4.8 miles total. A scenic out-and-back route along the Scioto River. One of the nicer stretches of trail in Columbus. Parking is available at Wyandot Park, off Lane Rd. Here's an overview of the route on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uqweEoi6vcpY4esTA All paces welcome. See you there.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Join us for a two mile trail hike alongside the Brookside Trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park. This trail is largely gravel and does include some hills and stairs. Hopefully we will see some wildlife while hike this scenic trail! Join us!

Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in! We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind. If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.