About us
Welcome to the group! Houston is HUGE and only getting bigger. So for newcomers it is a daunting task to do anything. For locals...well they tend to stay in their local community and not venture out much. This group will explore familiar haunts along with periodically checking out some new areas of interest. We're always looking for new Assistant Organizers with new/fresh ideas. If you are willing to host events, please email me with your ideas. I would love to hear from you!
Should you need help finding a home, I would love your help you. Just message me and I'll get back with you promptly.
All the best,
Nermine, Realtor®
ThisPrettyHouse@yahoo.com
Upcoming events
149
Tremendous Turkey
Istanbul, Ebusuud cad. NO:12 , Sirkeci , 34110 Istanbul TURKEY, TRApril 6th – 18th, 2026
Join here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/turkey-small-group-tours/
Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club have created a brand new adventure to Turkey. Experience the rich tapestry of history and culture throughout her diverse regions and landscapes. In the vibrant city of Istanbul, explore iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Be immersed in local flavors with a street food culinary tour, and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus. In Cappadocia, marvel & photograph its unique landscapes, including the fairy chimneys of Devrent Valley and the ancient rock-cut churches in Red Valley. In Antalya, visit stunning waterfalls and the charming old town of Kaleiçi. Relax on a white sand beach or explore further at the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos. In Pamukkale, walk on the mesmerizing travertine terraces and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. Discover the ancient Roman metropolis of Ephesus and the picturesque village of Sirince, concluding with a delightful farewell dinner by the sea. A perfect blend of history, photography, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty; need we say more?
- 12 Nights/13 Days Turkey
- Istanbul (3 Nights)| Cappadocia (3 Nights) | Antalya (3 Nights) | Pamukkale (1 Night) | Kusadasi (2 Nights)
- Charming boutique hotels & resorts
- 3 Domestic flights INCLUDED!
- Breakfast daily
- 4 Dinners
- Privately guided adventures throughout
- All taxes, transfers, fees included
Email us directly at joinus@photoflytravel.com to receive a detailed daily itinerary!
Istanbul - 3 nights
- The Old City: Guided tour of Hagia Sophia, Byzantine Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
- Culinary Immersion: Taste Istanbul's popular street foods, visit a traditional artisan restaurant for homemade delicacies and enjoy Turkish delights with coffee.
- The Spice Market: Capture Istanbul's 17th-century Spice Bazaar, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history as a hub of spice trade; an authentic sensory feast with aromatic spices, herbs, teas, and traditional Turkish products amidst Ottoman-inspired architecture.
- Cruise the Bosphorus: Admire the banks sailing between Europe and Asia, a unique winding strait separating two continents.
Cappadocia - 3 nights
- Devrent Valley, Pasabag, and Avanos: A photographer's dream; Devrent Valley, known for its unique rock formations, offers our cameras surreal landscapes resembling animal shapes and fairy chimneys. Pasabag features extraordinary hoodoos and multiple-stemmed fairy chimneys, while Avanos is famed for its pottery traditions along the banks of the Kızılırmak River.
- Optional Sunrise Hot Air Balloon: Enjoy and photograph the views of this astounding, unique landscape from the sky as the sun's golden hues blanket the valley!
- Open Air Museum: The heart of Cappadocia, famous for its wall painting dating back to the 10th century, describes the life of Jesus Christ.
- Red Valley & Cavusin: Renowned for its striking red-hued rock formations, Red Valley offers panoramic views and excellent photography opportunities amidst picturesque backdrops. Cavusin, an ancient village nearby, showcases historic cave dwellings and rock-cut churches, providing a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and architectural heritage.
- Özkonak Underground City: A lesser-known but fascinating underground complex carved out of soft volcanic rock with multiple levels of tunnels, rooms, and ventilation shafts, offering insights into ancient underground living and defense strategies in the region.
- Creating the cuisine: A memorable cooking class with a 4-course meal including soup, entrée, main meal, and local dessert.
Antalya – 3 nights
- Kaleiçi (Old Town): Discover the ancient quarters, renowned for picturesque narrow streets, historic Ottoman houses, and a vibrant atmosphere with shops, cafes, and ancient landmarks.
- Stunning Waterfalls: The Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall cascades dramatically down steep cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea while Kursunlu Waterfall provides a tranquil setting amidst lush greenery, with cascades that flow into small ponds ideal for nature walks, picnics, and of course, photography!
- Relax and enjoy the beach: Free time to relax, wander the ancient streets, or head to one of the beautiful white sand beaches that dot the coast.
- Optional adventure to Perge & Aspendos: Showcasing remarkable Roman archaeological sites, Perge features well-preserved ruins including a grand theater, agora, and Roman baths, offering insights into urban life during antiquity.
Pamukkale – 1 night
- The Cotton Castle: Famed for its natural hot springs and stunning terraces of travertine formations, these mineral-rich terraces have been formed over millennia by the flow of calcium-rich waters cascading down the mountainside.
Kusadasi – 2 nights
- Sirince Village: Nestled in the hills near Kusadasi and Ephesus, this village charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, traditional Ottoman houses, and vineyards producing local fruit wines.
Ephesus
- Guided Discovery of Ephesus: Explore and learn about the Arcadian Way, Roman Baths, Temple of Hadrian, Celsius Library, and the Antique Theatre; amazing Greco-Roman architecture to photograph in every direction.
Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Price: $3,595
Single Supplement: $995Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/turkey-small-group-tours/
12 attendees
$$ Texas Colorado River: Columbus Loop | Guided Kayak & Canoe Geo - Eco - Tour
Beason's Crossing Park, 3614 US-90, Columbus, TX, US$199 per adult | 5 hours stream geomorphology guided kayak field trip on Texas Colorado River around historical town of Columbus, TX | Small group size: minimum 4 | Includes geologic field trip lecture with geology professor, sharing historical facts, use of high-end touring kayaking equipment, certified instruction and pictures.
Duration: 5-7 hours
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours
Paddling Distance: 7 miles
Requires 30 minutes shuttleTHIS TOUR CAN BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A DATE CONVINIENT TO YOU.
PRIVATE EVENT, PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
WE TAKE APPOINTMENTS.TOUR SIGNIFICANCE: On this stretch of the Texas Colorado River, we will see a mix of gently-sloping to steep sandy banks, flat flood plains, and tree-lined ridges with mature trees. We will take a couple of stops on gravel bars to look at riverbanks morphology, channel shape and dimensions, analyze bedrock and geomorphologic features associated with stream and floods.
More than 850 miles long, the Texas Colorado River is the longest river to start and end in the same state and is the lifeblood of our state’s economy, our environment, our industry, our agriculture, and especially our lives as Texans.
In addition to kayaking and geology, we will discuss Texas history. Our river float will end at a place where the Texas Army under the leadership of General Sam Houston and the Mexican Army under the leadership of General Santa Ana crossed the Colorado River before their clash at San Jacinto.
This eco-tour is ideal for families with kids and for beginner paddlers that want to take their skills up a notch and experience a grander setting.
Awesome trip for those that enjoy history, geology, nature, serenity and adventures.
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Outstanding geology & history learning opportunity. Experienced trip leader. Awesome destination.
Equipment: We use professional grade kayaks designed for touring. They have sit-inside cockpit seat, with long and narrow hull. We do not use sit-on-top kayaks.
Requirements: Good balance skills and reasonable fitness level is advisable. Our sit-inside cockpit touring kayaks can accommodate paddlers only up to 250 lbs. or less. Best for outdoor enthusiasts without motion or sea sickness, comfortable with vigorous exercise. No previous paddling or swimming experience required - instruction provided!
Itinerary tailored to guests' desire, fitness level, group dynamics, weather conditions, etc.
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Sign up early!!
A RSVP “Yes” on Meetup merely states your interest.
Seats fill up quickly - the tour is cross posted on several platforms.***TO SIGN UP & CONFIRM LOGISTICS CALL 832-686-3231 ***
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GEAR PROVIDED WITH REGISTRATION:
Single seat OR tandem touring kayak
Lightweight paddle
Adjustable life jacket
Small size dry bag for car keys, wallet, phone
Group first aid kit, safety and recue kit (bilge pump, paddle float, tow rope, lights, VHF radio, etc)= = =
WHAT TO BRING/HOW TO DRESS:
Bring 2 water bottles and pack a snack to take with you in the kayak. Bring with you a towel and a set of dry clothing to change at the end for a comfortable ride home.
Dress only with synthetic clothing. Wear outdoor, fast drying, non-cotton/synthetic clothing like hiking pants and shirts. Long sleeve shirts and long pants prevent sunburn and insect bites.
Bring water shoes/closed toed sandals; old sneakers work great. No crocs, no flip-flops, no rain boots. Wear paddling gloves or cycling/ workout gloves to prevent blisters and sunburn on hands.
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UNDECIDED? Check out our photo album:
2019-2023 Texas Colorado River Columbus Loop
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CREDENTIALS: This tour is organized by Constantin Platon, an experienced outdoor educator, geology professor, and happy camper with 25+ years of experience, and the following certifications:
ACA Trip Leader & Eskimo Roll Endorsements
ACA Level-3 Coastal/Sea Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Whitewater Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River Canoe Instructor (Solo & Tandem)
Sierra International Wilderness First Aid
NOLS Wilderness First Aid= = =
PLEASE REPLY WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER!
I am excited to share with you from my expertise, and I look forward to paddling together!
Constantin
[Call/Text: 832-686-3231]LET'S GET SOCIAL!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1022107514968636
Do you have in mind a Different Drill, Date or Destination?
We also run team building events, birthday parties, church functions, historical and geological field trips and eco tours; overnight camping excursions down the river and weekend long adventures at sea along the Gulf Coast; and advanced paddling skills courses.
Born to Paddle!
1 attendee
Past events
9592
