Backpacking

Spend your Sunday morning with us on a scenic hike along the C&O Canal Towpath. This is the perfect opportunity to **meet new friends**, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy the beauty of Great Falls from the Maryland side. We'll walk along the towpath, chat along the way, and take a well-deserved break at the **Great Falls Overlook** to soak in the stunning waterfall views. Whether you're here for the hike, the conversation, or both, this adventure is all about enjoying the journey together! This is an **easy and beginner-friendly hike** which is generally flat with a few gentle inclines and a manageable 180 feet of elevation gain. The towpath is well-maintained and ideal for all fitness levels, making it a great choice for those looking to ease into hiking or simply enjoy a relaxed outdoor experience. To learn more about the trail, click the link in the **Trail Map section below**. **Meeting Time & Location:** Join us at **9:30 AM at the Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot**. We'll meet at the trailhead, located midway down the parking lot on the right side (as you enter). **Distance:** 7 miles **Elevation Gain:** 131 feet **Difficulty:** Easy This hike is accessible for all skill levels, taking place on the towpath and Berma road, which both feature mostly flat ground and wide paths. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We’ll maintain a steady, comfortable pace with regular but brief breaks for a balanced mix of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Free parking is available at the **Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot**, which is also our meeting point. **Trail Maps (AllTrails)** [Take a Hike! @ Great Falls Overlook (Maryland, towpath)](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-23-2025-7e6b20d?u=i&sh=ylk43q) **Restrooms** Restrooms are not available on this hike. **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** Following the hike, we’ll head over to TBD for a casual lunch. It’s the perfect opportunity to continue conversations, spark new ones, and unwind with your fellow hikers. Whether you’re new to the group or a regular, we’d love for you to join us - and for many, this might just be the best part of the hike!

\*\*\* New Trial Process - No More Signing In \*\*\* **Step 1:** **Read the Liability Disclaimer:** [https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf) **Step 2:** When prompted, **type:** **"I Accept**/**Full Name/Contact Number/Emergency Contact Number"** Example: "I accept/Jane Doe/703-555-5555/301-666-6666" This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes. **Length**: 2 mi. Elevation: Negligible. Pace: 2.0 miles per hour \*\* Not suitable for fast paced hikers \*\* **DESCRIPTION** On this "hike" a leisurely stroll will be followed by dinner and drinks in downtown Bethesda, MD. We will meet in Bethesda at the junction of Woodmont and Elm streets in front of the restaurant, "The Matchbox" at 6 p.m. We will explore downtown Bethesda on foot for an hour and visit the Capital Crescent and the Bethesda Trolley Trail endpoints. All pavement. Dinner will be at Silver at 7 p.m. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, steak, chicken, fish, and plant based selections. Choice of beer, wine, and cocktails. Menu can be found on the restaurant website link below. Approximate cost is between $25 - $35 per head. Everyone pays for their meal, [Silver New American Brasserie - Unforgettable Dining Awaits: Award-Winning Cuisine at Silver Brasserie (Bethesda & DC)](https://www.eatatsilver.com/dinner) **WHERE TO MEET** Two options: **Option #1: WALKING: Meet at the junction of Woodmont and Elm streets (in front of the restaurant "The Matchbox") at 6:00 pm.** Coordinates: 38.982300, -77.095969 **Option #2: Dinner Only**: **Meet at the restaurant "Silver" (7150 Woodmont Ave) at 7:00 pm.** Coordinates: 38.980832, -77.095067 Garages nearby; streetside is an option. Parking is free on Sundays. The closest Metro station is Bethesda (Red line). We will limit attendance to 20. You can bring up to two guests. DOGS not permitted due to the nature of the event.

Top level Backgammon Tournament play. Have fun and improve your game. Free lessons to new and inexperienced players. Club been active over 30 years, posting on Meetup is new.

**(Trailhead hike)** We will meet on the east side/north bound side of Connecticut Avenue, near the Cleveland Park Metro entrance at 9:00 am. Alternately, hikers may park at the Pierce Mill parking area off of Shoemaker Street NW and meet us near the restrooms and picnic pavilion at 9:30. From Connecticut Avenue, we will hike down the Melvin Hazen trail to meet other hikers near the restrooms and picnic pavilion. All hikers will then take the Valley trail to Pulpit Rock and continue on the Valley trail. Moderate hikers will cross the creek at the Milkhouse Ford bridge. Long hikers will continue to Boundary Bridge. Both hikes will take the Western Ridge trail, past the Nature Center, and back to the Pierce Mill area. We will then climb the Melvin Hazen trail back up to Connecticut Avenue. Est.: 12.5 miles, 2000' elevation and 8 miles, 1400' elevation. PATC Map N. Hike Fee: $5. Hiking poles are recommended. In lieu of refreshments after the hike, hikers will optionally congregate at Laredo Mexican Restaurant, 3500 Connecticut Avenue. Hike Meeting place: Cleveland Park Metro, 3599 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC We will meet at the east side/north bound side of Connecticut Avenue Time: 9:00 AM FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. COVID PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

**Want to help bring your city’s community together?** We’re looking for local hosts to organize small group lunches, evening drinks, mixers, movie get-togethers and curated experiences. **No experience necessary,** just a friendly attitude, some local knowledge, and a willingness to meet a few new people. After each event, we’ll send a short feedback form so we can improve and support you. The host will also be able to provide feedback so we can learn what worked and what didn't. **[Click here](https://form.questionscout.com/6926c9ab87a828a5c11a79fc)** to apply and get started: if you’re selected, we’ll reach out for a quick screening call.

Join us for a festive evening hike to **ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo** before the season wraps up on **January 3rd**. This is a great chance to enjoy the colorful displays, connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and soak in the holiday magic together. We’ll **meet at the main entrance on Connecticut Avenue** before making our way through the illuminated paths at a relaxed, social pace. The weather is expected to be mild for late December, but please **dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes** so you can enjoy the evening comfortably. Whether you're here for the lights, the community, or just a peaceful night outdoors, we’d love to have you with us. Come share the glow and celebrate the season before ZooLights closes for the year. **Fees: The Adventuring Trip Fee will be waived. General Admission is $9 per guest and can be booked with the link below.** [ZooLights | Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/zoolights) **What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, and warm layers.** **Park Information:** [ZooLights | Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/zoolights) **Metro:** The Zoo is accessible via the Red Line to the **Woodley Park-Zoo** or **Cleveland Park** metro station. The Zoo entrance lies halfway between these stops, and both are a short walk from the Zoo. **NEW!** Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you **RSVP** to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release

Join DC Vegans of Color and One Love Co-Op for an Ujima Hike at Battery Kemble park. Ujima is the 3rd day of Kwanzaa and represents collective work and responsibility. **LEVEL** easy to moderate Let’s take care of each other and ourselves out there. The spirit of UJIMA. Please hike at your own risk, listen to your body, and move at a pace that feels right for you. **HIKE PARKING** We will meet at the **Abner Cloud House** (you can also search for Fletcher's Cove) at 10am to start the hike. Please arrive early 10 mins early. HEDZOLE **AFTER HIKE EATS (12pm)** After the hike, we will visit West African restaurant Hedzole for some vegan jollof and other eats. (They do have limited seating so we will do our best to eat inside) [https://www.hedzoleafroeats.com/](https://www.hedzoleafroeats.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR05HbkcxMVFRdlA0VGpiS3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6PkHc7YACCFJxhtQW4rxwVCZ96IjNQ6E4_2kdqXASOF7nYtunBFMFlqb-qQw_aem_fYc_87gMVr8ZvDHVBNHA1A) 5505 Colorado Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 Join us for the hike, the jollof or both. If you have questions, please message me here or shoot me a text 202-528-4700 ***Ajani dcVOC Organizer***

We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.

Here is a non competitive but a little up-pace ride. If you mountain bike regularly then this ride is for you. This is a No-Drop ride. Wheels rolling at 9am unless someone sends a message and say they're running a little late. Feel free to text or call if you need to: 240.603.6949. Also please call me if you get separated from the group. Depending on the endurance and skill level of riders, this ride will be around 10-12 miles. The pace I aim to keep is no more than 7-8mph with rest stops as needed. We will wait for every rider at the trail crossings. About Fairland: 95% non-technical ride with few major climbs and no mandatory obstacles (they all have ride-arounds). Promise, no rocks. None! Anyway, there are a couple good places to stop and practice log-overs, and balance on the boardwalks, and some good flow trails. Video of our ride at Fairland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1-b0EDVb08 What to bring: Plenty of water, helmet (no helmet no ride), your mtb of course!, multi-tool (although you can borrow mine), patch kit, extra tube (make sure it has the same valve you need for your wheel), a snack. Here at MVD MTB'ers meetup page, we always appreciate any feedback, write a group review Here (http://www.meetup.com/MVDMountainBikers/about/comments/?op=all) Waiver: Mountain biking is a risky sport, By signing up for this meetup you are agreeing to our waiver located here: http://www.meetup.com/MVD-Mountain-Bikers/pages/Standard_Waiver_for_Meetup_Rides/

Walk 3 miles circle followed by brunch.

Gear up for a high-energy, 13-mile tour through the heart of the District with Big Mike and Hamza leading! This Sunday, we’re hitting the pavement at 11:10 AM sharp starting from Freedom Plaza. This isn’t just a fitness loop; it’s a semi-curated journey through DC’s most skateable architecture and historic neighborhoods. *** The Route Highlights Our journey takes us through a diverse mix of grand plazas, lush parks, and urban industrial stretches: • The Hill & The Parks: We’ll glide past the scenic Stanton Park and Lincoln Park, enjoying the long stretches of smooth pavement and open views of Capitol Hill. • RFK & The Waterfront: From the wide-open spaces of the RFK Campus, we’ll head south toward the Anacostia River, catching the breeze as we transition toward the Navy Yard. • The Stadium Sprint: Feel the energy as we weave through the Southwest Stadium District, skating under the shadows of Audi Field and Nationals Park. • The Grand Finale: We’re closing out the session with a group favorite thrill—the fast, smooth descent through the 12th Street Tunnel to bring us back toward Freedom Plaza in the heart of the city. Fast Facts • Distance: 13.27 Miles • Start Time: 11:00 AM • Meeting Point: Freedom Plaza • Vibe: Urban exploration, community spirit, and pure speed. *** Whether you’re here for the landmarks or the 12th Street Tunnel rush, this Sunday is the perfect way to see DC on eight wheels. Don't be late—we roll at 11:10! The route: https://onthegomap.com/s/0k39dss3 Disclaimer: Safety is a community effort, but individual responsibility is key. Please note that anyone who participates does so at their own risk. For the most up-to-date details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you soon!

**🌍 Remote Ready Bootcamp – Escape the 9-to-5 & Build Your Location-Independent Career** 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Adventure seekers ready to escape the 9-to-5 grind - Professionals dreaming of working from Bali, Spain, Thailand, or beyond - Anyone wanting to build multiple income streams online - Go-getters ready to design their ideal travel-and-work lifestyle **Overview** Escape the 9-to-5 and build your remote career in 14 days - learn multiple income streams, master remote workflows, and join a global go-getter community. **Details** Imagine waking up to ocean waves in Bali, then logging in to work from a sunlit café — all while building a thriving career. That's exactly what remote pros are doing, and now it's your turn. The Remote Ready Bootcamp is a life-changing 14-day journey designed for adventure seekers ready to escape the 9-to-5 grind. Join a global community of location-independent professionals who've cracked the code on earning online while living anywhere — from Spain to Thailand, Japan to Brazil. You'll gain hands-on training in creating multiple income streams, managing remote workflows like a pro, and choosing the best places to live abroad — all while staying productive and free. **What You'll Gain** - Build a sustainable remote career — no luck required - Design your ideal travel-and-work lifestyle with proven frameworks - Connect with a network of independent go-getters just like you --- ### [🚀 REGISTER NOW 🚀](https://roamly.ybevents.com/product/RemoteReadyBootcamp?productId=10.0&city=Washington%2C%20District%20of%20Columbia%2C%20USA&groupurlname=worldwide-workers-travel-adventurers-collective) **⚠️ Important:** Spots are extremely limited. RSVP does not guarantee a spot — applicants are selected based on fit. Claim your chance today before spots vanish! **Your Next Chapter Awaits** You'll receive personalized onboarding details immediately after approval — your next chapter begins the moment you're in. Spots are filling fast. Before it's too late, [REGISTER HERE](https://roamly.ybevents.com/product/RemoteReadyBootcamp?productId=10.0&city=Washington%2C%20District%20of%20Columbia%2C%20USA&groupurlname=worldwide-workers-travel-adventurers-collective) and start your transformation. 🚀

NEW YEAR PARTY

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons