Canada

**⛰️[CONFIRMED] Gunung Berembun @ 1014m +** **WWII Plane Crashed Site Historical Hikes** **📅 Date: 8–9 May 2026 (Fri–Sat)** **🌟 EVENT DETAILS** **Promo Price: $133/person** **(Registration closes on 6 May 2026, 5pm)** **💰Usual Price: $160/person** **�� INTERESTED?** **�� WhatsApp: 94884478 (Wilfred)** **�� Sign up here:** [https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/313369723/](https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/313369723/) **📍 HIKE OVERVIEW** 🏔️ A unique highlight of this hike is the World War II crashed bomber site, located about 1 hour from the summit. **🥾 HIKE DETAILS** Altitude: 1014m / 3,326 ft Elevation Gain: \~624m ± Distance: 5km (one way) / 10km (return) Duration: 8–12 hours (include rest & photo) Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10) **🌿 TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS** 🌊 Lata Berembun – Waterfall, first checkpoint & campsite ⛺ Gua Kambing – Campsite with water source & rock shelter 🏔️ Summit Push – Steeper ascent towards the peak ✈️ WWII Crash Site – Historical aircraft wreck location 🌺 Expect beautiful wildflowers, tropical plants & birdlife along the trail. 💳 PAYMENT Please PayNow $XXX / person to: UEN: 201727764C Wilfred Go Travelling & Hiking Pte Ltd OR Bank Transfer to: DBS Current Account: 0029069789 📲 After payment, WhatsApp 94884478 (Wilfred) with screenshot receipt **TA License No 03066** **TA NAME: WILFRED GO TRAVELLING & HIKING PTE LTD** **To Connect With Us:** **Telegram Channel: [https://t.me/wilfredtravelsg](https://t.me/wilfredtravelsg)** **Whatapps Channel:** **[https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJmIsU9mrGTPqpect3l](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJmIsU9mrGTPqpect3l)** **Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar](https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar)** **◾INCLUDE:** \* 1 Event Host \* Mountain Guide/s \* Hiking Permit \* Transportation Van < 14 person Bus >15 person \* Group Dinner is only included if group-size is 10 or more **◾EXCLUDE:** -Personal Insurance -Items Not Mentioned In Itinerary **Suggested Itinerary:** (Friday) 1000pm -Meet Maxi-Cash next to Marsiling MRT Bus Stop 1005pm -Depart to Woodland Custom (Sat)(D) 11pm-Depart JB Custom 2am-Rest Area Wash-up, Breakfast & Pack Lunch 4am - Briefing commence hike 7am Lata Berembun 9am CP1 Gua Kambing, rehat & Last Waterpoint (LWP) 11am Puncak Gunung Berembun 1pm Air crash site 230pm Summit Gunung Berembun 330pm Gua Kambing (Cave) 430pm Lata berembun 6pm-Rest Area Washup 7pm-Dinner 10pm-JB Custom 11pm-Marsiling MRT **Disclaimer, Indemnity and Terms of Participation:** The participant acknowledges that this is an adventure trip. The itinerary serves as a guide only and changes may be required. All participants are strongly advised to have travel insurance. The participant agrees to assume all risks and indemnifies the organizers against all claims, disputes.

Special workshop by Senior Yoga Teacher Sarah Manning In a world where we are constantly “on,” moving from one task to the next, many of us are running on empty without realising it. This immersive workshop is designed for students who want to deeply understand their vitality, energy, and nervous system — and learn how to consciously work with them. If you: * Feel like you are fire-fighting all day, surviving one drama after another * Experience fatigue, sleep challenges, anxiety, digestive issues, chronic pain, skin concerns, or autoimmune imbalances — but have no time for self-care * Are navigating perimenopause and hormonal shifts * Feel confused by conflicting health advice and “vague” or intermittent symptoms This session offers clarity and embodied tools. Drawing from over 30 years of study and practice, Sarah will open the door to her personal practice and guide you through the foundations of pranayama and Qigong. You will learn how to: ✨ Down-regulate your nervous system through conscious breath ✨ Support hormonal balance through specific breath patterns ✨ Improve energy circulation and resilience ✨ Integrate breath and subtle energy awareness into your daily yoga practice ✨ Move from survival mode into grounded vitality This is not just about breathing techniques — it is about reclaiming your inner rhythm and restoring your body’s natural intelligence. All levels are welcome. Whether you are refining your practice, reconnecting with your body, or simply seeking calm and clarity, this workshop will meet you where you are. Let’s greet the morning with strength, alignment, and awakened energy. 🌞 📍 Location: Botanic Gardens (Eco Lake) 🧘 Bring: Yoga mat + meditation cushion/stool \- $50/pax or $90 for 2pax Signup here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/deep-dive-into-pranayama-breathwork-and-qigong-by-sarah-manning-tickets-1986761759906 ⸻ 🌿 About Sarah Manning Senior Yoga & Qigong Specialist Sarah Manning is a seasoned senior yoga instructor with over 25 years of international teaching experience in Singapore, Australia, and China. She brings a rich blend of physical precision and subtle energy awareness to her classes. Sarah’s approach is deeply alignment-based and body-wise, drawing on her extensive background in Hatha, Yin, yoga therapy, prenatal/postnatal work, and conscious movement. She has been guiding teachers in back care, Yin, and holistic yoga practices for more than a decade. In addition to her yoga mastery, Sarah has trained in Qigong for over 10 years, integrating breath, movement, and subtle energy work to support vitality, balance, and inner resilience — especially in areas like fertility and energetic wellbeing. She also co-founded a holistic fertility wellness company and has led fertility yoga workshops since the late 1990s, combining traditional yoga and Qigong principles to support women with deep and informed energy practices.

**[CONFIRMED TRIP]** **Sungai Yong 7 Tiers Waterfall Leisure Hike + Water Adventure** **📅 9 May 2026 (Sat)** **⏰ Time: 6:15AM – 10:00PM** **📲 INTERESTED? SLOTS AVAILABLE!** **WhatsApp 94884478 (Wilfred) or RSVP:** [https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/313066518/](https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/313066518/) **🌿 Sungai Yong Waterfall Adventure** **Sungai Yong is a relatively unknown river located 18km east of Kluang, Johor.** **Because it remains off the typical tourist path, the river is still clean, natural, and un-spoilt.** **✨ The highlight:** **\* 7 large waterfalls** **\* 20+ smaller cascades** **Perfect for:** **Swimming 🏊‍♂️** **Leisure hiking 🚶‍♂️** **Relaxing in nature 🌿** **Life jackets will provide for safety💡** **⭐ Why Join This Event?** **✔ Beginner-friendly trail** **✔ 4x4 transport to campsite** **✔ Short 1.5km leisure hike** **✔ Cooling waterfall experience** **✔ Multiple waterfalls to explore** **✔ Swim, relax & enjoy nature** **✔Escape the city and dive into nature’s hidden waterfalls! 🌿** **📌 Event Details** **💰 Cost:** **\* $150 per person** **\* $140 per person (group of 4 or more)** **💳 Payment Details** **📲 PayNow to: UEN 201727764C** **(Wilfred Go Travelling & Hiking Pte Ltd)** **🏦 Or Bank Transfer:** **DBS Current Account: 0029069789** **📩 After payment, please text 94884478** **📝TA License No: 03066** **TA Name: Wilfred Go Travelling & Hiking Pte Ltd** **INCLUDES:** \* 1 Event Host \* Mountain Guide/s \* Hiking Permit \* 4X4 Transport \* Life Jacket \* Transportation Van < 14 person Bus >15 person \* Group Dinner is only included if group-size is 10 or more **EXCLUDES:** Personal Insurance Items Not Mentioned In Itinerary **To Connect With Us:** Webpage: [https://www.wilfredtravel.org/](https://www.wilfredtravel.org/) Whatapps Channel: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJmIsU9mrGTPqpect3l](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJmIsU9mrGTPqpect3l) Telegram Channel: [https://t.me/wilfredtravelsg](https://t.me/wilfredtravelsg) Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar](https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar) **Suggested Itinerary:** •**Saturday(D)** 615am-Gather at Marsiling MRT Bus Stop 620am-Depart Marsiling MRT Bus Stop 7am-Depart JB Custom 815am-Stopover for Quick Breakfast/Pack Lunch 930am-Arrive & preparation 1030am-Take 4 wheel drive to Trailhead 11am-Briefing and commence hike 4pm-Back to meeting point 5pm- Rest & Relax at Kluang Town 630pm-Group Dinner 730pm-Depart to JB Custom 930pm: JB Custom 10pm: Marsiling MRT **DISCLAIMER, INDEMNITY AND TERMS OF PARTICIPATION:** **\-\-\-ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS\-\-\-** PLEASE READ THIS LINK FOR T&Cs BEFORE YOU RSVP: [https://www.wilfredtravel.org/terms-and-conditions](https://www.wilfredtravel.org/terms-and-conditions) **\*BY PARTICIPANTION, I HAVE READ, AGREED & ACCEPTED TERM & CONDITION:\*** **❈THIS TOUR IS ORGANIZED BY:** **TA NAME: WILFRED GO TRAVELLING & HIKING PTE LTD** **TA License No: 03066**

**Please click https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17uoRde1QL/ .** **For full trip details, please WhatsApp:** Kelvin- [https://wa.me/6593838649](https://wa.me/6593838649) Magdalene - [https://wa.me/6597914105](https://wa.me/6597914105) **For more adventure trips, please click** [https://linktr.ee/thetravellingbackpack](https://linktr.ee/thetravellingbackpack)

**[CONFIRMED TRIP]** **GUNUNG ANGSI HIKE @ 825m via Bukit Putus Trail** **8-9 May 2026 (Fri–Sat)** **🌟 EVENT DETAILS** **Promo Price: $125/person** **(Registration closes on 6 May 2026, 5pm)** **💰Usual Price: $140/person** **📲 INTERESTED? MESSAGE NOW!** **👉 WhatsApp 94884478 (Wilfred)** [https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/314315651/](https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/314315651/) Gunung Angsi is one of Malaysia's relatively minor mountains with a height of 824m. It ranks 241st of Malaysia's highest mountains and it is the 3rd highest peak in Negeri Sembilan state. **🌿 Great for beginner & casual hikers** **📸 Scenic jungle trails & viewpoints** **💪 Perfect training hike for higher peaks** **🚐 Weekend adventure escape from city life** **🥾 HIKE DETAILS** ✔ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Beginner Friendly) ✔ Altitude: 825m ✔ Elevation Gain: \~900m ✔ Distance: 4km \(one way\) \| 8km return ✔ Duration: 6–8 hours (including breaks & photos) ✔ Fitness Level: 4/10 **PAYMENT:** Please Paynow $XXX/person to UEN 201727764C Wilfred Go Travelling & Hiking Pte or Bank Transfer to DBS Current Account 0029069789 and Text 94884478 with Print-screen Receipt **🏢 TA License No: 03066** **🏷️ WILFRED GO TRAVELLING & HIKING PTE LTD** **INCLUDES:** \* 1 Event Host \* Mountain Guide/s \* Hiking Permit \* Transportation Van < 14 person Bus >15 person \* Group Lunch is only included if group-size is 10 or more **EXCLUDES:** \* Personal Insurance \* Items Not Mentioned In Itinerary include massage etc \* Lunch is at own cost if group-size is less than 10 persons **Suggested Itinerary:** **(Fri Night)** 1130pm-Marsiling MRT **(Saturday), Lunch** 4am-Stop over at highway toilet washup & breakfast 530am-Briefing/Start to trek 9am-Angsi Peak Rest & Having Packed Breakfast 930am- Descend to starting point 1130am-Meeting Point 12pm- Wash-up & Change at R&R 1pm- Lunch 2pm- Shopping & Relax@ Seremban 4pm- Depart to JB Custom 8pm- JB Custom 10pm- Marsiling MRT **Disclaimer, Indemnity and Terms of Participation:** The participant acknowledges that this is an adventure trip. The itinerary serves as a guide only and changes may be required. All participants are strongly advised to have travel insurance. The participant agrees to assume all risks and indemnifies the organizers against all claims, disputes.

**Please click [https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AVkLWVHQn/](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AVkLWVHQn/) .** **For full trip details, please WhatsApp:** Kelvin- [https://wa.me/6593838649](https://wa.me/6593838649) Magdalene - [https://wa.me/6597914105](https://wa.me/6597914105) **For more adventure trips, please click** [https://linktr.ee/thetravellingbackpack](https://linktr.ee/thetravellingbackpack)

Calling all competitive spirits! Join us for an adrenaline-pumping day of **dragon boating** designed for team players who thrive on challenge and camaraderie. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or eager to test your grit for the first time, this is your chance to push yourself, build team synergy, and enjoy some friendly competition on the water. After training, kick back with a cold beer (or a non-alcoholic drink) and soak in the stunning sunset with your crew. Click on the link below to sign up! [https://tinyurl.com/newpaddler2024](https://tinyurl.com/newpaddler2024). **Details of the event:** Time: 2:30pm pls be punctual. Cage will close at 2:45pm sharp. Price: SGD 25 can be paid at the venue or via Paynow during RSVP. Attire: * **Bring atleast 1 liter WATER BOTTLE** to the boat! [#ReduceSingleUsePlastic](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/reducesingleuseplastic?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXfrs-dICVI-TFJNA1Akk7G6_MS3hlt4aBHNLxQGpK_xHWL7Ivg2rst-MA0LzjJdCd8bjyfUXMmdvrpBdI-PaCnZXd0LryMSI2mqYzsOEtDrQmL7-l0LRf82viJTGzEp1w&__tn__=q) \- Any outdoor workout attire \+ rubber slippers or water shoes \- Bring sun protection \- Your belongings will be locked in the cage If you require more information on the event you can drop us a msg or click on the link to chat with us. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVS3j8ZBQpc7TFotOyfi1D](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVS3j8ZBQpc7TFotOyfi1D)

This time we do a MacRhitchie walk in the morning around 5.5km 1way.....@ MacRhitchie + Windsor Park **Programme:-** 8:00am - Meet at MRT station control 8:10 am - take walk 8:15am-10:15am - Nature walk-MacRhitchie; 10:15- 11:15am - late breakfast/ early lunch 11:20am :-End / Go Home **Please bring following.** \- Water \- Money \- Camera\- \- Sun block A cheeful smile for this event Contact Bong Lam - 96 196 902 **For Member only**

**Join us for a fun photography walk along the charming streets of Amoy! Whether you're a pro or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the area and capture some amazing shots.** **Amoy Street is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood, so you can expect to photograph interesting architecture, lively street scenes, and delicious-looking food. Bring your mobile phone or any camera you have - it doesn't matter what kind of equipment you use, as long as you're excited to get creative!** **Join us if you are interested in photography. It doesn't matter if you are a pro or a beginner; we do it for the love of photography. We'll kick off with a short meet and greet before heading out to click pictures together.** **After our photo walk, we'll end at a nearby coffee shop to chat and share our experiences.** **This is a free event, but please RSVP to let us know you're coming. If you have any trouble finding us or have questions, feel free to call or text: Jay: +65 9352 0249 Sandeep: +65 8609 1667** **Join our WhatsApp group for live location sharing: https://chat.whatsapp.com/D9YcKn9GR7jH8q2U2g0xld?mode=hqctcli We share our live location there to help everyone stay connected — especially as people naturally wander off while shooting.** **Meeting Point: Telok Ayer MRT - Telok Ayer MRT — Exit A (Amoy Street / Thian Hock Keng side)** **Route: Telok Ayer St → Amoy St → Boon Tat St**

**For ages 21 and above.** Sakthi Fine Arts is a registered academy in Singapore for teaching Bharatanatyam and dedicated to promote art and culture through teaching, artistic collaboration and performances. With the structured learning curriculum, the school gives an opportunity to learn and explore dance and to make this art form an integral part of the ethnic scene and accessible to all the art enthusiasts in the community. The school is committed to maintaining the cultural and aesthetic sensibilities of Bharatanatyam. ### **Address** 10 Woodlands Square, #03-54, Singapore 737714 ### **Schedule** Sundays 1030AM - 1130AM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

🌿 Brisk Walk Adventure: Windsor Nature Park to TreeTop Walk 🌉 📅 Date: Sunday, 10 May 2026 🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM 🚶‍♀️ Start Point: Windsor Nature Park Carpark 📍 Meet-Up Location: Upper Thomson MRT (TE8), Passenger Service/Control Station 🕝 Meet-Up Time: 2:30 PM ⏰ Departure: 2:45 PM sharp 💁 Difficulty Level: Moderate (6/10) Looking for a refreshing way to spend your Sunday afternoon? Come along for a scenic brisk walk through Windsor Nature Park, a tranquil green escape on the edge of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. 🌳✨ This route features a mix of paved paths and gentle inclines, making it ideal for those seeking a moderately active outdoor experience. Along the way, you might spot wildlife like long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and colorful birds. The highlight of the walk is the TreeTop Walk—a 250-meter suspension bridge offering panoramic views above the forest canopy. 🌉🌿 What to bring: ✅ Comfortable walking shoes ✅ Water bottle ✅ Insect repellent ✅ Light snack (optional) ✅ A sense of adventure Let’s take a break from the city, reconnect with nature, and enjoy great company on the trail. See you at 2:45 PM sharp at Upper Thomson MRT! ⚠️ Disclaimer: By joining this activity, participants acknowledge that they are responsible for their own safety, health, and personal belongings. The आयोजer is not liable for any injuries, accidents, loss, or damage incurred during the walk. Please ensure you are physically fit for a moderate-level hike and follow all safety guidelines. Participation is at your own risk.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Enjoy a nice day out for early dinner. No over-the-top expensive Mother's day hoopla stuff. Just good eats.

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Join us as we get together to see your choice of two VERY different movies – one sweet and wholesome – the other a terrifying folklore horror! Option 1 is the fun whodunnit-action-comedy-mystery led by Hugh Jackman, THE SHEEP DETECTIVES! Option 2 is the top-reviewed supernatural-horror-thriller starring Adam Scott, HOKUM! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The film is directed by Kyle Balda and take a look at this ensemble cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau and Emma Thompson and the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZI5oM6hWk HOKUM: In this film, a horror writer visits an Irish inn to scatter his parents' ashes, unaware the property is said to be haunted by a witch. It is written/directed by Damian McCarthy stars Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh and Austin Amelio. Hokum premiered to rave reviews at this year’s SXSW Festival and is being release by Neon. It is earning a stellar 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it, “A classic haunted house story enriched with atmospheric folklore and perfectly-timed shocks!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVCIK_MPyhc PLAN: For those seeing HOKUM, please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby at 6:50pm! For those seeing THE SHEEP DETECTIVES, please purchase your ticket for the 7:15pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby at 7:00pm! For BOTH films, we’ll plan for a pre-show bite at nearby El Vaquero! For those joining for dinner, we’ll meet at El Vaquero at 5:45pm! Should be a couple of fun movies and a good time together, Dan

### Goblin Mayhem in May \| One Free Goblin Mini Event Embrace the chaos this May with **Goblin Mayhem** at The Arcane Foundry. Join us for a paint and sip experience where you’ll receive a free goblin miniature and dive into one of the most unpredictable and mischievous factions in Warhammer Fantasy and The Old World. Whether you’re new to painting or a seasoned hobbyist, this event is all about fun, creativity, and a little bit of madness. Learn how to paint vibrant greens, tattered clothing, and grimy details while exploring the lore and playstyle of goblins. From sneaky ambushers to reckless hordes, you’ll discover what makes these creatures both hilarious and dangerous on the battlefield. All supplies are provided, space is limited, and things are bound to get a little out of control.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.