Downhill Skiing, XC Skiing, Snowshoe, Snowboarding

This time we'll be reading Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. Here's the blurb: Red Schuhart is a stalker, one of those young rebels who are compelled, in spite of extreme danger, to venture illegally into the Zone to collect the mysterious artifacts that the alien visitors left scattered around. His life is dominated by the place and the thriving black market in the alien products. But when he and his friend Kirill go into the Zone together to pick up a “full empty,” something goes wrong. And the news he gets from his girlfriend upon his return makes it inevitable that he’ll keep going back to the Zone, again and again, until he finds the answer to all his problems. First published in 1972, *Roadside Picnic* is still widely regarded as one of the greatest science fiction novels. The book is available here: Amazon- Paperback, eBook, Audiobook: https://www.amazon.ca/Roadside-Picnic-Arkady-Strugatsky/dp/1613743416/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4CF8Z2KM9FR5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OkKU7AC1WfScTlwfheDPnXc6RoH27bTDKMyfAgC_JANost0NCKJUcjZqbrLEile8IathzFMmAmFe9oXiUWLxKh0sg2kayNmgEhJeLKnThaxDk_9Nmn1yHf77Bct23OqBlVzxGEpNppD1tjZHWL0s7jQ4OA2YCoqJ5wL-eUmc8we34pauk-oG5kcohPzDgi_je8CjkyuMZtBD9FL-ijN8lzwv7OthBw_4PRiTvvZPAoimmLqGW3osojbapjD2J2EwKkDSsW8nh6xzHTdnXuVZKsuwVD2Pb6_99nT4Yqhn-WU.W4eSQPh8pV3pjNwYowMlY_NWsCM75jm2_aqs1Z4WAl0&dib_tag=se&keywords=roadside+picnic&qid=1768352378&sprefix=roadside+picnic%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1 Indigo- Paperback: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/roadside-picnic/9781613743416.html Kobo- eBook: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/roadside-picnic-1?sId=a2633ff7-55e3-4248-88ad-9f7fedb4c18f&ssId=1AYtAyk0vt3KTVdGTn8zv&cPos=1 Toronto Public Library: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2898868&R=2898868 Toronto Public Library- eBook https://toronto.overdrive.com/media/1075415

**Ready to get better at speaking in front of a room and leading with confidence?** MidTown Toastmasters is a friendly, diverse club that meets twice a month to practice real public-speaking skills in a supportive environment. We keep it welcoming and fun. **What to expect** * Quick orientation for newcomers * Prepared member speeches * Table Topics impromptu speaking * Encouraging feedback that helps you improve right away **Guests are always welcome.** You are invited to try a few meetings as a guest before deciding to join. There is never pressure to speak on your first visit. **New here?** Message us here on Meetup with any questions, or ask for Josie when you arrive and you will get a proper welcome and introduction. **RSVP notes** Please RSVP to help us plan seating. If your plans change, update your RSVP so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist. **Where** St. Matthew's United Church Oakwood Room 729 St. Clair Avenue West (St. Clair & Christie) **Learn More About Our Club:** Club’s Website: [https://torontomidtowntoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/](https://torontomidtowntoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/) Our club meets **online** every 2nd Monday of each month, and meets **in-person** every fourth Monday of each month (holidays excepted). **\-\-\-** **Here's what our previous guests (from August 25) said about our club:** * "It was engaging from start to end" * "I'm very impressed by how the evaluators notice everything." * "I enjoyed practicing my active listening." * "The report on the filler words is useful. I can see myself improving with this feedback."

These monthly socials are a chance to network with other students and professionals in the geomatics field to chat GIS, data, remote sensing, surveying and more in a casual atmosphere. Feel free to bring friends and colleagues along - we're eager to welcome everyone back for a fantastic evening! This is a free event. Please RSVP to let us know you're attending.

Call on 416-938-2223 to find me :) -Ritik

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/beaver-valley-26)** ***Get ready for one of the hardest day-hike adventures in Wilderness Union history!*** Welcome to the next installment of the Wilder Series: this gorgeous, nearly 30km hike through Beaver Valley is not for the faint of heart. The pay off, however, is incredible, as you’ll pass multiple waterfalls, experienec stunning hilltop views and finish with a huge sense of accomplishment for completing this challenging adventure. While more rural than wild, you will feel immersed in remote nature with few other people to be found as you trek along the trail. You can expect lush forest canopies, diverse terrain and a great group to adventure onwards with. Due to the length of this adventure, we will move at a continuous pace of 3-3.5km per hour. While Ontario is fairly flat, this loop has significant elevation gain. You can expect a lot of ascents and descents throughout the day, which will make the distance covered more challenging but the views that much more exquisite. Please note that attendees will need a high fitness level to successfully complete this adventure. This will be a serious challenge! **Highlights** **Stunning waterfalls:** Experience two of Ontario’s most stunning water features- Eugenia Falls and Hogg’s Falls. **Secluded wilderness:** Enjoy the feeling of near total seclusion on the trail. Just you, the forest and your fellow adventurers. **Type 2 fun:** This adventure will not be easy but, for those willing to meet the challenge, it will be supremely rewarding! **Event cost: $50+HST (for explorer members) - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/beaver-valley-26)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/whitefish-fc-26)** ***Join us as we head back into the massive, untouched wilderness of Algonquin Park for our second camping adventure of the year!*** We are returning to the legendary home of Ontario nature to soak in the early season vibes. Algonquin is famous for its tall trees and stunning scenery. This trip is an easy introduction to the wild, making it perfect for those who want to get comfortable in the woods, while still having the convenience of a frontcountry site. Our base for the weekend is a site on the edge of Whitefish Lake, where we will have plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the fresh forest air. You can hike, learn to master a campfire or simply relax by the water as the sun dips below the tree line. When night falls, we will share a communal meal under some of the clearest, most *magic star-filled skies* you have ever seen. On day 2 of this adventure, we’ll take the morning to learn canoe fundamentals from our guides. Once we complete the lesson, you can either hang out at camp and relax on the beach or paddle to one of two stunning hikes near the camp. We have handled all the logistics and gear so you can focus on making new friends and soaking in the peace of the woods. If you are looking to build your confidence for more rugged trips later in the summer, this is the perfect place to start. What's included * Professional & certified guides * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents * Canoe rental **Whether you are a seasoned camper or it is your first time in a tent, this adventure has something for everyone.** **Highlights** **Learn Camp Skills -** Our guides will show you how to set up a tent, build a roaring fire and any other skills you want to learn so you can feel totally prepared for the season ahead. **Stargazing -** Free of light pollution, the stargazing at Algonquin is otherworldly. ‍**Canoeing on Whitefish Lake** \- Paddle through amazing scenery with our expert guides\. **Event cost: $350+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/whitefish-fc-26)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

This week we'll be visiting Sunnybrook Park, no guarantees that it'll be sunny though. Our group will leave at the posted time, so please arrive early. Please cancel your RSVP if you can't make it. How fast, how far? Assume 4.5 km/h for a distance of ~6.5km. The path is a mixture of paved and dirt trails so be prepared for anything. The route is a "there and back again", so we will finish where we originally start from. Bring water, a snack, and hiking footwear for a distance walk. We usually go out for coffee after our hike. This time we'll be going to Baretto's Caffe, located at 1262 Don Mills Road unit 106 Required reading for you and your guests before RSVP'ing to all events: 1. [Liability Waiver and Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR0LFNJVYn5j1AYl8eR63HjAxKMkRwg5ifKXqL3rP6Xl7v_Wcsx4xR_kNFluE3eILpSmP-EJ0OouQvT/pub) (updated 05/30/22) 2. When asked at RSVP time, indicate **\*Yes\*** if you agree to the question provided. 3. See general information about [Tick Safety](https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease)

We are hiking at Scotsdale Farm with Debbie McDermott and Bohdan Bilyj. This is a Level_2 Bruce Trail hike with lots of woods, and some lookouts. We expect around 14km with a few hills. **Directions** 1. Exit Highway_401 at Trafalger Road (Exit_328), and go north. 2. After you pass through Georgetown, you will come to a T-intersection, which is Highway_7. Turn left. 3. After three and a half kilometres, fork right back onto Trafalger Road. 4. Continue north about 1.6_kilometres, and look for the sign. Google Maps: [13807 Trafalgar Rd, Georgetown, Ontario.](http://goo.gl/maps/EGPdsXsLuZC2) Après-hike suggestion: St. George Pub in Georgetown. Waiver Hiking is a dangerous activity; each participant agrees to assume his/her own risks. If you are new to hiking, please start with a Level 1 hike. Hike leader's decision is final. See you on the trail. ps. ps. ps. Know where you are going Paid app: Bruce Trail Map for smartphones (http://brucetrail.org/pages/trail/app) Free apps: Here's just a sample on the web: Google Fit (https://www.google.com/fit/), Runkeeper (http://www.runkeeper.com/), MyTrack (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.maps.mytracks&hl=en), GPS Essentials (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mictale.gpsessentials&hl=en)

Meet up with the group for an evening 13 km trail walk in the Oak Ridges / Bond Lake area, followed by dinner at Arjan Restaurant, 10145 Yonge St, Richmond Hill. Trail access and parking are available at the Bond Lake Trail Head, 12611 Yonge Street, with additional community parking options nearby. A perfect evening plan for anyone who enjoys a longer hike, good company, and a nice dinner after. Before you sign up — this hike is pretty intense! Not for the weak knees 😭

🎶 Ready for a night of music, laughs, and great company? Join us at Thunderwing Brewing for Music Bingo — a fun twist on classic bingo where songs replace numbers and the good vibes keep flowing! 🎵 Sing along, test your music knowledge, and enjoy a relaxed evening with the group. 📍 Please RSVP to reserve your spot: Text Renee at 614-257-9389 (We need a headcount so the brewery can plan staffing and seating.) 🪑 Arrive early to grab a seat — feel free to bring a camping chair for extra seating. 🍔 Food trucks are often on site, or you’re welcome to bring your own food. 🐶 Bonus: Dogs are welcome, so bring your pup along too! Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

BIKE RIDE TO SUNBURY Dust off your bikes, pump up your tires, and get out and ride. • When: Saturday, May 30, 10AM • Where: Leaving from the Westerville Library, 126 S. State Street, 43081 ◦ Meet at East side of parking lot by the playground. Trip Itentiary • 20 miles round trip • Ride to Sunbury, stop for lunch (Location TBD), then ride back to the Westerville Library • All skill levels welcome Contact: Therese Butz (614-561-1976), Art Kahn (614-370-5246) Columbus Ski Club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

Please join us the 3rd Wednesday of each month to learn more about the Columbus Ski Club and what we have to offer. Pizza, wings and a variety of appetizers provided. We are a non-profit organization founded in 1958 with over 800 members. The club has grown beyond the single mission of providing members with not only quality skiing events but also year round social and sport activities. Our gatherings are an opportunity for members and non-members to interact and learn about the many activities offered such as euchre, billiards, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, bowling, golf & softball leagues along with ski and non-ski trips. Our members also plan group activities such as visits to wine tastings, bike trips, comedy clubs, concerts, plays and local sports games, etc. CSC membership is not required to belong to the Meetup group. Membership is required in order to participate in most club activities (CSC member). However, anyone (21 and over) is welcome at our meeting gatherings which consist of checking out our current activities and socializing. The annual dues for club membership are $35 with the membership year from September 1st – August 31st. [https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=60&club_id=686961](https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=60&club_id=686961)

Please join us the 3rd Wednesday of each month to learn more about the Columbus Ski Club and what we have to offer. Pizza, wings and a variety of appetizers provided. We are a non-profit organization founded in 1958 with over 800 members. The club has grown beyond the single mission of providing members with not only quality skiing events but also year round social and sport activities. Our gatherings are an opportunity for members and non-members to interact and learn about the many activities offered such as euchre, billiards, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, bowling, golf & softball leagues along with ski and non-ski trips. Our members also plan group activities such as visits to wine tastings, bike trips, comedy clubs, concerts, plays and local sports games, etc. CSC membership is not required to belong to the Meetup group. Membership is required in order to participate in most club activities (CSC member). However, anyone (21 and over) is welcome at our meeting gatherings which consist of checking out our current activities and socializing. The annual dues for club membership are $35 with the membership year from September 1st – August 31st. [https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=60&club_id=686961](https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=60&club_id=686961)

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

Join us for CSC Night at the Dublin Coffman Ampitheater! Come see the musical production of 1776 at the Dublin Coffman Ampitheater, 5600 Post Rd, Dublin, Ohio, on Friday, June 5 at 7:00 PM. Venue is outdoors - please bring a camping chair, snacks and non alcoholic beverages. Follow the debates, struggles, and determination of the Second Continental Congress as they work to draft and sign the Declaration of Independence in the summer of 1776.  **General admission tickets are just $17.76!** Purchase tickets by phone or via link below:  Call Dublin Recreation at 614-410-4550, option #1 https://dublinohiousa.gov/abbey-theater/upcoming-shows/ Show information: If you purchase tickets, please text us so we know to look for you and can try to sit together. Please arrive by 6:30 PM. Questions? Text Barb at 740-548-7677 Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.