Wilderness Survival

I have passed this trail for years without exploring it but have heard people rave about this urban riverside oasis for just as long. Who wants to join me in exploring it? We will meet up in the parking lot on the northbound side of US 29 (just before Trader Joe's). After a quick introduction, we will head out on this riverside trail. We will turn around after a mile and a half (after we see some supposedly cool rapids) and mostly follow the path we came in on. We will scale the hill at two points to give us some rocky variety but it should be relatively flat other than those two climbs. Total distance is just over three miles and we should be back at our cars by 7:45. [Follow our route on Alltrails here](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/fall-line-rachel-carson-greenway-and-northwest-branch-trail?u=i&sh=5s9wgt)

We will meet in person and gather afterwards to grab a bite to eat/drinks. The story is narrated by **Ivan Flyagin**, a wandering monk who recounts the extraordinary events of his life to fellow travelers on a boat journey. His life has taken him across Russia through a series of almost unbelievable episodes: * serving a noble family * killing a monk accidentally as a child * surviving captivity among Tatars * working as a horse trainer * wandering as a pilgrim Each episode feels like a self-contained adventure, yet together they form the story of a man gradually moving toward **spiritual understanding and repentance**. Many critics consider this Leskov’s **most representative and profound work** because it captures several elements that define his writing: * Russian **oral storytelling traditions** * deep **Orthodox spiritual themes** * colorful **folk characters** * the sense of Russia as a vast moral and cultural landscape The protagonist resembles the Russian archetype of the **“holy wanderer”**—a flawed but spiritually searching figure.

We will be hiking along the historic Alexandria waterfront down and through scenic Old Town to the Wilson bridge and back. Lovely views of the river, as well as of Old Town. Part of the walk is on the Mount Vernon Trail bike path. Hike is mostly flat, and on paved surfaces or board walk. Please note the hike leaves at 600PM sharp. There are bathrooms at the halfway point. **Meet at the small parking area closest to the bike path. First left on Marina Drive. Not the large marina parking area that is further along.** We walk pretty briskly around 3.-3.5 miles an hour. I assume if you can’t keep up, you can always find your way back to the starting point. Hope you can join our group of stalwart regulars and cheery newcomers. Happy hiking. Most of the walk has street lights, but not all so, but bring a light.

Washington, DC is about to fill with global founders, investors, and operators for SelectUSA Investment Summit. But here’s the twist… This isn’t just about international companies entering the U.S. It’s also about **U.S. founders expanding outward.** Join us for a special edition of **Cigars & Startups DC**—an **unofficial, independent gathering** designed to connect: 🌍 **International founders** exploring U.S. market entry 🇺🇸 **DC-area startups and operators** looking to expand globally 💼 Investors, advisors, and ecosystem builders bridging both worlds When the conference ends for the day… the real conversations start here. 🔥 Expect: * Cross-border conversations (not just small talk) * Partnerships between U.S. and international companies * Insights on entering new markets—from both sides * A relaxed, off-the-record environment built for real connection 🎯 Whether you're: * Expanding into the U.S. * Taking your company international * Looking for capital or strategic partnerships * Or just want to meet high-quality people outside the conference halls You’ll find your people here. 📍 Location: Casa de Montecristo (DC) 💵 Entry: $25 🥃 Note: Because my company (Zccounting) is a bookkeeping and accounting firm, not a licensed tobacco dealer I will not be selling cigars and your ticket only includes "entry" to the VIP lounge and event, however, I'm super generous and will share as many cigars as you can smoke at the event from my personal collection for no additional fee whatsoever! ⚠️ This is an independent event and is not officially affiliated with or endorsed by SelectUSA.

Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams) Some travelers hear about changes and assume the value is gone. Prices go up. Options shift. Things get harder. End of story. The mistake is thinking the opportunity disappears when the chart changes. It doesn’t. In this special session, JGOOT Travel Expert Tom Spears breaks down Hyatt’s updated award chart and what it actually means for the way you book. Because the truth is: while most travelers focus on what got worse… smarter travelers focus on how to keep winning anyway. It’s time for: **The Suite Life: What Hyatt’s New Award Chart Means for JGOOT Travelers** Tom will walk through what’s changed, where it impacts real bookings, and how to continue applying the JGOOT strategy to get strong value from your stays. Inside this session, you’ll learn: • What’s actually changed in Hyatt’s award chart (and what hasn’t) • Where the biggest impacts show up when you go to book • How to adjust your approach without overcomplicating things • Where strong value still exists… and how to find it • How to keep using the same core strategy, even as pricing shifts This isn’t about chasing the “old” chart. It’s not about finding a workaround or shortcut. Because the travelers who understand the system don’t lose when things change… they adapt and keep winning. Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams)

Let’s go for a walk around Woodley Park **Time:** 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM **Start/End Location:** Woodley Park Metro Station **Map:** [Kamoot](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2932022382?share_token=aITDr7U5EFrgQ9Y27HfRArYhh6qbhwiXHvQaPP8pLwziQT5lDe&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=5303637054528) **Millage:** 4.5 mi **Terrain:** There will mostly be paved and level ground. \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer. Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

**IMPORTANT - READ** This is a by law 10 person limit capacity trip, If you are NOT 100% committed please do NOT RSV **Rain - Shine or Snow is a go** This time we will be visiting the North area; The Dolly Sods Wilderness — originally simply Dolly Sods — is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) and one of the most desirable trekking areas for the free bird and adventure spirit. Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and lifeforms normally found much farther north in Canada. To the north, the distinctive landscape of "the Sods" is characterized by stunted (“flagged”) trees, wind-carved boulders, heath barrens, grassy meadows created in the last century by logging and fires, and sphagnum bogs that are much older. To the south, a dense cove forest occupies the branched canyon excavated by the North Fork of Red Creek. The name derives from an 18th century German homesteading family — the Dahles — and a local term for an open mountaintop meadow — a "sods". **State:** West Virginia **Counties:** Grant, Randolph, Tucker **Elevation:** 3,734 ft (1,138.1 m) **Coordinates:** 39.066062, -79.301616 **Trail details:** Friday night we will hike about 1.5 miles and camp around Bears Rock and Dobbin Grade trail intersection (wild camp), next day morning (Saturday) we will break camp and head North-West following Bear Rocks to Beaver View trail (TR523 on map) to Dobbin Grade trail (TR526) to Rocky Ridge trail (TR524) to Breathed Mountain trail (TR553) to Red Creek trail heading north to the intersection of Breathed Mountain trail and to our next camping location, enjoy the local cascades and swimming pool, take dinner. Next morning (Sunday) head north on Red Creek trail to Upper Red Creek trail (TR509) and from there to Dobbin Grade and back to Bears Rock trail = 15-16 miles round trek **Gear list, What you need to bring:** 1.) Tent - Sleeping pad - 20F Sleeping bag 2.) 2 pieces rain suit 3.) 3 extra pair of socks - 1 will stay on the car 4.) Backpacking stove + pot/cup/dish/spoon 5.) Dehydrate food 6.) Bottle or similar for drinking water 7.) Snacks/sandwich/power bar or equivalent, etc. 8.) Saturday and Sunday we will refuel from a stream. 9.) Water/beach shoes + small towel for stream crossing. 11.) Warm jacket, hat and water proof globes 12.) Water proof shoes-boots 13.) Extra pair of shoes (stay in the car) 14.) Gaiter **General meetup location:** Vienna Metro Station - 7:30pm **Time driving:** 3 hr. each way **Google driving direction from Vienna metro:** https://goo.gl/maps/1yXxQrnDbK9sKhcz6 **CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends by just posting a message!!

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, **[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)** and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I Accept"** to be permitted on the hike. **8.0 mile out and back hike along the [Cabin John Stream Valley Trail](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/cabin-john-stream-valley-park/cabin-john-stream-valley-trail/) with an approximate 400 feet of elevation gain.** **Description:** The **[Cabin John Stream Valley trail](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cabin-John-Stream-Valley-Trails-map-2023-0522-letter.pdf)** is a well-maintained trail, largely in wooded areas with some hills and short sections of sidewalk. This trail is located near major highways but still offers an unexpected sense of solitude and natural beauty. **Hike Pace**: Pace will be about **2.5 mph** while moving. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, insect repellant, sturdy hiking shoes and poles if you use them since there are rocky areas/tree roots. There are a few small stream crossings. **Fee:** None **Dogs:** dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)**. **Where to Meet:** We will meet in the **small parking lot** at **7401 Macarthur Boulevard, Cabin John, MD** **Coordinates: 38.973310, -77.150590** **[Coordinates LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KEpbb4AxwPTRFJue8?g_st=ic)** **I have a gray Honda Fit. The hatchback will be up. Consider carpooling if possible as the parking lot is limited.** **[MAP](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cabin-John-Stream-Valley-Trails-map-2023-0522-letter.pdf)** **Contact Info:** Any questions, please message me here or text me at 703 533 9231 Dawn K.

Join Service Design DC for a community movie night focused on learning, reflection, and connection through two keynote presentations from last year’s Service Design Global Conference. SDGC25 brought the global service design community together around the theme “Business Transformation by Design,” exploring how service design can influence strategy, operations, and customer experience across organizations. For this gathering, we’ll watch 2 selected talks from SDGC25, then open up a casual group discussion about what resonated, what feels relevant for our work now, and what these ideas might mean for service design practice in DC. The 2025 conference centered on service design’s role in helping organizations navigate cross-functional transformation, making these talks especially relevant for practitioners working across systems, teams, and change. **What to expect** * Watch 2 selected presentations from SDGC25 together. * Casual facilitated discussion after each talk. * Time to connect with other service design and adjacent practitioners in the DC area. **Evening Agenda** 6:00 P.M. - Doors Open + Socializing & Networking 6:30 P.M. - First talk highlights + conversation 7:15 P.M. - Second talk highlights + conversation 8:00 P.M. - Wrap up **Many thanks to our host and sponsor, MediaBarn!** *Mediabarn’s customer-centric philosophy defines who we are.* *In its simplest form, we are committed to applying Human-Centered Design (HCD) methods to understand customer needs, collect feedback, and use that feedback to improve services and products. Whether it’s for customers, citizens, or employees, our Experience Design Studio creates research-informed designs to improve the experience of every human involved.*

🔥 60-Minute Full-Body Circuit Training Workout ⏱️ Structure Overview We will meet at the volleyball court in Founders Park in Alexandria, VA Warm-up: 10 minutes Main Circuits: 40 minutes Finisher: 5 minutes Cool-down: 5 minutes 🟢 1. Dynamic Warm-Up (10 Minutes) Perform continuously, 30–45 seconds each: Jumping jacks Bodyweight squats Arm circles (forward/backward) Walking lunges Inch-worm walkouts High knees Glute bridges Push-ups (easy pace) Goal: Increase heart rate + activate major muscle groups. 🏋️ Main Workout (40 Minutes) Format: 3 Circuits 4 exercises per circuit 40 seconds work / 20 seconds rest Repeat each circuit 3 times before moving on Rest as long as you want between circuits Cool down 5 Min IMPORTANT!!!!! Liability statement: I understand that I am responsible for exercising at my own pace and within my own physical limits, and for monitoring my condition during participation. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation and agree that I attend entirely at my own risk. I hereby release and hold harmless the organizer, and affiliated parties from any and all liability, claims, or demands arising out of or related to any injury, medical condition, loss, or damage that may occur as a result of my participation.

Discover DC Boundary Stones in Maryland - NW Stone 4 (Delcarlia Reservoir Grounds) to North corner stone (Silver Spring). This is the third hike along the original boundary line between the nation's capital, Virginia, and Maryland. See stones placed every mile along the boundary survey line in 1792. These stones are the first federal monuments in the nation's capital. Initially, we will hike a short distance along the Capital Crescent Trail to view NW Stone 4, which is on Delcarlia Reservoir grounds. We will come back to our meeting location and hike north along Norton Street and Loughboro Road (restroom opportunity at Sibley Hospital) to Delcarlia Parkway. We will hike a short distance along Delcarlia Parkway and then on Spring Valley neighborhood streets to Warren Place and Delcarlia Parkway, where we will get you as close as we can to the location of NW Stone 5, which is also on Delcarlia Reservoir grounds. We will hike Spring Valley neighborhood streets to Massachusetts Avenue and Western Avenue at Westmorland Circle, and then on sidewalks along Western Avenue (NW stones 6, 7, and 8 are in front yards along Western Avenue), on trails through the northern portion of Rock Creek Park (NW 9 is adjacent to the park), and on sidewalks along streets in Silver Spring (North corner stone is just south of East-West Highway, west of 16th Street) to the Silver Spring Metro Station. Total distance is approximately 10.5 miles. We will meet 9:00 am, Friday, May 9, 2026, at the connector trail to the Capital Crescent Trail (intersection of Norton Street and Potomac Avenue NW). Parking is available along Potomac Ave. Public transportation to and from the hike also works. If you drive, you can take Metro and a bus back to your vehicle. Occasional restroom opportunities are available along the route. All participants must sign a liability waiver at the start. SCPRO requests a voluntary donation of $2 per person to help support our all-volunteer program. Leaders are Russ Norfleet & Gary Kosciusko. You need not be a Sierra Club member to participate, but if you'd like to join, go to: http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.