Canoing, Kayaking, Rafting

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45342 **Game Description:** Come and play in a Mid-Intermediate & Above volleyball session in Canada Water 😎 PLEASE ONLY sign up to this session if you’re a Mid-Intermediate player or above! We have the right to cancel & refund you if we don’t think you meet this ability. You will be notified of this. We need to maintain the quality of the games and rallies - this is nothing personal at all. Directions: 🚶‍♂️10 minute walk from Canada Water tube station The entrance is via a car park and in the blue building. Please ask reception for help if needed. **Rules** \- 3 teams of 6 \- Games up to 15 points \- Max 2 games in a row \- Be positive and encouraging to all players 🧡

No events UFN until a temporary stand-in host is found. A nice pub to meet in near Oxford Circus for our group's weekly pub event. They have a nice menu with reasonable prices. It should be quieter on a Tuesday evening than near or at the weekend. Though I have an interest in Japan all nationalities of course are welcome in our group. There will be an Ayamei sign on one of the tables in the comfortable lounge upstairs. Any problems getting there or any questions my phone number is 07706964277. Bill No membership fees or event fees for this group by the way.

If you want to take part in any of the following and are available on Tuesday evening from 7.00pm onwards then please RSVP this meetup and confirm which option you want to undertake. If you can not make this session but would like to book for future sessions on any Tues, Weds, Thurs and Weekends in advance email us. (Confirmation of booking is required before attendance) 1. Try Dive (PADI Discover Scuba) - Introduction to Scuba Diving - Official PADI intro – This is the opportunity to try the experience of scuba diving and all the kit - £60.00 (Tues, Mon, Fri, Sat & Sun) 2. Scuba Review - Scuba diving skills review in preparation for dive season or planned holiday - £100.00. (Based in West London (Tues, Wed & Thurs) so email me to arrange) 3. Full PADI Refresher Reactivate Course - £175.00. This includes full refresher and Re Active Touch (Theory refresh) (Tues & Sun) 4. Pool Session - To try out kit and spend some time in the pool - £30.00. LOCATION OF EVENT Address is Marshall Street Leisure Centre 15 Marshall St, London W1F 7EL The fantastic leisure centre at Marshall Street in Soho, London. These facilities are perfect for our group as it is very central and the facility has just been refurbished. These facilities are perfect for any introduction to diving. The pool depths range from 1 metre to 3 metres which is sufficient for all diving training requirements. Our central London dive courses take place just behind London's iconic Carnaby Street in the state-of-the-art £38m Marshall Street leisure centre, containing arguably the finest pool in central London. This 30m long pool gives students tonnes of room to swim around in, practice their skills and fine tune their buoyancy. The pool is constantly heated to 27 degrees celsius and has a study conference room. Alternative locations available upon request and arranged by email. West London - Unit 5, Chertsey Industrial Park, Chertsey, KT16 8FH South East & Kent – Weald Way, Caterham, CR3 6EJ PADI DISCOVER SCUBA - £60.00 A try dive is also available which is a taster dive so you can briefly experience being underwater with the equipment. Have ever wondered what it's like to breathe underwater? This is an ideal way of experiencing the under water world without having to commit to a PADI course like for example the PADI Open Water. You will be assisted by excellent qualified instructors who are trained to offer you the best experience and make you feel comfortable in the water allowing you to enjoy the experience. During the scuba diving try dive experience you'll learn how to use scuba equipment in a warm pool and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world. There is nothing like breathing underwater for the very first time. It is the perfect preparation for the PADI Open Water Course. You learn the basics you need to dive under the direct supervision of one of our PADI Professionals. Learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy it is to glide around underwater while wearing it. Learn some basic skills and safety rules that will carry over to your full scuba certification course when you take the next step. All the equipment you will need is included in a Discover Scuba Diving experience. PADI REFRESHER DIVE/REVIEW - £100.00 If you are looking to go on holiday soon and have not dived for over a year then you will want to consider completing a scuba diving refresher course. This course will give you the confidence again prior to any planned holiday. If you haven’t dived for a while, or are a bit apprehensive about getting back in the water and want to freshen up your skills then a PADI Scuba Review is for you. Most dive centres around the world will insist that you complete a Scuba Review if you haven't dived for 12 months or longer. The course normally takes 3-4 hours. Please remember to bring along your PADI certification card and log book. PADI REACTIVE – This is the full PADI Refresher which includes refreshing of the theory as well. This is available at £175.00 and includes refreshing of all the dive skills and also the PADI theory refresh. POOL SESSION - £30.00 If you are looking to just spend time in the water and you are already qualified as PADI Open Water then you can join us for this session and spend time in the pool testing out kit and practicing. This way you will not have the pressure of group holiday diving and you can have around 1 hour 30 minutes to do what you want. If you want to undertake any of the above dives then RSVP and let me know which dive you want. All dives will need to be booked in by us and paid for so payment will be requested prior to the event itself once dive has been confirmed.

**Address: 210-212 Southwark Park Road, London SE16 3RX** **Doors Open 11am Event starts 6:30pm-10pm** **Player Capacity: 14 players** Welcome to our **Magic: The Gathering** Booster Draft Tournament. The evening consists of a 50 minute booster draft. After that, you will be paired up and play 3 rounds of Swiss and prizing is distributed to players with a positive record. To participate in the event, alongside your **ticket purchase [here](https://www.thebrotherhoodgames.co.uk/magic-the-gathering-events)**, you will be asked to register on the Magic Companion app. We use this app for our tournament. If you are unfamiliar, please ask our member of staff upon arrival to the store where a member of staff will be happy to assist. **How to draft**: First, players sit around a table in a semi-circle. Each player then opens a booster pack and picks a single card without showing the other players. Each player then passes the remaining cards to the left, and continues drafting from the new cards they get from the player on their right. This continues until all of the cards in those packs have been distributed (drafted). Then each player opens a second pack, but this time, pass the pack to the right. After all those cards are drafted, you do the same with the third pack, passing to the left again. At the end, each player will have about 45 cards (along with any number of basic lands) which they can use to build a 40 card deck. If you haven't already, please join our Instagram, YouTube and Discord Server for news about upcoming events, announcements, and social interaction with your fellow players! *The Brotherhood Games Discord* https://discord.com/invite/SJaQXyeNXx

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45395 **Game Description:** Come and play Tuesday evenings Lower-Intermediate volleyball session in Poplar 🔥 Picturesque court with plenty of serving space and also space to stay warm on the side when your team is off waiting for the next game 🙌 **Rules** 3 teams of 6 Games to 15 points

The famous Seven Sisters ! 13 miles long with at least 7 major hills and one of the best coastal walks in southern England with fabulous views ! Only attempt this walk if you are fine with dealing with so many difficult hills taking into account also the length of the walk ! Let's go with the flow ! Group return train tickets shall be purchased as from 8.50am for the train at 9.24am that arrives at Seaford at 10.48am after changing trains at Lewes. Train ticket : Seaford return Or you may decide to drive. At Seaford we shall go to the public toilets a few minutes away from the train station. Please bring packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and wear boots, walking shoes or trainers. MEETUP FEE SPECIAL OFFER £5 ! Meetup fee : normally £8 payable in cash or £6 by Friday in advance by bank transfer, details supplied by private message. The walk shall commence by 11.30am after we stop off for public toilets NEAR Seaford train station. We shall have a drink at the end of the walk in Eastbourne and perhaps fish and chips too. At Eastbourne train station a small supplementary fare shall need be purchased in respect of the first part of the return journey to Lewes which was not covered by the return train ticket purchased in the morning. You should be able to walk 2.5 miles per hour and have adequate and appropriate insurance for this type of activity. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

⛰️ Another slice of the Kent countryside, this time from Sevenoaks towards the hills, including Bayley's Hill, Yorks Hill, Toys Hill and passing Chartwell house *(🌱 wild garlic picking season special)* 🔴 **HIKE:** 📏29km (18 miles) 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 775m 💓 Av. Pace: 5.2 km/h 🚥 [View Walking/Hiking Levels Here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPRjEOPjW8B/) *✊ **Pace & Purpose:** Active Muslims is about focusing on the actual activity. These are **paced walks and hikes (not strolls)**, so please join us with that* ***[active mindset and purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DBhPWpdIMKq/)*** *in mind.* 🔄 **Start/End:** **Sevenoaks Station /** Charing Cross 📍 **Meet:** **Charing Cross Station** (near departure board) ⌚**Meet from:** 9:15am, our train departs at **9:34am** *[arrives at 10:19. Return train estimate 6:17pm]* **🚆 Travel & Tickets** All our regular walks & hikes are free to join. You are welcome to arrange your own travel or meet us at the destination station. **Option 1: Buy Your Own Ticket** We recommend buying on the day. Use a **Network Railcard** or a **GroupSave** discount where possible. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ **Option 2: Group Ticket (3+ People)** I can help purchase group tickets to save costs, **BUT you must arrive at the station before the platform is announced** to collect your physical ticket. To join this: 💳 **PayPal Here:** TBC *Please send via **Friends & Family** and make sure no fee is charged.* ⏳**Deadline:** TBC 📱 **Confirmation:** Message on **[WhatsApp](https://tinyurl.com/5n68255b)** with your **Meetup Name** once paid. *ℹ️ No refunds once tickets are bought.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Charing cross, Sevenoaks (possible cafe) ☕ *If the pace is very good, we may even visit Emmetts garden tea room for a cuppa!* **🎒 Essentials:** * **Gear:** Hiking boots (recommended), hiking socks (or double socks), and layered clothing. * **Food/Water:** Packed lunch, snacks, and 1.5–2L of water. * **Tech:** Fully charged phone + portable power bank. * **Safety:** Emergency whistle + Headtorch (winter). * **Prayer:** If you are praying, please ensure you have *wudu* beforehand. Be ready to join the group promptly to keep us on schedule **📋 Attendance Policy** When an event has a **waiting list**, priority is given to new joiners and those with a reliable attendance record - *previous "No-Shows" may be moved to the waitlist to ensure spots go to reliable attendees [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)]* ⛑️ ***Disclaimer****: By joining, you agree that you are solely responsible for your own safety, belongings, and fitness levels. You confirm that you do not require special medical attention or additional care during the hike*. 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging **Follow us for updates:** 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)**

🌸 Join us for a scenic walk to and through the largest Royal Park in London, Richmond Park! *This is a special walk to try and hopefully catch the short period that the Rhododendrons and Azaleas are blooming in full colour - spring has been a little early/unpredictable this year so this can be hit and miss.* 🟢 **WALK:** 11km (6.8 miles) / *[This is a much shorter walk than our usual Richmond Park one]* 📍Meeting point: Outside Richmond Underground / Rail Station. Meet from 12:01pm, we aim to start our walk at **12:15pm** insha'Allah. 🔄 Starts/Ends: Richmond Station. 🚻 There are toilets available in the park. 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes, water bottle, snacks, packed lunch! You can have your lunch at Isabella plantation. 🧎 We will take a break for prayer if time for prayer is short. 🗂️ "No shows" for previous events may be moved to the waitlist to prioritise reliable attendees / new joiners - ***when there is a waiting list, priority is given by attendance records / new joiners.*** 📊 [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)] ⛑️ *Disclaimer: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times.* 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** *(Follow for latest events updates)* 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging 🌳 Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London, occupying an area of 2,500 acres. It was created by King Charles I in the 17th century as a deer park and still contains over 345 Red deer and 315 Fallow deer.

**Key Info:** • Distance: 10 miles (15km) • Grading: [Beginner](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) but it has 2 long steep hills, we take these gently and wait at the top • Ascent: 290m • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours • Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub **Meeting Point** • Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg) • Time: Meet 8:20am, leave 8:40am for the 8:55am train • Return: 5:30pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) **Highlights** • Admire **Lullingstone Castle** and its tranquil lakeside setting • Walk a scenic stretch of the **Darent Valley Path** • Pass the site of **Lullingstone Roman Villa**, dating back to around 100 AD • Explore **Lullingstone Country Park**, home to 800-year-old trees • Visit the ruins of **Eynsford Castle**, a Norman fortification from 1088 • Hike beneath the striking **Eynsford Rail Viaduct**, with its 22m-high brick arches • Stroll through three charming **Kentish villages** — Otford, Shoreham and Eynsford **Hike Description** We begin in the historic village of **Otford**, occupied for at least 3,000 years. Through the ages, it has been home to Iron Age farmers, Romans, royalty and archbishops. From here our route leads into the tranquil woods and grasslands of the Kentish countryside, reaching **Shoreham** before following the **Darent Valley Path** into the heart of the valley. The trail takes us into the beautiful **Lullingstone Country Park**, internationally important for its collection of ancient trees. Beech, ash, oak, sweet chestnut and hornbeam all thrive here, with some specimens thought to be over 800 years old. Emerging from the woodland, we arrive at **Lullingstone Castle**, set beside its peaceful lake, before continuing to the site of **Lullingstone Roman Villa** — a rare survival of a Roman estate house first built around 100 AD. From here we continue through rolling Kent fields, rewarded with views of the impressive **Eynsford Rail Viaduct**, its nine red-brick arches towering 22 metres above the valley floor. Our hike concludes in the charming village of **Eynsford**, where we explore the evocative ruins of **Eynsford Castle**, a Norman stronghold built in 1088. With its riverside setting, ancient remains and traditional cottages, the village provides a perfect finale to a day steeped in history and countryside beauty. **Guide:** • Leader: [JOHN](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07508 511026 ️ **Food:** • Bring a packed lunch • Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional) **What to Bring** • Hiking boots/shoes • Water (2 litres minimum) • Packed lunch • Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) • Hat and gloves if cold • Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider ❓ **Want to Know More?** • [New to Our Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries) **Explore More &** **Stay Connected** [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) **Terms and Conditions** By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf) © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

Join us for a rewarding day in the Kent countryside at a great time of year. Known as the Garden of England, the area includes rolling hills, historic estates and mixed woodland, with spring bringing noticeable changes to the landscape. Bluebells should be in bloom, orchards are likely to be flowering, and there are great views across the Kent Weald. We’ll pass close to Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s home, and the surrounding countryside includes quiet valleys, grazed fields and higher ground with good viewpoints. Overall, this is a well-balanced walk that combines countryside, history and scenery at an enjoyable pace. We'll finish in Sevenoaks, with the option to enjoy a drink at a traditional pub. **SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)** **Distance**: 23km/14 miles linear route **Duration**: 6 hours walking **Ascent**: 600 metres **Grade**: Intermediate, along good paths with many short ascents and descents **COST AND LOGISTICS** **Cost**: £10 **Start**: 10am Oxted Station **Finish**: 5.30pm Sevenoaks Station / The Chequers pub **Recommended morning train from London** 09:21 Dep: London Victoria 10:00 Arr: Oxted **Recommended train tickets (prices from London with Railcard)** Off-Peak Day Single to Oxted (£4.90) Off-Peak Day Single from Sevenoaks (£5.55) **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** * Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[complete list](www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Packed lunch and snacks * Water - 2 litres recommended * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted [FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews)

🏃🏽‍♀️ Join us for a 6K from Kew Gardens Station via the Thames riverside path to Richmond. 🏃🏾 + *Optional Richmond Park walk.* 🟢 **RUN:** 📏 \~**6km** (3.7 miles) 💓 **7 min / km** (42 mins) ⏱️ 8.5 km/h 📍Outside **Kew Gardens Station** (District/Ovrground) ⌚Meet from 10:45am, we start at **11:01am sharp** insha'Allah *[\*I have a walk straight after the run!]* ↪️ Start: **Kew Gardens Station** ↩️ Ends: Richmond Station 🎒 What to bring: appropriate running shoes, water & snacks. 🗂️ "No shows" for previous events may be moved to the waitlist to prioritise reliable attendees / new joiners - ***when there is a waiting list, priority is given by attendance records / new joiners.*** 📊 [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)] ⛑️ *Disclaimer: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times.* 🌐 [@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims/) *(Follow for latest events updates)* ``` 🚦 Run Levels: 🟢 Easy 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ```

**The Gambia & Senegal Trip Just Dropped !!** Join us for **ONX social drinks** and an evening of great conversation, connection and travel vibes. Whether you have already booked onto our upcoming **The Gambia & Senegal trip next year**, are thinking about it, or simply want to meet other like-minded people, this is the perfect chance to come along and connect. Here's the link to the trip: https://www.onxexperience.com/gambia-senegal-2027 It will also be a great opportunity to meet some of your fellow travellers and ask the ONX Team any questions you may have about any of our trips. Launch venue: **The Soak** **1 Terminus Place, London SW1 0RP** **Friday 24 April 2026** **6.30 pm onwards** Come for the drinks, great food, the good energy and the chance to mingle with the ONX Community. We’d love to see you there.

Join us for one of our favorite hikes this Tuesday (4/21/26) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hoover Dam Scenic Trail, starting at the west end of the dam. This hike includes some paved paths/roads along with some dirt trails, with a few beautiful views of the reservoir. Join us for this 2 mile hike, finding us in the parking lot at the corner of Sunbury and Smoke Burr.

**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.

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!

**Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in!** **We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind.** **If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward at Prost Beer and Wine Cafe. Www.prostcafe.com**

## 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