Trekking with Kids

## Lake Artemesia Walk Join us for a relaxed, social walk around the scenic Lake Artemesia loop in College Park. This is an easy-paced group walk—perfect for fresh air, light exercise, and good conversation. We’ll complete the paved lakeside loop (\~1.5–2 miles) at a comfortable pace, enjoying peaceful water views, birds, and greenery along the way. Those who want to go around the lake multiple times, can do so. ### Meeting Point Parking lot of Lake Artemesia Berwyn Rd & Branchville Rd Entrance College Park, MD 20740 Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

It's been awhile since we have all been together to discuss and watch all things Star Trek. So let's do it in style. At this meetup we will watch a few episodes of Star Fleet Academy (we will be sure to have a no spoiler rule prior to watching). we will also have Star Trek Show and tell so bring your favorite item to share. the exact address of the location of the meetup will be shared via email to attendees three days prior to the event. please bring a dish to share. we have cats but they will be safely away from the area we are in. medicate if you need to. see you soon!

**10 miles, 500" elevation on a paved road closed to cars with a few manageable hills. For Beginner Riders who want to ride with a group and begin to increase their riding distance. Leisurely pace (8 - 10 miles per hour).** **Register here:** **[Beginner Rock Creek Bicycle Ride](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6644529)** $15.00 for non-members, free for members. Have you wanted to ride with a group but you weren't sure you were ready or that you could ride far enough? This is the ride for you! On this social-paced ride, you'll enjoy the beauty of Rock Creek Park as we ride an easy five miles out and five miles back on Beach Drive (approximately 1.25 hours of riding), which is now closed to traffic. Before we start, we'll go over guidance for riding in a group, basic bicycle maintenance and safety tips. (Note: this is not a "how-to-ride class.") This is a no- drop ride, with a leader and a sweep and no one will be left behind. Suitable for all bicycle types. 1. **You must register and pay for this event on our website at this link:** **[Beginner Bicycle Ride in Rock Creek Park](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6644529)** Register early on our website to reserve your spot! 2. ***No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.* Upon completion of registration, trip information will be forwarded by email**. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, immediately check your spam folder. If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: **[bike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org](bike@washintonwomenoutdoors.org)** **Find out about WWO Member benefits [here.](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/Membership)**

**NOW ONLINE** The weekly Sunday morning (10:30 am to 12 noon) class begins with a welcome, short reflection on an aspect of the teachings, and includes an arriving meditation (15 minutes) that will often incorporate poems and may end with a reflection or question. The opening meditation is followed by an invitation to each person to share their name and a few words (for example, what is alive for them right now or what their intention is for the class or the day). The sharing has been a powerful support to help welcome new people, get to know each other, and build community/sangha. Following a brief period of mindful stretching/movement, we finish with a longer meditation (25-30 minutes) and final reflections on the teachings, sharing, Q&A, and announcements. Class participants are welcome to stay and engage with other members of the community or adjourn to a neighboring restaurant or coffee shop. This space is inclusive, everyone is welcome, and we invite you to bring with you all aspects of yourself. Learn more here: https://imcw.org/Calendar/Event-Calendar/EventId/3686/e/drop-in-class-livestreamed-19-apr-2020

Learn to manage stress and achieve self-growth through simple relaxation and Meditation. Heartfulness Meditation is a simple, modern, methodical approach to meditation. Rather than homing in on your breath or repeating a mantra, you simply focus inward, on your heart, to cultivate inner strength and serenity. Heartfulness meditation is gaining traction in recent years. It focuses on the heart, allowing individuals to connect with themselves on a deeper level, and ultimately achieve peace, relaxation, and clarity. It is a practice that encourages patience, self-compassion, and acceptance, helping cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment. This practice is offered with love and at no cost

(Bus hike) Compton Peak is notable for its set of columnar jointing of basalt crystals with their distinctive hexagonal shape. Long hikers start in Chester Gap at Rt. 522 and ascend the AT into park, with moderate hikers joining their route at Compton Gap Trail. Both hikes end at Hogwallow Flats Overlook on the Skyline Drive. The high point of the hike, both literally and figuratively, is the 2,909-ft. Compton Peak, where optional side trails lead to the columnar basalt outcrop and to a viewpoint of the Shenandoah Valley below. Each side trail adds about ½ mile and 100-200 feet of ascent to the total hike mileage and elevation gain. Est.: 10 miles, 3200' elevation and 6 1/2 miles, 1900' elevation. PATC Map 9. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass. VA Hikes * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. The weather report for Sunday is looking favorable. The rain in the forecast should be out of the Front Royal area well before the hike starts. Also, the unseasonable heat will subside by Saturday. RESERVATIONS Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. COVID PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

**This 'Grand Circuit' hard 8mile hike is an adventurous & scenic scamper! Pace: 3mph. The trek traverses varying terrain, with rolling hills that total to \~1000ft. of elevation gain, as well as repetitious rivulet crossings**... All while circumnavigating the lustrous Lake Frank, with two tantalizing trees (including MD's 8th biggest) along the way! The hike rock hops across Rock Creek, paralleling it and another stream, sauntering up to the green and serene SUNFISH POND. The trek then weaves through the wonderous woodland, eventually arriving at a former/ historical parking lot at the Lake. The circuit shortly shies away on a spur-loop down to the official Rock Creek Trail (RCT) afterwards, creeping by a CORRODED CAR, before approaching a **rocky & abrasive, yet awesome ascent nicknamed "P.R.A.T.N.E.W"\*!** The trek then dawdles over the earthworks of the Lake Frank Dam, offering vast views (as seen above), before skirting along the shoreline. An awful ascent up the *Old Nasty trail* leads to a spur-trail en route to the PRATHER FAMILY CEMETERY/ OBELISK (pictured)... After another look at the Lake, the hike may reveal another spur to "the Point", a dramatic (maybe marshy) spot where Rock Creek feeds into the lake! The latter of the circuit begins with a 'fork in the road', of which the 'hard option' trails a narrow ridgeline via a tricky **"TRAVERSE"\***! A beguiling boulder lies just beyond. The trek then continues beneath a COVERED BRIDGE before snaking through the Smith Center-- home to a pioneer farmstead, a fire watch tower, and an obstacle course (-- possibly a future Meetup??). The hike concludes by visiting some farm animals as well as Birds of Prey, terminating with an overlook of a puny pond. NOTES: 1\. Trail Forecast= [MAP](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/lake-frank-meadowside-trails-map_a11y.pdf) \| Boots & Trek poles advised\.\.\. Trek trajectory subject to change\. 2.\*= **P**ainter's **R**ocks **A**nd **T**he **N**ew **E**ngland **W**ay... Please heed that this as well as (the) "TRAVERSE" ascents are precarious & not suitable for beginner hikers. 3\. Post\-social BYO Picnic Lunch\, but be sure to pack a snack too\!

Start in Livingstone and end in Victoria Falls! With the Safari tour you have a 8 days tour package taking you through Livingstone, Zambia and 3 other destinations in Africa that includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals, transport. Tour Start livingstone Tour End Victoria Falls Destination Zambia, Nambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe Itinerary Day01 Big 5 Mukuni Village Tour and Rhino Safari Day 2-3 Victoria Falls Tour Day 4-5 Boat and Game drive Safari Day 6-8 Victoria falls magic, Dine at the edge of the gorge Price: $3590 (Double Occupancy) $3990 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes Room and tent accommodation with restaurant on site Profesional guide avaliable for the entrie trip 8 x breakfast 5 x lunch 5 x dinners All transfers Price Excludes Flights Meals Personal Expenses Optional activities Travel insurance / Visa Tips $100 Park fees \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/zambia-nambia-botswana-zimbabwe-8-days-4-countries-adventure-and-safari/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/zambia-nambia-botswana-zimbabwe-8-days-4-countries-adventure-and-safari/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

The heat wave ends on Sunday and showers should be finished by late morning. Let's meet at 2 pm for a hike across NW DC with a stop at the Cathedral. Since the hike will be on a Sunday, there should be free entrance into the Cathedral for folks who want to check out the glorious stained windows & other attractions. We will meet at 2 on by the Tenleytown metro station and walk down Nebraska to Foxhall Road and back up the Glover Archbold Trail. After the National Cathedral, we will wend our way back to Tenleytown. The starting point for the hike is a hop and a skip from a Whole Foods store with the best peanut butter cookies in the D.C. area. ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the meetup point we'll walk southeast along Wisconsin Ave NW, turn left at Nebraska Ave NW and follow it southwest to Foxhall Rd NW, * We will hook a left on Garfield Ave. and follow to the Glover-Archbold Trail through the woods back to Cathedral Ave. We will cross Wisconsin Ave and stop at the National Cathedral. We will then wend back to Tenleytown via 36th St., 37th St., and Van Ness. * Total distance is around 5 miles and should take about 2 hours, . The surface is paved and slightly downhill on the way out, and a slightly uphill mix of pavement and woodland trails on the way back. This is a fairly easy walk. * [map is for prior version of the hike; update pending] Google map: http://tinyurl.com/y9bthc7a ❷ **How to get there:** * Metro (recommended): The Tenleytown - AU Metro Station is on the Red Line. See the Metro Trip Planner at https://www.wmata.com/ * Driving: If you must drive, the Tenleytown - AU Metro Stationstreet address is 4501 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016. There is limited parallel parking in the area, but mind the street signs and leave plenty of time to find a spot! ❸ **What to bring:** Plenty of water, comfy shoes. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is cloudy with a high temperature of 63F. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/sw2ejvu8 ❺ **Advisory**: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. Dogs must be leashed at all times. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms near the meetup point at Whole Foods, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Starbucks, and Target and at the Cathedral.

It's April and it's time to get outside! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, April 19 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

Each month we will gather in community for mindfulness meditation and activities. There will be time for collective family practice as well as time for parents and children to break-out into groups and engage with peers. Rooms will be right next door to each other. We request that children under the age of 5 stay with caregivers. Learn more and subscribe to updates and newsletters [here](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=751).

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.

We'll hike 3.4 miles on the Killdeer and Yellowlegs Trails - both out and back gravel trails. If we want more mileage we can repeat an out and back. Pace of around 3.5 mph, no one left behind and those who want to go faster sure can! As always optional lunch after. This is the second Metro Park in the lineup for me - with 21 to go (plus more are being added).

Let’s walk the gardens and enjoy what has spring has on display.