Urban Exploration

Even if you've never played beach volleyball before, I can show you how you can start having more fun on a sand volleyball court. If you have played before, would you like to \* know where and how to stand while you're waiting for the ball? \* move through the sand more quickly? \* get to the ball in time more often? \* cushion the ball so it doesn't hurt even if it's hit hard at you? \* be able to aim the ball when you pass ("bump") it? \* know which player you should pass the ball to? \* "set" the ball so that your teammate can attack ("spike") it? \* get more of your serves over the net, in bounds, and with more power? \* learn how to approach a "set" ball so you have time to hit it? \* hit the ball with more control and power? We'll learn the keys to all of these skills and practice them so that they begin to feel more comfortable and familiar. If there's time and interest, we can do some exercises and/or play short games. \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- I recommend wearing comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting sandy, sunglasses to help your vision in bright sun, and sandals/slides to avoid getting sand in your shoes. You may also want to bring a towel to help wipe the sand and sweat off your body. \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- Use the monthly [calendar](https://www.meetup.com/i-love-austin-but-i-need-some-f-g-friends/events/calendar/) to see upcoming events at a glance.

**\*\*\*RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP\*\*\*** **[About the Park](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caprock-canyons)** If you're looking for a stunning outdoor adventure, Caprock Canyons State Park in the Texas Panhandle is an absolute gem! This sprawling 15,000-acre park showcases gorgeous, rugged canyons shaped over time by wind and water, creating some truly breathtaking scenery. One of the coolest features? It's home to the official Texas State Bison Herd – you will spot these majestic animals roaming the landscape! With over 90 miles of trails, there's plenty to explore whether you're into hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The park also features prairie dog towns, camping options ranging from primitive sites to convenient drive-up spots, and spectacular viewpoints like Holmes Creek Canyon. Don't miss the Folsom Historic Site, a beautiful natural bridge, and the intriguing Fern Cave – they all add to your visit! **About the Work** The park rangers would like us to do trailway bridge work along with brushing trails. **About Transportation** Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Carpooling is encouraged; please contact other attendees on this trip to arrange your carpool. **About Lodging** We will be tent camping within the state park, at the South Prong area (no electrical or water). Participants are responsible for bringing their own camping equipment. **About Meals** Participants bring their own breakfasts and lunches. For evening meals, you and your cooking group (TBA) will feed the entire group one evening - this includes bringing and preparing the food, as well as dish patrol (washing pots/pans/etc.) **About Our Day Off** Sunday April 19 is our day to enjoy the park- participants can decide what they want to do during this day. There are usually hikes or other outings organized within the group. ***But wait - there’s more!*** On Saturday April 18, (after Palo Duro SP, and before Caprock Canyons SP) we get to check out a huge area nearby that is not open to the public, and won’t be for at least three years! The [Cross Bar Special Recreation Management Area](https://friendsofcrossbarsrma.org) is big - 11,883 acres. It is the only BLM land in Texas. We have received special permission to have them guide us across private property to get to the preserve. They are meeting us at the gate at 10:30am on Saturday April 18. It is about an hour drive from Palo Duro. The gate’s address is 9610 Brickplant Road, Amarillo, TX. After exploring the Cross Bar, many of us will proceed to Caprock Canyons State Park (2 hour drive) for another week long service project. **TO SIGN UP FOR CAPROCK CANYONS SP SERVICE PROJECT:** 1. **RSVP on Meetup.** The Meetup may show as full, but if you want to come, please sign up. There is usually plenty of turnover. 2. **Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details.** Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure this trip is right for you. 3. **Contact information:** Send your name, cell number, and email address to **[stanpeyton@gmail.com](mailto:stanpeyton@gmail.com)** 4. **Complete the Medical Form [https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021](https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021).** Scan and email the form also to **[stanpeyton@gmail.com](mailto:stanpeyton@gmail.com)** (preferred) or to Stan Peyton’s mailing address below. 5. **Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1** **[https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020](https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020)** 6. **Mail the forms to:** **Stan Peyton** **8408 Hanbridge Lane** **Austin, TX 78736** **VERY IMPORTANT - IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE ABOVE PAPERWORK WITHIN TEN DAYS OF YOUR SIGNING UP, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP.** ***Don’t sign up unless you are serious about attending.*** **YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:** **-Food and drink for all your breakfasts, snacks, and lunches.** **-6 gallons of potable water** (park water is high in nitrates and unpotable) **-Mess kit (plate/bowl, utensils, napkin)** **-Your cooking groups’ dinner ingredients & containers for leftovers** **-Tent and tent supplies (footprint, tent, fly, mallet, stakes)** **-Implements of sleeping (sleeping bag, pillow, earplugs)** **-Work gloves, eye protection, kneeling pad, trail tools, geologist hammer** **-Day pack to carry to work sites** **-Flashlight/headlamp** **-camp chair** **-Clothes for the weather, including long shirt, long pants, & boots for trail work, and rain gear** **-Personal prescriptions** **-Water bottle** **-Personal First Aid kit (include tweezers)** **-Sunscreen, bug spray** **ASCO group cooking equipment (large pots/pans, etc.) will be brought by Trip Leaders.**

Saturday In-Person Writing Session – Join Us! Join us every Saturday at 9 AM for a live writing session at Lamppost Coffee on E Main in Round Rock. Whether you're diving into your novel, working on a short story, or just looking to get some words on the page, this is a welcoming space for writers of all kinds. * Drop in anytime during the session * Get feedback, give feedback, or just write * Say hello and meet fellow local writers Interested in organizing a future write-in, attending a writing conference, or submitting to a flash fiction contest? Let us know! We’re always looking for new ways to support our writing community and sharpen our craft. **Lamppost Coffee** 201 E Main St #101, Round Rock, TX 78664 If you don't see us at the big table in the front, check in the back room! See you on Saturday!

**Finding Your Life's Purpose** *What's your special reason for coming into this lifetime?* Awaken to your full spiritual potential with dreams, Soul Travel, or understanding past lives, just to name a few of the topics in the new *Raise Your Spiritual IQ! Experience Journal* recently released by ECK Master Harold Klemp. **Your spiritual IQ is unlimited!** Gain a new perspective on your purpose in life. Watch our [event video](https://youtu.be/cZX4KzaXx18) and discover how you can enhance your spirituality. **What to expect:** * Expand your inner awareness with the spiritual exercises found in the *Raise Your Spiritual IQ!* *Experience Journal* * Learn ways to handle challenges from a spiritual perspective * Discover techniques to access your divine intuition * Receive **a free book** and **beautifully illustrated *Experience Journal*** to jumpstart your spiritual adventure! **ECKANKAR welcomes people of all faiths and walks of life.** Please invite a friend and join us. We look forward to seeing you! **This in-person event will be at:** Austin Metaphysical & Holistic Fair Nature's Treasures Event Center [11055 N Interstate Hwy 35](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/11055+N+Interstate+Hwy+35,+Austin,+TX+78753//@30.3736056,-97.7174801,13z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m5!1m1!1s0x8644c93f889979f3:0xc038f2b3c8dc8019!2m2!1d-97.6762802!2d30.3736121!1m0?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) [Austin, TX 78753](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/11055+N+Interstate+Hwy+35,+Austin,+TX+78753//@30.3736056,-97.7174801,13z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m5!1m1!1s0x8644c93f889979f3:0xc038f2b3c8dc8019!2m2!1d-97.6762802!2d30.3736121!1m0?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)

Okay, folks, it's the **third Saturday** and we have reserved **more than four hours** **of board gaming**! So bring your friends and let's dig in. Your host has plenty of games (we'll always have Catan, but also everything from **A**zul to ... darn, I don't have a **Z** game, but how about **W**ingspan?). You're welcome to bring your own game(s) as well. Can you teach? Great! Play an old favorite, learn a new one. NEWBIES WELCOME—we will be happy to teach you to play. We are a safe, friendly, inclusive, and diverse group. We’ll meet at the Milwood branch of the Austin Public Library, in northwest Austin, at 12500 Amherst Dr, off Parmer/MoPac. There's plenty of free parking, including four spots for EV charging at the west end of the lot. We'll start at **12:30** and play till the library closes (well, actually till **4:45**). This should give us time for two longish games, three shorter ones, or one really challenging brain-burner per table. With up to seven tables at our disposal, that means... a lot of board gaming. See you there! P.S. Please, no food at the game tables—modern board games are expensive—so be sure to grab a bite before you arrive. Beverages in spill-proof containers are okay.

Casual open play pickleball for all levels, including beginners. Equipment: You will need to purchase a paddle, or you can rent one from the front desk. We play with “outdoor” balls. Usually our group has some but it’s a good idea to bring them just in case. I highly recommend wearing a good quality court shoe and comfortable athletic wear. Players **Must*** use this link to register. https://apexpbclubs.podplay.app/community/events/caacc51d-b16c-462c-b6c5-efff1a04a72f Spots are limited so sign up early. Cost is $12 per person ($10.80 for Apex members). Apex is an indoor facility with a pro shop and restaurant/bar on site. You do not need to be a member to play. The purpose of this group is to enjoy the game and introduce new people to the pickleball community. By signing up you agree to be willing to play with people who are at different skill and experience levels, and show kindness and respect to all players at all times.

**What unexpected places have you found the Divine?** Join like-hearted individuals to discuss where one can find the Divine in their lives. It can be in the most unexpected places. Every part of this ECK Light and Sound Service—stories, discussions, music—shows how the Light and Sound are part of our very being and can help you to identify the Divine in your life. Experience the [sacred sound of HU](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/) in a ten-minute spiritual exercise. It can **open your heart to divine love, healing, and inner guidance**. **Eckankar welcomes people of all faiths and walks of life**. Invite a friend and join us. \*\*\* **This in-person event is held at**: Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Arboretum 9505 Stonelake Blvd., Room Remington A Austin, TX 78759 Like to know more about Eckankar? Stop by the Spiritual Study Table after the service for free books & information about student enrollment. We look forward to seeing you! ***

Join us this Sunday at 2pm for a relaxed meetup at Yarrow & Sage ATX, a thoughtfully curated shop filled with tools and inspiration for intuitive, creative, and spiritually curious people. This welcoming space offers a beautiful mix of tarot and oracle decks, books, candles, incense, and other metaphysical goods, along with unique, handmade items from independent artists and herbalists. Whether you’re browsing, learning, or just soaking in the atmosphere, there’s plenty to explore. We’ll gather out front at 2pm—feel free to say hello and connect with others if you’d like, or simply enjoy the experience at your own pace. And while this event is labeled as 1-1/2 hours, feel free to come and go as you like. ***

Another one of my favorite outside venues! And this band is amazing! Come join me for fun with dancing, maybe singing along, socializing and I’m sure drinking will be done! Details below, copied from one of our amazing fellow groups: °Join us for a FREE live concert with North of Luck-Austin's high-energy cover band spinning rock hits and party favorites all night long Bring your lawn chairs, dancing shoes, and good vibes! Meet us for a bite to eat and socialize. No cover. Free parking. Let's rock Cedar Park -see you at the birdy!

Even if you've never played beach volleyball before, I can show you how you can start having more fun on a sand volleyball court. If you have played before, would you like to \* know where and how to stand while you're waiting for the ball? \* move through the sand more quickly? \* get to the ball in time more often? \* cushion the ball so it doesn't hurt even if it's hit hard at you? \* be able to aim the ball when you pass ("bump") it? \* know which player you should pass the ball to? \* "set" the ball so that your teammate can attack ("spike") it? \* get more of your serves over the net, in bounds, and with more power? \* learn how to approach a "set" ball so you have time to hit it? \* hit the ball with more control and power? We'll learn the keys to all of these skills and practice them so that they begin to feel more comfortable and familiar. If there's time and interest, we can do some exercises and/or play short games. \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- I recommend wearing comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting sandy, sunglasses to help your vision in bright sun, and sandals/slides to avoid getting sand in your shoes. You may also want to bring a towel to help wipe the sand and sweat off your body. \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- Use the monthly [calendar](https://www.meetup.com/i-love-austin-but-i-need-some-f-g-friends/events/calendar/) to see upcoming events at a glance.

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

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 want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Let’s meet, wander the exhibits and open galleries, and enjoy an evening out in the Franklinton Arts District. (Nearby pay parking is available in the garage on McDowell, right around the corner from One Line Coffee, and, past it along the curb as McDowell dead ends.)

Details Let's join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) Taco Bar Margarita and Beer tasting Complementary chips and salsa Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase Freshly prepared snacks in the deli for purchase Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: $15.00 per person (covers 4 Margarita or beer samples and one pass thru the Taco Bar) Where: #MarketDistrict (Grandview Yard) location. The party room (our private space) will be decorated with both patios open! Adjoining upstairs area also open for over flow and mingling. After Party: Sometimes, we head to a venue to hear live music afterwards. LDNL is at Black Swan in Hilliard tonight! Wear your bright colors and cheerful !Salud!