Wilderness Survival

**Scott’s Run Nature Preserve: A Moderate 5.1 Mile Hike** Let's find out what's new, what's growing, and what's flowing at the Preserve on Christmas eve. Expect to explore the Potomac shoreline; rocky cliffs and a beautiful view of Scott’s Run Waterfall which feeds into the Potomac River. We hopefully will see hawks and eagles, and other birds. The trails are mostly packed dirt. Some hills. May encounter muddy trails and preening ducks. Note: There are several stream crossings, most with concrete stepping stones. Scotts Run Nature Preserve is a little piece of wilderness saved from urban sprawl. Edward D. Burling, a founding partner of Covington & Burling law firm, once owned well over a 100-acre portion of the land that makes up present-day Scott's Run nature preserve. It avoided development in the 1970's and was renamed the Dranesville District Park. Today it is known as the Scott's Run Nature Preserve. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00 **Directions to Trailhead**: We will meet in the larger of the two parking lots. The GPS Coordinates are 38.959512, -77.205148 **Please read this carefully**…..The larger parking lot is on Georgetown Pike about 1 mile outside of the beltway. The best street address to use is 808 Swinks Mill Road, McLean VA. THIS ADDRESS IS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SCOTT’S RUN PARKING LOT. **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 5.1 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 584 Feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: There are no toilet facilities on this hike Fees: No entrance fees **Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found [here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/e8a77845fba5b8e31e9be76a5e50e296bd1e63de01a0afca33b83ac334604659). **Notes**: -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership).

Come try underwater hockey! We are open to new players. You just need to bring a bathing suit. If you have a mask, snorkel, or fins bring those, but we have extra to borrow. We are at The Saint James Sport Center. Go in the main entrance, walk past the front desk. Take the first right down a hallway. Follow the hallway to a set of stairs, take the stairs. Take the first right down another hallway. Locker rooms on the left.

\*\*\* New Trial Process - No More Signing In \*\*\* **Step 1:** **Read the Liability Disclaimer:** [https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf) **Step 2:** When prompted, **type:** **"I Accept**/**Full Name/Contact Number/Emergency Contact Number"** Example: "I accept/Jane Doe/703-555-5555/301-666-6666" This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes. **Length**: 4 mi. Elevation gain: 200 feet. Pace: 2.0 miles per hour \*\* Not suitable for fast paced hikers \*\* **DESCRIPTION** We will take a leisurely walk through the neighborhoods of Kensington, MD and Rock Creek Trail to visit the spectacular Christmas lights decorations at the Mormon Temple. Optional dinner in Kensington after the hike. **DETAILS** We will meet in the parking lot of the MARC station in Kensington MD. We will walk first along Kensington Parkway and then on Rock Creek Trail to the Mormon Temple. We will take a 45-minute break to visit the temple and the lights. We will then continue our walk through the neighborhood streets of Kensington to return to the starting point. Mostly pavement; there is a small section where we can hike optionally on the trail by the side of Silver Creek. Wear an article of clothing that reflects light so that vehicles can see you. Flashlights are ok but are not really required; once your eyes adjust, the night vision is usually sufficient. Dinner will be at downtown Kensington; based on the group size we may need to split into different groups so that we do not overwhelm the restaurants. Options for dinner include Frankly Pizza and a couple of other restaurants. **WHERE TO MEET** **Kensington MARC Station**: at 3711 Howard Av. Coordinates: 39.026756, -77.071935 DOGS not permitted due to the nature of the event.

Discover the power of your breath to manage your mind and experience instant peace & calm. Join a 60-minute free Workshop and get a glimpse of the Sudarshan KriyaTM- The breathing technique that is revolutionizing the lives of millions. What you’ll discover at ‘Beyond Breath’ ✔ A taste of the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a breathing technique taught in the Happiness Program ✔ An instant energy booster that awakens & relaxes your mind - Take it home and practice daily! ✔ The peace & calm of a unique guided meditation ✔ Secret keys to manage your mind ✔ The power of surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people. You can use your breath to master your thoughts and emotions - the key to managing the quality of your day. The Happiness Program At the end of this workshop you may enroll into the Happiness Program (3 days, 3 hours each day) to learn the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a science-backed, rhythmic breathing technique through which you can: Tap into a reservoir of energy and use it as you please! Relieve deep-rooted stresses and anxieties Uplevel your productivity Overcome emotional blocks, move on from past events and shed limiting beliefs Heal your body & gain power over your mind Experience the true state of meditation Learn more about the Happiness Program & the Sudarshan KriyaTM in our introductory workshop 'Secrets to Meditation'. Instagram: artoflivingDMV aolf.live/secretstomeditation

**Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** **TO NOTE**: If you plan on taking this class OnLine, a support person must be present with the survivor. The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 3,5,7,9.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Start and end in Tunis! With the In-depth Cultural tour, you have a 8 days package taking you through Tunis and 7 other destinations in Tunisia that includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, meals, transport and more. It’s time to get checked your next Bucket List Destination! Tour Start Tunis Tour End Tunis Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 2pm • Return: Day06 after 4pm Airport: Tunis-Carthage Intl. airport (Tunisia) Itinerary Day01 ARRIVAL TUNIS - HAMMAMET (70km - 1hr) Day02 HAMMAMET - KAIROUAN - TOZEUR (420km - 7hrs) Day03 TOZEUR – CHOTT DJERID – DOUZ (130km - 2hrs) Day04 DOUZ - MATMATA - EL DJEM – SOUSSE (432km - 5hrs) Day05 SOUSSE - TUNIS (140km - 2hrs) Day06 DEPARTURE TUNIS Cost: $2690 (Double Occupancy) $2990 (Single Supplement) Inclusions Price Includes • 5 nights’ accommodation • Operated with English/French/ German/ Italian/Spanish-speaking driver-guide on a shared basis • 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners • All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary: Bardo National Museum, Great Mosque of Kairouan, Aghlabid basins, El Djem, Carthage site. • Meet and greet upon arrival at the airport • Shared transportation as indicated in the itinerary • Inbound/Outbound transfers from/to Tunis-Carthage International Airport Price Excludes • Flights • Meals • Personal Expenses • Local Hotel Tax • Optional excursions as noted in the itinerary: 4X4 ride to Chebika , 4X4 ride to Ong Jmel • Travel insurance / Visa • Tips ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/tunisia-in-6-days-tunis-hammamet-kairouan-and-more/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/tunisia-in-6-days-tunis-hammamet-kairouan-and-more/) Questions? Text / Call - 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

Social Sips & Bites friends, we heard you. A few of you reached out asking if we had anything planned for Christmas Eve. Melissa and I are happy to share that yes, we’re putting something together. We’re organizing a relaxed, casual walk through Old Town Alexandria, followed by a cozy group dinner at (any restaurant we can find open that night). It will be a great chance to enjoy the festive lights, have good conversation, and spend time together before the holiday. This will be a small, and fun group.

**(Trailhead hike)** We will meet on the east side/north bound side of Connecticut Avenue, near the Cleveland Park Metro entrance at 9:00 am. Alternately, hikers may park at the Pierce Mill parking area off of Shoemaker Street NW and meet us near the restrooms and picnic pavilion at 9:30. From Connecticut Avenue, we will hike down the Melvin Hazen trail to meet other hikers near the restrooms and picnic pavilion. All hikers will then take the Valley trail to Pulpit Rock and continue on the Valley trail. Moderate hikers will cross the creek at the Milkhouse Ford bridge. Long hikers will continue to Boundary Bridge. Both hikes will take the Western Ridge trail, past the Nature Center, and back to the Pierce Mill area. We will then climb the Melvin Hazen trail back up to Connecticut Avenue. Est.: 12.5 miles, 2000' elevation and 8 miles, 1400' elevation. PATC Map N. Hike Fee: $5. Hiking poles are recommended. In lieu of refreshments after the hike, hikers will optionally congregate at Laredo Mexican Restaurant, 3500 Connecticut Avenue. Hike Meeting place: Cleveland Park Metro, 3599 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC We will meet at the east side/north bound side of Connecticut Avenue Time: 9:00 AM 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)

Did you know Alexandria and Arlington were once part of the District of Columbia? Join us on a hike along a portion of the former boundary line between the nation’s capital and Virginia. Discover why this area was included in the Federal City and why it was retroceded to Virginia in 1846. See stones placed every mile along the boundary survey line in 1791; all except one on this hike are original stones. These are the first federal monuments in the nation’s capital. As an added bonus, we’ll see Old Town Alexandria decorated for the holidays. This is an urban-style hike, mostly on sidewalks; total distance approx. 7 miles, with 371 ft. of elevation gain. We’ll meet at 9:30 AM near the restrooms at Jones Point Park and hike along the southwest boundary line to Baileys Crossroads. Towards the end of the hike, we will stop in a park for quick bag lunch. Dress for the weather and bring water, lunch and snacks. After the hike, we’ll take a public bus to City Hall in Old Town, so don’t forget to bring a Metro farecard. From Old Town, it is about a mile walk to Jones Point Park. Parking is available in Jones Point Park and there are restroom opportunities along the hike 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.

*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.* (7ish-mile, mainly flat, out-and-back moderate [roughly 3 mph while moving] hike. Rating: C) Looking for a getaway after Christmas presents have been unwrapped and before a festive dinner -- or just looking for a hike if you don't celebrate Christmas? Please join us as we trek along the paved W&OD Trail, its dirt horse trail, and a couple of side trails. We will attempt a couple of stream crossings (hopefully not too wet from the drought) but you can detour around them. We'll start at the RED CABOOSE in Vienna and turn around at Hunter Mill Road at Reston's border. **MEET:** Noon at the RED CABOOSE on the W&OD Trail ACROSS THE STREET FROM the Freeman Store & Museum, 131 Church Street, Vienna, VA. Copy these coordinates into Google Maps: 38.903539, -77.265726 **IMPORTANT NOTES:** **PLEASE READ. YOU WILL BE GRADED ON THIS.** Adults only and no pets, including pet reindeer. Bring: sense of humor and water. Optional binoculars, cameras, and iNaturalist apps are welcome since this stretch of the trail is usually birdy and the hike leader can't resist a good nature op. Please stay RIGHT on all public trails to allow bikes, runners, walkers, and sleighs to safely pass us. Finish time of 3:30 pm is approximate. **RESTROOMS:** Commercial/town restrooms will likely be closed for Christmas so stop by a restroom beforehand. There are portapotties at our turnaround point (and biobreaks available about half-way there). **PARKING:** Free street parking by meeting place and additional parking in the lot at the nearby Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA. (PLEASE READ THE SIGNS. DON'T PARK WHERE IT SAYS NO W&OD PARKING OR YOU COULD BE TOWED.) **W&OD TRAIL:** (Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park) [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park) **W&OD TRAIL MAP:** https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Viewer/index.html?appid=58c4130464c747abb0f70fce13b30729 **CLOSEST METRO:** Vienna-Fairfax/GMU station on the Orange Line. [https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/vienna.cfm](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/vienna.cfm)

I will gladly admit stealing this idea from [Capital Hiking Club](https://www.meetup.com/capital-hiking-club/) and [DC Urban Walkers](https://www.meetup.com/dc-urban-walkers/). This trek will have us starting at the US Botanical Gardens and go see the five best Christmas Trees around downtown DC. We'll gather at a restaurant afterwards to warm up, though it should be unseasonable warm on Saturday anyway. We will get started at 5pm in front of the [US Botanical Garden](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TZiAYQk6FbXeupvA6), at the fountain with the giant silver Christmas balls. I STRONGLY encourage you to get there at least a half hour early to see the dinosaur-themed model train display outside, and the architectural models of all the monuments made out of plants in the atrium, just inside the gardens building. Both close at 5:00. From there we will head to the following: 1\. A quarter\-mile northeast to the Capitol Tree 2\. Half a mile northwest on Pennsylvania Ave\. to the Canadian Embassy's tree \(my personal favorite\) 3\. Up Pennsylvania\, then right on 8th NW to the Christmas Market\. We will stop here for 20 minutes in case anybody wants to shop or get some grub\. The Poblano Chicken Chili at the taco truck was a hit and had no line to wait in\. 4\. From there we will head north on 9th St\. and make a left down Palmer Alley to see the various bougie displays at City Center\. 5\. We'll head back south on 11th to Pershing Park\, then the final tree in the Ellipse\. 6\. I was thinking of heading to [Astro Beer Hall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZmqceDeQk1ibCKss5) afterwards, but I'm open to suggestions if someone has a better plan. Metro Center station is just another block east and can get you back to where you started from. Distance from Botanical Gardens to this point is 3.1 miles. **Getting there:** I know most of you are suburbanites, but the Metro IS your friend. The closest Orange/Blue/Silver/Green/Yellow station is L'Enfant Plaza, which connects to Metro Center (our end point) without transfer. Exit at Maryland Ave. - that is a ten minute walk. Closest Red Line station is Union or Judiciary, a 17-minute walk, though it also connects to our end point. Union Station also has an impressive tree, but a panhandler will likely demand payment if you stare at it for too long. If you are coming by car, C and D St SW are likely your best bets for parking. We will be starting just as all the museums close.

Let’s go for a long walk and check out the Cabin John trail and Glen Echo park Start: Grosvenor - Strathmore Metro End: Friendship Heights Metro Length: 15 miles Pt. 1 (3 miles): https://maps.app.goo.gl/xbwJEqH2RkPU1zvN9 Pt. 2 (6 miles): https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cabin-John-Stream-Valleyy-Trails-map-2023-0522-letter.pdf Pt. 3 (5.5 miles): https://maps.app.goo.gl/k2CLupw9nvL3UbjFA We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. 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.

**Park Map / Trailhead hike – NO BUS** *$5. Long hike: up to 8½ mi., 850 ft. ascent/descent. Moderate hike: up to 5½ mi., 450 ft. ascent/descent.* Here’s a festive way to close out the year: a brisk hike along the wildest, most scenic stretch of the Potomac River – yet only a short drive away. Starting at Riverbend Park, part of Fairfax County’s park system, we’ll follow the river trail eastbound to Great Falls. There, a choice of loops takes us along the rim of spectacular Mather Gorge and past ruins of Matildaville and George Washington’s Powtomack Canal before we return to Riverbend. RESERVATIONS Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited on all trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Friday, but reserving before Wednesday night 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. 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 at least a 2 mph pace. LIABILITY By RSVP'ing for a CHC hike, you acknowledge and accept that hikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or club activities. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the hike. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full refund less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before 12PM the Thursday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after 12PM the Thursday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. MORE DETAILS -- **[SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](https://www.capitalhikingclub.org/hikes-faqs)**

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.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.