About us
This group is about getting out with other people and being social while doing it.
This group is about real life. So online messaging of people you have not met in real life is not allowed.
For the rest of any rules of conduct . . . they pretty much run along the lines of your average cabin group for a sleep-away Summer Camp.
Think of this group as . . . Summer Camp For Adults.
With that . . .
. . . Here are the basics of group rules.
- Do NOT contact members who you have not met in real life. (see above)
- Avoid Put Downs.
- Speak For Yourself.
- Listen To Others.
- You Have The Option To Pass.
- Expect Unfinished Business.
Attendance rules: Try to always update your RSVP.
Photo and Name: You are allowed to join with whatever name and whatever photo. HOWEVER the main organizers may request you change either name or photo a their discretion.
Names that are products, promotional, advertisements are red flags that will be requested to change or be removed.
If you are using a photo that is not your face, a current face photo may be requested.
Here is the rule of thumb.
Fake name and fake photo will be requested to change to a real photo and a real name or face removal.
Real photo and fake name is usually fine. Fake photo and real name is usually fine.
IF you need to maintain privacy of both then contact the main organizers and just ask. That's all it takes usually.
Can't stress this enough . . . As a guideline do not message people you have not met in person. This is not an online dating place.
Ladies: If a guy messages you please contact me. There have been problems with that happening over meetup in general.
It's just not cool.
Meetup is about real life and not virtual.
Guys, . . . get off your computer and come to an event. Say hello in person. Smile, . . . be personable and decent.
And just be there to get to know people and make friends of whatever gender.
You can always use new good friends.
And this is one way to make/meet them.
Wingman tactics and and Pickup artist tactics are similarly not allowed in this group.
Organizers of another group that are not an organizer or host here are also not allowed to solicit members.
The rest of the rule are just good ways to live and be.
All organizers on the group do have different set of rules.
The (organizer) rules simplified.
- No Emailing (do not use the bulk email feature in any way)
- Do NOT use the "discussions box" on the main page of the group (it's spammy).
- No outside links
- Great Copy
- Great Pix
- 4 weeks notice is best.
- List any money costs in the first 2 or 3 lines.
Not too many rules.
Not too complicated.
They all have to do with respect for the membership.
Featured event
Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits ~ A bucket list adventure.
Our Meetup is off to another hiking adventure! Mt Kilimanjaro, as the tallest mountain in Africa, is included in the 7 Summits of the world.
It is a bucket-list item for all hard-core hikers and mountain lovers.
We did this trek with Meetup in the summer of 2024 and it was a true experience of a lifetime (see photos below)
Let's get to some numbers. It is 5,895m/19,340ft
BUT . . . our starting elevation for the trek is 3795m/12541ft
As such elevation gain is 2100m/6799ft
To compare Everest Base Camp trek, is about 2754m/9035ft elevation change. And Mt Whitney is about 1828m/6000ft elevation change.
The key to being able to succeed in this endeavor lays in the route and the support system.
We are taking the Lemosho Route via the Northern Circuit. The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It's one of the best routes because it has the best acclimatization profile. This results in one of the highest summit success rates. Add to that stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It is also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes.
As far as our support system: We will be accompanied by experienced guides, porters and cooks. They are certified, ensuring our safety and comfort. Porters will carry our gear.
We will have a high ratio of guides to hikers. Our guides will go our pace and support each and everyone of us, regardless of fitness level and pace. In other words...you go your own speed and we all get there safe.
More about our trek/trip.
As with all our international trips, we picked the best season/time of year to go for weather and wildlife. Lemosho and Northern Circuit is a scenically spectacular and varied route. At the lower elevations it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season.
Each of our trips is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.
But I don't have the needed gear?!
You don't need much more than the standard trekker's equipment. We will provide you with a list of what is already included and what can be rented there.
Does this include food?
All meals on the trek potion are included and a cook travels with us!
What is lodging like?
We are sleeping in new and comfortable tents (carried during the day by porters)
I am new at this.
That's OK. We do plenty of prep Zooms before we depart. And in California we have a number of local outdoor day or weekend outings you can test out with us.
How dangerous is this? What if I get sick or hurt?
We will be walking on an established, well used trail the entire time. Our trip INCLUDES emergency insurance. We are also Certified Wilderness First Responders and our guides are members of (AMREF) Flying Doctor.
Plain and simple, safety is our primary goal.
How much does this cost?
Kilimanjaro Mountain Trek $3950 per person, double occupancy. Land only (airfare not included). Solo supplement $600
Trip Cost includes:
- 9 nights accommodation
- 3 meals everyday on the trek
- All Fees & Entrances and Taxes
- Camping equipment such as tents, tables, chairs.
- Lead Guide, Assistant Guides, Porters and Cook
RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.
The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $300 deposit:
CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).
IF you need an airfare quote, Click here to message Anna
For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST
To see pictures from our Kilimanjaro adventure in 2024 CLICK HERE
We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.
Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom
The MAIN location where this event is posted:
https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/
(RSVP there for any conversation and comments)
This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here for our other events:
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
SOT 200318-10
Upcoming events
136
Mount Teneriffe (Hard Hike)
Park and Ride-Greenlake, 6601 8th Ne Ave, Seattle, WA, USJoin me for some exercise Saturday at Mount Teneriffe.
Distance: 10-12 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft.
Difficulty: HardWant a steep trail and great exercise without a long drive? That’s what North Bend is for. We will do Mount Teneriffe via the Kamikaze trail, taking the longer more gradual path on the way down. Easily as steep as Mailbox, expect to cover over 2,000 ft elevation per mile once this trail gets going. That said, this is not a scramble route and does not require much climbing or exposure. If the sun is out, you are rewarded with amazing views of nearby Mailbox peak and the entire Snoqualmie valley.
I intend to do some weight training, so we will set a moderate pace.
On the way back, we will traverse over to the summit of Mount Si, and anyone who wants can climb the haystack. Reports say it is snow-free.
Hiking poles are recommended. I recommend microspikes too, just in case there are a few snow patches left. Bring plenty of food and 2-3 L of water and dress in layers so that you are ready for any sort of weather.
Download this GPS map for alltrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/mount-teneriffe-via-mount-teneriffe-trailheadRiders should reimburse the driver $10-15 for gas. Bring a plastic bag to place your boots in after the hike. A Discover Pass is required to park at the trailhead.
Important: I am not a guide and this is not a guided trip. You and yourself alone are responsible for your own safety. Please know your abilities before signing up.
11 attendees
Rattlesnake Ledge hike (~5 mi, ~1400ft)
Mercer Island Park & Ride, 8000 North Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA, USNOTE: MEETING POINT IS MERCER ISLAND PARK & RIDE (Right next to the Mercer Island Link Rail station)
Let’s hike one of the most iconic and rewarding trails near Seattle — Rattlesnake (upper) Ledge. This is a classic Pacific Northwest hike that delivers big views for relatively moderate effort, making it a perfect mix of workout and scenery.
We’ll begin on a well-maintained forest trail that gradually climbs through towering evergreens. The path is steady with a series of switchbacks, gaining elevation at a consistent pace without being overly technical. As we ascend, you’ll start catching glimpses of Rattlesnake Lake below and the surrounding peaks.
At the top, we’ll reach Rattlesnake Upper Ledge — a dramatic rocky viewpoint overlooking the lake, Mount Si, and the Snoqualmie Valley. The expansive views make this one of the most photographed spots in the region. We’ll take time here to relax, enjoy snacks, and soak in the scenery before heading back down the same way.
This is a moderate hike with a steady incline, suitable for most hikers with basic fitness.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/rattlesnake-ledge| Distance: ~5.5 mi RT | Duration: 2–3 hrs
| Difficulty Level: Moderate
| Elevation Gain: ~1,400 ft
| Trail Type: Out & Back
| Pace: Moderate with breaks
📍 Meeting Point: Mercer Island Park & Ride (Take the Link Light Rail (Line 2) directly to Mercer Island Station)
💰 Riders: Please pay $10 to your driver toward fuel before departure.
🚗 Parking: Free***
### Things to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoes
1.5–2L of water
Snacks
Layered clothes
Sunglasses / sunscreen***
### Schedule
8:00 AM – Meet at Mercer Island Park & Ride
8:15 AM – Depart for trailhead
9:00 AM – Start hike
10:30 AM – Reach ledge + relax / snack break
11:30 AM – Start descent
12:30 PM – Return to trailhead
1:00 PM – Return to Seattle***
### How to reach Mercer Island Park & Ride
🚆 From DT Bellevue / DT Redmond (Eastside):
Take the Link Light Rail (Line 2) directly to Mercer Island Station — the park & ride is right next to the station.🚆 From DT Seattle:
Take the bus/Streetcar to any Link light rail station and then transfer to Link Light Rail (Line 2) directly to Mercer Island Station🚌 Other Options:
Multiple King County Metro Bus routes stop at Mercer Island Park & Ride, making it a convenient hub from various neighborhoods.***
### Notes
Dogs are allowed on leash.
Please follow Leave No Trace principles.***
This is not a guided tour. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you and your guests are solely responsible for your own safety. You attend at your own risk, and the hosts, co-hosts, and organizers are indemnified.
7 attendees
Wildflowers at Whiskey Dick (moderate hike)
Greenlake Park and Ride, 6601 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, USLet's look for wildflowers on Whiskey Dick Ridge!
Distance: 9-10 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft.
Difficulty: ModerateSpring is here and the desert wildflowers should be blooming! Let’s take a ride over the pass to the Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area near Ellensburg. We can expect spring cactus flowers, bitterroot, and many others, as well as birds and other wildlife. Let’s enjoy the brief splash of green and flowers in the arid east side while we wait for the mountain snow to pass.
The hike is moderate overall, but there is a steep section where we will cut down through the coulee and up the other side. Hiking poles and good boots are advised. It can be windy up on the ridge, so bring a jacket or windbreaker. Also, there will be no trees or shade, so a hat and sunscreen are important!
Download this GPS map for alltrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/whiskey-dick-loop-e34cf07Riders will reimburse their drivers for gas (expect $25-$30 depending on car and # of passengers). Bring a plastic bag to place your boots in after the hike. A Discover Pass is required to park at the trailhead.
Important: I am not a guide and this is not a guided trip. You and yourself alone are responsible for your own safety. Please know your abilities before signing up.
30 attendees
Past events
3008
