FRI EVE: Scenic Sunset Stroll & Skywatch Party! 🌅🍷🌕🔭
Details
Goodbye gloom, hello clear skies! Let's celebrate with a casual sunset hike, then enjoy free food/drink while gazing through a telescope at the moon and two impressive planets.
OVERVIEW
After 10 straight days of rain, Friday's forecast looks awesome! Clear skies, comfortable temps, low humidity. Perfect evening for a scenic, casual stroll along the C&O Canal towpath in Darnestown, MD. The walk will conclude with gorgeous sunset views over the Potomac River. Moreover, a nearly full moon will keep the celestial show going as twilight descends. The bright planets Venus and Jupiter will be on full display as well. As in the past, your host (Carl, aka PapaDuck) will set up a small telescope for viewing and provide free themed vittles and vino for our skywatch celebration. Just bring a portable chair and enjoy! (Please read full details below.)
THE DETAILS
RSVPs:
This event is cross-posted. Please sign up with only one meetup group. Thank you.
Meeting Location:
We'll gather at the canal bridge next to the parking lot at Violettes Lock (Lock 23), located at the end of Violettes Lock Road in Darnestown, MD. The lot is unpaved and holds about 20 cars. If it's full, simply park along the access road. Porta-potties are available in the parking lot.
The Hike:
The event will begin with introductions and a themed pre-hike toast. An approximately one-hour walk will follow, using an out-and-back route on the canal towpath. There will be no official hike leader, but you honestly can't get lost. Distance will depend on your pace and number of photo stops (it's very scenic!), probably 2-3 miles total. The terrain is totally flat. Although there may be some mud, sneakers should be fine. Well-behaved dogs who keep their owners on a short (6-foot) leash are welcome.
The Party:
While you're out waddling, PapaDuck will set up the free post-hike picnic. He'll provide red and white wine, pinwheel sandwiches, chips, and sweets. Please feel free to bring your own *individual* food and drink if you prefer. (Do NOT bring items to share! Seriously, I don't have room on my small table to host a potluck.) Important: There is NO SEATING available at the picnic site. Please bring a portable chair or blanket. We'll enjoy great company and amazing sunset views over the Potomac. Then, as darkness falls, gaze through a telescope and marvel at the moon, Venus, and Jupiter.
Thanks for your attention. We hope to see you Friday for some terrestrial and celestial delights! :)
----------------------------------
Please note: A "yes" RSVP is your digital signature attesting that you have read, understood, and agreed to the group's Liability Waiver and Release, located here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mD_vRF62MaCBUyVsx_qzi72hCpaZsqr_/view