SATURDAY: Haunted History Hike & Carousel Ride! 👻🎠 (w/BYO picnic)

History. Mystery. And a free ride on a haunted carousel! Join us Saturday for ghosts galore and a fun after-picnic. READ MORE below...

KEY DETAILS (please read):

OVERVIEW:
Halloween is just around the corner, which means it's time to resurrect PapaDuck's famed series of Haunted History Hikes. Let's begin with a bang: a casual walk in Glen Echo, MD that includes a whopping FOUR reputedly haunted sites. We'll visit the spooky former home of Clara Barton, venture across a 160-year-old haunted bridge, learn the legend behind the mysterious hermit known as Cabin John, and conclude with a FREE ride on the Glen Echo carousel, spinning with the spirits that still haunt this 100-year-old historic gem.

RSVPs:
This event is cross-posted. Please sign up with only one meetup group. Thank you.

MEETING POINT:
We'll meet in the parking lot for Glen Echo Park (5801 Oxford Rd, Glen Echo, MD). Turn right after you enter the lot and look for the yellow maintenance shed. We'll assemble there. Unfortunately, there are no convenient restrooms at the start of our hike. But porta-potties will be available after the first mile or so, and there are restrooms near the finish.

THE HIKE:
This will be a relatively short (~2 mile) urban walk at a very casual pace, with several interpretive stops where your host will share history, local lore, and ghost stories. Translation: If you're a power walker or compulsive step-seeker, you will hate this hike. (Just sayin'.) Our loop route is basically flat and will be entirely on paved surfaces, so sneakers are fine. Well-behaved dogs who keep their owners on a short (6 foot) leash are welcome.

CAROUSEL RIDE:
Our hike will conclude at Glen Echo Park, where we'll learn the history of the century-old Dentzel Carousel, including a ghostly tale of phantom riders who revel aboard its colorful menagerie. This is the last weekend the carousel will be open this season, so PapaDuck (aka Carl) has pre-purchased enough tickets for us all to take a FREE spooky spin with the spirits! (The ride is optional, not required.)

PICNIC:
After making merry on the merry-go-round, we'll walk the short distance back to the parking lot. Those who wish to continue the fun (and share your own ghost stories!) are welcome to join us for a BYO picnic on the grounds of the nearby Clara Barton House. PapaDuck will provide snacks, but please bring your own lunch, discreet adult beverage, or soft drink. Also, picnic tables will likely NOT be available, so please BRING A CAMP CHAIR or blanket.

Thanks for your time and attention. We look forward to a spirited adventure with you Saturday!

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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