Travel Blogging

HHH Spring Edition. Does disappearing into the wilderness with a group of strangers put you on edge? Then come to a casual happy hour and get to know us first. This is a great time to meet your fellow outdoor enthusiasts and get connected - without needing to gear up. This time, let's go to DC and check out The Crown & Crow (Logan Circle). 7pm. The Crown & Crow is a massive underground bar with a speakeasy feel. The only signage outside is a gold emblem of a crow with a crown on it's head. Once you see this, follow the stairs down to the bar. Please update your RSVP if your plans change so that we have an accurate headcount. Thanks!

**NOTE: \*New start Point at Major Lansdale Blvd in the Parking Lot of Jerry's Seafood and Smokey Bones\*** Meetup is at 5:30p and on the pedals at 6:00p. This "**IS"** a SAG supported ride. Please bring $5 exact change or CashApp: ***$ZOAROO***. SAG number will given at the pre-ride briefing. With the exception of flats, NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND. Rather than the typical free-for-all, this ride is governed by Ride Marshalls who controls the pace at certain points in the route. Speeds vary from 15-19mph on rollers to 20+mph on the flats. Not to worry, at no time will you be required to ride at the front to pull the group. For those that have the need for speed, there is a sprint section throughout the route where you can test your fitness. Riders are allowed to go as fast or as easy as they like through these sections. There will be one official very brief regroup after crossing 202, near Walgreens off of Apollo Dr. After the regroup Everyone will ride at their own pace. cue sheet:https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54019095 PACE: A = 19+mph B = 17-19mph C = 15-17 D = 12-15 AMS (Average Moving Speed) may vary depending on terrain, traffic, and the ability of riders. **Please Read**: To maintain safety on the road and to be respectful of motorists the following simple set of guidelines are asked to be followed: Do not pass the guide in the non Free Ride sections. Yellow Line rule on two lane roads must be obeyed. (NEVER EVER to be crossed) White Line rule when we have ample shoulder or an adequate bike must be obeyed. Broken Line rule, we do not take up more than one lane except when safely transitioning for a left turn. Slower riders in the Free Ride sections should move to the far right to allow faster riders to go by on the left. 2x2 Paceline at all other times. No wheel overlapping of the rider in front. The ride will NOT stop for flats. If you are with a friend that flats, we suggest that you stop and ride in with them. Be sure to know the route and how to short cut or get back and how to change a flat. NO "in ear" or "over the ear" Headphones of any kind allowed. Experienced cyclists are asked to help first timers with route info When you RSVP to participating in this or any VELO VELO Cycling Club ride or event you are acknowledging that you take sole and full responsibility for your own health and safety. Helmets are a must. No helmet-No participation. Please be sure to have all proper equipment and supplies to help ensure a safe and pleasant ride. Two spare inner tubes, CO2 cartridges, patch kit and pump. Front and rear lights Eye Protection Gloves Proper hydration Water bottles that fit your bottle cage ID and money Obey all traffic laws including stopping at red lights.

Make tow rounds inside the mall at each level

What Happened to the Energy Transition? To land a ship on a moving target, the moon, for example, from a moving object, the earth, requires an enormous attention to facts and a mastery of detail. Getting any of these wrong can lead to disaster. Climate science tells us we must transition to a zero carbon society—and fast. But are climate-deniers the only obstacle to that transition? We will discuss the work of economic historian Jean-Baptise Fressoz who suggests that even as we move to solar panels and electric vehicles, rather than “transitioning” to a zero carbon world we will continue to consume more, and more, and more and produce more carbon dioxide. Is there a way out of here? As harrowing as it sounds, its best to pay attention to the facts and master the details so we can discuss real solutions. Perhaps, a solution that depends on a transition in our ethical thinking. In-person and available on Zoom When: Sunday, April 12, 2026 Coffee available at 10:45 AM, Speaker begins at 11:00 AM Where: Green Hedges School 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA It's more fun in person (and the coffee is free), but you can participate by Zoom at [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83422695892](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83422695892) Jim Ball and his family are longtime members of Ethical Culture. In his retired life he writes, gardens, and rewilds his small corner of the world with native plants.

Rose and I are both training for various hikes coming up, so we need to get some good miles and vertical gain in. If you want to suffer with us, please join! The plan is to meet on the later side at Vienna Metro North at 6:30pm on Friday and drive to The Priest Wilderness Parking Area. We will camp near the cars and then hike the Three Ridges loop and then up the Priest for the second night. Conditional on weather not being too crazy, we will hit Spy Rock and then hike down. I am making this trip VMO due to the total elevation gain of >10k feet, but I'll approve members if I've hiked with you before. Splits will be \~19/13. Here's the planned route on CalTopo: https://caltopo.com/m/3PA1V18# Here is the parking location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Zv3xUweA1vWJo219 **Waiver**: By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)) COVID-19 policy: [https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/) **Dues**: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: **[https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15)** ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.) **Carpool**: As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile. I'm anticipating this will be around $30 for riders.

**No pressure. No plans. Just new friends ✨** Whether you’re visiting Washington DC for the first time, just arrived, or simply love meeting curious, open-minded people, this bi-weekly **Just Gutsy** meetup is an easy way to share stories, make friends, and explore the city together. **Who it’s for?** • Solo travelers • Expats & digital nomads • Locals who love meeting travelers **What to expect?** ✨ Relaxed, **self-led** gathering 🤝 Small group energy 🌍 Travel stories, tips & shared adventures 🍹 Grab a drink or snack if you like **How it works?** This is a self-led meetup, meaning I set it up for you but the magic happens between you. To make sure everyone finds each other smoothly, please follow these simple coordination steps: 1️⃣ **RSVP** Thoughtfully If you’re planning to come, tap “Going.” It helps others feel confident joining and builds momentum before the meetup. Even if you’re 80% sure, RSVP. If your plans change, please update your RSVP so others aren’t expecting your attendance. 2️⃣ **Confirm 2 Hours Before** (Essential) To ensure the meetup runs, please comment on this event page at least 2 hours before the start time: “Confirmed for today 😊” This allows everyone to see, ahead of time, who is actually coming. The meetup moves forward when at least 2 people confirm 2 hours before the event. If fewer than 2 confirmations are posted by then, attendance may be low that day. This avoids anyone showing up uncertain. 3️⃣ **Signal Your Arrival** When you arrive, comment on this event page: “Arrived” + where you’re sitting + what you’re wearing Example: “Arrived. Sitting outside near the entrance. Wearing a black t-shirt.” This ensures everyone can easily find each other. Recognition Tip Having a clear profile photo on Meetup is highly encouraged — it makes recognition effortless and helps the group form faster. **When & Where?** 📅 Day: Every Tuesday & Saturday 🕓 Time: **4:00 PM local time** 📍 Meeting point: In front of **Compass Coffee.** **Arrive on time,** smaller groups make it easier to connect. **Why join Just Gutsy?** • Meet open-minded people who genuinely want to connect • Feel at home anywhere in the world • Be part of a growing global solo travel community • Early members get lifetime premium access to the future Just Gutsy app 🚀 Join here 👉 https://justgutsy.com/ WhatsApp: After attending, you’re welcome to join the Washington DC Just Gutsy WhatsApp group to stay connected and suggest spontaneous meetups: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwwHR0npG3aB8VykYjN3hw **About Just Gutsy** **Just Gutsy** is a global community for solo travelers who are free spirited, love exploring the world believe that real connections make the best memories. Hi, I am Syrine, I started solo traveling in 2018 and it changed my life, from introvert to extrovert. Along the way, I loved meeting people, but also felt how hard it can be to find connection when traveling alone. I’m building Just Gutsy so no one has to feel alone on the road — and so anyone who’s still shy to take that first step has a welcoming place to start. 💛

[https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens) **Regular Garden admission and memberships apply.** Ages 5 & under Free Age 6 - 17 $5.00 Age 18 - 59 $9.00 Age 60 and over $5.00 **We will meet at the visitor center.** **Bring Water, a tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards** **There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace.** **Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: [https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y](https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y)** **For lunch, after the field trip around 12:00 PM, we will head to The Virginian Restaurant, 169 Glyndon St SE, Vienna, VA 22180** Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature. [https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/](https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

• What we'll do Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! And we will teach you how to use your camera IN THE FIELD, not in a classroom! Join our standard Monuments and Memorials workshop, offered Wednesdays and Saturdays, in which the instructor takes you to some of DC’s most popular attractions: White House, Lafayette Park, the Einstein, Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Three Servicemen Memorials, and finally to Union Station, where you learn to make all the moving people DISAPPEAR! Remember, it was Confucius who said: "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do, and I understand." At Washington Photo Safari, we help you "do " and understand! That is why our motto is "See. Click. Learn." This $71 Safari (a 20% discount from the regular $89 price) begins with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you basic tips in composition, F-stops and shutter speeds, portraiture, and interior photography. While you are taking pictures, you receive hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and smartphone photographers will appreciate the instructor’s extensive knowledge of the best camera angles in DC. This is suggested as a preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographers at any skill level with any camera, phone, or tablet. Transportation from site to site is provided by the instructor. • What to bring camera and all lenses • Important to know travel, architectural, portrait and street photography techniques

Below is the alltrails link to the hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/maryland/capital-crescent-trail We will only be doing 3 miles overall in this hike, out and back. Parking and Metro Access: Park in the garage near 7150 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815. Or park on the streets----- street-parking is free on Sundays. For metro: just get down at Bethesda metro station. We will meet at the trailhead next to the Ourisman Honda, check out the photo section of this event for a visual of the location. Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

What if travel wasn't just something you squeezed into once or twice a year... ...but something that became part of your lifestyle? More freedom. More memories with your family. More moments that feel like you again. We're hosting a fun and welcoming event where you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how everyday women (especially busy moms!) are creating: -Flexible income from their phone -Travel opportunities and experiences -A lifestyle that fits around their family - not the other way around. Join us in person in Westerville! Come hang out with us, meet amazing women who have made a life in the travel industry. Can't make it in person? Join us on Zoom! You can still experience everything from wherever you are. (Details and Zoom link will be provided after you RSVP.) ## Who This Is For: * Moms who want more time freedom * Women who LOVE travel or want to travel more * Anyone curious about working from home or earning extra income * Women ready for a fresh start or new beginning ## Imagine This… * Booking trips while sitting at your daughter’s practice * Earning income from your phone * Planning vacations that actually feel *aligned* with your life * Being present for your family AND building something for yourself ## Bonus: We’ll be doing **fun giveaways during the event**! (In-person + Zoom attendees both eligible!) Spots are limited for in-person attendance

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 try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

Join WTA for a magical trip to the Netherlands during the most beautiful time of the year—Tulip Season! Discover Amsterdam’s artistic heritage, charming canals, and world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum. Stroll through vibrant tulip fields at the famous Keukenhof Gardens, a true feast for the eyes. Venture to The Hague and Delft to explore historic churches, canal-laced streets, and iconic blue-and-white pottery. Savor authentic Dutch cuisine, sample local cheese, and experience the country’s timeless charm at every stop. **To view the full ITINERARY & REGISTER visit:** **[WTA AMSTERDAM 2026](https://womentravelabroad.com/trip/amsterdam/)** **ITINERARY** **Day 1 – April 7** – Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Private transportation will take you to your accommodations for the week. After settling into your hotel, your group will get to know each other over a local welcome dinner. **Note:** We recommend your flight from the US arrives before 11 am on April 7 to allow adequate time to join the day’s activities. If you wish to arrive one day early, on April 6, charges for the additional night’s stay can be added to your invoice. **Day 2 – April 8** – Today, you will take a memorable tour of the Anne Frank House. Discover Amsterdam’s WWII history and follow in the footsteps of Anne Frank as she went into hiding in the Secret Annex. Jewish Anne Frank hid in 1942 from the Nazis during the occupation of the Netherlands; two years later, she was discovered and died in 1945 at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Afterward, continue your cultural journey with a visit to the renowned Van Gogh Museum. Home to the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, the museum offers a profound look into the artist’s life, featuring iconic paintings, sketches, and personal letters that reveal the struggles and brilliance behind his art. **Day 3 – April 9** – FREE Day. Enjoy shopping throughout the city, or take a scenic bike ride through the countryside. Cycling in Amsterdam is the most authentic way to travel. There are around 515 km (320 miles) of dedicated cycle lanes in Amsterdam, making it the perfect setting to cycle the city or beyond. The countryside area is famous for its quaint villages, historic towns, farms, nature reserves, and lakes. You will have many opportunities to stop and take one-of-a-kind photos of the picturesque sights. **Day 4 – April 10** – Your group will spend today at the famous Keukenhof Garden, known as the Garden of Europe. This is one of the world’s largest flower gardens and is found to be the most beautiful in spring. Keukenhof Park covers an area of 32 hectares and has approximately 7 million flower bulbs planted annually. Make sure to have your camera ready to capture all of the vibrant colors and unique displays at the Keukenhof Garden! Transfer from Amsterdam to begin your adventure in The Hauge as the fun continues. **Day 5 – April 11** – Begin your day with a walking tour of the Hague! Today you will visit notable sites include Binnenhof Court of Parliament, the Royal Palace Noordeinde and its lush gardens, and many local monuments. Have a free afternoon to explore on your own before joining your group to indulge in a delectable group dinner. **Day 6 – April 12** – Day trip to Delft for a walking tour of this charming and historic Dutch town. Stroll along picturesque canals, cobbled streets, and tree-lined squares as you explore landmarks such as the Markt, the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), and the Royal Delft pottery factory. Admire the town’s rich artistic heritage, famously tied to painter Johannes Vermeer, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere that defines Delft’s small-town charm. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café before returning by train to your accommodation in The Hague. **Day 7 – April 13** – Depart The Hague via train for your return to Amsterdam. You will depart back to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) for your connecting flight to the US. Your departure flight needs to leave after 12 pm to allow time to return to Amsterdam. \*Please note that this is a tentative itinerary and is subject to change. **WHAT’S INCLUDED:** ▪️ 7 days & 6 nights’ accommodations ▪️ Single occupancy, boutique hotel ▪️ Airport transfer ▪️ Local transportation ▪️ Keukenhof Garden Tour ▪️ Anne Frank House ▪️ Hauge City Tour ▪️ Amsterdam City Tour ▪️ FREE DAY to explore ▪️ Daily breakfast ▪️ Daily group lunch (excluding FREE DAY) ▪️ Daily group dinner **WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:** ▪️ Roundtrip airfare from the US to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) ▪️ Travel insurance ▪️ Items of a personal nature ▪️ Meals not listed above ▪️ Optional excursions and tours not listed above ▪️ Gratuities and tips for personal services

Let’s meet and wander the galleries and enjoy a spring evening out downtown! Meeting place and approx route, tba. *Feature photo by Chalk Goblin

Do you want more motivation and confidence to build Lasting Relationships? This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.