Wilderness Hiking

**When**: Sat 16 May 2026 05:45 AM to 10:15 AM **Difficulty:** Beginners Plus Suitable for: Families & ages 15+ **Distance:** 8 kms **Elevation gain:** 280 m **Duration:** 4-5 Hours **Plan**: · Leave Dubai early morning and reach the meeting point. · Park the cars at the base of mountain and start the hike · Reach the mountain top, have a short relaxing break, and then start the return hike. · Hikers return back to the cars by about 10.15 AM and drive back home. **Preparation for Hike** * 🧢 **Layers & Sun Protection** — Mornings are cool but warm up quickly. Wear full sleeves and bring a hat, cap, or scarf. * 💧 **Hydration** — Carry 3–4 litres of water plus energy drinks or juice to replenish lost salts. * 👟 **Footwear** — Sturdy hiking boots are essential. The terrain is rocky. * 🍎 **Snacks** — Pack fruits, dry fruits, or energy snacks to keep you fuelled. * 🩹 **First Aid Kit** — A basic kit is a must. **Transportation** * **🚗 Any car can reach the hike start point — self-drive recommended.** 1. 🙋**No car? Let the organizers know — We might be able to help you find a seat with someone else.** **Inclusions** * **✅ Lead guide, directions & support throughout the event including the hike.** **Exclusions** * **❌ Food & drinks — Self-catering event, bring your own.** * **❌ Gear & equipment — Bring your own.** **Disclaimer**: Standard AE disclaimer and terms of membership apply. Neither Adventure Emarat/Adventure Eagles nor any of its event leaders/members take any responsibility or indemnify the participants against any injury, loss or damage suffered by any participant during the event. Therefore, please assess the fitness & capability of yourself, your team & your vehicle before you join any AE event. Please understand and remember that YOU are the best person to safeguard your well-being and safety. Hence YOU have to take full responsibility for the same. Team Adventure Eagles

**Day 1: Al Quaa aka the “Milky Way spot” - Stargazing, BBQ, games, telescope** **2:45 pm:** Meeting time for the ones who booked our transport at our Dubai pickup point. **4:15 pm:** Meeting time for the ones who booked our transport at our Abu Dhabi pickup point. **6:00 pm:** Meeting time for the ones joining us with their own transport in Al Quaa meeting point. Note: Timings might shift a little with sunrise and sunset. Don't worry we'll share the exact plan with you in a Whatsapp group before the trip. *(1 Day no camping)* A beautiful 2-3 hours road trip to Al Quaa, a secluded Abu Dhabi spot that offers out-of-this-world views of the Milky way. We will then enjoy stargazing at the darkest place in the UAE with stellar views of the galaxy, constellations, planets and shooting starts. We will then have the usual best bbq in town, drinks, card games, music, have some melting marshmallows on camp fire and camp under the clear skies full of stars. **Price without transport**: 450ed **Price with transport**: 650aed **Including:** * Meals: * The famous best BBQ in town for dinner (mixed grill with meat and chicken, vegan burger, hummus, moutabbal, tabbouleh salad, fattoush salad, bread, and snacks) * Beverages (Soft drinks, tea, coffee, water) * Camp equipment: chairs, lights * Portable Toilet & Privacy Tent Setup * Campfire games * Transportation from regular vehicles to the inside of the desert via dunes off-roading with 4x4 vehicles * A guided stargazing session with access to a Celestron 12096 NexStar Evolution 8 HD telescope for observing planets and celestial objects. * Adventure leaders - fun guides who know the ins and outs of Al Quaa * Great people and great fun! **Excluding:** * Transportation from Arabian Wanderers' meeting point in Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back (Available optionally for AED 200 if you choose the option with transport) Notes: * **Important note**: Your booking will only be confirmed once you've completed the process on the following link: [https://www.arabianwanderers.com/tour/al-quaa-milky-way-spot-stargazing-in-the-darkest-spot-in-uae.](https://www.arabianwanderers.com/tour/al-quaa-milky-way-spot-stargazing-in-the-darkest-spot-in-uae) RSVP on Meetup serves as an expression of intent to attend the event and does not guarantee your place, as spots are limited and tend to fill up rapidly. * **Group size:** Small group experience - Avg. 12, Max 25. * **If booking our transport**: * Dubai at 2:45pm: [Artisan Bakers - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yH6QEtZpH7UQceCq5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yH6QEtZpH7UQceCq5) in Al Barsha. RTA parking is available if you want to come with your car. * Abu Dhabi at 4:15pm: [ADNOC Service Station | Shawamekh-(South West) (755) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/adkwrB7c98omTcWS9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/adkwrB7c98omTcWS9). There is no parking at this petrol station, so please meet us in a taxi. * **If not**: [Arabian Wanderers – Al Quaa Stargazing & Camping - https://maps.app.goo.gl/z6zSwEwgfQRzyccD6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/z6zSwEwgfQRzyccD6) at 6:00pm. Any car can reach the meeting point in Al Quaa where you can leave your car by the side of the road free of charge. There is no need for a 4x4 vehicle as you will join one of our 4x4 vehicles to go to the camp. * **Own transport:** Any car can reach the meeting point in Al Quaa where you can leave your car by the side of the road free of charge. There is no need for a 4x4 vehicle as you will join one of our 4x4 vehicles to go to the camp. * **Nature calls:** Restroom Facilities a portable toilet with a privacy tent will be available. * **Solo & women friendly:** Solo and female travelers are more than welcome; 70% of our participants are usually solo adventurers and women. * **Pet-friendly:** You're welcome to bring your pet on the trip, provided everyone on the tour is comfortable with it. You can confirm this via the WhatsApp group created for all booked participants. * **Note:** Visibility may be affected by weather conditions (e.g., clouds, rain). Event cancellation will only occur in the case of severe weather (heavy rain or very strong winds), not due to clouds or light rain. * **Mobile Coverage:** e& has inconsistent internet and phone coverage. du has inconsistent phone coverage and no internet coverage. * **Important Note:** Bookings cannot be rescheduled within 14 days of the trip. * **Health and travel insurance**: It is mandatory to have a health and travel insurance in the country where this experience is happening. If you don't have insurance or your current insurance doesn't provide coverage, you can obtain one [here](https://explore.safetywing.com/nomad-insurance-complete?referenceID=26286700&utm_source=26286700&utm_medium=Ambassador) ! * **Disclaimer:** Even though Al Quaa is the best place in the UAE for stargazing, don't expect it to look like the photos online. While you can see more stars than in most other locations and will definitely be amazed, the photos you see online are taken with professional cameras or high-quality phones that capture low light better than the naked eye. * **Tipping Information:** If you'd like to show your appreciation to your guide, please bring cash in AED for tipping. * **Instagram:** Follow us on Instagram for our latest adventures: [arabian.wanderers](https://www.instagram.com/arabian.wanderers/) For any questions that are not on the booking link, you can WhatsApp us by clicking on this link [https://wa.me/message/V53PMRXR5SCIH1](https://wa.me/message/V53PMRXR5SCIH1) or call us on: [+971522067219](http://+971522067219/)

**⸻** **🌊 BLUE TRIBE UAE 🌊** **🏝️ SNOOPY ISLAND SNORKELING DAY TRIP** **📍 Snoopy Island** **⸻** **🗓️ Full Day Experience** **⏰ Start: 8:00 AM** **🌅 End: Sunset** **⸻** **✨ WHAT TO EXPECT** **Join us for a full day of snorkeling, relaxation, and ocean adventure around Snoopy Island. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this trip is designed for everyone.** **⸻** **📅 PROGRAM SCHEDULE** **🔹 8:00 AM – Arrival & Setup** **Welcome, registration & shaded area allocation** **🔹 8:30 AM – Snorkeling Training Session 🤿** **Basic skills, safety briefing & equipment use** **🔹 9:30 AM – Guided Snorkeling Tour 🐠** **Explore the reefs around Snoopy Island with our guides** **🔹 12:30 PM – Break & Relaxation 🌴** **Refreshments, water & free time under shaded area** **🔹 2:30 PM – Open Snorkeling Session 🌊** **Enjoy the sea at your own pace with supervision** **🔹 4:30 PM – Optional Guided Swim / Exploration 🐢** **Second guided session around the island** **🔹 Sunset – Wrap Up 🌅** **Pack up and departure** **⸻** **💰 PRICE: 150 AED per person** **⸻** **✅ INCLUDED** **✔️ Snorkeling training session** **✔️ Snorkeling kit (mask, snorkel, fins)** **✔️ Guided tour around the island** **✔️ Water & refreshments** **✔️ Safety equipment** **✔️ Shaded area access** **⸻** **🎒 PLEASE BRING** **▫️ Snacks & lunch** **▫️ Sunscreen** **▫️ Towels** **▫️ Beach chairs / mats** **⸻** **⚠️ NOTES** * **Suitable for beginners and families** * **Bring your own snorkeling gear if preferred** * **Follow all safety instructions from guides** * **Contact Kalisa @0562377332**

Join Dubai Offroaders for an unforgettable weekend of camping, off-roading, and Jeep adventure in the Dubai desert! This event is perfect for off-road enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to advanced drivers. Get ready to explore the stunning desert landscape, tackle challenging terrains, and have fun with like-minded adventurers. Experience the thrill of driving your 4x4 through the sandy dunes, enjoy a BBQ under the starlit sky, and connect with fellow expats in Dubai who share your passion for off-road activities. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or a newbie looking to learn, this weekend trip promises an exciting blend of off-road driving, camping under the stars, and making unforgettable memories in the great outdoors. Don't miss out on this ultimate Dubai Offroaders experience!

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

PLEASE REGISTER HERE, TO JOIN THIS EVENT, https://dubaioffroaders.com/web/ Checklist: a) Fully functional 4x4 vehicle with full tank of fuel. b) Air compressor in working condition. c) Recovery rope / strap. d) Compatible radio pre-programmed to DO frequencies. e) Refreshments for you and your passengers (if you have them). f) Offroad flag attached to vehicle. Etiquette: 1) Registering and not coming along may stop others from joining and is easily avoidable - so please be courteous and withdraw if you can't make it. 2) Be punctual. 3) Avoid bringing along unregistered participants without prior permission. Thank you for taking the time to read this and prepare properly - see you on the sand!

**AlQua Milkyway** Stargazing at the darkest spot in the UAE 🇦🇪 🌌 No lights. No noise. Just pure desert vibes.✨Pure Bliss. 🗓 **16 May (Saturday) - 17 May (Sunday)** **⏰ 8pm-Sunrise** **📍Location: Al Quaa, AUH.** **Price : 150** **What’s included:** 🍖 BBQ & Snacks under open sky. 🥤 Hot & cold beverages 🎯 Games | Good vibes | Great people ⛺ Overnight camping under the stars 🥞 Beautiful sunrise and breakfast 👨‍👩‍👧 Family friendly Event 🚗 Carpool can be arranged. **What to bring:What to bring:** ⛺️ Tent & Sleeping bag (if you don’t have one, you can rent one from us). 🪑Chair (optional) 🧥 Warm clothes Feed your adventurous soul, this night is made for memories 🌠. Join our whatsapp group chat.whatsapp.com/KB2WuIyI5HqAZ7jvua4qeC?mode=hqctcla

**⸻** **🌊 BLUE TRIBE UAE 🌊** **🏝️ SNOOPY ISLAND SNORKELING DAY TRIP** **📍 Snoopy Island** **⸻** **🗓️ Full Day Experience** **⏰ Start: 8:00 AM** **🌅 End: Sunset** **⸻** **✨ WHAT TO EXPECT** **Join us for a full day of snorkeling, relaxation, and ocean adventure around Snoopy Island. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this trip is designed for everyone.** **⸻** **📅 PROGRAM SCHEDULE** **🔹 8:00 AM – Arrival & Setup** **Welcome, registration & shaded area allocation** **🔹 8:30 AM – Snorkeling Training Session 🤿** **Basic skills, safety briefing & equipment use** **🔹 9:30 AM – Guided Snorkeling Tour 🐠** **Explore the reefs around Snoopy Island with our guides** **🔹 12:30 PM – Break & Relaxation 🌴** **Refreshments, water & free time under shaded area** **🔹 2:30 PM – Open Snorkeling Session 🌊** **Enjoy the sea at your own pace with supervision** **🔹 4:30 PM – Optional Guided Swim / Exploration 🐢** **Second guided session around the island** **🔹 Sunset – Wrap Up 🌅** **Pack up and departure** **⸻** **💰 PRICE: 150 AED per person** **⸻** **✅ INCLUDED** **✔️ Snorkeling training session** **✔️ Snorkeling kit (mask, snorkel, fins)** **✔️ Guided tour around the island** **✔️ Water & refreshments** **✔️ Safety equipment** **✔️ Shaded area access** **⸻** **🎒 PLEASE BRING** **▫️ Snacks & lunch** **▫️ Sunscreen** **▫️ Towels** **▫️ Beach chairs / mats** **⸻** **⚠️ NOTES** * **Suitable for beginners and families** * **Bring your own snorkeling gear if preferred** * **Follow all safety instructions from guides** * **Contact Kalisa @0562377332**

we will take a weekly night drive in desert, a capable 4x4 is required, we have most recovery gear, radio recommended. easy to medium drives pls join our WhatsApp group for details of events: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GPPjR6igsdoJHlGXz1yoib

**Every Saturday 8:00AM-6:00 PM** **🌊 BLUE TRIBE UAE 🌊** **🏝️ SNOOPY ISLAND SNORKELING DAY TRIP** **📍 Snoopy Island** **⸻** **🗓️ Full Day Experience** **⏰ Start: 8:00 AM** **🌅 End: Sunset** **⸻** **✨ WHAT TO EXPECT** **Join us for a full day of snorkeling, relaxation, and ocean adventure around Snoopy Island. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this trip is designed for everyone.** **⸻** **📅 PROGRAM SCHEDULE** **🔹 8:00 AM – Arrival & Setup** **Welcome, registration & shaded area allocation** **🔹 8:30 AM – Snorkeling Training Session 🤿** **Basic skills, safety briefing & equipment use** **🔹 9:30 AM – Guided Snorkeling Tour 🐠** **Explore the reefs around Snoopy Island with our guides** **🔹 12:30 PM – Break & Relaxation 🌴** **Refreshments, water & free time under shaded area** **🔹 2:30 PM – Open Snorkeling Session 🌊** **Enjoy the sea at your own pace with supervision** **🔹 4:30 PM – Optional Guided Swim / Exploration 🐢** **Second guided session around the island** **🔹 Sunset – Wrap Up 🌅** **Pack up and departure** **⸻** **💰 PRICE: 150 AED per person** **⸻** **✅ INCLUDED** **✔️ Snorkeling training session** **✔️ Snorkeling kit (mask, snorkel, fins)** **✔️ Guided tour around the island** **✔️ Water & refreshments** **✔️ Safety equipment** **✔️ Shaded area access** **⸻** **🎒 PLEASE BRING** **▫️ Snacks & lunch** **▫️ Sunscreen** **▫️ Towels** **▫️ Beach chairs / mats** **⸻** **⚠️ NOTES** * **Suitable for beginners and families** * **Bring your own snorkeling gear if preferred** * **Follow all safety instructions from guides** * **Contact Kalisa @0562377332**

The Camp - Al Qudra WhatsApp: +1 585 351 1378 party . BBQ, camp, social gathering we have a sound system Everyone please bring your own food, drinks, chairs etc... carpooling can be arranged directly with other members all setup is there, BBQ, charcoal, fire music etc .. cost free

**We ask a lot from our bodies and minds every single week.** Deadlines. Screens. Noise. Holding it all together. This Sunday morning, let’s take an hour for ourselves — outdoors, in good weather, among trees, joggers, families, and the gentle buzz of life around us. We’ll move consciously and gently, letting breath guide each pose. We’ll work through stiffness, release built-up stress, and allow emotions to soften and settle. And we’ll finish grounded and relaxed — learning how to find calm even when the world doesn’t pause. If this feels like something you need, you’re already halfway there 🙂 👉 **Join the WhatsApp group for updates & to RSVP:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BoOK6ejVkPEEzjIbasXccL](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BoOK6ejVkPEEzjIbasXccL) 🗓 **Sunday \| 7:30 AM** 📍 **Barsha Pond Park** — under the trees, surrounded by morning life 💳 **Event fee: AED 50** **Bring:** • Your yoga mat • A bottle of water • Your restless mind (this is a great place to practice with it Let’s meet on the mat and practice calm — not away from life, but right inside it.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

This is a small but pretty park with a 1.7-mile loop. We will walk it 2 times. It goes along a ridge and has moderate elevation changes.

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.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the edward thomas trail, lake trail , spring creek and a short walk on the multi purpose trail. This is one large loop . Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 4.2 miles in length .

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

June 17, 2026: Worthington Library. Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac. Worthington, Ohio. 7 pm.