Backcountry

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Hey all. The weather gods for thursday is also dictating rain so are last reschedule is Friday at 630pm! Please call and change your reservation! Ask for Rachel! Join us for two hours on the water kayaking with SUP rentals at Cherry Beach. Here's how it works. 1\. Book your kayak in advance here https://www.torontosup.com/rentals/kayaks 2\. You can book a one or 2 person kayak with life preserver\. 3\. We will take 15 kayaks\. 2\. Fill in the online waiver\. 3\. Wear clothes you are ok to get wet and bring a change of dry clothes\. 4\. Keep an eye on the post for weather changes\. 5\. Please ensure you are comfor table in the water and can swim! See you on the water! Drinks after!

Eventbrite Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/430277871697?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/430277871697?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Thrills and laughs collide every Thursday at 8 PM! Join Toronto's comedy fiesta for a night of side-splitting entertainment.** Immerse yourself in the thrill of laughter every Thursday at 8 PM! Toronto's top comedians converge at Backroom Comedy Club for an evening of stand-up brilliance and uproarious fun. Secure your seat for a memorable night out, filled with wit, humor, and the best of Toronto's comedy scene. Don't miss the excitement—reserve your spot now!

**MEETUP POINT: Woodbine Park in front of the Beach Club - 1681 Lake Shore Blvd E** Join us for a 50km bike ride in the city. Don't worry it's flat! Led by Italo who is an experienced cyclist and leader, so you will be in good hands. It's lots of fun and not too far! The ride begins at Woodbine park and ends nearby for a social and lunch. (I'll keep you posted on where it will be.) Please come prepared with the right riding gear which means not a commuter bike. This wouldn't be a beginner bike ride. Bring lots of water and snacks. Helmets obviously a must! [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53737876](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53737876)

We're hosting a full-day tournament with two exciting formats — whether you grew up playing Persian-style or prefer the modern game, there's a competition for you! Traditional Persian Backgammon Starts: 10:00 AM (Toronto) Entry Fee: $50 (includes venue entry) Format: 2-stage elimination Modern Backgammon Starts: 2:00 PM (Toronto) Entry Fee: $60 (includes venue entry) Format: Swiss system — 6 rounds, triple elimination How to register: RSVP below or send us a message to secure your spot. Spaces are limited so don't wait! BYOB (Bring your own board if you have one) See you at the board!

\`11 Nights 8 Ports INCREDIBLE GROUP PRICED CABINS! 2 for 1 Priced Air! - Per person air is ONLY $951.14 per person all in - price can change at any time! PERK'S GALORE NORWEGIAN'S BRAND NEW CRUISE PERK PLUS PACKAGE FINAL PAYMENT THIS SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20 SEE JAW DROPPING SCENERY AT EVERYTURN NORWAY - The land of the Vikings - don't forget the incredible fjords! ICELAND - See Iceland in the summer months - the waterfalls are amazing - the country is dramatic, volcanic, untouched and mystical SCOTLAND -Visit the Scottish highlands and the castles - it is majestic and historic ENGLAND - Immersive yourself in the Pomp and Pageantry that make up London CRUISE ADVENTURE - June 21 - July 2 2026 Set sail from Southampton England on an 11-day adventure toward the land of raw beauty -Reykjavik, Iceland. Discover rugged coastlines, quaint villages, and the raw beauty of the Atlantic, culminating in the awe-inspiring wonders of Iceland. Start in Newhaven with a scenic tour of Edinburgh's historic castles and cobblestone streets. Hunt for Nessie in Invergordon or explore the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle. Sail to Ålesund, where you can hike to the top of Mount Aksla for breathtaking views of the Art Nouveau town and surrounding fjords. Finally, travel by boat from Isafjordur to the remote, picturesque village of Hesteyri, deserted over 60 years ago, where time stands still amidst snow-dusted mountains and secluded coves. IT WILL BE AN ADVENTURE! Call me at (905) 471 7843 to book or email traveltheworldhorizons@gmail.com PORTS OF CALL - IT WILL BE AN ADVENTURE! June 21 2026 South Hampton England 5:00pm June 22 Fun Day at Sea June 23 South Queensferry Edinburgh Scotland 7:00am June 24 Invergordon (Inverness) Scotland 7:00am June 25 Fun Day at Sea June 26 Maloy Norway 7:00am June 27 Alesund Norway 7:00am June 28 Fun Day at Sea June 29 Akureyri Iceland 8:00am June 30 Isafjordur Iceland 9:00am July 1 Reykjavik Iceland 8:00am July 2 Reykjavik Iceland 8:00am Final Payment February 21 2026 PRICING INSIDE CABIN $1270.51 + Port $626.84 + Tax $503.15 TOTAL =$2400.50 2 Perks OCEAN VIEW $2186.55 + Port $626.85+ Tax $503.15 =$3316.64 4 Perks BALCONY $3421.45+ Port $626.85 + Tax $294.2 =$4363.17 4 Perks SOLO CABINS - YES I HAVE A FEW! Inside Cabin including Port and Taxes - $3551.59 save almost $800.00!!! Ocean View Cabin including Port and Taxes $5280.42 NEED A ROOMMATE? JUST ASK. We are on the Norwegian Star Final Payment February 21 2026 Package A Perks Beverage or Soda Package \* Under 21 Only Premium Beverage Package\* Ultimate Specialty Dining Package - 1 Dinner \* $50.00 US Shore Excursion Package per cabin Internet Package - 150 Minutes per Person Or Package B Perks $100.00 US On Board Credit per cabin $50.00 US Shore Excursion Package per cabin Internet Package - 150.00 minutes per person 10 Professional Photo Package per Cabin ABSOLUTELY AMAZING ITINERARY - YOU WILL SEE SO MUCH!!! FLIGHT $951.14 WOW includes all taxes and fees. TORONTO TO LONDON ICELAND TO TORONTO IMPORTANT NEW AIR RULE - If you book Norwegian Air you must book at least one night pre sailing date. NOTE You can fly up to 2 days pre and or post - Once you make payment for your flight on February 21 no changes can be made to your flight schedule. You will receive your flight 30 + days before the cruise, probably before that. Norwegian is now offering specialized bookings through their air department - ask me for details. I need Credit Card Expiry and 3 Digit Code Name as it appears on your Passport Mailing Address Phone Number Date of Birth All Information is private and not shared INSURANCE IS SO IMPORTANT - I will speak to you personally Hope you can join us for this incredible vacation \* 20 Gratuity on Dining and Beverage Package Staff Gratuity not included CANCELLATION:POLICY 120 Days Prior - No Penalty 119 to 106 Days - 25% Penalty 105 to 91 Days -50% Penalty 90-61 Days -75% Penalty 60 Days or less 100% Penalty. BOOKING Call me at (905) 471 7843 or email me at [leeann.jensen@sympatico.ca](mailto:leeann.jensen@sympatico.ca) \*20% Gratuity on Beverage Packages and Dining Staff Gratuity not included Please make sure you are full insured - ask me for details. You need a Passport with minimum 6 months remaining from date of arrival. Prices/itinerary can change any time. Travel Agency Nexion 380 Wellington St Tower B 6th Floor London #67927204 (519) 660 6966 LeeAnn (905) 471 7843 Below Be part of the scene in London - Visit the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik- It's FABULOUS Invergordon - Gateway to the Scottish Highlands - Castles abound! Jaw Dropping Scenery at the Norwegian Fjords

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-foraging)** **Knowing how to safely and sustainably forage is one of the oldest skills there is, and one that's been largely lost in modern life.** This one-day workshop will reconnect you with the wild plants growing all around us. You'll learn how to spot, identify and confidently harvest a range of common edibles, alongside developing the kind of attentive eye that turns every walk in the woods into something richer. You will learn: * How to identify Ontario's most common wild edibles by their leaves, flowers, roots and seasonal cycles * How to tell edible plants apart from their toxic lookalikes * Where to look for different types of edibles * The principles of ethical and sustainable foraging **Who It's For:** Anyone curious about the food growing right under our feet. No prior foraging experience required. For those with some background, this is a great chance to fill in gaps and build confidence with new species. **About this series:** The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable and life-saving skills in the outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses on many other topics as they become available. ***NB: Foraging comes with its own set of risks. For the purposes of this class, we do not condone the consumption of any wild edibles.*** **Highlights** **Expert Instruction –** Our amazing expert guide will teach you everything you need to know in a safe and approachable way. **Wild Edibles Library –** Build a working knowledge of the most common wild plants in our region, along with the lookalikes you'll want to avoid. **Sustainable Harvesting –** Learn the rules of ethical foraging so you can take only what you need without harming the ecosystems you're walking through. **Event cost: $80+HST (for explorer members) - $40 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-foraging)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Our hike leader is Carol Pyke. Our plan is to hike east, to Waterdown, and Grindstone Falls. If it has been raining, we will hike west to Borer's Falls, which is less muddy. Until we announce otherwise, we are *not* meeting at Yonge and York Mills (Old York Mills Road). If you need a ride or some passengers, arrange car pooling in the messages below. Car pooling is good for drivers. You get to meet people. You get a navigator. You get your gas costs defrayed a bit. Starting from westbound on the QEW... 1. Take the QEW west to Highway 403 west (Hamilton) to Highway 6 north. 2. Go north on Highway 6 for approximately six kilometres, to the lights at Dundas Street. 3. Turn right (west) onto Dundas Street and drive about 700 metres. 4. Turn right into the plaza. This is 50-92 Dundas Street East. It has a Rona and a Walmart store. 5. Drive south to the back of the plaza, between Staples and Rona, and then park. You should be right at the edge of the quarry to access the trail. Google Maps: [88 Dundas Street East, Dundas, Ontario L9H 7K6](https://goo.gl/maps/zSaHYw7GPbYLKq8G6)10

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/

This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please read the "about us" section and then write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!