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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out backpacking events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the backpacking events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Backpacking Events Today
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Easy Noon Walk@ Wheaton Regional Park - 3 miles
Friends, we can do an out and back hike for this, 2-3 miles in total.
There will be plenty of parking, we will meet at the parking lot.
Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. and of course, always bring a joke!!
This is a meetup group for support and community. If you hit on me or anybody else in the group, you will be removed. People with agendas will be removed.
**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 or city, 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.
NEW DATE: Capital Crescent/Glover-Arcbold Trail Loop (Rating: C)
*You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.*
**8.5 Loop Hike with maximum 433 ft of elevation gain**
**Description:** We will begin our hike in **[Battery Bailey Park](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/westmoreland-hills-local-park/battery-bailey/)** and proceed to the **[Capital Crescent Trail](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/capital-crescent-georgetown-branch-trails/) to [Fletcher's Boathouse](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fletchers-cove.htm)** in Georgetown where we will take a **short break** in the picnic area overlooking the Potomac River. From there we will proceed along the canal tow path to Foxhall Road where we will get on the **[Glover-Archbold Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/glover-archbold-park.htm)** to Massachusetts Avenue and back to our starting point..
**Pace:** We will hike at 2.5 to 2.7 mph while moving.
**Info:** There are restrooms at **Fletcher's Boathouse** where we will stop for a **break** and along Massachusetts Avenue where we can stop for coffee/lunch in Spring Valley (Compass Coffee/Starbucks/Pizzeria Paradiso/Millie's).
**Bring**: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are a few rocky areas and tree roots along the way. Hiking poles if you use them. Insect repellent and sunscreen also recommended. A fair portion of our hike will be shaded.
**Fee:** N/A
**Dogs:** No dogs on this hike. **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy).**
**Weather:** the weather for this location can be found **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/d3397d8a2ccef7ff46474322e1436e550d124dc6e6afdea66ff33b1a26595ef3)**.
**Where to Meet:**
We will meet at \*\***[Battery Bailey Park](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/westmoreland-hills-local-park/battery-bailey/)**[ ](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/westmoreland-hills-local-park/battery-bailey/)\*\*parking lot **38° 57.131′ N, 77° 6.568′ W**. There are 22 parking spaces in the lot as well as parking in the neighborhood on Elliot and Duvall. Take a Left onto Duvall Street behind Westmoreland UCC at 1 Westmoreland circle, Bethesda, MD; then a right onto Elliot. The park is at the end of Elliot. I have a Honda Fit w/ Hatchback up. Please arrive at 9:15 am to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:30 am.
**You must be able to hike this distance at the above pace, any questions regarding that please contact me. Dawn 703 533 9231**
Indian Dinner @ G.O.A.T Room
We are meeting up for dinner at G.O.A.T Room. Its metro-accessible.
If Paneer Vindaloo, Gol Gappe, and Chole Bhature does not make your mouth water, ugh then *je ne sais pas!*
Dress to impress. Cos u know, we are fancy-shmancy. and please, spread the love!!
Here is the restaurant link:
https://goatroomdc.com/
👨🏿🎨♠️👩🎨 😀 3rd Friday Spades in Virginia@Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken
♠️ Spades in Virginia! ♠️
Nando's Peri Peri, Mosaic District
2987 District Ave Ste 100,
Fairfax, VA 22031
🌟 3rd Fridays
🕕 7pm to 11pm
Spades in Virginia! We are trying a new location. If things go well, we may meet there more often.
🚗 Parking is FREE!!!
Alcoholic beverages are available!Please support the business by ordering food/drinks.
No partner is needed! Find one when you get there. All skill levels are welcome.
Come hang out with us and have a great time!
📆 Posted in multiple groups. So expect a nice crowd.
🌟 The fun starts at 6:30pm! RSVP today.
SNP Dickey Ridge Blooms 3.5 Mi 600 Ft Moderate Hike
This Shenandoah National Park out-and-back hike starts at the Dickey Ridge Trailhead before reaching the North Entrance pay station. A pretty stream runs parallel with the trail for about a mile until we begin an ascent to our turn around point where the trail again intersects with Skyline Drive. At this time of year, we should see early spring flowers! Sections of the trail are rocky, and there are several very small “rock hop” water crossings. Elevation gain is about 600 ft. We typically hike about 2 mph; however, we leave no one behind and will move at a pace that is comfortable for all. Breaking for flower photos is encouraged!
**Group Size:** 20 hikers
**Time to Meet:** Please meet 15-20 minutes prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in.
If you can't make the hike, please edit your RSVP with 24-48 hours notice if possible to open a spot for another hiker. This request also applies to those on the waitlist.
**Meeting Location/Parking:** 17065 Skyline Drive, Front Royal, VA
There is ample shoulder parking on both sides of Skyline Drive adjacent to the marked Dickey Ridge Trailhead although carpooling is encouraged to conserve spots. Heading south on Skyline Drive, the trailhead is on the right BEFORE the Front Royal/North Entrance Pay Station.
**Facilities:** No restroom is available at the trailhead.
**Admission:** Park fee or pass. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm
**Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Lisa Peterson.
**Cancellation**: In the event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates.
**What to Bring:** Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, personal first aid kit and medications, snacks/meal, sunscreen/protection from weather, insect repellant, trekking poles if you use them (highly recommended for hikes with water crossings), sturdy hiking footwear.
Please leave pets at home. Thanks!
**Notes:**
* RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP.
* To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/).
* Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership).
Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.
👩🏿🎨♠️👨🏽🎨 NEW! 3rd Friday Spades in VA@ Nando's Peri Peri Chicken
♠️ Spades in Virginia! ♠️
Nando's Peri Peri, Mosaic District
2987 District Ave Ste 100,
Fairfax, VA 22031
🌟 3rd Fridays
🕕 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Spades in Virginia! We are trying a new location. If things go well, we may meet there more often.
🚗 Parking is FREE!!!
Alcoholic beverages are available!Please support the business by ordering food/drinks.
No partner is needed! Find one when you get there. All skill levels are welcome.
Come hang out with us and have a great time!
📆 Posted in multiple groups. So expect a nice crowd.
🌟 The fun starts at 6:30pm! RSVP today.
Backpacking Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Trip to Greece March 22-April 4
**Update Only 2 seats left**
**
If anyone is interested in going to Greece. The trip is a 12-day escorted tour including a 4-day cruise to the islands of Mykonos and Santorini and one day in Turkey.
Globus is the tour operator for the March 24th-April 4th event with the cost of the trip $2,899 per person double occupancy for the 12-day escape. A single supplement is an additional $350 if still available. Airfare and travel protection are al
additional. You can reserve a spot with a $2,899 non-refundable deposit. So far there are 6 fellow meetup members going. The group flies from bwi March 22
If interested please contact Jon Stratton, who is coordinating the trip, with a DM through GRASP or at stratton.travel.adventure@gmail.com for more information.
Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid (In-Person) Certification Course
Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites.
YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697**
Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website.
WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are.
WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class.
TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day.
Fee: $295 (Earlybird)
Paddle Rocky Gorge Reservoir at Supplee Lane
It will supposedly get into the mid-70's by Sunday afternoon, so Joe and I are heading out to the newly reopened Rocky Gorge Reservoir. We'll put in at Supplee Lane and head upstream, doing between 3-4 miles and ending up back at the same spot.
The water temperature is still in the mid 40's and will murder you if you fall in for more than a few minutes. But that's why you always paddle with friends who can lend a rescue assist. Still, you ABSOLUTELY need to be wearing 100% synthetic-fiber clothing and I STRONGLY recommend packing a spare set of clothes in your dry bag.
This is event is suitable for kayaks and canoes (but not inflatables). WSSC does not allow paddle boards on their reservoirs and has been getting more serious about enforcement. If you've got a seat attachment for your SUP and can paddle it sitting down, I think you're in the clear. As always, you must WEAR, not just carry your life jacket/PFD.
**WSSC requires a watershed use permit.** Permits are $6.25 per day or $72 for the year. I heard that they increased the fine for not having one to $100. You can purchase them online at:
[https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces](https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces)
Brunch & River Cruising With Expedia Cruises and AmaWaterways
#### Brunch & River Cruising: Expedia Cruises and AmaWaterways
Enjoy a tasty artisanal Mid-Atlantic, small-bites brunch while learning about scenic river cruising with AmaWaterways and Expedia Cruises!
Join us for a fun in-person event at The Falls restaurant where you can enjoy a [delicious, unlimited "small bites" brunch](https://www.thefallsva.com/menus/#brunch "https://www.thefallsva.com/menus/#brunch") for just **$15 per person** (a $ 34-per-person value!) and learn about AmaWaterways river cruises and the amazing deals available only from Expedia Cruises. It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning—good food, great company, and an opportunity to learn about **Journeys That Move You** with AmaWaterways. Don’t miss out on this awesome adventure with Expedia Cruises! Pack your appetite and start planning your river cruise adventure.
Guests are responsible for their own drinks during the event.
**Guests who book a river cruise during our Legendary Rivers promotion (25 March - 2 April) will receive a $50 gift card after final payment (limit 1 (one) gift card per cabin booked) in addition to promotional benefits**.
***IMPORTANT*: Name changes for attendees are permitted, but the $15 per person fee is non-refundable!**
Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid (In-Person) Certification Course
Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites.
YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697**
Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website.
WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are.
WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class.
TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day.
Fee: $295 (Earlybird)
Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid (In-Person) Certification Class
Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites.
YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697**
Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website.
WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are.
WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class.
TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day.
Fee: $295 (Earlybird)
Backpacking Events Near You
Connect with your local Backpacking community
BASEBALL IS BACK!! Clippers' Home Saturday Opener!!! ⚾ 🧢 🌭 🎆 🧨 🎇 🗽 🦅 🇺🇸
**Summary**
Celebrate America's 250th year and the [Columbus Clippers'](https://www.milb.com/columbus) 50th season by watching [Franklin County's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Clippers) best team play the [best game in the world](https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/babe_ruth_140116) at [one of the ten best](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/minors/2025/03/26/huntington-park-voted-top-10-minor-league-ballparks-usa-today-10best-awards/82656048007/) baseball stadiums in the United States in their 2026 home Saturday opener!
The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The gates always open an hour before the scheduled first pitch. I'm usually at the ballpark a half an hour before the scheduled first pitch. Clippers' games usually last around two and a half hours.
Being a few minutes early will help us secure good seats.
**Parking**
I personally always like to park in the [McConnell Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/McConnell+Garage/@39.9685114,-83.0103938,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388f24145462d1:0x6238c0f0c851ab70!8m2!3d39.9692957!4d-83.0081175!16s%2Fg%2F1jkw6y27y?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). If nothing else is going on in the area, this should be $7. However, I've also seen it be as high as $22. I can't say for certain what it will be for this game, but once I know, I will post in the comments.
Alternately, there are other lots in the area you can try which will probably be a few dollars cheaper. [Here is a map](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/q_auto/milb/ernng44ya2xkr4wbheql) of all the garages and lots surrounding the stadium. Keep in mind that many of these are outdoor lots and your car will be out in the elements.
If you decide to look for a different lot, I would mildly recommend either the Buggyworks Lot or the Broadbelt Lot, but I have never parked in either of these myself. Although it won't apply for this game, keep in mind that street parking is also free citywide in Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf).
**Where We'll Be**
Here is a [map of the ballpark](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/qkqohbqjgtx5uwo6zkgn.pdf).
We'll be sitting on Level 3 of the [Left Field Building](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/huntington-park) (aka the "AEP Power Pavilion"), which features a 110 foot bar with six open patios overlooking the field. This area is covered and will be out of any sun or rain that may transpire.
If you enter the park through the Center Field Entrance (which is at the intersection of Nationwide Blvd. and Neil Ave.), there will be a door to your immediate right after you enter that leads to a staircase up into the Tower.
This door is not well-marked, and if you've never been to Huntington Park before, you may wonder if you're actually allowed to go in and up the stairs. Yes, you are.
We'll be on the Tower's "Level 3". I have uploaded to the Photos section of this event page, below, a picture of the sign you want look for after you ascend the stairs, so you'll know you're on the correct floor.
**Tickets**
Do not buy your tickets ahead of time. They will literally be twice as expensive if you buy them on Ticketmaster.
Instead, go to the ticket window near the Center Field Entrance. Buy a *Standing Room Only* ticket (don't worry, you won't be standing), which will cost you a flat $8 with no other taxes or fees.
These tickets never sell out, and this is the cheapest way to get into the park.
**Carry-Ins**
Per the team's [website](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/a-z-guide): "Soft-sided coolers are permitted in the general seating area [which is where we'll be], but not hard-sided coolers; also no alcohol, glass bottles, or cans will be permitted. SMALL bags or backpacks of food items and beverages in plastic bottles are ok. Reusable water bottles are permitted, but must be empty upon arrival. Diaper bags are allowed."
I always bring a disposable plastic bottle of water and refill it as I need at the park. Bottled water at the game is something like 4 or 5 dollars. So if you want a bottle of water, I recommend bringing your own bottle instead of buying it at the park.
**Food & Drink**
The area we'll be in has burgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, ice cream, and other sorts of things you would expect at a baseball game. I've posted pics of the menu in the Photos section, below.
The burger and fries are $14 plus tax, and they're not bad. (This is what I usually get.) The beer is *really* overpriced. It's like $9, or $20 for a pitcher. If there's some people to help me drink it, though, I'll buy a pitcher of Michelob Ultra.
While we'll be on the penultimate floor of the Tower, the top floor (which has a great view, but is fully exposed to the elements) has a [Dirty Frank's](https://dirtyfranks.com/) hot dog stand. I've never gotten anything from there, though I've been told it's good.
The Donatos pizza stand is also a very short walk away from where we'll be. I love Donatos, but the pizza is so expensive at the ballpark. It's like $9 for a personal-sized pepperoni. It is good, though.
**Peroration**
Let's (watch them) play ball!
Blacklick Woods Hike
Join for a two mile hike at beautiful Blacklick Woods Metro Park leaving from the base of the canopy walk. This hike is mostly flat on gravel and paved trails. Come and enjoy another warm springing hike with us.
Hike Blendon Woods Metro Park
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.
Cocktails & Conversations | Rooftop Social
Join Black Love & Friends for an elevated evening of connection at the stunning rooftop lounge at Lincoln Social in downtown Columbus.
Sip handcrafted cocktails, enjoy breathtaking skyline views, and engage in meaningful conversations with professionals and creatives in a relaxed, upscale atmosphere.
This is more than a meetup — it's a space to build authentic connections, expand your circle, and enjoy Columbus nightlife at one of the city's most beautiful rooftop venues.
✨ Stylish atmosphere
🍸 Crafted cocktails
🌆 Iconic rooftop views
🤝 Genuine connections
Space is limited and rooftop events fill quickly.
Sharon Woods HIKE
Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.




























