Backpacking

Set your Walter Mitty playlist to SHUFFLE as you hike, ice climb, ATV bike, and hot-spring-hop through a Viking land with a population smaller than Staten Island! This 7-day, all-inclusive, women’s-only multi-sport adventure to Iceland will slap over-worked fatigue away to make room in your soul for jaw-dropping beauty, badass women, and the most delicious gas station Pylsa you will ever eat. 🌭 Experience the best of Southern Iceland’s Golden Circle as we board our SHE-nanigan Shuttle for a road trip along the coast. We’ll chase waterfalls, trek across glaciers, audibly moan in hot springs, and spend each night searching for the perfect Van Gogh sky. (Northern Lights season, baby!) We’ll leave the light pollution of Reykjavik behind to stay in traditional Icelandic Guest Houses and Hotels surrounded by total darkness at night. When the sun’s beamin’, we’ll frolic on the biggest glaciers decked out in crampons and ice axes. You’ll get sendy ice-climbing glacial walls (Yes, you CAN ice climb!). We’ll set off across black sand beaches on ATV searching for the famous plane wreck and zipping through mountain canyons. Let’s not forget all of those waterfalls! Instagram-worthy moments include Gulfoss, Strokkur’s steamy water geyser, Skógafoss, strolling along the black sands of Diamond Beach, Glacier Lagoon, Reynisdrangar, and Seljalandsfoss. Do you work for National Geographic now? Probably. Did we go overboard with three hot springs soaks? After hiking into a river valley, we strip down ducked behind the smallest wall ever in frigid temperatures to take a dip in a natural hot spring in Iceland surrounded by snowy mountains. You’ll soak with locals at the Secret Lagoon and end our epic winter adventure in the new, swanky Sky Lagoon. Sound exciting? You’ll also be with a local and an Explorer Chick Guide who will be planning your adventure day by day to take advantage of the weather and the daylight. Hey, it’s a road trip where we call the shots! No rigid schedule, but a trip that flexes and flows so you get the best vacation. We’ll be sure to stop at local favorites too for ice cream, shopping, and craft brews! Are you ready for this?! **See the website for full itinerary, details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/iceland-glaciers-and-hotsprings-winter-tour/](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/iceland-glaciers-and-hotsprings-winter-tour/) **Say Hello 👋** **💻** Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: hello@explorerchick.com 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

Set your Walter Mitty playlist to SHUFFLE as you hike, ice climb, ATV bike, and hot-spring-hop through a Viking land with a population smaller than Staten Island! This 7-day, all-inclusive, women’s-only multi-sport adventure to Iceland will slap over-worked fatigue away to make room in your soul for jaw-dropping beauty, badass women, and the most delicious gas station Pylsa you will ever eat. 🌭 Experience the best of Southern Iceland’s Golden Circle as we board our SHE-nanigan Shuttle for a road trip along the coast. We’ll chase waterfalls, trek across glaciers, audibly moan in hot springs, and spend each night searching for the perfect Van Gogh sky. (Northern Lights season, baby!) We’ll leave the light pollution of Reykjavik behind to stay in traditional Icelandic Guest Houses and Hotels surrounded by total darkness at night. When the sun’s beamin’, we’ll frolic on the biggest glaciers decked out in crampons and ice axes. You’ll get sendy ice-climbing glacial walls (Yes, you CAN ice climb!). We’ll set off across black sand beaches on ATV searching for the famous plane wreck and zipping through mountain canyons. Let’s not forget all of those waterfalls! Instagram-worthy moments include Gulfoss, Strokkur’s steamy water geyser, Skógafoss, strolling along the black sands of Diamond Beach, Glacier Lagoon, Reynisdrangar, and Seljalandsfoss. Do you work for National Geographic now? Probably. Did we go overboard with three hot springs soaks? After hiking into a river valley, we strip down ducked behind the smallest wall ever in frigid temperatures to take a dip in a natural hot spring in Iceland surrounded by snowy mountains. You’ll soak with locals at the Secret Lagoon and end our epic winter adventure in the new, swanky Sky Lagoon. Sound exciting? You’ll also be with a local and an Explorer Chick Guide who will be planning your adventure day by day to take advantage of the weather and the daylight. Hey, it’s a road trip where we call the shots! No rigid schedule, but a trip that flexes and flows so you get the best vacation. We’ll be sure to stop at local favorites too for ice cream, shopping, and craft brews! Are you ready for this?! **See the website for full itinerary, details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/iceland-glaciers-and-hotsprings-winter-tour/](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/iceland-glaciers-and-hotsprings-winter-tour/) **Say Hello 👋** **💻** Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: hello@explorerchick.com 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

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. **9 miles with 400 feet elevation gain.** ***Join us for a nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of C&O Canal National Historical Park, Great Falls, Maryland.*** **Description:** We'll start our hike traveling on Burma Road from Anglers Parking lot and proceed to connect to the Gold Mine loop trail to include the Gold Mine Overlook. Once completing that trail, we will then connect to the towpath and head to the River Trail for a short but scenic loop along the Potomac. After that we travel to Potomac Overlook on Olmsted Island for some great views of Great Falls and the cascading water. After reconnecting to the towpath we'll hike back to the parking lot. The route is mostly level with a couple of short elevations in the forest. The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring**: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots in the forest. Restrooms are open near the Tavern visitor center and at Anglers parking area. We'll stop about halfway through for lunch/snack at Tavern Visitor Center. **Meet:** We will meet in front of the restrooms at Anglers parking. Do not park across the street at Old Anglers Inn. Please plan on being there at 9:15am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time. **Dogs are welcome.** **Dog Policy** [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) ***Please note that dogs are not allowed on the Olmsted Island boardwalk, so if you bring your dog, you will have to wait for us at the entrance to Olmsted Island*** Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland: [https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf) **Directions to** [Anglers Parking – C&O Canal Trust](https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/anglers-parking/) The parking lot has lower and upper parking areas. 10801 MacArthur Blvd. **GPS 38.98198, -77.22638** Any questions, please message me on Meetup or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

*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.* 7.5 mile circuit hike with 370 feet of elevation gain. A nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of Riverbend Park admiring the beautiful blooming bluebells. Description: We'll start our hike in Riverbend Park south along the Potomac Heritage trail where we should see bluebells along the trail and riverside. We will the make our way on a few trails on our way to some additional bluebells sections. Should be a scenic and nice stroll along the Potomac trail section of Riverbend with the bonus of seeing these beautiful Virginia native flowers. After the bluebell hike, there will be an option to hike over to Great Falls Park overlooks for anyone interested in joining me. The pace will be about 2 mph. Bring some hydration, snacks/lunch, as you feel necessary. **Fee:** ***There is no entrance fee at Riverbend Park, but I will need to collect $2.00 from each hiker to cover the cost of group fees at Riverbend. Group fees are required for groups of 12 or more. I will get the group permit in advance. Small bills only please!*** Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Riverbend Park trail map: [https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RiverBend/images/Map.pdf](https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RiverBend/images/Map.pdf) If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide your full name, cell phone number and emergency contact number. You can message me on Meetup or text me at my cell phone listed below. This will save time getting folks signed in. ***Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00am.*** Meeting Place Instructions: Riverbend Park, Great Falls, VA. We will meet at the lower parking lot, on the right, across from the Riverbend Visitor Center. Coordinates 39.01758,-77.24621 Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

**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.

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. This is a 9 mile out and back hike along the Appalachian Trail with a 1,700 foot elevation gain in the Shenandoa National Park. We'll go out about 4.5 miles to a neat viewpoint, have lunch/snack, and then return the way we came. Speed: Our pace will vary between 2 and 2.5 mph. The trail is well maintained and not very rocky. Hike map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/mount-marshall-via-the-appalacian-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/mount-marshall-via-the-appalacian-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map) GPS Coordinates for trailhead: 38.80719, -78.18102 Entry to Shenandoa National Park costs $30.00 per car unless you have a park pass. Leader: Dick Pregent 703-587-2359 Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 7:30 AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7:30 AM. Hike leader will not be at the carpool location. Please arrive at the trailhead 15 minutes before 9:00 AM so we can get everyone signed in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 AM. Suggested carpool fee is $5. PLEASE NOTE: Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.

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. **9 miles with 922 feet of elevation gain.** ***Shenandoah River State Park Bluebell Festival*** **Description:** A very scenic hike in the forest of Shenandoah River State Park and along the shore of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. We will combine several trails in the Park to make a nice loop. We will visit a couple of nice overlooks, one of which we stop at for lunch. **We will enjoy the Bluebells which should be blooming nicely and check out the Bluebell Festival celebration at the end of the hike!** [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2024-11-04-15-28-14-229412-wjn](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2024-11-04-15-28-14-229412-wjn) The pace will be about 2.5 mph. The elevation gain on this hike is pretty much spread out over the course of the hike. You should be experienced at this distance and elevation gain. There are restrooms at the overflow parking area (where we start) as well as at the Visitor Center. **Bring:** adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), also snacks/lunch, and insect repellent, sun screen. The route is mostly level with some rolling hills and there are no stream crossings. Some sections may get muddy after heavy rains. I recommend sturdy hiking shoes there are areas of the trail with tree roots. **Fee:** $10.00 park entrance fee (no fee for state park pass holders) or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI. Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope and hang the tab on your rearview mirror. **Dogs:** Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **CARPOOLING:** For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:20am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 8:30am. I'm starting the hike a little early to accommodate getting parking ahead of the festival start. **A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.** **GPS 38.801119, -77.589532** Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. **Suggested carpool fee: $4.00 per rider**. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Shenandoah River State Park is about 50 minutes. **NOTE:** ***The times listed for the hike include starting and finishing at Gainesville Park & Ride.*** ***If you are going directly to the trailhead at Shenandoah River State Park the times will be 8:30am-12:30pm.*** Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 8:30am. The gate at the contact station opens at 8:00am. Shenandoah River State Park Info: [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river) Shenandoah River State Park address is: 350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VA **Directions to Shenandoah River State Park.** Trailhead GPS coordinates 38.86284, -78.30555 From Northern Virginia, take I-66 West to exit 13 (Linden). Turn left off the ramp. Go one block to a stoplight where you'll take a right onto Rt. 55 West. At the fifth stoplight, turn left onto 340 South. Drive eight miles; the park's entrance is on the right. About 50 minutes drive time from Gainesville Park & Ride. Any questions, please message meus here or text/call @ 202-528-0456