Bird Watching

Solstice special; please note the 7:30 pm start time. Brisk, 3-to-4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Freddie's Beach Bar in Crystal City. After the hike, we will head to Freddie's for drinks, food, and karaoke. Closest metro Crystal City.

England are up again, this time the opponents are Ghana for each team's second World Cup 2026 game on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium in Boston. The Three Lions', first game saw a 4-2 success in a dream start in Texas. The result has England sitting atop Group L on goal difference over today's opponents. Realistically, another win will guarantee progression to the Round of 32. Ghana were also victorious in their opening game, scoring a late 1-0 victory over Panama, leaving today's two teams side by side at the summit, with any victor this afternoon progressing into the Round of 32. This will be the first competitive match between these two having only met once before, a 1-1 draw in an exhibition friendly match at Wembley back in 2011. We're going back to Hawk & Griffin again for this one. Regulars might point out that the venue is usually closed on Tuesday, but not for the World Cup!! We'll be meeting from 2:30 pm (note, that this is the time they are opening their doors today) for this one to see if either of these two can book their place in the last 32 - Join Us!

Join us for Happy Hour and trivia at Caddies on Cordelle in Bethesda. Happy Hour prices last until 10 pm. Trivia starts at 7:30, but we will arrive early to get a table. [https://caddiesoncordell.com/event/trivia-night/2025-06-24/](https://caddiesoncordell.com/event/trivia-night/2025-06-24/)

On this walk we'll start in Bethesda, walk the Capitol Crescent a bit, then walk towards AU/Teneleytown. **Millage:** 4.5 **Map:** [komoot](https://www.komoot.com/tour/3024611926?share_token=aWXz8Cxnm7LZhjNMD6lUku1mIiHrUOBCOp4zWEfbgqOAbTWWgr&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=5208720834658), [caltopo](https://caltopo.com/m/7NC3PM1) **Start:** Bethesda metro (street level, top of the stairs) **End:** AU/Teneleytown metro **Terrain:** There will be mostly paved surfaces. \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer. Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

Craving community? Just want to take a walk in nature with others? Want some time in nature? Join folks from Church of the Covenant, a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) church, for a casual walk in nature on the 4th Sunday of each month. We're channeling calmness, community, and connection in hopes that we'll leave the walk feeling refreshed, renewed, and recharged. We call this our "Early Bird Fellowship." We'll meet at the playground at Potomac Overlook Regional Park then take a 30min stroll. All are welcome --- pets, kids, all ages https://covenantchurcharlington.org/ \*\* This is a no pressure gathering for folks who want intentional community.

The water lilies and lotuses are blooming at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! Let's explore the gardens and go for a walk on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From 9 to 10 am we'll do about 2 miles of unstructured wandering around LBJ Memorial Pond to enjoy and photograph the aquatic plants and the boardwalks to the west. If you arrive later, which is fine, just come on in and join us in the gardens! * At 10 am, we'll reconvene in front of the Visitor Center and go for a 1.9-mile walk on the Anacostia River and back along the Anacostia River Trail. The River Trail is paved and fairly level. * The total walk is about 4 miles. We should finish at around 11:30 am. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a](https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a) ❷ **How to get there:** * The parking lot entrance is located at 4505 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington D.C. (The official address is 1550 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington, DC.) From the parking lot, a path through the woods leads to the Visitor Center. The park is accessible by Metro from the Deanwood Metro Stop on the Orange Line. * For detailed directions, see the NPS web site, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm) ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Insect repellent, sunscreen, and maybe an umbrella are recommended. A camera is a handy accessory. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 88F, with a 24% chance of showers at start, falling to 14% by noon. Light NW winds. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc](https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc) ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms and drinking fountains at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Visitor Center. ❼ **Notes:** * "Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens," Official National Park Service Website, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm)

Explore the flora and fauna of two dredge islands in the Anacostia River, linked from the mainland by a boardwalk across Kingman Lake. The trails out and back are approximately 3 miles of easy if sometimes muddy terrain. We'll discuss history of the islands, ecological management, and DC's draft wildlife management plan. Great for birding and other critters, and possibly river otters. Bring hiking shoes, water, tick repellent, and weather appropriate attire. We will meet at the SE corner of RFK lot #6, nearest the entrance to the Park. It is possible to park at that location. Additional directions for metro, bus and bike here: https://www.kingmanisland.com/visit A voluntary $2 donation in exact change is requested to help support the Sierra Club outings program. The event will cancel if there is a steady rain.

\*\*NOTICE: The park is open for Sunrise Opening at 5:15 AM \*\* [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunrise-in-the-gardens-515am-opening](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunrise-in-the-gardens-515am-opening) From the website: Sunrise is the perfect time for a peaceful walk, birding, or nature photography. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens will open at 5:15am for guests to enjoy nature in the early morning hours. Please note: * Regular admission ($5-$9) and memberships apply. * Posed photography reservations are not available during extended hours. * These extended hours may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Please check [Meadowlark's Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/MeadowlarkGardens/) or novaparks.com for an inclement weather alert or call 703-255-3631 x0. * 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 breakfast, after the field trip around 8:30 AM, 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/ 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.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us as we get together for a CAPA Summer Movie event to see the romantic, funny, heartwarming, feel-good classic, PRETTY WOMAN! Julia Roberts and Richard Gere star in this modern-day fairy-tale romance! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A wealthy corporate raider hires a Hollywood escort as his date for a week of high-society business events. But what starts as a business transaction blossoms into genuine love, challenging both of their lives and leading to an unexpected romance. The film is directed by Garry Marshall and stars Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Héctor Elizondo, Ralph Bellamy (in his final performance), Laura San Giacomo and Jason Alexander. MINI TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc) SHORT BONUS CLIP #1 - DIRECTOR GARRY MARSHALL Recalls Famous Scenes from the Film: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs) SHORT BONUS CLIP #2 - RICHARD GERE on the Film’s Impact all these years later: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8) SHORT BONUS CLIP #3 - JULIA ROBERTS Remembers a Gift from Director Garry Marshall: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA) BUZZ & ACCLAIM: A huge box office hit at the time of its release, PRETTY WOMAN has since gone on to become a modern-day classic! The film catapulted Julia Roberts to superstardom and earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress and her first Oscar nomination! Critics praise Julia Roberts’ star-making performance, the undeniable chemistry between her and Richard Gere, and its warm, funny feel-good story about kindness, self-worth and transformation! The film’s “intelligence and wit,” “first-class performances” and “sharp, funny script” have made Pretty Woman a classic and truly “something special!” THE OHIO THEATRE: The Ohio Theatre is located at 39 E. State Street, between 3rd and High Streets, across the street from the Ohio Statehouse. From classical music to modern dance, yearly family traditions to hot concerts, the world’s best artists come to the 2,791-seat, historic Ohio Theatre. The breathtaking details (including the 21-foot-high chandelier!) of its opulent, Spanish-Baroque architecture make any night at the Ohio Theater an event to remember! PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT: Now celebrating his 33rd year as featured organist for the CAPA Summer Movie Series, Clark Wilson will again provide pre-show entertainment at the keyboards and controls of the Ohio Theatre’s treasured “Mighty Morton” theatre organ 30 minutes prior to each screening. PARKING: Parking is available at Columbus Commons Parking Garage off 3rd or Rich Streets or in Statehouse Parking Garage off 3rd Street. You can find out more about parking in Downtown Columbus by visiting the Downtown Columbus website. PLAN: Purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and we’ll meet outside the theater between 6:50 and 7:00pm. We’ll head in at 7pm to get good seats and enjoy the pre-show organ music! TICKETS: Tickets just $6 adult / $5 senior! Parking is available under the Capital building, in the nearby garage, or on the nearby streets. You can purchase your ticket at the box office on the day of the event or online here: [https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/](https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/) Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

We will meet at the Hofbräuhaus at 2:00 and then walk down to the Crew Stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final watch party.

**Hike the Scioto Audubon trail. All paved and flat!** **Plan on 3-4 miles. Hike at your own pace, no one left behind.** **Lunch after at Nocterra for those who wish.**