Bird Watching

Regular biweekly walk to find the birds and sights of Lake Artemesia.

**Gold Mine and Great Falls Overlook. A Moderate 6.5 Mile Hike** SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER NOTE This hike features the remnants of a quirky gold mine and the classic overlook of Great Falls. The mine was established by a Union soldier who was stationed along the Maryland side of the Potomac River near Great Falls during the Civil War. He noticed a glint of gold and after the war, he returned to the area, bought some farmland, and started mining for gold. Eventually, 30 small mines were opened by various prospectors. One of the largest mines was the Maryland Mine. Today, little remains of these mines, but there is a loop trail that passes by one of them. The hike starts near Old Angler’s Inn, passes by the mine remains, then goes down to the classic overlook of Great Falls before returning to the woods and hiking back on trails with splendid views of the Potomac River. Please note, the parking lot fills early so plan to arrive by the 9:45 briefing. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00. **Directions to Trailhead**: The GPS Coordinates are 38.981913, -77.226457 The Street address is 10801 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854. NOTE: This address is for Old Angler's Inn. The parking lot for the hike is across the street from the Inn. DO NOT park in The Old Angler's Inn parking lot. They tow. **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 6.5 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 590 ft Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead Fees: No entrance fees **Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather:** The weather for this location can be found [here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/690036e3ff6946c13bced978e7393968725ea6a1ed2958c0052a973f390e4af3). **Notes**: -PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. SHOULD YOUR PLANS CHANGE KINDLY UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO FILL YOUR SPOT. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAIT LIST IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIGN OUT AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU WILL NOT ATTEND BECAUSE MEETUP MOVES PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY TO THE GOING LIST ONCE A SPOT OPENS. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6 PM WILL BE CONSIDERED A "NO SHOW" AND REPEATED INSTANCES MAY RESULT IN BEING BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE HIKES LED BY THIS ORGANIZER. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -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).

The National Museum of Asian Art presents The President’s Cake, a charming tragicomedy from Iraq, followed by a panel discussion and free refreshments (featuring treats from [Muncheez](https://www.muncheezdc.com/) \- great felafel\)\! I was fortunate enough to see this film in the theater, and it is excellent! Will tug at your heartstrings. To reserve tickets, go to **[this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-screening-and-reception-the-presidents-cake-tickets-1989228441818?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_content=remind_me&utm_campaign=remind_me_event&utm_term=Special+Screening+and+Reception%3A+The+President%27s+Cake&aff=ebemrmremindmeemail)** on Eventbrite. I'm sure it will fill up though they still take walkups. Trailer: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIhlE3lfu6w](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIhlE3lfu6w "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIhlE3lfu6w") Co-presented with the Arab Gulf States Institute. The first Iraqi film to compete in the Cannes Film Festival’s prestigious Directors Fortnight section, it won both the competition’s top prize and the audience award. Set in the 1990’s, during the reign of Saddam Hussein, this charming tragicomedy follows nine-year-old Lamia, who is assigned by her teacher the task of making the cake Iraqi’s were required to make for Saddam’s birthday. Lamia sets off on a picaresque journey to beg, borrow, or steal the ingredients she needs, in the process meeting a cross-section of her countries’ population, all of whom are trying their best to make the best of difficult times. “The President's Cake offers an astute, poignant story of empathy for humanity caught in the crosshairs,” writes Diane Carson for the Alliance of Women Film Journalists. Directed by: Hasan Hadi. Countries: Iraq, Qatar, United States. Released: 2025. Length: 105 min. Format: DCP. Language: Arabic (Iraqi Dialect) with English subtitles.

**Who will advance to take it all? Let’s find out!** **Come through to Tom’s Watch Bar this Friday night and get ready to see a game that could lead to a historic moment!**

Meet at the National Wildlife Visitor Center, at the far left end of the parking lot.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is significant for several reasons. ### What Makes It Special Even If You're Not Religious * The scale of the building is awe-inspiring. * The artwork and craftsmanship rival those found in famous European churches. * The chapels tell the story of immigrant communities that helped shape the United States. * It offers a rare combination of history, architecture, art, culture, and quiet contemplation in the heart of Washington, DC. Many visitors describe it as one of the most underrated attractions in DC because it combines the grandeur of a major monument with a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the city's busy museums and government buildings. * **The largest Catholic church in North America** and among the ten largest churches in the world. * **Home to more than 80 chapels and sacred images**, representing the diverse cultural and ethnic communities that make up the Catholic Church in the United States. * **Known for its breathtaking mosaics**, containing millions of pieces of colored glass and stone that cover walls, ceilings, and domes. * **A unique blend of Byzantine and Romanesque architecture**, making it visually distinct from the Gothic cathedrals many visitors are familiar with. * **Visited by multiple Popes**, including Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. * **A national shrine rather than a local parish church**, meaning it serves as a place of pilgrimage for Catholics from across the United States and around the world. * **Dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus**, under the title "Immaculate Conception," who is the patroness of the United States. * **Features one of the world's largest mosaic domes**, creating a remarkable visual experience even for visitors with no religious background. ### Join us for a casual visit to the Basilica. **Cost:** Free **Time**: 12:15 pm **Who can attend:** Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith background. Please dress respectfully for a place of worship.H

(Bus hike) This section of the AT accesses some of the most striking features of the Maryland section of the trail, including the \*other\* Washington Monument. Long hikers start at Wolfsville Rd. and end at the parking area for the monument, with options to go on spur trails for Black Rock Cliffs and Annapolis Rocks. Moderate hikers start at the I-70 parking area close to the bridge, first doing a there-and-back to Annapolis Rocks and then going south to the monument parking area. Easy option available. Est.: 12 miles, 1800' elevation and 8 miles, 1300' elevation. PATC Map 5. Fare: $33. MD Hikes * [DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu) downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * [Grosvenor-Strathmore - Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Grosvenor-Strathmore/@39.0290866,-77.1038062,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7cc1d7517e10d:0x4dd38c36fee3d96d!8m2!3d39.0290866!4d-77.1038062!16s%2Fg%2F1hjh2tbt1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgwNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) Metro station at Tuckerman Lane off Rockville Pike in Bethesda (just north of the Beltway) Meet there by 8:15 a.m. Plenty of parking is available. **RESERVATIONS** Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. **FIRST-TIME HIKERS** If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph (30 min/mile) pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike with us. Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. **CANCELLATION POLICY** To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on MeetUp before NOON on the Frida**y before the hike**. If you change your RSVP after twelve noon on the Friday before the hike, a refund will not be issued (but a 'rain-check' may be possible). Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hikers are implored to change their MeetUp RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. **FLU, COVID-19, and RSV PRECAUTIONS** Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.