Campfires

**Bring a flash light.** Some of the walk is lit with street lights. Some is not. **PROBABLY ICY. Bring spikes if you have them.** We will be hiking along the historic Alexandria waterfront down and through scenic Old Town to the Wilson bridge and back. Lovely views of the river, as well as of Old Town. Part of the walk is on the Mount Vernon Trail bike path. Hike is mostly flat, and on paved surfaces or board walk. Please note the hike leaves at 600PM sharp. There are bathrooms at the halfway point. **Meet at the small parking area closest to the bike path. First left on Marina Drive. Not the large marina parking area that is further along.** We walk pretty briskly around 3.4-3.8 miles an hour. I assume if you can’t keep up, you can always find your way back to the starting point. Hope you can join our group of stalwart regulars and cheery newcomers. Happy hiking. Most of the walk has street lights, but not all so, but bring a light.

Welcome to Casual Dining Out, the event series where we explore counterserve establishments, food halls, and other venues for quick bites of Asian, "fusion", and other fare! As in the past, the field for these events will typically be limited, so please RSVP quickly if you know you're coming (or drop out quickly if you can't make it to give others a chance). RSVPs will close at 4 PM the day of the event and anyone who drops afterwards may be subject to the dreaded "no show" designation. This edition: Northern Indian and Indochinese delights! [https://www.eatatbansari.com/](https://www.eatatbansari.com/) As always, a bonus activity could follow if the mood is right. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

Yes it will be cold! But we will be inside! Meet up with us at Atlas Brewery where there is a little of everything for everyone!

**\*\*\* You must purchase a ticket to attend. Purchase tickets [here](https://sommcircle.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=650343&item_id=2780299) \*\*\*** Join Somm Circle for a special tasting journey to Ukraine's wine country! We're excited to explore the distinctive wines of SHABO, one of the most prestigious wineries in Odessa, located along the historic Black Sea coast. **About the Tasting:** Discover the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of Ukraine through a guided tasting led by importer Sam, a U.S. military veteran who fell in love with Ukrainian wine while helping repel Russian forces. SHABO Winery has been producing exceptional wines in the Odessa region, and this is a rare opportunity to experience wines that showcase the character of this underappreciated wine region. Our expert host will guide us through a selection of six SHABO wines, sharing insights into Ukrainian viticulture, the winery's history, and the distinctive qualities of Black Sea coastal wines. We will enjoy this tasting in an intimate setting at the historic DACOR Bacon House in downtown Washington. Only 19 seats available. Don't miss out! Large charcuterie boards at each table, will accompany the tasting. **Please Note:** While wines will not be available for purchase at the event, order forms will be provided for anyone interested in ordering bottles to enjoy at home. * **Cost:** $78 for Somm Circle member per person, $85 for non-members * (includes wine tasting, large charcuterie boards at each table, and light refreshments) Purchase tickets [here.](https://sommcircle.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=650343&item_id=2780299) * **Capacity:** Limited to 19 guests

Yummy Bowl serves Mongolian BBQ, sushi, and ramen. Mongolian BBQ is a stir-fry style of cuisine where you place a selection of raw noodles/rice, vegetables, fruit, and protein in to a bowl along with your choice of sauces and the dish is cooked for you on a large, round grill while you wait. Every bowl is delicious and you are the chef so the selection gets better every time! Expect entrees in the range of $17 plus tax and beverage. This is a great opportunity to meet others who are new as well as those who have been around a while! Look for GRASP table flyers and Eli's GRASP shirt to easily find the group. We can't wait to see you there!

You need to buy a ticket for this event, not only RSVP ! 🎟️Register here : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-and-sound-bath-tickets-1979627608467?aff=oddtdtcreator 🎟 Free for FACC Members 💵 $25 for Non-Members **Jump start the new year by prioritizing yourself.** Join us on January 29, 2026 from 6-7:30pm for a nourishing gentle yoga class accompanied by a deeply restorative sound bath. Yoga offers far more benefits than just stress relief. It is a powerful practice for whole-body well-being, especially for women as we move through different life stages. Gentle yoga supports hormonal balance, improves sleep, strengthens the body, enhances flexibility, boosts our mood, and helps reduce inflammation. It also allows us to cultivate greater awareness of our bodies, empowering more intentional self-care and supporting the management of chronic health conditions. This class is accessible, supportive, and welcoming to all levels. Whether you are a new or practiced yogi or yogini, come as you are and leave feeling grounded, restored, and renewed. Be sure to register early as space is limited to 20 yogis! **Event Details** * **Date:** Thursday, January 29, 2026 * **Time:** 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM * **Venue:** 4401 East-West Hwy Suite 303, Bethesda, MD 20814 **Featured Instructors** **Julia Gaspar-Bates** is a certified hatha yoga instructor and a Board member of the FACC Women in Leadership committee. A yoga practitioner for nearly 30 years and a teacher for 18 years, Julia’s classes are designed to incorporate a deep awareness of breath control with careful attention to the physical alignment and benefits of each pose. An intercultural consultant in her non-yogic world, Julia integrates mindfulness practices in her work to enhance self-awareness and help develop cultural intelligence. **Juan Hernandez Gonzalez –** Originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Juan has lived in the DC area since 2007. A visual artist and self-taught musician, Juan started to play gongs and singing bowls as part of his personal meditation and spiritual practice. The abstract, enveloping sounds of these instruments invite him to transcend, and he finds joy and fulfillment in sharing this experience with others. Juan has performed at his congregation as part of centering activities and during yoga classes. **About the 1440 Health Collective** 1440 Health Collective was founded in 2017 in Bethesda, MD as a space for true healing transformation, not just treatment. The name was inspired by the 1,440 minutes in each day—a reminder that wellness isn't a luxury or a destination but is woven into every moment of life, a reminder to nurture oneself. Founded by Jessica Luke with one room in a chiropractor’s office, today 1440 Health Collective a thriving wellness center—a collaborative community of independent practitioners who provide care for one’s whole being. [https://1440health.com/](https://1440health.com/ "https://1440health.com/") The **Women in Leadership Committee (WIL)** of the **French-American Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.**empowers and connects women across the French-American professional landscape through events, advocacy, and leadership development. WIL works to spotlight and support women leaders in the United States and beyond.

Did you make a new year's resolution to get outside more? Have you been *thinking* about getting into hiking? Then come out to the first HHH of 2026! Does disappearing into the wilderness with a group of strangers put you on edge? Then come to a casual happy hour and get to know us first. This is a great time to meet your fellow outdoor enthusiasts and get connected - without needing to gear up. **\*\*Update\*\*** Crown and Crown called to let me know they accepted a private event on the 30th and will be closed to the public. So, we are changing location to Courthaus Social in Court House (Arlington). We have a reservation for the back bar at Courthaus (called the Courtroom). 7pm. Courhaus Social is a lively German Bier Garten with outdoor seating and a huge selection of craft beer, good vibes, and food from all over. Please update your RSVP if your plans change so that we have an accurate headcount. Thanks!

*This hike was originally scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, and is being postponed to Sunday, Feb. 1 because of snow. While Saturday isn't supposed to be snowy during the day, we are concerned about folks getting stuck in the beginnings of it on the drive home. We apologize for anyone who can't make it on Feb. 1 but hope to see you on another hike soon.* Join us for a pleasant and relatively gentle hike on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. The highlight of this hike is the David Lesser Shelter, which features a swing, large seating and picnic areas and other minor attractions. The trail has only a moderate amount of elevation. However, we consider this hike moderately challenging due to its length. We’ll move at a steady 2-3 mph pace with a break at the aforementioned Lesser Shelter, which is also our turn-around point. We'll take other quick breaks on the trail as needed. Please carry a minimum of 1 to 1.5L of water with you. After the hike we will go to nearby Harvest Gap Brewery. Meet time & location: We'll meet at 8:15 am at the East Falls Church (EFC) metro station to consolidate into as few cars as possible given the limited parking at the trailhead. The trailhead is about an hour from EFC. Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/appalachian-trail-keys-gap-to-david-lesser-memorial-shelter Brewery (also has food): https://harvestgap.com/ CARPOOLING: We encourage those with cars to be willing to carpool - you're the ones who make LMH great! If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information: (1) Number of seats (2) Meeting location (3) Meeting time As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas. By signing up for this event, you acknowledge and agree that Late Morning Hikers, its volunteer organizers, and drivers who volunteer to carpool are not responsible or liable for accidents, injuries, damage, or losses that may occur while traveling to or from the hike. Late Morning Hikers does not condone or encourage impaired driving. Drivers are expected to follow applicable laws and make responsible transportation choices. We look forward to hiking with you! BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model ([http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm](http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.html)). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction. We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service ([https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost](https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)) LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link ([https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0))

A biweekly open-table **West Marches Shadowdark campaign** based mainly on a collection of OSR adventures written by G. Hawkins. **What You'll Need:** 1. *(Recommended):* A laptop, tablet or phone (I will bring a power strip for charging). We will be using a virtual table-top (Owlbear Rodeo), which does not require installation or an account. Alternatively, players can forego the VTT and play using a "Theatre-of-the-Mind" approach. 2. *(Optional)* The *Shadowdark RPG Core Rulebook* or a downloaded copy of the free *[Player Quickstart Guide](http://%5B%5Bhttps//%5Bwww.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D%5D(www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D))(%5B%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf))))*[.](http://%5B%5Bhttps//%5Bwww.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D%5D(www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D))(%5B%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf)))) 3. **Character design:** Players will roll character stats in person, either with physical dice or using the character-creation-rolls channel in my Discord server. Characters start at level 1. Players can create a stable of up to three characters to choose for use in sessions. If a character dies, a new character can be created (at level 1) as above. I recommend that created characters be entered into the online Shadowdark character creation resource *[[Shadowdarklings.net](http://shadowdarklings.net/)]([https://shadowdarklings.net/create](https://shadowdarklings.net/create))* for long-term storage and updating between sessions. 4. You can bring physical dice or use the VTT built-in dice roller.

Winter calls for a different mountain experience - let's trade in our hiking boots for ski boots and hit the slopes! We will meet at North Bethesda Metro (previously named White Flint) at 8AM and carpool to the resort. Drive time is about 1 hour and 30mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends. ## **Mountain Facts** * **Terrain Difficulty:** 35% green runs, 40% blue runs, 25% black runs * **Lifts:** 8 * **Trails:** 16, 2 terrain parks * **Highest Elevation:** 1,190 Feet * **Lift Tickets:** Epic Season Pass or Single-Day Lift Ticket: https://www.libertymountainresort.com/plan-your-trip/lift-access/tickets.aspx * **Parking:** North Bethesda Metro Parking Garage **Trip Details:** Let's give Liberty a shot this time. Liberty is a small ski resort, but with a drive less than 2 hours, it's easy to get to the mountain and back home in time for dinner. Liberty is thought of as being more beginner friendly than the nearby Whitetail, but does offer several large terrain parks. This is not designed as a trip to help with ski/snowboard instruction. However, Liberty does offer both lessons and rentals. On the way back, I plan to stop at a hot pot restaurant called Hot Pot Hero in Gaithersburg, MD. Address is 100 Paramount Park Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. **WHAT TO BRING:** * Ski/snowboard gear (rentals available onsite) * Lift ticket or season pass (available onsite) * Warm layers, gloves, and goggles (available onsite) * Helmet - optional (available onsite) * Snacks, water, and electrolytes (available onsite) * Steez **LIFT TICKETS:** You will need to either purchase an Epic Season Pass or single-day lift tickets. The ticket prices vary, but I recommend purchasing them well in advance as they can (and do) sell out. For more info: https://www.libertymountainresort.com/plan-your-trip/lift-access/tickets.aspx **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best snowboarding/skiing practices and choose trails that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost on the mountain, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost).​ See you on the slopes!

Join the Columbus Ski Club for a First Friday Happy Hour! If you're new in town or just looking to socialize, this is the event for you. Connect with fellow sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers while sharing travel stories and tips for the best ski slopes or hiking trails. Contact: Herb Beidel, 614 -619-7808 [Dec_2025_CSC_Track Newsletter.pdf]() CSC Membership not required for happy hour!

✨ **Wicks & Sips: A Candle-Making Experience** ✨ Join us for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and calm. **Wicks & Sips** offers a beautifully curated candle-making experience designed for every woman who deserves a moment to unwind. 🕯️ **Two Experiences. One Elegant Vibe.** **Creative Experience** Create a custom, single-wick fragrant candle while enjoying light appetizers and cocktail-inspired mocktails in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. **Elevated Experience** *(limited availability)* Step into a more refined experience featuring designer-inspired decorative candle vessels, premium colors and fragrances, and guided instruction to bring your candle vision to life. Enjoy curated appetizers, desserts, cocktails, and cosmopolitan-inspired sips—plus a keepsake takeaway bag to remember the moment. [Purchase Tickets](https://www.thepastry-boutique.com/event-details/wicks-and-sips-a-candle-making-event-1)

Hope to see you at a CABS Meeting - your first visit is FREE!!!