Car Camping

Does anyone else struggle to find balance between their familial obligations and unending yearning to backpack every weekend? Anyway, I want to backpack this weekend but should be home early on Sunday for Mother's day so if anyone wants to join me I'm planning a quick bop to northern SNP. I haven't decided on getting there Friday night or Saturday morning but basically will start from the Thomson Hollow rd boundary, do a big loop up overall run, east to Hogbacks, back west to Elkwallow where you can get a treat, and down Heiskell hollow and then camp along Overall run. And then leave at first light on Sunday so we get back nice and early. Since this is very last minute, I'm not going to try and do a carpool or anything but if you want to come and don't have a car just message me and we can meet at Vienna. I am leaning towards leaving tomorrow night and camping near the cascades bc I don't like doing a long drive and then a long hike, but open to Saturday morning as well. Marking this VMO because of the lack of any organization here so you're on your own logistically but it's about 20 miles on Saturday and like 1.5 on Sunday. ALSO if less than 2 ppl sign up I reserve the right to cancel this and just do a day hike on saturday (I don't like camping alone) - if that happens i am still down to carpool and it will be this route: https://caltopo.com/m/1C3LL8J Map: https://caltopo.com/m/UBFKGKL# Weather: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Knob-Mountain-Page-County-Virginia/forecasts/872 Driving directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CEXpiXZc6bBZhVTg7 **Disclaimers** * Liability Waiver: \*By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms: [https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/*](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/*) * COVID-19 Policy: \*[https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/*](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/*) * Dues: *Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15) ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)* * Carpool: *As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile.* * I am not a guide or an expert. I am just a co-participant. I have no training or qualifications at all. You are only on this trip if I physically make contact with you at Vienna or the trailhead and acknowledge you as a trip participant.

**IMPORTANT - READ** This is a by law 10 person limit capacity trip, If you are NOT 100% committed please do NOT RSV **Rain - Shine or Snow is a go** This time we will be visiting the North area; The Dolly Sods Wilderness — originally simply Dolly Sods — is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) and one of the most desirable trekking areas for the free bird and adventure spirit. Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and lifeforms normally found much farther north in Canada. To the north, the distinctive landscape of "the Sods" is characterized by stunted (“flagged”) trees, wind-carved boulders, heath barrens, grassy meadows created in the last century by logging and fires, and sphagnum bogs that are much older. To the south, a dense cove forest occupies the branched canyon excavated by the North Fork of Red Creek. The name derives from an 18th century German homesteading family — the Dahles — and a local term for an open mountaintop meadow — a "sods". **State:** West Virginia **Counties:** Grant, Randolph, Tucker **Elevation:** 3,734 ft (1,138.1 m) **Coordinates:** 39.066062, -79.301616 **Trail details:** Friday night we will hike about 1.5 miles and camp around Bears Rock and Dobbin Grade trail intersection (wild camp), next day morning (Saturday) we will break camp and head North-West following Bear Rocks to Beaver View trail (TR523 on map) to Dobbin Grade trail (TR526) to Rocky Ridge trail (TR524) to Breathed Mountain trail (TR553) to Red Creek trail heading north to the intersection of Breathed Mountain trail and to our next camping location, enjoy the local cascades and swimming pool, take dinner. Next morning (Sunday) head north on Red Creek trail to Upper Red Creek trail (TR509) and from there to Dobbin Grade and back to Bears Rock trail = 15-16 miles round trek **Gear list, What you need to bring:** 1.) Tent - Sleeping pad - 20F Sleeping bag 2.) 2 pieces rain suit 3.) 3 extra pair of socks - 1 will stay on the car 4.) Backpacking stove + pot/cup/dish/spoon 5.) Dehydrate food 6.) Bottle or similar for drinking water 7.) Snacks/sandwich/power bar or equivalent, etc. 8.) Saturday and Sunday we will refuel from a stream. 9.) Water/beach shoes + small towel for stream crossing. 11.) Warm jacket, hat and water proof globes 12.) Water proof shoes-boots 13.) Extra pair of shoes (stay in the car) 14.) Gaiter **General meetup location:** Vienna Metro Station - 7:30pm **Time driving:** 3 hr. each way **Google driving direction from Vienna metro:** https://goo.gl/maps/1yXxQrnDbK9sKhcz6 **CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends by just posting a message!!

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. **8.0 mile out and back hike along the [Cabin John Stream Valley Trail](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/cabin-john-stream-valley-park/cabin-john-stream-valley-trail/) with an approximate 400 feet of elevation gain.** **Description:** The **[Cabin John Stream Valley trail](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cabin-John-Stream-Valley-Trails-map-2023-0522-letter.pdf)** is a well-maintained trail, largely in wooded areas with some hills and short sections of sidewalk. This trail is located near major highways but still offers an unexpected sense of solitude and natural beauty. **Hike Pace**: Pace will be about **2.5 mph** while moving. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, insect repellant, sturdy hiking shoes and poles if you use them since there are rocky areas/tree roots. There are a few small stream crossings. **Fee:** None **Dogs:** dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)**. **Where to Meet:** We will meet in the **small parking lot** at **7401 Macarthur Boulevard, Cabin John, MD** **Coordinates: 38.973310, -77.150590** **[Coordinates LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KEpbb4AxwPTRFJue8?g_st=ic)** **I have a gray Honda Fit. The hatchback will be up. Consider carpooling if possible as the parking lot is limited.** **[MAP](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cabin-John-Stream-Valley-Trails-map-2023-0522-letter.pdf)** **Contact Info:** Any questions, please message me here or text me at 703 533 9231 Dawn K.

Get checked your bucket list by visiting this fascinating destination! Start in Maun and end in Kasane! With the Safari tour Moremi reserve and Chobe NP Photographic Safari, you have a 10 days tour package taking you through Maun, Botswana and 5 other destinations in Botswana. Tour Start Maun Tour End Kasane Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 2pm • Return: Day10 after 4pm Fly IN Airport: Maun Intl. airport (Botswana) Fly OUT Airport: kasane Intl. airport (Botswana) Itinerary Day01 Maun Day02 Moremi Game Reserve Day03 Moremi Game Reserve Day04 Khwai Day05 Game drives and Mokoro excursion Day06 Chobe National Park Day07 Chobe National Park Day08 Chobe National Park Day09 Chobe National Park: game drive and cruise Day10 Chobe National Park and transfer to Kasane Cost: $3990 (Double Occupancy) $4520 (Single Supplement) Inclusions Price Includes * 2 person spacious dome tent (L3m x W3m x H2.20m) with built in groundsheet, 2 large aerating * windows with mosquito netting. * high density foam mattress, * sleeping bag and pillow. * Bucket shower facilities * A large canvas tent (7m x 5m) is used as a dining area. * Services of a professional guide, safari chef and camp assistants * Meals as per the itinerary * Tea and coffee available in camp * bottoled water is provided * Spacious and comfortable tented accommodation * High density foam matress and bedding * Services of a professional guide, safari chef and camp assistants * Utility vehicle for more than 4 pax * Game drives and local transfers in customised safari vehicles * Exclusive camping in private campsites within the national parks and reserves * All entrance and camping fees within the national parks and reserves * All meals (mineral water, tea, coffee) whilst in Travel Creations Botswana Tented Camps * All activities as specified in the itinerary * All transportation included as per the itinerary. Please mind that the tour starts in Maun and ends in Kasane Price Excludes * Flights * Meals other than mentioned in the itinerary * Personal Expenses * Optional activities * Travel insurance / Visa * Tips ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/botswana-moremi-reserve-chobe-np-photographic-safari/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/botswana-moremi-reserve-chobe-np-photographic-safari/) Questions? Text / Call - 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center. At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience. Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following: group riding dynamics; safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting; hill climbing; audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers; what to bring on each ride; etc... Bring your questions, water & a snack. When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well. Helmets a MUST. If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride. PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group. Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop. Happy Pedaling !! \~Maya

You don't need a drink in your hand to have a good time with us. We're creating space for women who are sober, sober curious, or just tired of every social event revolving around alcohol. Come as you are. Stay as long as you want. Good conversation. Good company. No pressure. This is your reminder that the best nights don't always come with a bar tab. Join the WhatsApp Group for more details. https://chat.whatsapp.com/H533SlZi8h70XjkN6iSEws?mode=gi_t

Free drum jam in a beautiful park, welcoming community. We start at 6:30 and jam until 9:30 at latest, the park closes at 10:00. Please bring a chair or stool to sit on. It's a short walk across the bridge from the parking lot and the whole area is well lit after dark. Park near the large, white restroom building. We always have first timers as well as regulars and we all have fun drumming together. Bring your drum if you have one. I have a few extra drums and percussion instruments in case you don't have one yet. Looking forward to seeing you there! Mark P.S. Out of town friends, hope you can make it down when you're in the area!

# **Join Us for Motorsport Fun!** The official home of #DCF1 #DCMotoGP #DCIndyCar #DCDRIFT #DCIMSA #NASCAR ​ We’re a grassroots collective of motorsport enthusiasts, built from the ground up. Every event, every connection, every unforgettable moment happens because of YOU. Our events are open to the public and free to attend unless noted as ticketed or exclusive to members. Official members enjoy special perks and VIP access. **[Check out all of our events here!](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/events)** Please don't forget to RSVP! It helps us and our partners out significantly. Thank you for being part of the movement! **[RSVP Here!](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/events)** **Official DCMC Membership** More than just a membership. It’s joining a movement. **🏁The DCMC Grid** — $100 for 12 months. This isn’t just a membership. It’s joining a movement. ✔ Official 2026 Pit Pass + Member Kit ✔ Member-only events & raffles ✔ Free “Drink of the Race” (select locations) ✔ Early & VIP access ✔ Partner perks & discounts And new for 2026… **🚨The DCMC Rookies (Ages 6–12)** Building the next generation of motorsport culture through sim racing, education & experiences Powered by Sim Racing Dads. Grassroots. Inclusive. Built from the ground up. If you’ve been coming to events… it’s time to get on the grid. Join the movement today. **[Check Out The Membership Here!](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/pricing-plans/list)**

This is the first event of the year where you can rent a canoe or kayak. Scroll down for more information on renting from Prince George's County. Postponing this by a week, so hopefully the forecast is warmer and less breezy. I've adjusted the times so there will still be plenty of water to explore Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. We'll shove off from Bladensburg Waterfront Park promptly at 1:30pm and head downstream towards Kenilworth, about two miles downstream. We'll do a loop around the wetlands and hopefully see some early blooms and plenty of birds. Once everyone regroups, we'll turn around and paddle back to Bladensburg, arriving before 4pm to accommodate rental returns. This is event is suitable for paddleboards (including iSUPs), recreational/touring kayaks, and canoes, but not inflatable kayaks. Everyone must WEAR, not just bring a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD. **RENTERS** The Prince George's County Parks Department rents single and tandem kayaks or canoes at this launch. You MUST reserve beforehand (several days before a nice weather weekend). Rentals run from 1pm-4pm. We will start paddling at 1:30 and be back at the ramp just before 4. **As a reminder, this group is geared towards paddlers with at least a modest amount of experience.** We do not offer instruction and highly advise against joining any of these events if you have never paddled before. [Double check the date and reserve boats here.](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=kU6I180Y6V00232Y1Q452Q4D5X5Z545S0A6Y605H5P73595T6I4G035O645C656Q5X4J5C576L5S4B6H4V6R5V4J6P5271544Z565805534O4X53016E4Q5A5A076S405G&begindate=05%2F10%2F2026&enddate=05%2F10%2F2026&type=&subtype=&category=&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+All&features=&quantity=1&secondarycode=&features1=&features2=&features3=&features4=&features5=&features6=&features7=&features8=&blockstodisplay=24&begintime=01%3A00+pm&endtime=04%3A00+pm&primarycode=BWP+Rentals&timeblocksearch=&display=Graphical&layer=42018&module=RN&multiselectlist_value=&rnwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes) Single Kayaks: $25 for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents; $33 for non-residents Tandem Kayaks & Canoes: $30 for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents; $39 for non-residents

Join us on a hike up Little Devils Stairs in Shenandoah National Park. This hike is a rugged and scenic loop that climbs through a narrow gorge alongside Keyser Run, featuring numerous stream crossings, small waterfalls and rocky scrambles that often require using your hands. The first couple of miles are the most strenuous, with a steep ascent up the “stairs” of boulders and roots, while constant views of cascading water and the surrounding forest make the effort worthwhile. Near the top, the trail levels out and transitions to a quieter return along a fire road through woods and past a historic cemetery, offering occasional valley views before descending back to the trailhead. Overall, it’s a challenging but rewarding hike known for its mix of water features, elevation gain and varied terrain. Total hiking distance will be approximately 5.6 miles. Combined with an elevation gain of close to 1,500 feet, this is considered a strenuous hike. Participants should have some hiking experience and be in good physical condition. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a daypack with snacks, lunch (we’ll make a pit stop on the trip out), raingear (mountain weather can be fickle!) and at least two quarts of water. This cost for this trip is the $5 Adventuring fee, plus $15 for your driver if you participate in the carpool. Additionally, there is a $30/vehicle entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park but usually we have enough hikers with National Park passes to cover each vehicle. There will be an optional dinner stop on the trip home. Due to very limited parking at the trailhead, carpooling is encouraged. We will meet at the East Falls Church Metro Kiss and Ride lot at 8:30. This is the small parking lot at the corner of Sycamore and 19th St N, not the main parking lot. If you’re walking out of the station, turn right to find us. Parking in Metro lots is free on weekends if you leave your vehicle. For those meeting us at the trailhead, we will convene by 10:30. Please note we will start from trailhead at the boundary parking area on Keyser Run Road, not from Skyline Drive (use “Little Devils Stairs Loop Trail” on Google Maps). IMPORTANT NOTE: When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release. Please **[click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf)** to review our release form. All participants must register on their own behalf.

(Bus hike) Wildflower Hike III: Enjoy the Springtime in Shenandoah Forest. This hike includes wildflowers, wonderful views, a peaceful waterfall, and bright blue skies (we hope). Long hikers start at the intersection of Dickey Ridge trail at Skyline Drive and follow Dickey Ridge trail to Fox Hollow trail, where they will ponder an old cemetery as they loop around to Dickey Ridge trail. Meanwhile Moderate hikers start at the Dickey Ridge Visitor center and go south on the Dickey Ridge Trail. They join long hikers at Fox Hollow trail and all hikers follow Dickey Ridge trail to Sneed Farm Road. Moderate hikers cross the road and continue on the Dickey Ridge trail, passing views of the Shenandoah valley below. Long hikers will go left on Sneed Farm Road and take the Snead Farm Loop Trail, passing farm ruins on their right, as they loop around to the Dickey Ridge trail where they will join moderate hikers. All hikers will continue on the Dickey Ridge trail to a parking lot where they will go down the gravel road to Lands Run waterfall about a half mile from Skyline Drive. After enjoying the waterfall, all hikers backtrack on the Dickey Ridge Trail to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. Est.: 12.0 miles, 2200 ft. elevation and 8.5 miles, 1400 ft. elevation. There are optional hikes that include an Extra Long hike of 14 miles and shorter moderate hikes ranging from 0-7.5 miles. PATC map 9. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass. VA Hikes. ***Map and hike description are posted under Photos*** **[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. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. **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. Space permitting, walk-ons are permitted at the second pick-up point. Your hike fee will be paid to one of the hike leaders in either cash or check (we're working on Venmo / Zelle). **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 pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. 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** Cancellations sometimes play havoc with our hiker accountability as the hike leaders print out the rider list from the MeetUp sign-up website. If the RSVP is not complete or up-to-date, neither is our check-in list. To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less the MeetUp $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on the MeetUp website before NOON on the Friday **before the hike**. If you change your RSVP afterwards, no refunds will be issued. While Metro/carpool/trailhead hike cancellations will not be issued a financial refund, hikers on either bus or trailhead hikes are implored to change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at either bus stops or the trailhead. **COVID, RSV, or seasonal FLU 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)

**Info below: Welcome! Download Songbook, Seating** *** \*\* WEATHER: Please check the your email before heading to the jam. I will send out an email if it will be cancelled due to rain. \*\* \*\* SAFETY: Please note by participating in this event you agree to the Health and Safety Waiver/Release below \*\* *** **ALL Jammers! All Instruments! All Skill Levels Welcome!** JOIN US FOR A JAM - IT IS A GREAT WAY TO: * Get in some practice time * Learn new songs * Socialize with other musicians * Build your confidence Come join us make music together! Anyone who can play any instrument at any skill level is welcome to stay and play for some or all of the Jam. We all play and sing songs from our song books of lyrics and chords. Everyone gets a chance to pick a song or pass. No pressure! *** **a. BRING SONGBOOKS: Please DOWNLOAD our TWO song books.** Download our TWO song books: at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhpjam/files/ b. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Safety is our number one priority! We want to be sure everybody attending the jam understands personal responsibilities to keep themselves and others safe. By attending this event you agree to the terms of the HEALTH AND SAFETY WAIVER which can be found in any one of the following: 1. At this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhpjam/permalink/2276132525918969 2. At this link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gzfqo4fnw0a2268zr95nx/MITCHELL-PARK-JAM-HEALTH-AND-SAFETY-WAIVER-RELEASE.pdf?rlkey=gztmv5k1shtxunjkc40hj5ij6&st=rek95rkg&dl=0 Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Only people who are fully vaccinated can attend. Local laws allow for some exceptions to this rule. Please contact me if you fall under these exceptions so we can make the appropriate arrangements. All members should follow CDC and Washington, D.C. guidelines. In addition, please respect other members needs for space. *** c. FACEBOOK: Join the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhpjam/ *** d. SEATING: You may want to bring a chair as seating may be limited. *** e. LOCATION: The jam will be held at Mitchell Park in Washington, DC. You can find our exact location on this map: https://bit.ly/mhpjamloc1 *** d. DONATIONS: Suggested donations: $2 per jam -OR- $5 per month -OR- $20 per 6 months. You can Venmo @Eric-Cohen-114 Meetup costs money. Eric pays for most of the costs out of his own pocket, but he asks you to help defray some of the costs with a small donation. Thank you. Image by freepik\ (https://www.magnific.com/free-ai-image/view-woman-playing-electric-guitar-instrument_169111739.htm#fromView=keyword&page=1&position=25&uuid=ddc9de4d-4908-49d0-aa0c-518dba54c9ef&query=Grandmother+with+guitar)

Columbus Super Foodies **we love food, drinks, and hangout time, right**? 🍔🔥🍻 Let’s join Central Ohio Friends and Columbus Social Connection for their first **BYOB** **Cookout** & **Bonfire** **Party of 2026** this Saturday, May 9th at Shadybowl Speedway. Free camping. Sleep or sober up in your car! Do not drink and drive under the influence! **You can arrive anytime,** but this is definitely a full-day, full-night **experience** if you want to enjoy it all. **2:30 PM — Adult Field Day** Field-day-inspired games like tug of war, dodgeball, and other fun challenges. No athletic experience needed, and there is no pressure to participate. **4:30 PM — Cookout** There will be a communal grill available, plus plug-ins for crockpots, Instant Pots, roasters, etc. Please **bring something to share** and use the **signup link** so everyone can see what’s being brought. **sign up link** https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-63781787-saturday **Around 7:30–8:00 PM** — Stock Car Racing We’ll head into the track to watch some wild, action-packed racing. If you’ve never been to a race, or think racing isn’t your thing — come for the beer, stay for the wrecks. 🤣 **Shadybowl is BYOB.** No glass. Cash only. **Race admission is $15 cash only.** After the races, **around 11:30 PM,** we’ll kick off the bonfire party with **music**, **cornhole**, and stargazing. You can even **sing karaoke** if you want. Bring: * **A chair** * **BYOB**, no glass * Cash for race admission * S**omething to share** for the cookout please **use sign up link** https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-63781787-saturday **I would bring pants, hoody or jacket, and a case or gallon of water for yourself** If you find value in these events, please consider making a contribution using the contribution link in the comments. Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff. 🔥

Ready for a night of music, laughter, and fun? Join us at Thunderwing Brewery for Music Bingo — a lively twist on classic bingo where songs replace numbers and good vibes are guaranteed! RSVP to secure your spot. Text Renee (614-257-9389). (Headcount needed to make sure staffing can accommodate the group) Arrive early to get a seat - **bring a camping chair for extra seating.** Often the brewery has food trucks or you can bring in your own food. Bonus - You can bring your dog!

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.