Roller Coasters

## Details Our hike leader is Gadi Prager From the website... * [TommyThompson](https://www.hphc.ca/TommyThompson01.html) \-\- description of hike with driving instructions * [Schedule Spring 2025](https://www.hphc.ca/schedule.html) * [What to Bring](https://www.hphc.ca/WhatToBring.html) \-\- on a hike * [Hiking Etiquette](https://www.hphc.ca/HikeEtiquette.html) * [Taking Photos](https://www.hphc.ca/Photos.html) * [Après Hike](https://www.hphc.ca/ApresHike.html) Hello Hikers (and those currently questioning our identity), This coming Sunday, May 10th, we are trading our vertical inclines for horizontal velocity. We’re "walking" more than "hiking." What’s up with that, you ask? Think of it as a strategic recovery mission at a brisk pace. We’re tackling the Leslie St. Spit, formally known as Tommy Thompson Park. Fun fact: Tommy is world-renowned for the phrase “Please Walk on the Grass,” so feel free to rebel by staying on the path—or don’t. He’d want you to live your best life. **The Mission** This is a classic 11 km out-and-back journey to the lighthouse. It’s paved, level, and straighter than a ruler, with unpaved "finger trails" for those who have an itch for the scenic route. Navigation Warning: It is virtually impossible to get lost unless you decide to swim to St. Catharines or the Island Airport. If you plan on stowing away in the cargo hold of a jet to the Caribbean, please let me know by the 5 km mark so we don’t count you as "missing." **The Scenery** Far from a boring stroll, the views are spectacular—pure "Kodak moment" territory for the shutterbugs among us. As a nature reserve, the park is teeming with locals, including Marty the Mink. You’ll have Lake Ontario on one side and the iconic Toronto skyline on the other. It’s basically a 360-degree flex. **The Details** Runners: You are more than welcome to "Run, Forrest, Run" ahead of us. Trail runners are a solid choice if you want to explore the grit. Meeting Time: 10:00 AM sharp at the park entrance. Cost: $0.00. Free parking, free entrance, priceless memories. Transport: Carpooling is available for those who prefer to be chauffeured in style. "Champagne wishes and caviar dreams" (though you’ll have to provide your own Grey Poupon). Supplies: Bring water and lunch. Marty the Mink does not share his snacks. **Location**: 1-3 Leslie St. Toronto, ON M4M 3M9 The views for this walk are truly unbe-leaf-able. (Sorry, I had to). Looking forward to seeing everyone out there! Gadi Prager

**🏐 Drop-In Volleyball at the Miles Nadal JCC** Come bump, set, and spike your way into a great game — right in the heart of the Annex! Join us for **friendly, casual volleyball** at the Miles Nadal JCC, just steps from Spadina Station. With two full courts available, this is a great opportunity to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy some light competition in a welcoming environment. \*\*\* **🏐 Event Details:** 📍 **Location:** 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through the Spadina doors) 🛑 **Check-In:** Stop by security and check in at the front desk when you arrive \*\*\* **🏐 Registration & Payment (Required in Advance):** RSVP on Meetup **does not reserve your spot**. To participate in Drop-In Play, you must register and pay in advance through our system. 👉 **[Register here](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=yn6XJ5L)** 📞 **Or register by phone:** 416-924-6211 🔢 **Space is limited** and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once full, no additional participants can be accommodated. \*\*\* **🏐 Other Info:** • Volleyballs are available for loan at the front desk with a $20 cash deposit and valid ID • This session is intended for **intermediate players and above** — participants should have a solid understanding of volleyball rules, scoring, and gameplay, and maintain proper court positioning in both serve, receive and transition play • Games are self-organized with regular rotation to ensure everyone gets time on the court • Friendly, inclusive atmosphere \*\*\* Come ready to play, connect, and have fun — we can’t wait to see you on the court!

Nordheimer ravine is relatively short but as with other midtown ravines like Cedarvale, it's well-used and surrounded by moneyed neighbourhoods. There are spectacular vantage points in the surrounding parks. This neighbourhood also has popular attractions like Wychwood Barns, Casa Loma, Spadina Museum, and a bunch of murals. I hope you like hills because there will be several of them. This hike is sandwiched by restaurant rows at St Clair Ave W and Dupont St. There isn't any standout cuisine but Dupont is home to a mini-empire of Middle Eastern restaurants. On St Clair Ave W are some of the best upper mid-range restaurants in Toronto for Italian, North Indian, and Persian cuisine. And possibly one of the best gelaterias in the city. There will be long lines at Bar Ape so come earlier if you want to get gelato there. **Highlights** 1. Bar Ape Gelato (depart 2:30 pm) 2. Pura Vida / Baker and Scone 3. Pink Ice Cream 4. Sea Witch / JABS 5. Wychwood Barns (depart 2:55 pm) 6. Hillcrest Park 7. Tollkeepers' Cottage 8. High Level Pumping Station 9. Nordheimer Ravine 10. St Clair Subway Station, south side of St Clair Ave W (depart 3:55 pm) 11. Sir Winston Churchill Park 12. Casa Loma (outside) 13. Spadina Museum (depart 4:35 pm) 14. The Backyard Smokehouse / Euphoria Cake 15. Roti Cuisine Of India (arrive 4:55 pm) **Neighbourhoods** Wychwood > Casa Loma > The Annex **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=16joz8-VYsQ8lr155TDonvYdkgl70iwI&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=16joz8-VYsQ8lr155TDonvYdkgl70iwI&usp=sharing) Uphill and downhill at Hillcrest Park, Nordheimer Ravine. Stairs at Winston Churchill Park and Casa Loma. **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way. Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to [globaltorontoeats@gmail.com.](http://globaltorontoeats@gmail.com.) No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike. Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

**Volleyball Foundations 2 — Build Precision & Play with Purpose (15+)** Ready to take your game from control to precision? Volleyball Foundations 2 is designed for players who have a solid grasp of the basics and are ready to build consistency, improve movement, and make more intentional plays on the court. In this next-level beginner clinic, you’ll refine and elevate your core skills through more dynamic, game-like training: • **Passing:** Improve footwork and control with movement-based passing • **Setting:** Develop accuracy with targeted sets toward the antenna • **Serving:** Learn to serve with purpose by aiming for specific zones You’ll also be introduced to more advanced movement patterns and transitions. Drills will challenge you to move efficiently between positions—shifting from defense to offense and back—while maintaining control and consistency. Sessions combine high-energy, skill-focused drills with structured scrimmage play, giving you the opportunity to apply these skills in real-time with greater precision and decision-making. *** **Who This Clinic Is For:** • Players who have completed Volleyball Foundations 1 or have a basic understanding of passing, setting, and serving • Players looking to improve accuracy, movement, and overall court awareness • Athletes ready to transition from learning skills to applying them more effectively in gameplay *** **Location:** Miles Nadal JCC — 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through Spadina doors) **Format:** Group instruction led by an experienced, supportive coach **Registration Required in Advance** RSVP’ing on Meetup does not reserve your spot. [Register here](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=xao585V) ☎️ Or call 416-924-6211 ext. 0 *** **Why Join?** • Build consistency and precision in your core skills • Improve movement, positioning, and court transitions • Develop confidence making intentional plays during rallies Take the next step in your volleyball journey and start playing with more purpose, control, and confidence on the court.

**🏐 Drop-In Volleyball at the Miles Nadal JCC** Come bump, set, and spike your way into a great game — right in the heart of the Annex! Join us for **friendly, casual volleyball** at the Miles Nadal JCC, just steps from Spadina Station. With two full courts available, this is a great opportunity to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy some light competition in a welcoming environment. \*\*\* **🏐 Event Details:** 📍 **Location:** 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through the Spadina doors) 🛑 **Check-In:** Stop by security and check in at the front desk when you arrive \*\*\* **🏐 Registration & Payment (Required in Advance):** RSVP on Meetup **does not reserve your spot**. To participate in Drop-In Play, you must register and pay in advance through our system. 👉 **[Register here](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=xq5Va95)** 📞 **Or register by phone:** 416-924-6211 🔢 **Space is limited** and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once full, no additional participants can be accommodated. \*\*\* **🏐 Other Info:** • Volleyballs are available for loan at the front desk with a $20 cash deposit and valid ID • Designed for **beginner-level players** with some familiarity with the rules and scoring • Games are self-organized with regular rotation to ensure everyone gets time on the court • Friendly, inclusive atmosphere \*\*\* Come ready to play, connect, and have fun — we can’t wait to see you on the court!

Join us for a relaxed Sunday afternoon of pickleball + classic table games. Play pickleball for $5. Email money transfer to monasalahuddin@hotmail.com While waiting for court time, enjoy FREE access to: 🏓 Table tennis (ping pong) 🎱 Billiards / pool tables 🎯 Other table games available at the venue No standing around. No awkward downtime. Always something to play.

40.6 km cherry blossom ride from Pioneer Village to Union Station Via Humber River Trail and High Park Route Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2821848844

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-navigation-26)** **Navigation isn’t a lost art - it’s a life-saving skill. Whether you’re exploring remote backcountry or just trying to orient yourself on a trail, knowing how to read the land can make all the difference.** Join us for this *one-day navigation workshop,* which will equip you with the skills needed for safe and confident adventures. **Interested in joining this year’s Epics? Completing this and other relevant courses will support your approval process for advanced adventures.** **Morning: Theory** We’ll start with hot beverages and a hands-on classroom session where you’ll learn: * Why maps still matter in a GPS world * How to read a topo map and visualize the land * What contours tell you about your route (and your legs) * How to orient yourself when you’re turned around * Compass skills that could save your life **Afternoon: Practice** After a quick lunch, the real fun begins. With only a map, compass, and your brain, you’ll work in teams to complete a real-world navigation challenge. Each team gets a unique course and a grid reference sheet to plot and follow. Fastest (and most accurate) team earns top bragging rights as Wilderness Union’s best navigators. You’ll build and follow a route card, learn to trust your instincts, and develop the kind of confidence that only comes with practice. **Your Instructor:** Former Canadian Army Advanced Reconnaissance Instructor, Captain Buckingham is a decorated Pathfinder and the Canadian Infantry School’s top navigation instructor, he’ll guide you every step of the way. **Who It’s For:** This course is for beginners and intermediate explorers alike. No military mindset required—just curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a love of getting outside. This is an amazing opportunity not only to learn from a world-class expert but it's a fun, practical lesson at a uniquely low price. **About this series:** The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable, and life-saving skills in the wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses that become available. **Due to the cost of parking at Bronte Creek, WU transport is recommended for this course.** **Highlights** **Expert Instruction -** Our amazing expert guides will teach you everything you need to know in a safe and fun way. **Practical Skills -** Develop essential skills to survive and thrive in the wild. ‍**Local Adventure -** Just 45 minutes from Toronto, this adventure is close to home for anyone living in the GTA. **Event cost: $80+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-navigation-26)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Make it a Mother’s Day outing at the movies with a musical double feature that’s equal parts sparkle and heart. Start with *Gold Diggers of 1933*, the ultimate backstage crowd-pleaser, featuring the famous Busby Berkeley production numbers that basically invented “movie musical spectacle.” Then settle into *Lili*, a tender, charming story set around a travelling carnival - a film that’s pure classic-Hollywood warmth. This is the film that introduced the hit song Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo! Two timeless films, one great afternoon, and a perfect excuse to go to the theatre! Purchase tickets here: https://paradiseonbloor.com/purchase/499557/

World Premiere-- *Ticket link is below*. $30-$72 (look at the seating map--and your age!) In 2035, a decade after the Trinity Bellwoods Collapse, an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a young girl leads to a very peculiar house that has sunk into the earth. **Could a strangely luminous painting** unlock long-buried secrets of what flowed beneath the home? Howling winds, storms, and the ever-present sound of cicadas remind us that nothing stays buried. ***cicadas*** is a modern eco-thriller from the minds of Governor General’s Award and Siminovitch Prize laureate David Yee and award-winning composer Chris Thornborrow that serves as both mystery and warning. Directed by Nina Lee Aquino https://nac-cna.ca/en/bio/nina-lee-aquino **Ticket link here: (Sunday May 10th)** https://tarragontheatre.com/plays/2025-2026/cicadas/ (Play around with the seating map, and ticket prices. Any seat is a great seat--even the last row!)

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

**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.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Short North Street Skates return Saturday, April 4 and we’re excited to get back rolling together. These weekly rollouts are a chance to move through the city as a group, build community, and create more visibility for skating and small-wheeled movement in Columbus. Details: Meet: 1160 N High St 9:30 AM meet 10:00 AM rollout All wheels welcome We’ll be skating through the Short North and surrounding areas at a steady, social pace. Routes will use a mix of streets and bike lanes, so comfort navigating the city is helpful, but you don’t need to be an expert. If you’ve been meaning to come out, this is a great place to start. Come solo or bring a friend!