Dog Recreation

We will start at the bathroom temple on 15th st- Due east (towards capital) from Washington monument. WASHINGTON LODGE. We will visit some of the lesser known spots as well as the usual highlights. This is an easy, though fast, walk around the mall. Route varies, but walk may include Washington monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, MLK memorial, tidal basin, Signers memorial, and my favorite, the Roosevelt memorial. Many people feel that the mall is at its most beautiful at night with the monuments lit. We walk fast, this is not a stroll. This is a walk- not a sightseeing tour. We stop very briefly, if at all, at the monuments, then move on. Where to Meet: bathroom temple on 15th st- Due east (towards capital) from Washington monument. We leave 6:15 sharp. Please be a few minutes early. Difficulty: Easy, although we do walk fast. If you can’t stay with the group I assume you can find your way back on your own. Distance: 5-6 miles Duration: 1.5 hr Scenery: National monuments, tourists, geese, pigeons. Trail surface: Some gravel, paving, some mud. Facilities: There are rest room facilities at various spots, we will stop as needed. Park Fees: none Elevation Gain: 4 feet Dogs: No Metro: Smithsonian stop. Blue, Silver, Orange lines. There tends to be metered parking on Jefferson drive that opens up right at 6. Bringing a flashlight can be helpful. National Guard and other visitors to our capital are welcome.

**Wheaton Regional Park and Brookside Garden a 6.2 Moderate Hike** Enjoy a delightful hike just outside of the beltway. This 536-acre park is loaded with wooded trails that traverse modest hills. We will explore many of them. We will also dip into the 50-acre Brookside Gardens, complete with its diverse plantings and shimmering ponds. It is often described as the jewel of Montgomery County parks. The surface for this hike is mostly natural surface, although there are significant sections of paved surface. Feel free to bring along lunch to enjoy at the trailhead when the hike is over, then stroll back to Brookside Gardens if you wish, a short walk from the trailhead. Please be advised that you may not eat in the park. **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 39.054546, -77.043680 The Street address is 2004 Shorefield Rd · Silver Spring, MD. When you enter the park you come to a circle. Drive around it 3/4 of the way (to make a left turn) and proceed to a large parking lot. Drive to the far end of the lot. **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: 6.2 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 480 ft Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead and about 4.5 miles into the hike Fees: No entrance fee **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/7f535f72c17e25d1f4b025015eb654fd8074dd9f47dfb438304d9fecb7b69194). **Notes**: -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike. -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).

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

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. **9.5 mile loop hike with 223 feet elevation gain** **Description:** Starting at **[Columbia Island Marina](https://boatingindc.com/columbia-island-marina/)** (Lady Byrd Johnson Park, GW Parkway, Arlington, VA; **GPS Coordinates**: 38°52'30.7"N 77°02'56.2"W We will proceed along the **[Mount Vernon Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/mtvernontrail.htm)** towards **[Theodore Roosevelt Island](https://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm)** where we will walk around the **Swamp trail**, the island's main trail. From there we will cross the **Key Bridge** and climb the **[Exorcist Steps](https://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/exorcist-steps)** before heading down to the river. Our next destination will be **[Georgetown Waterfront park](https://www.nps.gov/places/georgetown-waterfront-park.htm)** where we will stop for **lunch** while enjoying a scenic view of the **Potomac river.** After lunch we will walk along the river past the **Lincoln Memorial** to the **14th Street bridge** and finish back at **Columbia Island Marina**. **Pace:** 2.5 to 2.75 mph while moving ***You must be able to hike this distance at this pace to successfully complete the outing*** **What to bring:** **:** Adequate hydration, also snack/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes. **Restrooms** are available both at the Columbia Island Marina and on Theodore Roosevelt Island. **Dogs:** are **not** welcome on this hike. **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy).** **Weather** : weather for this location can be found **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/f5eb957fcc631380629a5541b21a742eb7eeb5ad5ae988d2035003fb107d301f)**. **Where to meet:** we will meet in the parking lot of the **[Columbia Island Marina](https://boatingindc.com/columbia-island-marina/),** Lady Byrd Johnson Park, GW Parkway, Arlington, VA. Upon entering the Columbia Island marina, in Lady Bird Johnson park, turn left, I have a Honda Fit that will have the UV hatchback open. Thank you for being ready to hike at 9:15 so that we can get signed in and leave on time at 9:30 am. The hike will begin from Columbia island Marina parking lot. **Rehydration**: Island Time Bar n Grill in the marina is open again! Dawn K message me here or text to 703 533 9231

Time for a Happy Hour in Arlington, VA; 6:00 to 9:00 PM Come meet old Dive Buddies, new Dive Buddies, or chat about dive trips and diving. I'll have some information about trips to Bonaire, Belize, and the Cayman Islands as well as a couple of Florida Trips and Lake Phoenix. Come join the fun. Haven't gotten certified yet? We can help connect you with the right shop or instructor. The Brass Rabbit has graciously reserved high tops in the bar area so it will be easy to mix and mingle. They also have a great food and a good selection of libations. Look for the dive flag or safety sausage. The Brass Rabbit is easily accessible from the **Clarendon Metro** station. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Its been a while.

PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.

Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890

Questions/lost? Call 240-447-4796 Meeting location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/voNwinFikVNEdpL58 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/rachel-carson-trail 2.6mi Length 255ft Elevation gain 1–1.5hr Estimated time Loop This hidden gem is densely populated by numerous species of wildlife, high-quality forest and features spectacular rock and massive boulder outcropping throughout the park. This area remains undeveloped for some of the best hiking trails around! The Hawlings River passes through the park and almost the entire hike is along this beautiful river. Rachel Carson offers 650 acres of undisturbed wooded parkland and trails surrounding the Hawlings River in upper Montgomery County. Amenities: This is a "conservation park," which means there are no bathrooms and no water available. The trail is not well marked in some areas, downloading the map ahead of time is helpful for navigating.

Below is the alltrails link to the hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/maryland/capital-crescent-trail We will only be doing 3 miles overall in this hike, out and back. Parking and Metro Access: Park in the garage near 7150 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815. Or park on the streets----- street-parking is free on Sundays. For metro: just get down at Bethesda metro station. We will meet at the trailhead next to the Ourisman Honda, check out the photo section of this event for a visual of the location. Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

Hey everyone, Pugs, Puggles, and all pug-loving four-legged siblings are welcome! The Meetup is in the front "Puppy" area which is fenced off as you walk into the dog park from the Shirlington side. Pug Hugs, CB

Join us for our first ever St. Patty's day parade march in the annual Old Town Alexandria Ballyshaners's Parade. We are confirmed with details on line up and parade route pending. https://ballyshaners.org/ Parade staging will be 11:00-11:45 to begin marching the 10 block route at 12:30. I encourage you to come closer to 11:45 but please account for parking time if you plan on driving in instead of walking/metro'ing in. Our staging will be on the sidewalk since we do not have a vehicle/float this year. Please be as festive as possible. with the St. Patty's day theme. We are Welsh but that hasn't stopped us for Scottish Parade and it certainly doesn't stop us for an Irish theme! We should be marching at "normal adult walking pace" for 10 city blocks (30 min consistent walking) so for those of you with elderly corgis please bring a stroller for them to keep pace. We are encouraged to use metro since the staging area is a short walk from the King Street metro. I will send out additional instructions once we get them. For now the only major instructions is that we are not allowed to throw things at the crowd (candy etc) and that we should not have alcohol. Expect it to be fairly loud since there will be plenty of bands and bagpipe players. Parade "ends when it ends" but they expect it won't drag out longer than 1:30-2 pm.

**Confidence in Bloom: How Creativity Builds Confidence** What happens when creativity becomes an intentional practice? In this month’s Confidence Lab, we’ll gather at **Petals That Inspire: The Flourish Studio** for an evening exploring the connection between creativity and confidence. How making with our hands, engaging our senses, and allowing space for expression can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. Our featured speaker, **Amanda Lorenzetti**, owner of Petals That Inspire, will share how creativity has shaped her own confidence journey and why creative environments play such a powerful role in well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing from her work leading an experience-driven floral studio and a community-centered workforce development program, Amanda will reflect on creativity as both a personal and collective catalyst. Amanda will also guide us through a **hands-on floral design experience**, creating a fresh arrangement in a wide mouth mason jar. No prior floral experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage the process. This evening is an invitation to slow down, create, and reconnect with the part of yourself that grows through care, attention, and imagination. You’ll leave with a floral arrangement to take home, and a deeper understanding of how confidence can be cultivated through creative practices. **Featured Speaker: Amanda Lorenzetti** Amanda Lorenzetti is the owner and founder of [Petals That Inspire](https://www.petalsthatinspire.com/) and The Flourish Studio, a social enterprise florist based in Columbus, Ohio. She brings more than a decade of experience in wedding and event sales, paired with hands-on expertise in floral and event design. Amanda’s connection to the floral industry began early, spending time alongside her godmother, a professional florist on the East Coast. After earning her business degree, she returned to her hometown in Connecticut to work as a floral and event designer, blending creative artistry with strong operational and client-focused skills. In 2020, Amanda returned to the floral industry with a renewed purpose, driven by a desire to build a business rooted in creativity, community impact, and sustainability. During this pivotal time, she founded Petals That Inspire—an innovative floral concept that reimagines the traditional florist model by combining event florals, workshops, and experiential offerings with a mission-centered approach to workforce development. Today, Petals That Inspire is a thriving social enterprise known for its thoughtful design, educational experiences, and commitment to empowering young adults facing barriers to entry in the workforce. Amanda is deeply passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven, and she leverages her strong business acumen to create a scalable & sustainable model that inspires creativity while giving back to the community. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*