Field Trips

This hike was originally planned for March 2020. Once again it's safe to visit our fictional grandmother’s house to celebrate Pi(e) Day! This year on 3.14, to our fictional grandmother's house we'll go as we rejoin the story, six years later. Our easy 5.5-mile hike is travels in an extremely unique environment where nutrient-poor soil does not allow for much to grow. Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area (NEA) is comprised of 1,900 acres of serpentine barren. The area has over 39 rare, threatened, or endangered plant species as well as rare insects, rocks and minerals, unique to this world. Bring water, lunch, snacks, sturdy footwear, any round-shaped treats you may wish to share (optional), and $12 for transportation and the Adventuring trip fee. Meet at 9:00 a.m., at the Greenbelt Metro Station entrance (in the big concrete plaza) of the station to form carpools. On the way, we'll make a stop for any last-minute snacking needs. After the hike, the group may opt for a brewery stop at Notch 8 Brewery to refresh us. *\*\*-> Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.*

**[CUBA TRIP!](https://globe-drifters.com/trip/cuba-march/)** **• Dates:** March 14 - 22, 2026 *(9 days / 8 nights)* **• Cost:** $2700 *(per person, excluding flights)* **• Single supplement:** $450 **• Detailed itinerary, visa info, FAQ, etc:** [https://globe-drifters.com/trip/cuba-march/](https://globe-drifters.com/trip/cuba-march/) See photos from previous trips here: **[CUBA TRIP PHOTOS](https://www.flickr.com/photos/155293978@N02/albums/72157707700724005)** For more information or if you have questions, please email [info@globe-drifters.com](http://info@globe-drifters.com/) ***Cuba travel, legal and local…*** Thanks to the small group size, we avoid the big, government-run establishments, most of which US travelers aren’t allowed to patronize. As a small group, we can also dine at privately owned restaurants to support everyday citizens. Our groups of 12 travelers or less can visit smaller, more off-the-beaten-path places for more meaningful interaction with locals. Below are some of the things that make our small group trips to Cuba unique: **Authentic, local interaction:** Your own dedicated Cuban trip leader throughout the trip will be your friend and show you Cuba through the eyes of a local. **Playa Larga:** A sleepy beach town on the Bay of Pigs to escape the hordes of travelers at the major tourist hotspots. It’s a great place to witness everyday Cuban life in a typical Cuban town. **FAC:** The Fábrica de Arte Cubano is a great place to mingle with Cubans over a drink while listening to live music and admiring works of art by local artists.

• What we'll do Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! And we will teach you how to use your camera IN THE FIELD, not in a classroom! Join our standard Monuments and Memorials workshop, offered Wednesdays and Saturdays, in which the instructor takes you to some of DC’s most popular attractions: White House, Lafayette Park, the Einstein, Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Three Servicemen Memorials, and finally to Union Station, where you learn to make all the moving people DISAPPEAR! Remember, it was Confucius who said: "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do, and I understand." At Washington Photo Safari, we help you "do " and understand! That is why our motto is "See. Click. Learn." This $71 Safari (a 20% discount from the regular $89 price) begins with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you basic tips in composition, F-stops and shutter speeds, portraiture, and interior photography. While you are taking pictures, you receive hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and smartphone photographers will appreciate the instructor’s extensive knowledge of the best camera angles in DC. This is suggested as a preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographers at any skill level with any camera, phone, or tablet. Transportation from site to site is provided by the instructor. • What to bring camera and all lenses • Important to know travel, architectural, portrait and street photography techniques

Hey Poetry Lovers! This group is on a roll. Here’s the gist: We meet at the **Capital One Café in Chinatown** from **12pm - 2pm** every other week. For enrichment, we start by reading and reflecting on a **“published poem”**, suggested by someone in the group. No advance preparation is necessary. But feel free to check out some of the poems we’ve read [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyE_wCLQCPHRrKmN5F9tOIeeRQUZESxjRXGVBoCF2uU8Gm0_d0uECiCBCQXEy6ksxfsBOhtRIOpW3T/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true&widget=true&headers=false%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E). Or submit suggestions for future meetings [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexGc2Z2Kp6bZW0D3_hfJ7NUUkfNHf7TXX-43FglCeBd9EF2Q/viewform?usp=send_form). Next, we **share our work and offer feedback**. Depending on attendance, everyone gets \~10 minutes to use as they like. (No need to share, though; you’re welcome to come even if you prefer just to listen.) We maintain a **Discord server** to help share our work and communicate outside our bi-weekly meet-ups. If you haven’t used Discord before, take a moment to download it and create an account before arriving. When we meet you on Saturday, we will add you to our server, the “DC Poetry Workshop”, and can help you navigate the app if you have questions. Finally, if you plan on sharing a poem, consider how you will do so. Some options include: * Print 5-10 copies to distribute in person * Take and share screenshots in the Discord chat. * Copy the poem into a google doc, change sharing settings to “anyone with link”, and copy the google doc link into the Discord chat. Most importantly, we’re excited to meet you! Catch you on Saturday, Diego / Ian / Cayden / Nate / Otasha / Lia / An

Info to Know: Admission: Free - A donation box for parking is $2 a day or $20 a year Dogs: Allowed on a Leash Bathrooms: In the Horticulture/Visitor Center Address: 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312 Location: Lat, Long: 38.824471, -77.159254 = Witch Hazel Rd to park on side of the road if the gate to the parking lot is closed Plus Code: RRFR+Q7 Lincolnia, Virginia Website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring Types of Photography: Landscape, Close Up, and Birds Green Spring Gardens, which sits on 9.5 acres of land, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020! Even though the address on the website is 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Virginia, it is actually on a side street that has no parking or any viable access to their parking lot. The best way to access the Gardens parking lot is from Little River Turnpike, head north on Braddock Road, and turn right onto Witch Hazel Road. Since the Group’s field trips begin at 7:00 AM, but the Green Spring Gardens gate is not lifted until later, photographers park on the side of Witch Hazel Road and take a short walk to the park. Or, in the alternative, if Witch Hazel is full on the weekends, parking is available in the business parking lot next door. There are two main buildings at the Gardens. One is the Green Spring's Historic House, and the other is the Visitor Center. There is also a greenhouse attached to the visitor center with flowers and plants. The field trip here begins at the parking lot, where flowers and birds can be photographed. Next, the Group takes one of the paths towards the Historic House, where there are many different types of flowers, including bleeding hearts, and also where several butterflies congregate. Waterproof shoes can help your feet from getting wet on the grass. Continuing on this path past the Horticulture/Visitor Center that leads to individual gardens. At this juncture, another trail appears that takes you down a meandering hill and across a stream. The trail leads to two small ponds, one has lotus flowers and the other a gazebo. Stay on this path and head toward Green Spring Road. Make a left turn, to head back to the parking lot and Witch Hazel Road. At the end of this field trip, the Group typically has breakfast at JukeBox Diner, 7039 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 (jukeboxdiner.com) Bring: Water, fully charged batteries, empty cards, tripod, comfortable shoes Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

All are welcome—singles, separated, divorced, widowed, remarried. Bring your own dinner from home or grab one from a restaurant nearby. We are 2 miles from Waugh Chapel shopping center. There are many restaurant options nearby. Bring your own chair. There are picnic tables available. We will meet at the rooms 203/204 upstairs in the church. There is parking outside the double glass doors. Please, RSVP so we have an idea of how many people will be attending. Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 6:00pm-8:00pm Hosted by the Single Adult Ministry of Our Lady of the Fields. For more information: ministry4singleagain@gmail.com- Jeanne Hoover Facebook: Single Adult Ministry of Our Lady of the Fields

**[CUBA TRIP!](https://globe-drifters.com/trip/cuba-march/)** **• Dates:** March 14 - 22, 2026 *(9 days / 8 nights)* **• Cost:** $2700 *(per person, excluding flights)* **• Single supplement:** $450 **• Detailed itinerary, visa info, FAQ, etc:** [https://globe-drifters.com/trip/cuba-march/](https://globe-drifters.com/trip/cuba-march/) See photos from previous trips here: **[CUBA TRIP PHOTOS](https://www.flickr.com/photos/155293978@N02/albums/72157707700724005)** For more information or if you have questions, please email [info@globe-drifters.com](http://info@globe-drifters.com/) ***Cuba travel, legal and local…*** Thanks to the small group size, we avoid the big, government-run establishments, most of which US travelers aren’t allowed to patronize. As a small group, we can also dine at privately owned restaurants to support everyday citizens. Our groups of 12 travelers or less can visit smaller, more off-the-beaten-path places for more meaningful interaction with locals. Below are some of the things that make our small group trips to Cuba unique: **Authentic, local interaction:** Your own dedicated Cuban trip leader throughout the trip will be your friend and show you Cuba through the eyes of a local. **Playa Larga:** A sleepy beach town on the Bay of Pigs to escape the hordes of travelers at the major tourist hotspots. It’s a great place to witness everyday Cuban life in a typical Cuban town. **FAC:** The Fábrica de Arte Cubano is a great place to mingle with Cubans over a drink while listening to live music and admiring works of art by local artists.

Does it feel like the world is ending? Stop doomscrolling and try some vigorous outdoor activity! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, March 15 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

**Park Map / MD Bus** _$36. Long hike: 9½ mi., 2800 ft. ascent. Moderate hike: 7 mi., 2300 ft. ascent._ This hike will take us along the challenging but beautiful River Hills section of the Conestoga Trail along the eastern bank of the Susquehanna River. Moderate hikers start at the Tucquan Glen Trail junction at River Road (PA 3017). Following the Glen downstream for 2 miles, they turn left on the Conestoga Trail and ascend The Pinnacles with its panoramic view of the Susquehanna River. Descending the Conestoga to Kelly’s Run, they follow Kelly’s Run Trail to the Holtwood Arboretum. Long hikers start at the Pequea Campground and follow the Conestoga Trail down Pequea Creek to the Susquehanna, where they turn south (downstream) past the famous Wind Cave (the largest tectonic cave in Pennsylvania) to Tucquan Glen. They then follow the moderate route on the Conestoga to The Pinnacles and up Kelly’s Run. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- RESERVATIONS Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited on all trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Friday, but reserving before Wednesday night 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. We don't want to leave you behind! Because this is a paid event, we cannot offer a waitlist should the hike fill up. If spots subsequently open up, they will become immediately available to anyone and everyone. 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 at least a 2 mph pace. BUS STOPS: MARYLAND ROUTING Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before times listed below. All our bus stops are Metro accessible. If you're driving to meet the bus, we strongly advise using the Grosvenor bus stop, as parking is extremely limited at the others. Bus stops and times are as follows (click links for maps): * **[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. * **[Connecticut Ave. and Porter St,, NW, northeast corner](http://bit.ly/ConnecticutPorter)**. Bus briefly stops at the curb in front of the Broadmoor Apartments to pick up hikers about 8:10 a.m. * **[Connecticut Ave. and McKinley St., NW, southeast corner](http://bit.ly/ConnecticutMcKinley)**. Bus stops at the bus shelter in front of the Safeway to pick up hikers about 8:20 a.m. * **[Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station, North Bethesda](http://bit.ly/Grosv_Metro)**. Bus stops at the bus shelter nearest to Metro Station walkway entrance between the station and the parking garage about 8:30 a.m. LIABILITY By RSVP'ing for a CHC hike, you acknowledge and accept that hikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or club activities. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the hike. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full refund less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before 12PM the Thursday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after 12PM the Thursday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. MORE DETAILS -- **[SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](https://www.capitalhikingclub.org/hikes-faqs)** for answers to questions such as these and many more: * What should I bring on a hike? * Can things be left on the bus during the hike? * When will the bus return to the metro Washington DC area? * Can I drive my car and meet the bus at the hike destination? * Are dogs allowed on hikes?

Join us for 2.5 mile hike at the Whitehall Community Park leaving from the Whitehall YMCA. We will do two 1.25 loops around the park all on a paved path, including one significant hill.

Join WTA for a magical trip to the Netherlands during the most beautiful time of the year—Tulip Season! Discover Amsterdam’s artistic heritage, charming canals, and world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum. Stroll through vibrant tulip fields at the famous Keukenhof Gardens, a true feast for the eyes. Venture to The Hague and Delft to explore historic churches, canal-laced streets, and iconic blue-and-white pottery. Savor authentic Dutch cuisine, sample local cheese, and experience the country’s timeless charm at every stop. **To view the full ITINERARY & REGISTER visit:** **[WTA AMSTERDAM 2026](https://womentravelabroad.com/trip/amsterdam/)** **ITINERARY** **Day 1 – April 7** – Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Private transportation will take you to your accommodations for the week. After settling into your hotel, your group will get to know each other over a local welcome dinner. **Note:** We recommend your flight from the US arrives before 11 am on April 7 to allow adequate time to join the day’s activities. If you wish to arrive one day early, on April 6, charges for the additional night’s stay can be added to your invoice. **Day 2 – April 8** – Today, you will take a memorable tour of the Anne Frank House. Discover Amsterdam’s WWII history and follow in the footsteps of Anne Frank as she went into hiding in the Secret Annex. Jewish Anne Frank hid in 1942 from the Nazis during the occupation of the Netherlands; two years later, she was discovered and died in 1945 at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Afterward, continue your cultural journey with a visit to the renowned Van Gogh Museum. Home to the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, the museum offers a profound look into the artist’s life, featuring iconic paintings, sketches, and personal letters that reveal the struggles and brilliance behind his art. **Day 3 – April 9** – FREE Day. Enjoy shopping throughout the city, or take a scenic bike ride through the countryside. Cycling in Amsterdam is the most authentic way to travel. There are around 515 km (320 miles) of dedicated cycle lanes in Amsterdam, making it the perfect setting to cycle the city or beyond. The countryside area is famous for its quaint villages, historic towns, farms, nature reserves, and lakes. You will have many opportunities to stop and take one-of-a-kind photos of the picturesque sights. **Day 4 – April 10** – Your group will spend today at the famous Keukenhof Garden, known as the Garden of Europe. This is one of the world’s largest flower gardens and is found to be the most beautiful in spring. Keukenhof Park covers an area of 32 hectares and has approximately 7 million flower bulbs planted annually. Make sure to have your camera ready to capture all of the vibrant colors and unique displays at the Keukenhof Garden! Transfer from Amsterdam to begin your adventure in The Hauge as the fun continues. **Day 5 – April 11** – Begin your day with a walking tour of the Hague! Today you will visit notable sites include Binnenhof Court of Parliament, the Royal Palace Noordeinde and its lush gardens, and many local monuments. Have a free afternoon to explore on your own before joining your group to indulge in a delectable group dinner. **Day 6 – April 12** – Day trip to Delft for a walking tour of this charming and historic Dutch town. Stroll along picturesque canals, cobbled streets, and tree-lined squares as you explore landmarks such as the Markt, the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), and the Royal Delft pottery factory. Admire the town’s rich artistic heritage, famously tied to painter Johannes Vermeer, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere that defines Delft’s small-town charm. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café before returning by train to your accommodation in The Hague. **Day 7 – April 13** – Depart The Hague via train for your return to Amsterdam. You will depart back to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) for your connecting flight to the US. Your departure flight needs to leave after 12 pm to allow time to return to Amsterdam. \*Please note that this is a tentative itinerary and is subject to change. **WHAT’S INCLUDED:** ▪️ 7 days & 6 nights’ accommodations ▪️ Single occupancy, boutique hotel ▪️ Airport transfer ▪️ Local transportation ▪️ Keukenhof Garden Tour ▪️ Anne Frank House ▪️ Hauge City Tour ▪️ Amsterdam City Tour ▪️ FREE DAY to explore ▪️ Daily breakfast ▪️ Daily group lunch (excluding FREE DAY) ▪️ Daily group dinner **WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:** ▪️ Roundtrip airfare from the US to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) ▪️ Travel insurance ▪️ Items of a personal nature ▪️ Meals not listed above ▪️ Optional excursions and tours not listed above ▪️ Gratuities and tips for personal services

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

**To Be Announced!**

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

Back By POPULAR DEMAND The BEST Saint Patrick’s bar crawl in Columbus! We will begin our crawl at BODEGA 7:30pm 1044 North High St. 8:30pm we will be found at GOOD NIGHT JOHN BOY. 906 North High St. 9:30pm LINCOLN SOCIAL ROOFTOP. 711 North High St., 9th floor. 10:30pm BROTHERS BAR & GASWERKS. 477 North Park St. They have $1 shots that we MUST avail ourselves of Wear GREEN! Of course. BEST DRESSED will win BRAGGING RIGHTS

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!