Firewalk

Come join us on this special Christmas Day afternoon walking tour of America’s most park, Lafayette Square, D.C.!! In keeping with the holiday spirit, we’ll focus on fun and uplifting stories about the Square’s many heroes & heroines and inspiring events. (As well as a few villains and femme fatales.) When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 3 pm!. Where: MEET in front of the John A. Wilson Building, DC City Hall, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006. At 13 1/2 St. and Penn. Ave. PrePay and Pre-Register at: Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-christmas-afternoon-tour-of-dcs-heroes-heroines-thurs-dec-25-tickets-1978551995279?aff=oddtdtcreator Or, PayPal, sending $22 to savvyveteran@gmail.com via: https://www.paypal.com/us/home Or, pay $21 in cash at the start of the tour. The tour will draw on stories from the guide’s book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Secret_History_of_the_Capitol/NaC-zQEACAAJ?hl=en Our fun itinerary will select from: • The capital's newest and most inspiring memorial • How a Congressman averted a civil war, twice • The real-life Indiana Jones • Intriguing tales of the Washington Monument • The “miracle mansion” that saved the Mayor’s sister • The President and the friendly Pirate • How an enslaved grocer founded a family dynasty that ended segregation • How an intrepid First Lady saved the Constitution and the Declaration • Winston Churchill’s Christmas treats • The hilarious political fundraiser that gave us the terms “Big Cheese” and “Mammoth” • How the Marquis de Lafayette saved a President, and how three Presidents saved Lafayette! • The benign, mysterious ghosts of St. John’s Church • The astonishing, friendly bet between a Navy hero and an enemy captain • Where a most famous anthem was written • Where a most famous speech was authored • The city's greatest philanthropist • Camels, bears, and sheep about the Executive Mansion • The First Lady who saved Lafayette Square • Holiday "spirits" • The wildest, most fun Inauguration of them all • A famed author’s moving tribute to his deceased wife • America’s greatest caregiver • How Southerners and Northerners conspired to save Mt. Vernon • How a humble washerwoman helped rebuild the District • Presidential humor And more! Your host is a former Presidential speechwriter and “Tonight Show” writer, and author of such books on history as: Lost History of the Capitol: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress-ebook/dp/B099JBSN9Q Femme Fatalite: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 America A to Z: http://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should-ebook/dp/B00655SO9S/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1415975803 We'll wrap up in time for you to get to Christmas dinner. This tour makes for a great holiday gift, and is a sure-fire way to further spice up a festive weekend!

*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.* (7ish-mile, mainly flat, out-and-back moderate [roughly 3 mph while moving] hike. Rating: C) Looking for a getaway after Christmas presents have been unwrapped and before a festive dinner -- or just looking for a hike if you don't celebrate Christmas? Please join us as we trek along the paved W&OD Trail, its dirt horse trail, and a couple of side trails. We will attempt a couple of stream crossings (hopefully not too wet from the drought) but you can detour around them. We'll start at the RED CABOOSE in Vienna and turn around at Hunter Mill Road at Reston's border. **MEET:** Noon at the RED CABOOSE on the W&OD Trail ACROSS THE STREET FROM the Freeman Store & Museum, 131 Church Street, Vienna, VA. Copy these coordinates into Google Maps: 38.903539, -77.265726 **IMPORTANT NOTES:** **PLEASE READ. YOU WILL BE GRADED ON THIS.** Adults only and no pets, including pet reindeer. Bring: sense of humor and water. Optional binoculars, cameras, and iNaturalist apps are welcome since this stretch of the trail is usually birdy and the hike leader can't resist a good nature op. Please stay RIGHT on all public trails to allow bikes, runners, walkers, and sleighs to safely pass us. Finish time of 3:30 pm is approximate. **RESTROOMS:** Commercial/town restrooms will likely be closed for Christmas so stop by a restroom beforehand. There are portapotties at our turnaround point (and biobreaks available about half-way there). **PARKING:** Free street parking by meeting place and additional parking in the lot at the nearby Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA. (PLEASE READ THE SIGNS. DON'T PARK WHERE IT SAYS NO W&OD PARKING OR YOU COULD BE TOWED.) **W&OD TRAIL:** (Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park) [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park) **W&OD TRAIL MAP:** https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Viewer/index.html?appid=58c4130464c747abb0f70fce13b30729 **CLOSEST METRO:** Vienna-Fairfax/GMU station on the Orange Line. [https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/vienna.cfm](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/vienna.cfm)

Kate welcomes anyone from Singlefaith to drop in at her apartment on Christmas Day. Stay a few minutes, stay an hour, stay longer. Noon to 6:00 PM (I do have one cat, he is friendly, but I can put him in my room if necessary). Kate will provide cookies, cider, hot cocoa and other non-alcoholic beverages. Feel free to bring an appetizer, snack or other finger food item to share. 3909 Lakehouse Road, Apt #4 Beltsville (Calverton), MD 20705 ***Kate will post some signs to direct you*** \- here are written instructions: ***Once you arrive at BUILDING 3909*** \- this number is displayed at the top of the entrance door\. When you enter the building, go down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairwell there is another door. Go through that door. In the hallway will be another door on your left. Go through that door. Kate's apartment (#4) is the first door on your right. ***Please read these PARKING instructions carefully.*** Street Parking is FREE along Beltsville Road, which runs adjacent to Lakehouse Road and the Lighthouse at Twin Lakes apartment complex. Parking in the parking lot for Lighthouse at Twin Lakes requires a fee for guests. The fee is paid with the PANGO App. It is a small fee, between $1.00 and $3.00 depending on how long you stay. There are two rows of parking in front of Kate's building. The first row faces the building (and is for residents only) and the other row faces the street (this is the Pango paid parking for guests.) If you choose to pay to park in the parking lot, download the PANGO App. Each section of parking has different numbers - the number for the lot outside Kate's building door is 70908. Kate will send her phone number via Meetup Messaging to everyone who RSVPs to attend.

**Looking to get out with friends on Christmas Day?** There will be "3 Bridges to Cross, 2 Do-able Hills, and a Paaaartridge in a Pear Tree". Enjoy your morning (with or without the optional Ride Before the Ride) then join friends for an afternoon ride through SE DC. There are two do-able hills at the beginning of the ride to warm us up. If you can you do the distance and pace but are worried about the hills, please DO sign up! This will be good practice as we will wait and regroup at the top of those hills. To keep us warm, we will keep to a Medium 13-15 mph pace. This is a sweep-less ride so verify you have the route downloaded to your device. Please be comfortable riding safely in a group, and ensure you and your bike are ready for winter conditions. **Don’t have winter riding kit but still want to commune with biking friends on Christmas Day? Please feel to join us for breakfast or lunch. Post in the comments so we know to look for you.** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: CBG's "Ho Ho Ho and Go!!" Ride - Christmas Day * START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge by bathrooms) * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) * START PARKING: Jones Point Parking lot * **ARRIVAL: 11:30am** * **SPEECH: 11:45am** * **ROLLING: 12:00 noon** * LEVEL: Medium * PACE: 13-15 mph * DISTANCE: \~20 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Sidewalk / Street * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: HO_HO_HO_GO_2025 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53514757](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53514757) **NOTES:** * Watch the weather: [https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/22314](https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/22314) * Dress accordingly for the weather (think layers) * Bring a spare tube. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** We will venture across Woodrow Wilson Bridge, up MGM hill, through Oxon Farm, up Blue Plains hill, over to St Elizabeth trail, across Frederick Douglass Bridge, though the Wharf, across 14th St Bridge and back down Mt Vernon trail to JPP. **Always Do's:** * Always have a spare tube with you, seriously it is needed. * Always know your air pressure PSI and have your tires fully inflated. * **Always wear appropriate clothing for the weather (think layers, ensuring ears, fingers, and toes are covered).** * Always eat before & have water/snack with you. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Jones Point Park Jones Point Dr. Alexandria , VA 22314 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) Gather under the bridge by the restrooms. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Before & After The Ride** **+++++++++++++++++++** 10:20a Optional Ride Before the Ride hot beverage and light meal from Starbucks on King St & St Asaph St [Starbucks on King at St Asaph St.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/VQ6wxj81bK9woaSx6) ~3p Optional Ride After the Ride at Indaroma off Little River Turnpike. [IndAroma on Little River Trnpk](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uuj9SE4TFdoru2Kp9) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.

Here is an event for anyone who will be available on Christmas Day. Come and join me for a great meal and some drawing at Chinatown Garden. We can sketch while we wait for our food to arrive and after we eat. This is becoming a tradition! I look forward to drawing with you there. [Chinatown Garden ](https://www.chinatowngardenwashington.com/)

Let’s go for a long walk and check out the Cabin John trail and Glen Echo park Start: Grosvenor - Strathmore Metro End: Friendship Heights Metro Length: 15 miles Pt. 1 (3 miles): https://maps.app.goo.gl/xbwJEqH2RkPU1zvN9 Pt. 2 (6 miles): https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cabin-John-Stream-Valley-Trails-map-2023-0522-letter.pdf Pt. 3 (5.5 miles): https://maps.app.goo.gl/k2CLupw9nvL3UbjFA We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation.

Walk 3 miles circle followed by brunch.

Spend your Sunday morning with us on a scenic hike along the C&O Canal Towpath. This is the perfect opportunity to **meet new friends**, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy the beauty of Great Falls from the Maryland side. We'll walk along the towpath, chat along the way, and take a well-deserved break at the **Great Falls Overlook** to soak in the stunning waterfall views. Whether you're here for the hike, the conversation, or both, this adventure is all about enjoying the journey together! This is an **easy and beginner-friendly hike** which is generally flat with a few gentle inclines and a manageable 180 feet of elevation gain. The towpath is well-maintained and ideal for all fitness levels, making it a great choice for those looking to ease into hiking or simply enjoy a relaxed outdoor experience. To learn more about the trail, click the link in the **Trail Map section below**. **Meeting Time & Location:** Join us at **9:30 AM at the Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot**. We'll meet at the trailhead, located midway down the parking lot on the right side (as you enter). **Distance:** 7 miles **Elevation Gain:** 131 feet **Difficulty:** Easy This hike is accessible for all skill levels, taking place on the towpath and Berma road, which both feature mostly flat ground and wide paths. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We’ll maintain a steady, comfortable pace with regular but brief breaks for a balanced mix of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Free parking is available at the **Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot**, which is also our meeting point. **Trail Maps (AllTrails)** [Take a Hike! @ Great Falls Overlook (Maryland, towpath)](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-23-2025-7e6b20d?u=i&sh=ylk43q) **Restrooms** Restrooms are not available on this hike. **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** Following the hike, we’ll head over to TBD for a casual lunch. It’s the perfect opportunity to continue conversations, spark new ones, and unwind with your fellow hikers. Whether you’re new to the group or a regular, we’d love for you to join us - and for many, this might just be the best part of the hike!

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

*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.* As the creator of the Great Cookie Hike I am back and this year we will have bigger and better cookies :-) One of Adventuring's cherished Holiday traditions is what we call The Great Cookie Hike, held between Christmas and New Year's, as we stroll down the Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) from Bethesda to the Georgetown waterfront. Everyone is asked to bring a batch of cookies (store-bought or home-made) that can be passed around to share at lunchtime. (In case you miss us at the metro station here is the link to walk from the metro to where the trail begins. Do the sign in sheet and collect the $5 fee at the metro cash or venmo. https://maps.app.goo.gl/HrzL1fXPApFzJ6st9) The total length of this easy one-way hike is about 8 miles, all of it level or downhill. We'll meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday the 27th, at the top of the stairs for the Bethesda Metro Station at Old Georgetown Road and Wisconsin Avenue. We'll lunch about an hour later at a convenient spot on the CCT that has plenty of seating. Soon after lunch we'll leave Maryland and enter the District of Columbia via a long downhill stretch towards the C&O Canal. Once we've leveled out on the Canal Towpath, we'll stop at Fletcher's Cove for a restroom break. Our final leg takes us down to the CCT terminus on the Georgetown Waterfront near Key Bridge. Optional refreshments follow at an eatery/watering hole TBD. Bring water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, $5 for the Adventuring trip fee, and whatever you need if you want to get back to our Bethesda starting point by Metrobus or Metrorail. Optional meeting for drinks and food and Dupont Italian Kitchen at 1637 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 [https://maps.google.com/?cid=5533807431872345202 ](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5533807431872345202)

**WAIVER REQUIRED:** 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. **HIKE:** Join me for a day-after Xmas urban hike through Georgetown. We will walk through the neighborhood streets in Georgetown, along the waterfront, and through the nooks and crannies of smaller streets and alleys. We'll be on sidewalks almost all of the time. **PARKING:** We will begin and end at the parking lot of the Jelleff Recreation Center, 3265 S Street, NW, Washington DC. If the parking lot is full, there is parking at the Safeway next door at 1855 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Please note the Recreation Center is under construction and does not have restrooms (Safeway does). Dress in layers and bring water and snacks. We'll have a restroom/snack break partway through the hike. **DISTANCE:** 6.0 miles **ELEVATION GAIN:** 400 feet **PACE:** Our average moving pace will be between 2.5 and 3.0 miles per hour. **DOGS:** Dogs on a leash are welcome in accordance with NVHC pet policy ([https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)).

[The Board Walks](www.theboardwalks.com) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** **and join us for a 5-mile walk** (10,000+ steps!). **What to expect:** We walk as a group and dive into topics that go beyond small talk. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **Come prepared:** We ask that you bring a thoughtful topic with you. At the start of the walk, everyone shares their topic with the group, and these become the launching points for conversations throughout our 5 miles together. Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. Be a good egg and bring a topic that'd make people go "Oooh, interesting." **Important notes:** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). We want everyone to have a great experience, and this format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. **FAQs:** * We have multiple first-timers on each walk! We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are very welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **Logistics:** * **Arrive on time.** If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we kindly suggest that you skip the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and one of our goals is to create a "phone-free" space — which means everyone (including the host!) will be fully present. We can't answer messages during the event. * **Read our [Ground Rules](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules)**. Our host gives an overview of what to expect at the beginning of the walk. * **Share the magic**. If you enjoy the event, send **[this](www.theboardwalks.com)** to a friend. We're currently in 7 cities with more on the way (Austin, SF, NYC, Denver, Columbus, Boone, London). 🤠👋 **If you want to go deeper...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. * We're currently building our waitlist. Apply [here.](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board)

Who says you can't get into someone else's head? In the 1999 movie, *Being John Malkovich*, Charlie Kaufmann and Spike Jonze explore the answer to that question with some strange and extremely funny consequences! Nominated for 3 Academy Awards, be prepared for a "mind altering" discussion!

Join us this December for a (possibly!) snowy walk in Sharon Woods Metropark. This hike is dog friendly!🐕 Hot cocoa and candy canes will be provided after the hike. [Please register for this hike here](https://forms.gle/e7mLpRt2zWev2WnB6) to receive alerts and specifics about this event.