Ghost Towns

Friendly book group Please remember to change your RSVP if you can't make it so someone on the waitlist can take your slot. New books chosen by popular vote and read 2 months later. We look forward to seeing you there!

No events UFN until a temporary stand-in host is found. A nice pub to meet in near Oxford Circus for our group's weekly pub event. They have a nice menu with reasonable prices. It should be quieter on a Tuesday evening than near or at the weekend. Though I have an interest in Japan all nationalities of course are welcome in our group. There will be an Ayamei sign on one of the tables in the comfortable lounge upstairs. Any problems getting there or any questions my phone number is 07706964277. Bill No membership fees or event fees for this group by the way.

18:00 - 18:30: Grab a drink and introductions 18:30 - 19:30: Shut Up and Write (timer starts and ends) 19:30 - 20:00: Chat and reflect Come along for a fun and productive hour of solid writing without any pressure to share what you are doing. If you're writing a screen play, script, novel, poem, etc, or just journaling or catching up with some work... you are welcome. See you there!!! ✍ Bring headphones as sometimes it can be a little loud due to the central location. 🎶 Contact Joe & Héléna for details: joewhitehead03@gmail.com helenabloch2@gmail.com

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/46653 **Game Description:** Come and join our badminton session in Canning Town 🔥 Join our whatsapp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LsLjg8CxI8MIxSFb82qkdb Music 🎶 3 courts, social session - the general ability is mid intermediate. There will be spare rackets but please bring your own racket if you do have one. 1 new tube of FEATHERED shuttles will be provided per session, plus a set of Yonex 300 plastic shuttles. 🚪 Getting Into the School 1\. The school is surrounded by a green fence\. 2\. Entrance is near the stone wall\. 3\. At the gate\, find the intercom on the right\-hand side\. 4\. Press the ‘Call’ button and wait for security to respond\. 5\. When the intercom flashes green\, push the gate open\. \-\-\- 🏸 Finding the Indoor Court 1\. After entering\, go through the visitor gate\. 2\. Follow the corridor to the end\. 3\. Look for the yellow double doors – the badminton courts are inside\! \-\-\- 🚻 Facilities 🔹 Changing Rooms & Toilets \- Located outside the court area in the corridor\. \- Male facilities – right\-hand side\. \- Female facilities – left\-hand side\. 💧 Water Points \- There are three water points in the corridor outside the court\. \- Bring a water bottle to use with the water pump\. Enjoy your game! 🏸🔥 **Rules** Games to 21 Max two games on Max one game off

**DUE TO LIMITED SPACE PLEASE ONLY RSVP IF ATTENDING. IF NO LONGER ATTENDING PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RSVP.** Join us in the upstairs room of the Grafton Pub in Camden for another writing-focused session. Bring whatever you’re working on, whether you’re outlining a new idea or deep into your current WIP. This is a space for writers to connect, share ideas, and find inspiration. Whether you’re looking for feedback, want to brainstorm with others, or simply need a quiet place to write, our goal is to build a supportive and collaborative community for sci-fi and fantasy authors at all stages of their journey. Writing will start at 6:30, but feel free to arrive and leave at your own convenience! We will end at 8:30pm, but the pub is open till 11pm so after it ends people can mingle or go home as they please. **While we encourage collaboration and occasional chat, we ask everyone to be mindful of those focused on writing until 8pm.** **Also please support the venue by buying food or drink from the pub!**

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/48532 **Game Description:** 🔥Join us for a casual basketball scrimmage at the school court near Silver Town. No need to be a pro, though basic fundamentals help; we’ll split teams evenly so everyone can enjoy balanced, competitive play. 🏀If you have any questions or can’t come before the game, feel free to message me on WhatsApp: +44 7542 543227 How to get there: \- 3\-minute walk from West Silvertown DLR station\. 🚘Free parking available onsite. 💽Music provided **Rules** 🍙Team Size & Substitutions: 4 players per team. （Max 24 players in this session) 🍰Scoring & Duration: Games are played to 11 points (2-point and 3-point shots count)

We are a group of writers of all kinds of work - novels, short stories, academic work, scripts, poetry, flash fiction, and more. We meet once a week, on Tuesday evenings, predominantly in order to write but also to talk about what we are working on. The standard format of the group is heads-down writing until around 1940, then whatever else anyone wants to do or talk about. Everyone is welcome, regardless of what you are writing. [The Brownswood](https://thebrownswood.co.uk) is a fantastic local pub, located close to Clissold Park/Highbury/Stoke Newington/Finsbury Park. It has a large - and quiet - upstairs area. Please grab something to drink/eat from the bar, and join us upstairs at 1800. [271 Green Lanes, London, N4 2EX](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Brownswood/@51.5639546,-0.0948438,608m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!3m8!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d51.5639546!4d-0.0926551!16s%2Fg%2F119x6mkyr?entry=ttu). * Tube: [Manor House](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Manor+House+Station,+Green+Lanes,+London/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5675099,-0.099653,1216m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b89bd91cc59:0x392f2396b4532b!2m2!1d-0.0965018!2d51.5711189!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) (Piccadilly line), [Finsbury Park](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Finsbury+Park+Station,+Station+Pl,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2DH/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5635898,-0.1044051,1216m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b9b2b4d19dd:0xc061583facc2ae39!2m2!1d-0.1058553!2d51.5646425!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) (Piccadilly and Victoria lines) * Overground: [Canonbury](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Canonbury,+Wallace+Rd,+London+N1+2PG/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5563195,-0.1017644,2433m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c82f2cf823d:0x79587280293ef16!2m2!1d-0.0920922!2d51.5486853!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu), [Harringay Green Lanes](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Harringay+Green+Lanes,+London/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5705266,-0.1058508,2432m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b8b3971e23f:0xef5cf25ed3f59caa!2m2!1d-0.0979994!2d51.5771902!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu), [Stoke Newington](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Stoke+Newington+railway+station,+London/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5640471,-0.0930668,2432m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c67a8c80565:0xd116f4b1ef01e4e5!2m2!1d-0.07286!2d51.56523!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) * National Rail: [Finsbury Park](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Finsbury+Park+Station,+Station+Pl,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2DH/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5635898,-0.1044051,1216m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b9b2b4d19dd:0xc061583facc2ae39!2m2!1d-0.1058553!2d51.5646425!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) * Bus routes: [106](https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/106/), [141](https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/141/), [341](https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/341/?direction=inbound) * On-street cycle racks are located outside the pub. If you've any queries, you can message me through MeetUp - please don't contact the pub directly. I hope to see you soon, Adam.

life drawing class every Wednesday from 7-9 pm no tutorial! just drop in and get a drink and draw fee £14 cash or card payment no booking needed looking forward to see you there Silvina 07929775685

Hi all, cost & info below, please join everyone for a brand new fun linear, healthy, scenic, choice of a 3 mile or 6 mile walk with some brief local info along the way while meeting new friends! ***Highlights are*** a delightful scenic walk along a canal and river, a rare photo opportunity to see Fish Island with stunning derelict factories (view before it all gets knocked down), Bryant and May factory which employed over 5,000 people (Britain sold over a quarter of a BILLION matches per day), a factory full of disease and the famous match girl strike of 1888. Also see Grade 1 listed, largest and most powerful tidal mill in the World, one of London's oldest surviving industrial heritage areas, 3 Mills which made Big Brother, Fantastic Mr Fox, Tim Burton's Corpse Bride, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Master Chef and has rehearsal studios for Little Mix, One Direction, Paul McCartney, Beyonce, Lady Ga Ga and George Michael. A part of London lost in time, a 13th Century church that burned people at the stake, amazing modern art, an old wonderful dock, giant old stunning gasholders and a connection to the Gas and Coke Company, the site of the Big Breakfast House (Michael Hutchinson and Paula Yates interview on a bed) ***3 mile*** ends at Hackney Wick Overground Station (Please note: river walk, tidal mill, 3 Mills, amazing modern art, an old wonderful dock, giant old stunning gasholders not on this walk) ***6 mile*** ends at Star Lane (DLR Line) We are stopping at the halfway stage for 20-30 minutes at a riverside location cafe for toilets and refreshments Please meet outside the front of Mile End Station (Central Line, District Line, Hammersmith and City Line) At the end of the walk feel free to have drinks at a lovely pub to socialise. **£10 cash/card payment by simply turning up on the day** ABOUT OUR SECRET LONDON WALKS It is a 15-year fascinating journey together to explore the whole of beautiful, enchanting Secret London. The only walking group in the World offering this unique experience! The individual walks have been created from an original route several miles in length (usually on average about 50 miles) where we have checked every nook and cranny, every hidden alleyway, lane, lost cobbled path, cul de sac, avenue, road or street in that area for you! It is then shortened, to give back to you a magical walk with all the best bits of 'Lovely London', voted the best City in the World for the 10th year running! What is given back to you is the most scenic, healthy walk (usually 3-6 miles in length) with some of the walks containing hidden cobbled lanes, lost shops, secret gems, areas lost in time, wonderful views, idyllic Instagram photo shots and all sorts! Now and then some brief local info is mentioned or something of historical importance along the way. You will have plenty of time to chat and meet new friends whilst walking the amazing lost areas of London! So we welcome you to the colourful highlights of this fascinating City of London with simply wonderful things to see! TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE ensure ARRIVAL at least 15 minutes BEFORE the start of the walk, sorry no latecomers are accepted for whatever reason. Members attend the unique walks from our different meetup groups. IF LATE, SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO RECEIVE CALLS OR ANSWER EMAILS AS WELCOMING MEMBERS, LEADING THE WALK, AND CONCENTRATING ON THE SAFETY OF THE GROUP. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CATCH THE GROUP UP, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Part Tour - Medium pace walk from 'Visit England' Award-Winning Guide and our group featured in the National Press! Please Note: Some events, being a large attended meetup group will be an organised walk only, but members are very welcome to organise their own get-togethers after the event. You are required to be fit and healthy with appropriate footwear & clothing, responsible for meeting at the correct location, own safety and to not lose the group by viewing the organiser/making the organiser aware as much as possible, or follow/not lose sight of the person(s) from the same walk in front. We advise carrying water and some snacks. The organiser is also not responsible for any circumstances that may affect the group or personally such as personal accidents, rail information, engineering works, cancellations, rail strikes or delays, heavy traffic, tours affected, weather, walk paths or routes closed, postcodes for car parks or for when we arrive back at the station, or anything else not mentioned! By joining the event you agree to all the terms and conditions. We really look forward to welcoming you on the walks/tours for a wonderful, great, fun day!

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/47470 **Game Description:** Come and join a mid intermediate session in Canning Town 🚨Directions🚨 📍Enter via Morgan Street 🚶‍♂️5 minute walk from Canning Town Station🚗 Free car parking on site 🚿 Showers, changing rooms, water fountain & toilets are present **Rules** \- 3 teams of 6 \- Games to 15 points \- Max 2 games in a row \- Please be kind and respectful to all players 🧡

**"From Shangri-La to the Roof of the World"** \- We take a breathtaking 11\-day journey through ancient towns\, sacred monasteries\, and some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes\. Begin in the cobbled streets of Lijiang and the deep canyons of Tiger Leaping Gorge\, then rise into the Tibetan plateau in Shangri\-La\. In Lhasa\, stand before the mighty Potala Palace\, circle Jokhang Temple with devoted pilgrims\, and witness monk debates that bring centuries of tradition to life\. Cross dazzling mountain passes to turquoise Yamdrok Lake\, visit historic Gyantse and Shigatse\, and experience rural Tibetan life in the Nimu Valley\. An immersion into living culture, spiritual heritage, and the wild, untamed beauty of the Himalayas. \*\*Depart UK on 19 May\*\* **20 May- Day 1 – Lijiang: A Living Postcard** Arrive in the charming UNESCO World Heritage town of Lijiang. Stroll its lantern-lit streets, explore the historic Mu Mansion, and climb Lion Hill for a spectacular sunset panorama of tiled rooftops against the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. **Wow Factor:** The magic of an ancient town at dusk, untouched by time. **Day 2 – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Touch the Sky** Ride a cable car to the icy heights of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and step into an alpine wonderland at 4,500m. Optional: Be swept away by *Impression Lijiang*, a breathtaking cultural performance staged against the backdrop of the mountain itself. **Wow Factor:** Glacier views so close you could almost touch them. **Day 3 – Tiger Leaping Gorge to Shangri-La: Where Rivers Roar** Travel through the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Pause for lunch at a cliffside restaurant with panoramic views before continuing to Shangri-La, where the air thins and the Tibetan plateau begins. **Wow Factor:** Stand at the edge of a gorge carved by nature’s raw power. **Day 4 – Shangri-La: Gateway to Tibet** Step into the golden halls of Songzanlin Monastery, the "Little Potala of the East." Wander through the pristine grasslands of Napa Lake and connect with local families in a Tibetan homestay, where stories and butter tea flow freely. (overnight is not in a homestay, it is just visiting the families) **Wow Factor:** A first taste of authentic Tibetan culture. **Day 5 – Shangri-La to Lhasa: Enter the Roof of the World** Board a flight across the Himalayas to Lhasa (3,650m), the heart of Tibet. Take a gentle riverside walk along the Kyichu River, then watch the Potala Palace glow under the evening lights before a welcome dinner of traditional Tibetan flavors. **Wow Factor:** Your first sight of the Potala Palace against the Himalayan sky. **Day 6 – Lhasa: Where Faith Moves Mountains** Join pilgrims at Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine, and wander through the bustling Barkhor Bazaar, a swirl of prayer flags and incense. In the afternoon, watch the passionate monk debates at Sera Monastery—a lively tradition that blends intellect and devotion. **Wow Factor:** Immersing in a living, breathing center of Tibetan spirituality. **Day 7 – Potala Palace: Palace in the Clouds** Step inside the iconic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and explore its labyrinth of chapels filled with history and sacred art. Climb Yaowang Mountain for a postcard-perfect view, then discover the Thousand Buddha Rock Murals carved into ancient stone. **Wow Factor:** Walking in the footsteps of kings and lamas at Tibet’s most iconic landmark. **Day 8 – Lhasa to Gyantse: Sky Lakes & Snow Passes** Journey through Tibet’s most breathtaking landscapes. Gaze at the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, cross the snow-draped Karola Pass beneath looming glaciers, and arrive in Gyantse to visit the unique Kumbum Stupa at Pelkor Monastery. **Wow Factor:** A high-altitude road trip of legendary scenery. **Day 9 – Gyantse to Shigatse: Monasteries & Fortresses** Climb Gyantse Dzong Fortress for sweeping views of the plateau, then drive to Shigatse to explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historic seat of the Panchen Lama. Walk through local markets where time seems to stand still. **Wow Factor:** History, power, and tradition converge in Tibet’s second-largest city. **Day 10 – Shigatse to Lhasa: Valleys of Tradition** Return to Lhasa through the Nimu Valley, stopping in remote villages and an incense workshop where ancient crafts are kept alive. End the day at Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, and shop for prayer flags or turquoise jewelry. **Wow Factor:** Discovering the heartbeat of rural Tibet. **30 May-Day 11 – Lhasa Farewell: Sunrise over the Himalayas** Savor one last sunrise over the city of gods before your departure. Take with you the spirit of Tibet—its lakes, its mountains, and its timeless devotion. **Wow Factor:** A farewell worthy of the Roof of the World. The cost of this tour is just £2099.00 for all deposits paid by 01 Jan 2026. (single room £399.00) Please do not book flights from the UK until we have given the go-ahead. If you wish to reserve a place on this trip, please pay a non-refundable deposit of £250.00. A visa to is required for entry to China. Travel Insurance is mandatory on all trips. \*\* The itinerary has been planned for gradual altitude gain, however If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, including respiratory conditions or high blood pressure, we recommend consulting with your GP before booking\*\* Entry requirements [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china/entry-requirements](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china/entry-requirements) Deposit Link: https://buy.stripe.com/dRmbJ1dE616z7Vs25aaR33d What's included? • Sharing a twin room at 3 and 4 star standard hotels with breakfast (single supplement £399.00) · Private English-speaking guide and all airport/train station transfer · All transport and activities as per itinerary. · All entrance fees as per the itinerary · Tibet travel permit · Air ticket Shangri-La to Lhasa

\*\*\*\*\*\* STRICTLY NO BEGINNERS \*\*\*\*\*\* Join the Broomfield Badminton Meetup Group for an exciting Badminton Club night, whether you're a seasoned player or looking to improve your skills, this event is the perfect opportunity to showcase your talent and meet other badminton enthusiasts in the area. Bring your A-game, competitive spirit, and get ready for a fun-filled day of friendly games. Don't miss out on this chance to test your abilities on the court and enjoy a day of thrilling badminton action with like-minded players. Let's smash our way to victory together! Please contact Naren on 07967 672212. \*\*\*\*\*\* STRICTLY NO BEGINNERS \*\*\*\*\*\*

Дюны Северного моря и национальный парк Norfolk Broads — неповторимое и особенное путешествие, которое обязан совершить каждый, хоть раз в жизни😍! Мы отправляемся на **побережье северного Норфолка**, которое славится первозданной природной красотой. Возможно, именно поэтому его облюбовали **тюлени🦭**, обитающие здесь круглый год. Грациозные в воде и немного неуклюжие на суше, с трогательными мордочками, огромные самцы, изящные самочки и крохотные детеныши🦭 — весь пляж просто усыпан животными, а воздух наполнен их криками. Ещё местечко **Horsey Gap** прославилось тем, что в 2015 году на его пляже родились первые в мире официально зарегистрированные тюлени-двойняшки. Вы можете наблюдать за морскими созданиями со специально оборудованных смотровых площадок или отважиться и подойти как можно ближе. Но не стоит забывать, что на суше тюлени чувствуют себя уязвимо, а потому необходимо обращать внимание на обозначения огороженных участков, созданных ради безопасности как людей, так и животных. Нас ждет потрясающее зрелище, которое подарит море впечатлений, эмоций и множество замечательных фотографий📸. После неспешной прогулки мы пообедаем в пабе🍲 [Nelson Head](http://thenelsonhead.com/) и отправимся в крупнейший водный заповедник Европы – Национальный парк **Norfolk Broads**. Его площадь составляет 303 квадратных километра, а ландшафт состоит из сплетения 7 рек и более 60 озер. Парк славится птичьими заповедниками, в которых можно увидеть сов (сипуха), выпь, зимородков. Для детального исследования Norfolk Broads предусмотрены пешие маршруты, велосипедные дорожки, аренда лодок и катеров, в том числе для рыбалки. Мы совершим прогулку на **речном круизном лайнере⛴️**, продолжительностью полтора-два часа. Во время путешествия вы можете наблюдать с верхней палубы за прекрасными пейзажами заповедника, а также виднеющимися то тут, то там небольшими церквушками, старинными домиками с соломенными крышами, амбарами и ветряными мельницами, которые стали своего рода визитной карточкой этих мест📸. Кроме того, есть большая вероятность встретиться с «хозяевами тростниковых зарослей» – выдрами, оленями, зайцами и множеством птиц🕊️. Если спуститься в гостиную на нижнюю палубу лайнера, можно прекрасно отдохнуть за чашкой чая или кофе с десертом в полностью укомплектованном баре. Небольшие размеры нашего очаровательного лайнера позволяют ему изучать самые отдаленные уголки многогранной Англии. Находясь в графстве Норфолк, получаешь удовольствие от самого факта пребывания в этом удивительном и прекрасном месте, полном архитектурных, исторических и природных достопримечательностей. 📝План поездки: 📍**08:45 Встреча** у отеля **[Ibis London City Hotel](https://goo.gl/maps/ucQmtxqwjZs)**, 5 Commercial St, E1 6BF (рядом со станцией Aldgate East Station) 📍12:00 — 13:00 Артезианское кафе [The Galley Horning](https://www.thegalleyhorning.co.uk/), домики с соломенными крышами и прогулка вдоль реки 📍13:00 — 14:30 Речной круиз по Norfolk Broads ([от £10](http://www.southern-comfort.co.uk/public-river-trips)) 📍14:30 Отправление и предзаказ еды в [Nelson Head](http://thenelsonhead.com/) 📍15:00 — 15:30 Обед, по желанию можете взять еду с собой и устроить пикник на дюнах 📍15:30 — 16:45 Прогулка вдоль дюн Северного моря (Horsey Gap) в поисках тюленей 📍16:45 Отправление 📍19:45 London, Aldgate East Продолжительность путешествия зависит от погодных условий и дорожных пробок. *** 🎁Включено в бронирование: ⚜️Аудиогид на русском ⚜️Тур-менеджер, говорящий на русском и английском языках ⚜️Транспорт, организация мероприятия ⚜️Профессиональный водитель с курсами IAM/RoSPA ⚜️Администрация и помощь во время путешествия ⚜️НДС и все налоги, комиссия платежной системы (карта/банк/PayPal) *** 🙅🏼‍♀️Не включено: ❌Входные билеты: цены указаны в плане путешествия ❌Питание во время путешествия: индивидуальный выбор ❌Трансфер в место встречи и после завершения поездки ❌Остановки автобуса для посадки/высадки пассажиров по пути следования ❌[Страховка](https://www.coverwise.co.uk/) в случае травм, потери багажа и личных вещей, отмены тура в последнюю минуту ❌[Evebus Club](https://evebus.com/ru/evebus-club/) – переносы броней без потерь, [выбор посадочного](https://evebus.com/ru/seating-plan) места ❌Экскурсовод: £20 с человека при условии набора группы от 6-ти участников *** 🎒Что взять с собой: ✅Сапоги ✅Воду/еду по желанию ✅Фотокамеру и зарядку для телефона ✅Хорошее настроение 🙂 ✳️Обо всем остальном мы позаботимся. Поэтому просто явитесь в указанное время и место и наслаждайтесь поездкой😉! 📩Этот тур, как и все путешествия Evebus, может быть организован в частном порядке! Для участия в индивидуальных поездках, пожалуйста, обращайтесь на info@evebus.com с пометкой «Тур на заказ».

**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.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!