Glamping

## 🥞 **Special Note – April Brunch Update** **Please note:** Our April brunch has been moved to **Sunday, April 12** (instead of April 5) due to Easter. We hope this makes it easier for more of our community to join us — and we look forward to seeing you there! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- What's better than brunch? Brunch with the LGBTQ+ community, of course! Join the Dulles Triangles at 11:00 AM for a dazzling brunch at **[Amphora Diner](http://amphoragroup.com/amphoras-diner-deluxe/)**, located at **1151 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170**. This is your chance to catch up with old pals, make some new ones, and bask in the glory of a Sunday well-brunched! Amphora’s menu is as diverse as our community, offering everything from omelets and pancakes to divine bakery treats. Seriously, their pastries are more irresistible than a shirtless Ryan Gosling holding a puppy! **RSVP Required!** Amphora needs a headcount beforehand, and adding seats at the last minute is like trying to squeeze into last year’s pride outfit—tricky! To ensure you get a seat at the brunch extravaganza, RSVP on Meetup or in the Dulles Triangles Facebook group by the day before. Those who RSVP get priority seating, and we promise not to judge if you show up in sequins. Remember to ask for Dulles Triangles when you arrive. Use the links below to RSVP and secure your spot faster than you can say "mimosas." This event is usually held on the first Sunday of each month, but check for updates because we like to keep things as flexible as our dance moves. Keep an eye on the current schedule so you don't miss out!

Come take a mindful and sensory meander along Big Hunting Creek in Catoctin Mt. Park, Thurmont, MD with the forest & water as our guides. This is a nature connection experience. Pace of this 3.74 mile round trip hike along the white & orange blazes toward the Lewis Property will be unhurried along dirt and rocky trails that move between the tree canopy and creek's edge. There are some small hills to navigate with no more than 500 ft elevation but still require aerobic capability. We will have time to be social while also experiencing social silence, gentle forest invitations and a short nature meditation by the creek. **Bring**: water, snacks, bug repellant, sunblock, something to sit on, good walking footwear & appropriate clothing for the weather. **Fee**: There is no fee for this hike, but SCPRO appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support the costs of Sierra Club's many volunteer-led activities. Please bring cash or donate at **www.sierraclub.org** where you can also join our national club or state chapters. **Participants limited to 20.**

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614) 18.4 miles. Toilets are at the beginning, middle, and end of the trail. **Picnic stop will be in Meadowbrook Local Park at 12.5 miles.** Celebrate (Mother) Earth Day! This route was originally conceived as part of the Takoma Park Earth Day celebration in April 2024. We are happy to ride again for this year's Celebration. We will e-bike from Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park through Takoma Park, and then on to the Sligo Creek Trail. From Sligo Creek we head west past Holy Cross Hospital and through the Forest Glen neighborhood. We then turn south on to Rock Creek Trail. Earth Day Festivities with occur in Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park, approximately 6 miles into the ride. Face painting, snow cones, art activities and exhibits promoting a variety of environmental and sustainability causes will be there! The picnic stop is at Meadowbrook Local Park, 12.5 miles into the ride. **Please charge your batteries. The ride is on asphalt and often flat but we will encounter some hills. As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome.** Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water. Pump tires, check brakes and charge your battery. Consider packing a spare tire tube. Check weather and dress appropriately. As always, this is a self-guided event. **We recommend you download the Ride with GPS route.** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614) The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be 18.4 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word, and let's have fun. **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** Membership of the Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club is now free as www.ebikelovers.com is generating sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN **More information about using GPS files:** https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/ **More information about e-bike ranges:** https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/ **DISCLAIMER** LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

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\.

Humpback Rocks is one of the most scenic views on the AT in Virginia. Let's combine it with a hike up Dobie Mountain for a moderate loop. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Moderate** * **Length:** 7.7 Miles * **Duration:** 4-5 hrs * **Elevation Gain:** 1,745 Feet * **Permits:** None * **Meeting Location**: Vienna Metro Station​ South * **Parking Location:** Humpbacks Rocks Visitor Center * **Meeting Time**: 8:00 AM​ * **Driving Time**: Approximately 2.5 hr * **Dogs:** Allowed (with caution - small scrambles) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 37.968461, -78.896603 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/humpback-rocks-and-dobbie-mountain **CARPOOL:** If you need a ride or can offer one, please coordinate in the event comments. Be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **Trail Details:** Humpback Rocks is an extremely popular section of the AT for good reason - the 360-degree summit views of the George Washington National Forest are stunning. Glass Hollow Overlook views are also impressive, and may still have the remnants of a plane crash from years ago. We will meet at Vienna Metro at 8AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 2 hour and 30 mins. For drivers - Note that trailhead parking is limited, so we may need to park at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center that is about 0.2 miles from the trailhead. Once at the trailhead, we will follow the trail counter-clockwise, first making a steep climb up to Humpback Rocks. After enjoying the view, we will follow the AT to the Glass Hollow Overlook to enjoy another view and look for plane crash remnants. Finally, we will turn off of the AT on the the Jack Albright Loop trail and finish the hike with a modest climb up Dobie Mountain. Make sure to bring water and snacks. Dogs are allowed on this trail. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). ​ See you on the trail!

Come along to explore approx. 5 miles of trails that zig, zag, and zoom through Patuxent River Park as we head to southern Prince George's County. The Patuxent river borders one side of the park so we will have river and wetland views that occasionally put us on boardwalks. Most of our trails will be inland. We'll still enjoy the not-crowded, beautiful forest landscape and a few scenic overlooks. We will be on parts of the purple, blue, and brown trails. [Trail Map](https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PRP-Trail-Map-2023.jpg). We will meet at the Visitor's Center. From there, we'll take the purple loop to the blue loop which will be most of our hike. The last 1/2 mile will be on the brown loop which will give us river views. Since we're stopped at the Visitor's Center, we'll also have time to check out the Osprey displays inside, the tower overlooking the river, and the Patuxent Rural Life Museums. We'll decide as a group if we want to stop for lunch at lookout 12 or at the end of the hike by the Living History Museum. Bring water, lunch, snacks, sturdy footwear, and $5 for the Adventuring trip fee plus about $3 if carpooling. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Largo Metro station to form carpools. If you are driving yourself, plan to meet at the Visitor's Center by 10:15am. After our hike, we may make an optional stop for foid or a drink at Top of the Hill/Babes Boys Tavern in Upper Marlboro. \*\*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.

**Details** **You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.** **Read the Liability Disclaimer:** [https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf) \*\*\*PLEASE BE SURE TO ACCEPT THE WAIVER\*\*\* The Northern Virginia Hiking Club has an annual member appreciation event as well as an annual hike leader appreciation event. This is neither one of those. Join us for a Club social where we can all gather and get to know one another. The Club does not subsidize or cover any costs for the socials; all participants are responsible for their own expenses. Every attempt will be made to rotate venues around the DMV to make it more accessible, depending on where you live. This time we will be at **Sudhouse DC**, located near the U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo metro station in Washington, DC. **PARKING** is available at parking garages located at 14th and U Streets ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPjaDb5zA14GKvEm8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPjaDb5zA14GKvEm8) and [https://maps.app.goo.gl/j3kFczLVViBhX1xQ6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/j3kFczLVViBhX1xQ6)) Street parking is available, as well. **FOOD** — They have a variety of options, seen here: [https://sudhousedc.com/food824.pdf](https://sudhousedc.com/food824.pdf) **DOGS**: From the venue —> Dogs are welcome on the main floor/mezzanine only. **INDIVIDUAL TABS** — everyone will be able to maintain their own tabs. Hope to see you there!

Social Sips & Bites Friends - Looking for a calm and scenic way to spend the day? Join us for a refreshing walk through the U.S. National Arboretum, one of DC’s most beautiful hidden gems. After exploring the peaceful trails and stunning gardens, we’ll head to a nearby restaurant for a relaxed group lunch.

Spring only gives us the blossoms for a moment. We're making the most of it. Join us at The Cherry Blossom Pop Up, an afternoon among 50 vendors in a stunning cherry blossom setting that's equal parts beautiful, creative, and unforgettable. Explore artisan vendors, sit down for afternoon tea in the park, try your hand at a kimono workshop, admire pottery and art displays. After we've explored every corner we're heading somewhere nearby for drinks and light bites to close out a perfect spring afternoon the right way. 🌸 50+ vendors to explore 🍵 Afternoon tea in the park 👘 Kimono workshop 🏺 Pottery & art displays 🛍️ Artisan shopping 🥂 Drinks after 👯 Ladies only

**Bluebells at Riverbend Park, Great Falls and Difficult Run a Mod. 10.5 Mile Hike** This is a two-park hike spanning 10.5 miles, beginning at Riverbend Park and winding through the uplands toward Great Falls. The trail follows the gorge and continues onto the floodplain, offering a variety of landscapes, stunning vistas, and about 800 feet of elevation change along the way. The hike winds its way back to Riverbend and its spring display of bluebells. Just 15 miles from downtown Washington, the Great Falls area stands out as premier natural escape from the city. Riverbend Park features over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. In the spring, these meadows and riverbanks come alive with blooming Virginia bluebells, creating a vibrant carpet of soft blue and pink hues. Bluebells are especially abundant along the Potomac’s floodplain, drawing hikers and nature lovers to this annual spectacle. Here, Potomac River abruptly plunges nearly 80 feet through a series of rapids, carving a narrow, mile-long gorge with sheer walls. Protected by National Park Service lands on both riverbanks, the hike rewards you with breathtaking views of nature's power—accented by a wonderful display of bluebells lining the water’s edge. NOTE: It is important to arrive by 8:45 or earlier as the parking lot fills quickly at this time of year. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders is Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed. **Directions to Trailhead**: It is best to use the GPS coordinates. They will take you directly to the parking lot. The GPS Coordinates are 39.017916, -77.246091 The street address to the park is 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066. We meet at the visitor’s center. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 10.5 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 800 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: Bathrooms both at trailhead and Great Falls Fees: no fees **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/364d3859a63a971c3f6e12df21a16dac0e2edb52dedff598122b3f4ba7349ada) **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).

Questions/lost? Call 240-447-4796 Meeting point - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qD44jnTAn4xmgWKj8 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/walking-remy 2.3mi Length 357ft Elevation gain 1–1.5hr Estimated time Loop The West Ridge Trail Loop offers a well-maintained, wide trail that takes hikers through a diverse landscape featuring bigleaf maples and willows. This variety of trees provides plenty of shade and a beautiful backdrop of flora and fauna throughout the hike. Certain sections can become slippery and muddy, especially after rainfall. A picnic area along the loop is perfect for taking a break and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Ocho de Bastos first event this year is at the art blooms festival at Mosaic District in Virginia. I know several members of our group, also known as groupies, will not mind crossing the river. I am including a map to help us find the stage. Bring a chair in case you need to pause from dancing. There will be free shuttle buses from the Dunn Loring metro station.

Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in! We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind. If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.

**TBA**

Let’s get together for a relaxed Saturday brunch! This will be the very first event for our group. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, get out more, or just enjoy good conversation over brunch, this is the perfect place to start. We’ll be meeting at The Goat Gahanna for great food, drinks, and a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere.

**TBA**