Guided Vacations

Friends, we can do an out and back hike for this, 3 miles in total. There will be plenty of parking, we will meet at the parking lot. Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. and of course, always bring a joke!! This is a meetup group for support and community. If you hit on me or anybody else in the group, you will be removed. People with agendas will be removed. **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 or city, 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.

Winter’s on the wane and signs of spring are popping up, making now a perfect time to appreciate the intermingling of the best of both seasons. Experience the beauty of bare tree architecture and the welcome sight of early bloomers on a stroll abounding with sensory delight at Green Spring Gardens, a local treasure. Tuning in with our senses, we’ll combine slow strolling with attentive pauses to deepen our connection with nature. Green Spring offers space for quiet enjoyment throughout the seasons, and is particularly noted for its collection of dozens of cultivated varieties of witch hazels of many colors. Their unusual flowers are among the earliest to open, often blooming amidst snow and ice, and they are in bloom now. There’s pussy willow (pictured) too. The health benefits of slowing down in quiet company among trees and plants with senses alert and aware are scientifically documented, but the best way to understand these benefits is to experience them yourself, preferably on a regular basis. IMPORTANT! The size of the group is limited! Please be sure to update your status asap on either the “going” or “wait list” if you sign up and find you can’t make it! Walking under 2 miles is mostly on natural, somewhat uneven surfaces, with a few short hills. Wear good walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring water (or tea) to drink. Park and meet near the open gate on Witch Hazel Rd at Green Spring Gardens 38.82428° N, 77.15808° W 4500-4504 Witch Hazel Rd, Alexandria, VA Please arrive by 8:45 to sign the required SCPRO waiver. SCPRO welcomes a $2. Donation. Add questions to comments, or contact the leader 7037725401

\*\*\* The restaurant needs a credit card for reservation. So I made reservation just for me. Please reserve a spot directly with the restaurant for yourself \*\*\*\*\* We are meeting up for dinner at Daru Restaurant. This is a highly-rated fancy restaurant, they tend to fill out quick. The food is supposed to be really good! While reserving, I reserved the "6 pm Dining Room" for myself. So I will see you there. If you find a seat elsewhere, no biggie, I will come say hi to you. Even if you find spots for 6:15, 5:45 etc, please take it. We will use the meet-up app to coordinate. Dress to impress. Cos u know, we are fancy-shmancy. and please, spread the love!! Here is the restaurant link: https://www.darudc.com/ This is what they say: * A cancellation fee will not be charged if you cancel before Thu, Mar. 5 at 6:00pm. If you cancel after that, you agree to be charged a fee of $25.00 + tax per guest on the reservation. Any waiver of the fee is at the sole discretion of the restaurant. ## About Daru is a restaurant concept influenced and inspired by the cuisine, culture, and history of India. We specialize in classic and Indian-ish food and cocktails. Enjoy our year round heated and enclosed patio dining. Awards & Accolades: Food & Wine Magazine - #8 Best Restaurant in the US, 2024 Michelin Guide - Bib Gourmand 2022, 2023 Bon Appetit Magazine - Top 50 Best New Restaurants in America, 2022 New York Times - America's Best Restaurants, 2022 Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington - Best New Restaurant, 2022 Washingtonian Magazine - #11, Very Best Restaurants in Washington, 2023 Washington Post 2024 Fall Dining Guide Top 40 Restaurant

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. **About a 7 mile Loop** with **minimal elevation gain**. Most of the hike will be on **pavement.** **Treat** yourself to a lovely visit to the **[United States Botanic Garden](https://www.usbg.gov/)**. It is the oldest continuously operating public garden in the United States. During the late 18th century, George Washington had a dream of a national botanic garden and was instrumental in establishing one on the National Mall in 1820. To **Prepare our Visit** to this '**secret garden',** you might want to first take a **[Virtual Tour](https://www.usbg.gov/visit/tours/take-virtual-tour) ;** an **[Audio Tour](https://www.usbg.gov/audio-tours);** or a **[Video Tour](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGr704ibVLOZ7rPU5NyL7_eYKxL197x88)** of the **[gardens.](https://www.usbg.gov/)** From there we will head over to the **[Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe](https://sculpturegardenpavilioncafe.smartonlineorder.com/)**[ ](https://sculpturegardenpavilioncafe.smartonlineorder.com/) for **[lunch](https://sculpturegardenpavilioncafe.smartonlineorder.com/).** You can eat at the cafe or bring your own lunch. **Description:** We will leave from from **[Columbia Island Marina](https://boatingindc.com/columbia-island-marina/)**, head along the **Potomac River** on the **Mount Vernon Trail,** cross **Memorial Bridge** to the **Mall.** We will admire the view of **Mall** from the **Monument**. From there we continue along the Mall to the **[U.S. Botanic Garden](https://www.usbg.gov/). After Lunch** at the **[Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe](https://sculpturegardenpavilioncafe.smartonlineorder.com/)** we will return to the Marina over the **14th street bridge**. **Pace**: Pace is about **2.5 mph** while moving. **Bring:** \- Hydration and snacks as you desire or purchase lunch at the Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe\. -The route is basically level. Most of the hike will be on paved surfaces so wear comfortable walking shoes. \- Dress in layers for the weather paying special attention to your head/hands\. **Dogs:** Dogs are NOT welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy).** **Weather:** weather in this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/c4025fdf0177c872b7fc2e0d09e7c523995ef49e21145e2d2438fe08649ca9e8)**. **Meetup Location:** We will meet up at Columbia Island Marina at 9:15 am to get checked in and ready to leave by 9:30 am. GPS Coordinates: **38.87651,-77.04947** **Maps** **[Map National Mall](https://npplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Mall-Map.pdf)**

Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center. At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience. Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following: group riding dynamics; safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting; hill climbing; audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers; what to bring on each ride; etc... Bring your questions, water & a snack. When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well. Helmets a MUST. If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride. PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group. Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop. Happy Pedaling !! \~Maya

This is an out-and-back hike along the Appalachian Trail in the central district of Shenandoah National Park. Starting at the Pinnacles Picnic Ground, we'll hike the A.T. northbound, crossing over The Pinnacle, third highest peak in the park. We'll pass Byrd's Nest #3 shelter and on to Mary's Rock where we'll pause for a snack. Then we'll retrace our route back to the cars. This hike is about 7.5 miles long with 1,400' of total elevation gain, including a couple of ascents of about 470'. **Difficulty:** Moderately Strenuous **Distance:** \~ 7.5 miles **Elevation gain:** \~ 1,400 feet **Pace:** 2 – 2.5 mph **Dogs:** Dogs are allowed. Please let me know if you plan to bring your dog. **Entrance fee:** $30 per vehicle or a park pass [Fees and Passes - Shenandoah National Park](https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm) **Trailhead**: [38.623713, -78.343606](https://maps.app.goo.gl/n7NXTfBrvysSyZXo7) Please arrive by **8:45am**. We hike at 9:00 **Map**: [AllTrails Mary's Rock via Pinnacles Picnic Grounds](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/marys-rock-via-pinnacle-picnic-grounds) **Weather**: [7-Day Forecast](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-78.326&lat=38.629) **Leader**: Steve Wiley, (C) 571-345-6441 **Rehydration**: [Off the Grid 11692 Lee Highway Sperryville](https://www.offthegridva.com) *Blue Mountain Hiking Club Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with the following* ***[Disclaimer / Liability Waiver](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kpSRdwadNo1oIsc4af64sADiz5nlfyHq/view).***

Start and end in Antananarivo! With the Wildlife tour Madagascar 9 Days Baobabs and Lemurs Tour, the adventure taking you through Antananarivo, Andasibe, Antsirabe, Morondava and covers other local sightseeing in Madagascar. Highlights Visited Places: Antananarivo Andasibe Antsirabe Morondava Travel Experience: National parks Wildlife viewing Scenic drives Baobabs and Lemurs Tour Local cuisine Itinerary Day01 Antananarivo Day02 Antananarivo - Andasibe Day03 Andasibe Day04 Andasibe - Antsirabe Day05 Antsirabe - Morondava Day06 Morondava Day07 Morondava - Antsirabe Day08 Antsirabe - Antananarivo Day09 Antananarivo Price: $5590 (Double Occupancy) $3990 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes 8 nights hotel stay Breakfasts at hotel All transportation by road (Bus / Mini Van) Airport transfer Experienced guides/Tour leader Activities as per the itinerary Price Excludes Flights Meals Personal Expenses Optional activities Travel insurance / Visa Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/madagascar-9-days-adventure-baobabs-and-lemurs/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/madagascar-9-days-adventure-baobabs-and-lemurs/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

**Sahaja Yoga teaches a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge.** We follow a format of continuous integration of topics in our classes so that no two classes are same and so we are able to accommodate new meditators along with experienced ones. **Through Sahaja Yoga, you can achieve a state of meditation known as thoughtless awareness. In this state, you experience and enjoy the present moment without any distractions from the past or future. Your consciousness works in flow with your inner energy ([Kundalini](https://us.sahajayoga.org/the-kundalini/)).** Some of the things we go over with in our programs are how to awaken your dormant Mother energy called Kundalini. Meditation with Mantras using power of very basic mantra to bring peace within! Meditation with music, what are Chakras, how to take affirmations, what is Thoughtless Awareness and how to find the state of your Chakras. *Meditation sessions led by an experienced fellow meditator.* **Please join us to awaken the dormant energy within you and re-balance your emotional, physical and mental state of being!** **Sahaja Yoga was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji**. She envisioned a world where people would be transformed, and lead more balanced lives. She has worked tirelessly to help people meditate and achieve greater spiritual heights through this meditation. **Cost**: Free **Parking**: Paid parking in garages and on street. Garage-40 Cordell-St.Elmo Garage, Saint Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD is 2 mins walking distance from meditation center. **How to reach us?** We are at **Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center** on **4901 Saint Elmo Avenue** **Bethesda, MD 20814**, *walking distance from Bethesda Metro Center* **You can learn more about this meditation** from [us.sahajayoga.org](https://us.sahajayoga.org)

Now at **11 a.m.**, this beginner-friendly guided meditation class helps stabilize the mind and open the heart. The session includes traditional practices such as Shamatha (calm abiding) and Tonglen (sending and receiving), as well as Jetsunma’s Light Expansion Prayer. Both relaxing and healing, these meditations can be practiced by anyone, regardless of religious tradition. Each class concludes with a dedication that our efforts benefit all beings. All are welcome whether new to meditation or regular practitioners looking for a supportive group with whom to sit. Join us! Class is offered IN-PERSON in our Prayer Room and ONLINE on our Facebook and YouTube channel. Watch online here: [https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/](https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/) Missed a class? You can watch past classes on our YouTube channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams)

Ever dreamt of going to ANTARTICA, then RSVP, email me the requested info and start budgeting! Cost: Land Only from $9099/pp; Land & Air from Miami $10349/pp Non-Refundable Deposit $500/pp; Single Supplement$3200 Final Payment Date: 11/7/2025 HOW TO GET BOOKED AS PART OF OUR GROUP: Email me the following information to Supra1214@aol.com: 1)Your full name as it appears in your passport 2)Your mailing address 3)Your telephone number 4)Your email address 5)Your date of birth 6)Your passport number & expiration dates 7)Your emergency contact info (name and phone number) 8)Type of cabin needed (single or double; interior, oceanview or balcony). If double, provide the same information for your roommate. 9)Signed credit card authorization (will email upon receipt of items 1-8) Tour Includes: Round trip flights Miami-Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires-Miami Some departures may be offered from a nearby airport. Check flight itinerary options when booking. Other departure cities available at additional cost. All intra-flights: Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & Ushuaia-Buenos Aires 13 nights First Class accommodations 3 nights Buenos Aires 10 nights Antarctica Cruise Hotel taxes, fees & service charges Hotel & cruise porterage All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates† 34 meals: 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 12 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout Services of English-speaking local guides Entrance fees per itinerary This itinerary requires a high level of physical fitness. All passengers must be able to walk on uneven or slippery surfaces and to climb on and off the small boats used for landings. An expedition cruise is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking, have heart conditions or require frequent medical care. Special Features Tour of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the sophisticated "Paris of South America" Enjoy tango lessons with professional Argentine tango dancers Navigate through the calm waters of the Beagle Channel in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago An exciting journey takes you along the Drake Passage where the Atlantic & Pacific converge From the observation deck, opportunity to view various species of sea birds, whales, dolphins, seals, albatross Reach the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands - a haven for prolific wildlife Exciting explorations by zodiac with expedition leaders in the glacial wonderland of Antarctica Traverse Cape Horn, once of great strategic importance because of its location and trade routes Onboard activities while at sea: enriching lectures, discussions and wildlife spotting Cruise Amenities Welcome dinner reception Coffee & tea with all meals Panoramic lounge & bar Spa & fitness center Observation deck Non-smoking ship interior †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates Is This Trip Right for You? Pace: This tour has 4-5 hours of walking every touring day. Terrain: Passengers must be able to walk on uneven, slippery surfaces and climb on and off small boats used for landings. Weather Conditions: The itinerary is subject to weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be communicated in regularly scheduled briefings. Transportation: Weather and conditions in the Antarctic region are often unpredictable and the ship Captain will make adjustments accordingly for passenger comfort and safety. Things to Consider: This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. The Drake Passage is known for its rough waters. The Antarctica cruise route, sightseeing, and itinerary inclusions are subject to favorable weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety issues, and wildlife migration patterns. At final payment date, a medical questionnaire will be sent that must be completed by a physician and turned into reception upon embarkation.

**Real connection with fellow Catholics who are eager to grow in Faith and friendship!** This 3 year--- 45min deep dive into the Catholic faith is a great way to spend your Sunday rest day. When you are ready to dig deeper and live the faith more fully this is an optimal opportunity. Talk yourself into this! You may start whenever and can come as often or as little as you desire. Coffee is served w/ small donation. It is taught by the priest and/or OCIA director at St Louis Parish who are ALL fabulous- faithful educators filled with theologically inspired knowledge. You can ask questions at the end, which I love. It is just a wonderful experience to grow. Afterwards if you wish, you can also find your way over to the Little Way Cafe Coffee shop across the parking lot to stay for more community time or read some of the excellent books that line the shelves throughout. If you are new to the community of Alexandria and want to meet like minded folks or a veteran of it, this is a special and unique opportunity and did I mention it is free? :) Hard to believe! Please join me every Sunday at 945 am.

Join us for our inaugural hike of the 2026 season as we hike the first leg of the Big Walnut trail. We will leave from Morse Rd at Hanna Realty and hike 2 miles on a flat paved trail along Big Walnutl creek and looping Academy Park. See you Sunday at 3 pm!

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) $15 for One Class $20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space.

Tired of chronic pain that keeps coming back? Let’s try a different approach. If you’ve tried everything for pain without long-term success, I offer RAPID Neurofascial Reset and Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT). These are not traditional massages; they are neurological treatments that target the nervous system to break pain cycles at their source, rather than just relaxing muscles. RAPID releases deep tissue and nerve entrapments to stop pain Signals. More info about Rapid here: [https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/rapid-neurofascial-reset](https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/rapid-neurofascial-reset?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMkVhMEN4dVhTU2tNOWF2YnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7w89gx_ENFccAE53E4YYwEYXbilnZMSol_nxxYAAN3uIGBcXb-41umrXkuyQ_aem_6pCwPXztbyPMI9Y3Unz5Fw) NKT acts as a "detective" to find out why a muscle is tight and corrects the cause. More info about NKT here: [https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/neurokinetic-therapy](https://columbusmassage.abmp.com/neurokinetic-therapy?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMkVhMEN4dVhTU2tNOWF2YnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7w89gx_ENFccAE53E4YYwEYXbilnZMSol_nxxYAAN3uIGBcXb-41umrXkuyQ_aem_6pCwPXztbyPMI9Y3Unz5Fw) I’ve had great success with issues that massage often cannot resolve, including sciatica, neuropathy, arthritis, migraines, frozen shoulder, and restricted range of motion. Specialized "Mini" Session Details: Structure: 15 minutes of hands-on treatment + 15 minutes of Q&A (30 minutes total). Cost: $60 + tax ($64.80). Policy: Prepaid, non-cancelable, non-refundable and non-transferable. Bonus: If you book a full 3-session new client package during your mini-session, you’ll receive $60 off so that it is like getting your mini trial session for free. Note: Prices are increasing April 1st, 2026. Book in March to lock in the current rate! Ready to move without pain? Book your spot today! Call me at 614-353-7825

**Men of Unity** is a safe, welcoming space for men to connect, share, and grow together. In this circle, we explore what it means to live with purpose, integrity, and spiritual awareness in today’s world. Through open dialogue, reflection, and mutual support, we learn to balance strength with compassion, confidence with humility, and action with mindfulness. Whether you’re seeking deeper spiritual connection, personal clarity, or simply a supportive brotherhood, this group invites you to bring your authentic self and grow in community. Each gathering may include: * Open discussion on real-life challenges and victories * Guided reflection, prayer, or meditation * Encouragement for living from truth, not fear * Tools for emotional and spiritual growth No preaching. No pressure. Just real men, real conversations, and real transformation.

**Community Dance – Every Friday at Unity of Columbus** Let go of the week’s stress and move into joy! Join us every Friday for an evening of community, connection, and dance at Unity of Columbus. It’s a chance to meet new friends, express yourself through movement, and experience the emotional healing that comes from music and rhythm. No dance experience needed — just bring your energy, an open heart, and your dancing shoes! Dance is freedom. Dance is healing. Dance is fun.