Hiking

**Hello AWS Builders! 👋** We’re excited to announce **AWS Tech Connect 2026**, a flagship **in-person** event organized by **AWS Cloud Club RTMSSU Nagpur**, focused on preparing students and aspiring professionals for the rapidly evolving **cloud, AI, and security landscape** 🚀 Join us for a **power-packed day of industry insights, emerging technology discussions, and career guidance**, featuring expert speakers from the AWS ecosystem. This event is designed to **bridge the gap between academia and industry**, helping attendees understand where technology is headed and how to align their skills for **future-ready careers**. * **Fill this form for In-Person attendes:** [https://forms.gle/R7EwruXjQ7ContJs8](https://forms.gle/R7EwruXjQ7ContJs8) **📌This event will include exciting swags, snacks, and many more engaging experiences!** **Whats in the Store?** 🚀 This event features **three insightful speaker sessions**: **Session 1: Emerging Technologies, Industry Trends & Career Roadmap** **Delivered by:** *Chirag Oswal* **Role:** Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services (AWS) **This session will cover:** * Cloud Computing, AI/ML, DevOps & Automation * Industry hiring trends and expectations * Skills, certifications, and career pathways * Real-world AWS use cases * Practical guidance for students and early-career professionals **Session 2: From Idea to Output – Building a Generative AI Feature on AWS** **Delivered by:** *Naresh Waswani* **Role:** Senior Architect, Simpplr Inc. (ex-IBM) **Organizer:** AWS User Group Nagpur This session offers a **practical walkthrough of building a Generative AI feature**, starting from a simple idea and ending with meaningful output. Participants will understand how engineers integrate GenAI into real applications and where **Amazon Bedrock** fits in the AWS ecosystem. **Key focus areas include:** * How Generative AI works in real-world systems * End-to-end flow from input to output * Practical understanding of Amazon Bedrock * How GenAI features are designed for production * Career relevance of Generative AI skills **Session 3: Navigating the Cloud Threat Landscape & Global Career Opportunities** **Delivered by:** *Muhammad Murtuza Hussain* **Role:** Program Manager, TCF Research (Dublin, Ireland) This session focuses on **cloud security awareness and career perspectives**, helping attendees understand how modern threats impact cloud environments and how security, risk, and governance intersect with **global cloud careers**. **Topics include:** * Modern cloud threat landscape * Common cloud risks and misconfigurations * Shared Responsibility Model in practice * Security, governance, and compliance basics * Global career opportunities in cloud security **Event Agenda:** **10:00 – 10:15 AM:** Opening Remarks & Introduction **10:15 – 11:15 AM:** Session 1 – Chirag Oswal (AWS) **11:15 – 11:35 AM:** Tea Break & Networking **11:35 – 12:35 PM:** Session 2 – Naresh Waswani (GenAI on AWS) **12:35 – 01:25 PM:** Session 3 – Muhammad Murtuza Hussain **01:25 – 01:30 PM:** Closing Remarks & Vote of Thanks **Who Should Attend?** * Undergraduate & postgraduate students * Aspiring cloud engineers, developers, DevOps & security professionals * Early-career technology professionals * Faculty members & tech enthusiasts 📌 **In-person event** Seminar Hall, RTMSSU, Nagpur - 440025 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/m9AtKfWCemjyrWRW8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/m9AtKfWCemjyrWRW8) **What You’ll Gain:** ✔ Clarity on future technology trends ✔ Role-based career roadmap and guidance ✔ Exposure to real-world AWS and GenAI use cases ✔ Understanding of cloud security and threats ✔ Interaction with industry professionals ✔ Networking with like-minded peers **IMPORTANT – Registration Information:** * To attend this event, **RSVP is mandatory**. * Entry is subject to **venue capacity and security verification**. **Important Notes:** * Please arrive by **09:30 AM – 09:45 AM** (entry closes at 10:00 AM sharp) * Carry a **valid ID proof** (Aadhar Card, Pan Card etc) for venue security **Stay Connected:** 🎟️ Meetup Group: [https://www.meetup.com/rtmssu/](https://www.meetup.com/rtmssu/) 💼 LinkedIn Community: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rtmssu/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rtmssu/) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/rtmssu/](https://www.instagram.com/rtmssu/) 📧 For queries, collaborations, or support: aws.rtmssu@gmail.com Let’s learn, connect, and prepare for the future of technology together ☁️✨

Dulles Town Center Mall Hike: Meet at the entrance to the right of the Regal Movie Theater. A Test of Endurance Join us for a 6-mile trek through the treacherous terrain of Dulles Town Center mall. This hike is rated as physically easy, but don't be fooled - the mental challenges will push even the most seasoned hikers to their limits. Hazards Include: The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked Cinnabon, threatening to derail even the most disciplined of diets. Endless rows of high-end storefronts, beckoning you to indulge in some serious retail therapy. Balmy 70-degree temperatures, lulling you into a false sense of comfort. Blinding fluorescent lights, capable of disorienting even the most experienced navigator. Will You Emerge Victorious? Afterwards we'll head over to The Bungalow Lake house 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling, VA 20165 for their delicious brunch cuisine.

Please join Juanatán for his first hike of the year. This easy journey of 7 miles along Gallows Road and the W&OD Trail is a great way to ease back into hiking after the holiday season. We will meet at the Dunn Loring Metro Station at 11:00 AM, which is where we will begin and end our hike. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Easy * **Length:** 7.0 Miles * **Duration:** 4-5 hrs (Including our mid-hike meal.) * **Elevation Gain:** 190 Feet * **Permits:** None. * **Parking:** Dunn Loring Metro Station (38.881420295263695, -77.23054005314158) (Garage parking is free on weekends.) * **Dogs:** Not allowed. (The restaurant stop is built into the hike.) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 38.88278986565736, -77.22841745233727 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-5227c8e?u=i&sh=kucj8c **Trail Details:** Our route will take us from an urban landscape to a ¨green¨ corridor and back. While there won't be much greenery at this time of the year, we may see some birds and mammals along our route. **Itinerary:** 11:00 AM: Meet at the trailhead. 11:15 AM: Depart the trailhead. 12:30 PM: Arrive at Caboose Brewing. 2:00 PM: Start return trip. 3:15 PM: Arrive at trailhead. *(Setting the end time to 4:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)* **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! **[Featured Image Source](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6LLSkiWQqqbBiycJ7)**

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. This is an 6.5 mile hike with 1000’ elevation gain to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and is perfect for those that want to experience Maryland Heights without having to do a long hike. We will begin at the Harpers Ferry Train Station parking lot. We will hike the AT and then along the Shenandoah River and then at Appalachian Trail across the Potomac River on the footbridge. Taking a left we go briefly along the C&O Canal before taking the ***steep*** trails up to Maryland Heights for lunch. We hike at a pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving. [Rating: C](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) (Upper level C hike, almost a B) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) Park Entry Fee: $20 or free with National Park pass. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Carpools: Arrive at the Dulles Town Center Park and Ride at 7:45am, carpools leav at 8:00am GPS Coordinates: 39.034079, -77.430102, [https://goo.gl/maps/Drvzn7wmu76vnmgR6](https://goo.gl/maps/Drvzn7wmu76vnmgR6) . Suggested carpool fee is $4. ***The leader will be at the carpool location.*** Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location \~1 hour. If you are going to the trailhead, meet at the Harpers Ferry Train Station at 9:00am, hike starts at 9:15am. A national park pass (leave on car dashboard) or $20 payment upon arrival using a **smartphone and a credit or debit card** via a QR code system. GPS coordinates: 39.324540, -77.731047 [https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7](https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7) Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. AllTrails Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-4165db0?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-4165db0?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) ***You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.***

During his second trip of the year, Juanatán will take you to Maryland Heights, but during the winter season. This journey of 8.6 miles through Harpers Ferry National Park will allow you to experience this famous trail and overlook in a different light. We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends! ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Strenuous * **Length:** 8.6 Miles * **Duration:** 6-6.5 hrs (Including our meal on the way back.) * **Elevation Gain:** 1,762 Feet * **Permits:** Have a National Park Pass or pay the $20 entrance fee. * **Parking:** Vienna South Metro Station (Search for ¨NOVA Trailblazers Carpooling Location¨ on Google Maps.) (Parking is free on weekends.) * **Dogs:** Not allowed. (The restaurant stop is built into the hike.) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 39.31617004156396, -77.75620539129638 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-011e405?u=i&sh=kucj8c **Trail Details:** After reaching the trailhead we will follow a trail down to Lower Town Harpers Ferry, passing some historial structures along our way. After passing through town we will go over a bridge, spend some time on the towpath, and then begin the steep ascent to Maryland Heights. After admiring the wintry view we will mostly come back the way we came, making a small diversion to grab a bite to eat at The Rabbit Hole before walking back to the Visitor Center parking lot. Since this hike is scheduled for February, it will likely be cold, so please wear layers and bring adequate fuel and hydration. In addition, the trails could be slippery, so the use of traction devices (microspikes, crampons, or similar) is **REQUIRED** if the expected trail conditions warrant it. If everyone is tired after the hike there is the option to take the shuttle back to the Visitor Center. The last shuttle for the day will leave at 5:30 PM. **Itinerary:** 8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station. 8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead. 9:30 AM: Arrive and begin hike. 1:30 PM: Arrive at The Rabbit Hole. 3:00 PM: Finish walking back to the trailhead. 4:00 PM: Reach the trailhead and drive home. 5:30 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station. *(Setting the end time to 6:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)* **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! **[Featured Image Source](https://mountainmamacabins.com/blog/harpers-ferry-winter/)**