Horses

A weekend of release and emergence. ✨ As one year cycle completes and another begins, what has shaped you can settle, what is no longer needed can gently fall away. Through breath, movement, and presence, we make space for what wants to grow — naturally, from within. A small circle guided by Mack and Cremilde near the ocean and forest of Meco. One overnight stay. Nourishing food. Time to land, open, and begin.

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 One Loudoun Park and Ride at 7:45am, carpools leav at 8:00am GPS Coordinates: 39.053141, -77.459133, [https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUJ2c9E1oVYRu5Rp7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUJ2c9E1oVYRu5Rp7) . 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.***

**NOTE: This is NOT a screening, please watch the movie before the discussion.** *"I'm scared! It's like a horror movie!"* *"That's out of date. Step aside. This is a karate movie!"* Nobuhiko Obayashi’s *House* is less a horror film than a psychedelic fever dream that happens to be haunted. When a group of schoolgirls visit a remote countryside house, logic quickly evaporates, replaced by floating heads, ravenous furniture, and a visual language that feels closer to a children’s cartoon than a traditional ghost story. *House* was created in direct opposition to the prestige dramas and somber horror of its era, resulting in a cult classic that feels anarchic even today. Using crude visual effects, cartoon logic, and musical cues, the film creates horror through excess rather than restraint. It’s funny, disorienting, and utterly unique — a film that feels like it’s being invented moment by moment. ***

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

**NOTE: This is NOT a screening, please watch the movie before the discussion.** *"Okay, I'm drawing a line in the fucking sand, here. Do not read the Latin."* Drew Goddard’s *The Cabin in the Woods* opens with a scenario horror fans know by heart: a group of college friends, a remote cabin, and a weekend that’s clearly going to go wrong. The setup feels ritualistic, almost inevitable — like the story itself is already in motion before anyone arrives. From there, the film pivots into something stranger and smarter, blending satire, creature-feature chaos, and genuine tension. Balancing humor with escalating spectacle, the film manages to be both deeply referential and wildly entertaining. It’s as much about why we watch horror as it is about what’s happening on screen.

**Note the address says SE but it should be SW** HSLC is excited to collaborate with October One Vineyard for a monthly Yappy Hour! To support our local animals, please bring a pet food donation and you’ll be entered into a raffle for free tastings and glasses! You can also purchase raffle tickets. Your monetary donations help cover much-needed medical expenses for homeless and at-risk animals. This event will be 5-8pm on the last Friday of every month at the October One Vineyard tasting shop in Downtown Leesburg. This event is free to the public, so stop by and raise a glass. HSLC will be on hand to answer questions and let you know about available animals. Let’s “cheer” up our local area animals in need!

Prepare to be swept into the exhilarating spirit of the **2026 Fire Horse Year**, also known as the **Red Horse Year (赤馬年)** – a period pulsating with passion, dynamism, and profound cultural depth. In Chinese tradition, the horse is a potent emblem of strength, swiftness, boundless freedom, and unyielding perseverance. When this inherent power is fused with the transformative element of Fire, these attributes ignite, fostering an unparalleled era of enthusiasm and innovation. Let’s celebrate with another delicious meal at China Jade.

Birds of prey numbers increase dramatically each winter in the county as our resident birds are joined by many others. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to search for winter raptors. We will drive the back roads of Loudoun until dusk with frequent stops to find and identify the many hawks, hopefully an owl or two, and any other birds that overwinter here. Bring binoculars if you have them. *Limit 16.* ***Registration required.*** Registration for Searching for Birds of Prey Field Trip **https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birds-of-prey-field-trip/** ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*, if **registration is full,** ask to be added to the waitlist by emailing . Please include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available. My car can fit 3 additional people & I have spare binoculars. Or we can go separately. ###