Kayaking, Canoeing, Weekend Retreats

🌿✨️ B E A L T A I N E - Ecstatic Fire Dance, Sacred Song & Tea Ceremony We are back!! Honouring the vibrant fertility and pure magic of the earth as she blossoms and expands in all her glory. You are warmly invited Saturday, 3rd May, 6:30pm - 9:45pm to a potent BEALTAINE ceremony of dance, sacred song, and tea outdoors in nature with our leafy friends & the winged ones. ✨️ Together, we will weave ecstatic dance with Kirtan (call-and-response style chanting rooted in ancient Indian traditions), HeartSong, and a tea ceremony with locally foraged healing herbs, creating a powerful arc of embodied transformation through movement, heart and voice. Come celebrate this turning of the wheel, an immersion in joy, connection, and renewal deep within the spirit of the forest. 🤍 The dance guided by DJ Aidan Kavanagh will help release tension, emotional blockages, and mental chatter through free, intuitive movement. It bypasses the thinking mind and opens the body. Following this release, Kirtan & HeartSong gently guided by Felicity Ananda, invites us to reconnect & nourish our hearts and spirits through communal chanting & prayer & songs, inviting devotion & unity . The sequence is like a wave of voice and body reconnection ceremony. The meeting together of dance & mantra offers our nervous system a total reset from expressive release to calm centredness. Aidan's DJing is set after a heartopening hawthorn tea ceremony, where we will invite our intentions for the evening. Dance and heartsong can help further clarify & deepen our intentions. Music will be a mixture of ethnotronika, world, folktronica, hypnotic and heart opening beats. ✨️ No dance, singing or meditation experience is necessary. This is an OUTDOOR event. Please dress in layers and bring a blanket/yoga mat/cushion for your comfort. No car? No problem! You can message Felicity to join our Whatsap Carpooling group on 0894037056. Come along this Bealtaine, free your dancing body & singing soul & let's celebrate the lusciousness of the land & the expansion of these times together. Link in bio. Le croí, Aidan & Felicity \* Feel free to contact Aidan on 0876383781 or Felicity on 0894037056 for any further enquiries. * Parking is limited so carpooling is encouraged. You will be invited to join a carpooling whatsap group upon securing your ticket.

Are You Single and Solo? Make new friends 🤗 👫 while hiking ⛰️🏞for health and to refresh your mind in the 🦋 Wicklow 🌻🌼🌺 Country side. (Is this a Boot Camp 😀😍??)This is an easy social hike 🐿🐐🐏 in Glendalough but you still need some hiking fitness and be able to walk on rocky paths. We will hike the lakes loop which is about 12kms or more. https://youtu.be/Yxo0ym2Z6eg?feature=shared https://youtu.be/nZjzoVBBSCk?feature=shared https://youtu.be/mfJC34tOZms?feature=shared https://youtu.be/Lgs9QUtWc3M?feature=shared The meeting spot will be in Dublin City Center at 10.20 am Opposite The Shelbourne Hotel St.Stephen's Green park. At 10.30 am we go ahead to board our bus. We will take the 11.00am express Bus to Glendalough. Be early🙂. The hike starts at about 12.15pm from Glendalough MAIN visitor's center at the bus stop and bus pickup point back to Dublin at 17.30pm. Please be on early and on time for those who are meeting us in Glendalough. This hike is not always on a track🏔, so HIKING BOOTS with Vibram Sole and ankle support highly recommended as some tracks are also very rocky and muddy. No JEANS for this hike ,No Running shoes please. Dogs 🐕🦮🐕‍🦺 welcome, But need to check with bus company if not driving by car there. Bring waterproof warm winter clothing, food, snacks and water or drinks as we will stop for breaks. You Need some level of fitness and some hiking experience but this is not a hard hike. This is a sporting event, so every person attending this hike is responsible for their own health and saftey at all times.

Join us for year 4 of this amazing tour! Sunday May 3 at 1020 Dublin to Pisa FR 5021 Saturday, May 9 at 1915 Rome to Dublin FR 9612 CalendiMaggio Festival Celebration(Assisi) begins on May 6 for 3 nights! 10-12km Walks Include : Wine Region & San Gimignano Pisa & Tuscany Coast Florence Assisi National Park Lake Trasimeno villages & Perugia Prices from €670 plus flights Midrange Accommodation - includes fabulous 4 star self catering in Tuscany and 3 star in Assisi See Instagram vida.trails

Distance 68km, 1100m of climbing. # A lot of hill climbing on this route, only suitable for regular fit cyclists. Today we are going to take on a few hills for a lovely cycle up to Lough Tay ( also known as the Guinness lake) over the Sally gap. We start in Rathmines but from then on it's mostly climbing until Glencree. We stop for coffee in the Armoury Cafe which is in the old army barracks in Glencree. It's then more climbing up over Sally Gap to Logh Tay, for the perfect Instagram photo, then Back to Enniskerry and back into Dublin by Stepaside. Here is the plan for the day: 1. Leave at 9 am from outside the Swan Leisure centre on Rathmines Road 2. Cycle to Glencree where we stop for coffee 3. Cycle to Lough Tay then back through Enniskerry, then Stepaside finishing the cycle at Cafe Nero, which is quite close to where we started. A lovely, but strenuous days cycling, with some fine dramatic scenery Please wear a helmet and bring a tube etc in case you get a puncture. Please note - It is every participant's responsibility to ride safely, follow the rules of the road, and come prepared with the proper equipment. WAIVER & RELEASE: We are a group composed of volunteers. We are not a professional organisation. As such, each of us is responsible for our own safety and well-being during an organised event. The organiser(s) is not in any way responsible for any participant on the trip. However, as a group of friends, we make an effort to look out for one another to the best of our ability. By joining this event, you and your guests agree to and accept the following waiver and liability amendment to the Meetup Terms of Service at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/) ; 1. My guests and I have read the Meetup Terms of Service at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/) and hereby amend it to include the same waiver and release therein to this event's organiser(s) and participants.

Hey hey, Next Chapter folks! I’m not associated with the event, so please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite🎟 - just scroll down on the link below and find the Mik Pyro event! [https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/arthurs-blues-and-jazz-club-7474750537](https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/arthurs-blues-and-jazz-club-7474750537) Tickets are going fast for this one! Join us for Mik Pyro’s Blues Cartel at Arthur’s this Sunday for a mix of Chicago and Delta blues. 🎷 The band features on guitar/vocals Mick Pyro, former front man of The Republic of Loose and on bass/vocals John Quearney of The Business Blues band. Smiley Emmanuel completes the line-up on drums.

The meaning of the word zen is meditation, zazen means sitting meditation. In zazen practice we begin to know ourselves, and to go beyond the limits of our personal ego. Within our tradition zazen is referred to as shikantaza, not doing, letting go of thoughts, dropping off body and mind. This sitting meditation is the focus of our practice. Language limits our ability to communicate the true nature of zen; it is something that is better understood through practice. We are open to everyone interested in learning about zen. Intro workshop for newcomers is available at 5.30pm each Sunday. The dojo is a sacred place and it is important to be considerate of everyone. We have many people that travel to practise together once a week or once a month. So for that reason it is really essential that we all know the structure of the sitting practise (when to sit, how to do Kinhin, the different bell sounds and their meaning etc), to ensure a silent, safe and meaningful meditation. And it's also great to meet everyone before the sitting practise. And answer any questions you may have. We have zafus and zabutons (mats and cushions) for all to sit on. Chairs are available too. Comfortable clothing for sitting, black or neutral tones best. We greatly appreciate a donation of €5 to cover costs if it's possible for you. Please arrive 10min before start so 6ish (if you're not doing the intro workshop). You are very welcome to our dojo!

Newly started IG: https://www.instagram.com/letsgetsocialdublin/ Every event is **5 euros** to the host, you can pay by using Revolut or Cash. This helps me maintains the group as this takes a lot of time and effort. Get ready to reach new heights and forge lasting connections doing Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday **at 14:30!** Whether you're a seasoned climber or brand new to the sport, this event is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, have fun, and meet fellow enthusiasts in a supportive and social setting. Located at the Bloc Climbing Gym in Ballymount, indoor bouldering social event is suitable for climbers of all levels. No climbing experience? No problem! Our friendly group will provide guidance, tips, and encouragement every step of the way. Whether you're learning or honing your skills, you'll find plenty of support and encouragement from your fellow climbers. After our exhilarating climb, we'll gather for some well-deserved refreshments and socializing, where you can swap climbing stories, share tips, and make new friends with fellow adventure-seekers. So lace up your climbing shoes, chalk up your hands, and get ready for an afternoon of adrenaline-pumping fun and friendship at our Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday! Let's climb, connect, and conquer together. See you there! 🧗‍♀️🤝🧗‍♂️

Please PREPAY for this game either by Revolut https://revolut.me/davidandl or Paypal ([kenna.david@gmail.com](http://kenna.david@gmail.com/)) √ We have just 60 minutes to play so please come along a few minutes early to ensure we can start on time. √ The maximum number of players is 28. Please be sure you show up. Places are in high demand so unfortunately, failure to show will result in you being automatically removed from the group. √ As always, you participate in these games at your own risk and an agreement to indemnify the organisers from any injury, loss, claim, or infection.

This Sunday morning session comprises a short sit and a Puja (Buddhist devotional ritual). No need to book, just turn up a few minutes beforehand. On a donation basis. If you’re coming online, join [via Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86127244172?pwd=MjJobkgybVFncjlmczROSmZ3MExEUT09) (password if required is *sundaypuja*) a few minutes before 11am.

**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.

Hosted by Licking County Parks Registration opens at 9am on April 9th. Ladies are you ready? It's back! Every other year we hold the Women's Outdoor Skills Workshop! The day is a chance for women to relax, enjoy exploring new skills in a welcoming environment, and make new connections! Session topics this year include: archery, kayak, stand up paddleboard, outdoor cooking, firemaking, knot tying, foraging, forest bathing, orienteering, nature photography, nature journaling, intro to disc golf, yoga, Tai Chi, birding, intro to backpacking, and more! Lunch is provided. Fee: $75 * Event Address: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park, 4309 Lancaster Rd, Granville, OH 43023 * Ages 16+. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. * Cancellation: Cancellation deadline is May 20, 2026. Cancellations before this date will receive a refund. There will be 4 sessions: three 1.5 hour sessions throughout the day (9am-10:30am, 10:50am-12:20pm, 1:30pm - 3pm) followed by the final 1 hour wellness short session (3:20pm - 4:20pm). Each session will have 6 or more classes to choose from. PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST FILL OUT THE GOOGLE FORM TO BE FULLY REGISTERED - The link will be in your receipt email. It determines your sessions. Sessions assigned FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. Register and pay here: [https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/271/June-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/271/June-2026)

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195