Landscape Photography

Let's explore Kingman Island again. **Route:** * Start at Stadium-Armory Metro station * Walk to Kingman Island and traverse the length of the island * Return to Stadium-Armory Metro station **Millage:** 3.4 mi **Start/End Location:** Stadium - Armory Metro Station **Map:** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/EGo96sJc4HhBbgQq9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/EGo96sJc4HhBbgQq9) **Time:** 6 pm - 8:00 pm **Terrain:** This will be mostly flat, with some trail walking on Kingman Island itself. We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group walking (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

Regularly scheduled walk to see birds and sights.

Thursdays 7:00-8:30 pm May 21st, May 28th, June 4th, June 11th (jam session), June 18th This class is designed to help aspiring flatpickers learn essential skills, concepts, and techniques for Bluegrass Guitar. Whether you are new to bluegrass guitar or you already play and you are looking for strategies to improve, this class will be great for you. Students will learn: \- productive practice habits \- exercises to improve and refine technique \- how to approach songs vs fiddle tunes \- how to interpret melodies and create a solo \- how to play confidently in jam sessions \- how to manage speed Over the first three classes students will learn and practice techniques to develop both the picking and fretting hands as well as a few favorite sons and fiddle tunes. The fourth session coincides with the Bluegrass Jam so students will have an opportunity to use their skills in a practical setting. The fifth and final session will be a chance to identify challenges encountered in the jam and work on strategies to deal with them. Register Here: https://square.link/u/ykIchSEX

Join us for MORE Women's MTB Ride at the Cabin John Trails in Potomac, MD. Beginner-level riders are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun! A mountain bike in good condition and helmet are required. **Sign up at Golden Volunteer here:** [https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b](https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b) ***Please do not sign up on Meetup! If you do, you won't be alerted if the ride is cancelled!*** **Meet** at 6:00 PM with wheels down at 6:10 PM. We will not ride if the trails are wet or muddy. Check your email from Golden Volunteer in case the ride is cancelled due to weather/trail conditions. **Description** \- The event is open for women age 18\+\. You must sign a waiver on the Golden Volunteer link\, wear a helmet\, and be able to comfortably ride your mountain bike\. We expect to ride about 4\-5 miles on single track natural surface trails\. Bring your mountain bike\, helmet\, and drinking water\. This ride is **not suitable for hybrid bikes**! As space is limited, please update your RSVP if you cannot attend. **And support your trails and join MORE! www.more-mtb.org** **Where** – Meet at the parking lot for the Cabin John Group Picnic Area at 7701 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac, MD. Follow Google Maps at: https://goo.gl/maps/aumXoQnD2qAp3iNp9

Hey, everyone: So this is going to be a variant of my usual Memorial Day trips (sorry for posting it late). The trip is limited to Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (so no additional time off). We're going to drive up and tackle the AFT, which is 41 miles, but maybe not the toughest trail in our repertoire (chapter 16 in my book). This will be two nights out, so splits like 12/15/12. I'm deliberately trying to keep the miles a little lower and see how my feet do. So, if this trip is for you, join us. I'm going to aim for a trip size of about 10. MM / U-Turn

For some reason I can’t stop thinking about this. I really want to do the whole C&O towpath next year. I just impulse bought all the bike spots on the Floridian 40 to Cumberland at 3:57pm on the Friday of memorial day 2026. As that is almost a year away I will post more about it later but this is just my obsession right now so here is the basic information: * splits are roughly 60/60/60 with a little wiggle room depending on which campsites we go with and how much we do Friday night * the cost of this trip is $53 for your train ticket * for this train, you can just hand your bike fully loaded to the guy at the train luggage car and they will give it back to you at the platform in Cumberland, super easy * I’m making this VMO+previous bike experience, we don’t really have bikepacking levels but you should be confident with basic bike maintenance and have the knowledge, tools and materials to fix a flat tire, fix a broken chain, wrenches for your bike’s nuts and bolts, etc. you should also have a bailout plan in case of emergency since nobody will have a car * you will need a bike that can handle gravel * the tickets are changeable and refundable so you can catch the train at a different spot if it would be more convenient (Alexandria, Rockville) Map (please add any fun side quests or food!): https://caltopo.com/m/0U4NSRV/AAB0T1CNG65HMTAK I can take 4!

This is a moderate circuit hike of 7.6 miles with 1320 feet of elevation gain on trails rich in both history and scenery. Adventuring's very first hike occurred 47 years ago this month, as our Founders ventured out in 1979 to Hoover Camp in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. It's an exceptionally scenic spot, where two modest streams (Mill Prong and Laurel Prong) merge to create the Rapidan River. Hoover Camp was originally built by President and Mrs. Herbert Hoover as a mountain hideaway and fishing retreat, a precursor to today's Camp David. Though many of the original structures have disappeared, the President's House (a.k.a. the Brown House) and the Prime Minister's Cabin survive to this day. Our hike will begin at Milam Gap, just south of Big Meadows. We'll have one stream crossing at Big Rock Falls before we reach Hoover Camp, where we'll lunch on or near the porch of the Brown House and then explore the rest of the site. Our return route will first use the Laurel Prong Trail and then the Cat Knob Trail to reach the Appalachian Trail, which will take us back to our cars at Milam Gap. We will decide at the end of the hike whether to enjoy refreshments at the charming New Market Taproom in Big Meadows Lodge or somewhere on the drive home. Total length of this moderate circuit hike will be 7.6 miles with 1320 feet of elevation gain on the return leg. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy boots, and $5 for the Adventuring trip fee. On the way to the hike, we'll stop at Sheetz in Warrenton so folks can pick up snacks or lunch. Carpool passengers should pay their drivers $20 (assuming each car has at least one rider with a Park Pass, which is usually the case). Meet at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning May 23 in the Kiss & Ride Lot of the East Falls Church Metro Station at North Sycamore and 19th Streets, to your right as Metro riders leave the station's only exit. NEW! 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.

A Communion With Your Inner Self Unwind from your day and listen to the sounds of nature, silence, and your inner wisdom as we take peaceful walks through local parks and central downtown DC locations. Learn a simple yet powerful way to meditate by "walking with yourself" through silence. Let this commune with nature invigorate your mind, body, and spirit. This is a series of four hikes along various trails in Washington, DC. Each session consists of: * A Pre-walk "Intro to Meditation" to prepare you for the walk with suggested mediation techniques to use * Walking in silence along the paths * A Post-walk reflection and time for sharing The evening program is from 6:30-8:30PM at the following locations around the Washington DC area: Saturday, May 23: Glover Archibald Park Sunday, June 7: Circles of Washington, DC featuring local historical sites Saturday, August 8: C&O Canal in Georgetown Saturday, September 12: Soapstone Valley North Trail Cost is $25 for the entire series. Come to participate and learn all about how you can use meditation techniques to enhance your life. This is a rain or shine event. I'll See YOU on the Trail! Marcia Fairweather 301-352-5272 Visit us online at www.frescoadventure.com (http://www.frescoadventure.com/) Details for Hiking Adventures Please review the information below and call if you have any additional questions. If you need to make changes in your attendance, please call before 3PM on the program date. Always leave a number for me to contact you so that I may call you back if needed. *** WHAT TO WEAR: * Comfortable, well-broken-in, sturdy walking shoes or ankle-high boots. * Protective clothing should include: * Long comfortable loose fitting pants * A cotton blend shirt provides for better perspiration and comfort * Dress in layers for warmth and comfort *** WHAT TO BRING: * Water canteen or bottle filled with water (at least 1 quart, bring what you feel you can carry or need to drink) * A journal or pad of paper to record your thoughts *** WHERE TO MEET (check out the map details on each meetup for each date): **Saturday, May 23:** Glover Archibald Park into Georgetown, meet at the McDonald's at 4130 Wisconsin Ave. NW **Sunday, June 7:** Circles of Washington, DC featuring local historical sites. Meet outside of the Smithsonian Metro on the Mall **Saturday, August 8:** C&O Canal in Georgetown, meet at 23rd and K St. at the circle on Pennsylvania Ave. **Saturday, September 12:** Soapstone Valley Trail, meet at Starbucks outside of the Van Ness Metro station on Connecticut Ave. IMPORTANT: Your registration and RSVP to his program assumes the following Acknowledgement of Risks, Responsibility, and Release of Liability Fresco Adventures, a program of Fresco Enterprises, LLC is the sponsor of arrangements for this activity and is not responsible for any damage, loss, injury, or accident due to any act by the participants. Note: There are elements of risk in any activity associated with the outdoors and the use of any related equipment. Although precautions are taken to provide proper organization and suitable equipment so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience, there can be no guarantee of absolute safety against injury and accident. Acknowledgement of Risks, Responsibility and Release: I recognize the apparent risks of this activity which I and any minor children for which I am responsible, will engage in and confirm that I am mentally and physically capable of participating in the activity. I participate willingly and voluntarily, and I assume full responsibility for any personal injury. I hereby release Fresco Enterprises, LLC, its principals, agents, or volunteers from all liability and waive any claim for damage arising from any cause whatsoever.

Join us for an evening meditation hike. This is part of a series of unique walking programs focused on methods to tap into your own quiet space. Learn to unwind from your day and listen to the sounds of nature, silence, and your inner wisdom as we take a peaceful walk through the park. Learn a simple yet powerful way to meditate and commune with nature to invigorate your mind, body, and spirit. Each session consists of: * A Pre-walk "Intro to Meditation" to prepare you for the walk with suggested mediation techniques to use (from 6:30-6:45PM) * Walking in silence along the paths (approximately two miles from 6:45 – 8:15PM, with a brief break) * A Post-walk reflection to journal and time for sharing (from 8:15 – 8:30PM) Cost is $10 This is a rain or shine event. I'll See YOU on the Trail! Marcia Fairweather 301-352-5272 7 Days to live everyday as a Wellness Day (http://www.renewandrecharge.com/7daystowellness/signupforteleconference.html) Visit us online at www.frescoadventure.com (http://www.frescoadventure.com/) Live Life as an adventure! Details for Hiking Adventures Please review the information below and call if you have any additional questions. If you need to make changes in your attendance, please call before 3PM on the program date. Always leave a number for me to contact you so that I may call you back if needed. *** WHAT TO WEAR: * Comfortable, well-broken-in, sturdy walking shoes or ankle-high boots. * Protective clothing should include: * Long comfortable loose fitting pants * A cotton blend shirt provides for better perspiration and comfort * Dress in layers for warmth and comfort *** WHAT TO BRING: * Water canteen or bottle filled with water (at least 1 quart, bring what you feel you can carry or need to drink) * A journal or pad of paper to record your thoughts *** WHERE TO MEET: McDonalds at 4130 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC You may arrive by metro (Red line) on the Tenely exit and walk a few blocks down the street on Wisconsin Avenue. We will end closer to the Van Ness metro stop, so if you drive and park near the meeting location, you will need to walk a few blocks to return. Be onsite by 6:15PM to sign-in. We will begin the program promptly at 6:30PM, so please be on time. IMPORTANT: Your registration and RSVP to his program assumes the following Acknowledgement of Risks, Responsibility, and Release of Liability Fresco Adventures, a program of Fresco Enterprises, LLC is the sponsor of arrangements for this activity and is not responsible for any damage, loss, injury, or accident due to any act by the participants. Note: There are elements of risk in any activity associated with the outdoors and the use of any related equipment. Although precautions are taken to provide proper organization and suitable equipment so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience, there can be no guarantee of absolute safety against injury and accident. Acknowledgement of Risks, Responsibility and Release: I recognize the apparent risks of this activity which I and any minor children for which I am responsible, will engage in and confirm that I am mentally and physically capable of participating in the activity. I participate willingly and voluntarily, and I assume full responsibility for any personal injury. I hereby release Fresco Enterprises, LLC, its principals, agents, or volunteers from all liability and waive any claim for damage arising from any cause whatsoever.

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

TOPIC (TBD): Meeting Schedule: 1. 6:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 6:10 - Old Business 3. 6:20 - New Business 4. 6:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education 5. 7:15 - Break 6. 7:30 - Image Critique 7. 8:00 - Adjourn Pre-Shoot Brief/Education: NIK Collection 8 Image Critique: Previous Photoshoot Images (iPhone images and Christmas Cards). If anyone has images they would like critiqued, please provide them at the beginning of the meeting. Providing Images for Critique: For now, I will collect images at the beginning of the meeting on a USB memory stick. My computer has USB-C ports, so a USB-C memory stick or one with dual (USB-C / USB-A) ports will be needed. Images should follow these format rules: JPG - 80% quality or higher 132 dpi resolution 2048 pixels across the long edge Embedded colorspace - sRGB

Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

**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.