Landscape Photography

**Immerse Yourself in a Live Soundscape Journey!** Join us for an extraordinary evening with Zac as he guides you through a transformative auditory experience that will transport you to a realm of tranquility and mindfulness. This is not just a sound event; it’s a journey for your senses and soul. **Experience the Magic of Sound Therapy** Step into a world where the soothing sounds of nature blend seamlessly with the familiar rhythms of everyday life, all set against a backdrop of ambient electronic music. Zac has meticulously curated this unique blend to create a meditative soundscape that is unlike any other. **Discover the Benefits** * **Relaxation:** Let the harmonious sounds wash over you, melting away stress and tension. * **Enhanced Focus:** Tune into the subtle layers of sound to sharpen your concentration and mental clarity. * **Mindfulness:** Engage fully with the present moment as you are enveloped in a rich tapestry of auditory sensations. **A Unique and Meditative Experience** Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or new to the world of mindfulness, this live soundscape journey offers something for everyone. Zac’s expert blending of natural sounds, everyday ambiance, and electronic soundscapes will guide you to a place of deep inner peace and heightened awareness. **Pillows and blankets will be provided for your utmost comfort as you unwind and expand internally. Escape the daily grind and discover profound relaxation within.** Please drive SLOWLY (below 10 MPH) down the driveway. The house is located at the end of the driveway. Arrive 10 minutes early to settle in and get comfortable. Cost $20

Regular biweekly walk to find the birds and sights of Lake Artemesia.

We will start at the Four Mile Run Trail Parking Area in Bluemont Park, follow the Four Mile Run Trail to Columbia Pike, then return and take the Lubber Run Trail to complete a 6-mile loop Exact location to meet [https://goo.gl/maps/mdHTq7ucwKdBpAH4](https://goo.gl/maps/mdHTq7ucwKdBpAH46) Cost: Free Walking speed: 2.5 -3 mph Note: We start on time, so please arrive early or on time to join the group Dinner: At the end of the walk, we’ll take a vote for dinner. If more than 5 people choose to join, we’ll go to dinner, otherwise, we’ll skip dinner

**Immerse Yourself in a Live Soundscape Journey!** Join us for an extraordinary evening with Zac as he guides you through a transformative auditory experience that will transport you to a realm of tranquility and mindfulness. This is not just a sound event; it’s a journey for your senses and soul. **Experience the Magic of Sound Therapy** Step into a world where the soothing sounds of nature blend seamlessly with the familiar rhythms of everyday life, all set against a backdrop of ambient electronic music. Zac has meticulously curated this unique blend to create a meditative soundscape that is unlike any other. **Discover the Benefits** * **Relaxation:** Let the harmonious sounds wash over you, melting away stress and tension. * **Enhanced Focus:** Tune into the subtle layers of sound to sharpen your concentration and mental clarity. * **Mindfulness:** Engage fully with the present moment as you are enveloped in a rich tapestry of auditory sensations. **A Unique and Meditative Experience** Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or new to the world of mindfulness, this live soundscape journey offers something for everyone. Zac’s expert blending of natural sounds, everyday ambiance, and electronic soundscapes will guide you to a place of deep inner peace and heightened awareness. **Pillows and blankets will be provided for your utmost comfort as you unwind and expand internally. Escape the daily grind and discover profound relaxation within.** Please drive SLOW 5MPH down the driveway. The house is located at the end of the driveway. Arrive 10 minutes early to settle in and get comfortable. Cost $20

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

**Mt. Rogers, Grayson Highlands in Independence Day** The highest natural point in the state of Virginia This trip will take 3 full days + driving time, plan accordingly. We will be leaving Thursday 2 after work and coming back Sunday 4 in the evening. Mount Rogers is the highest natural point in the state of Virginia, USA, with a summit elevation of 5,729 feet (1,746 m) above sea level. It lies in Grayson County and Smyth County, Virginia, about 6.45 miles (10.38 km) WSW of Troutdale, Virginia, within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Jefferson National Forest. [For a previous, click here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5XtH7_QeTU) To reach the summit we will follow the Appalachian Trail southbound to a blue-blazed trail leading to the summit itself, actually there is NOT a panoramic view to enjoy from here, the summit is covered by trees and marked with four National Geodetic Survey triangulation station disks; a standard station disk marked with an equilateral triangle and three standard reference disks marked with arrows pointing towards the station disk. Because the Appalachian Trail passes within a half mile of the summit, the area is especially popular with hikers. Mount Rogers is the northernmost habitat of the high-altitude Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests, which are found in only five other locations in the United States: the Great Smoky Mountains, the Black Mountains, the Great Balsam Mountains, Grandfather Mountain, and Roan Mountain. This forest type is one of the few remaining habitats of the Fraser fir, which is only found at high elevations, typically above 5,500 feet (1,700 m), in the southern Appalachian Mountains. **Elevation:** 5,729 ft (1,746 m) **Location:** Grayson / Smyth counties, Virginia. Mt. Range: Blue Ridge Mountains **Distance from DC area:** 335 mile **Driving time:** 6 hr. (12HR round trip) We will expend the first night on a horse campground because by the time we arrive the main campground will be close, since we will be arriving at mid-night or later. there is not reason to continue at that time. Next day around 9-10 am. after a good breakfast we drive to campground and leave the cars on they parking lot, we will be ready to continue as describe in trail description (map & trail description coming soon) **Hiking trail description:** https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wbj81LvwUP9OkFJbwqgTX02_7FSTidZT/view?usp=sharing **Gear list:** 1.) Tent 2.) Sleeping bag 3.) Sleeping pad 4.) 2 pieces rain suit - NOT poncho. 5.) 2-3 Extra pair of socks. 6.) Backpacking stove + pot/cup/dish/spoon 7.) Dehydrate food for your self. 8.) Camel bag/bottle or similar for drinking water. 9.) Snacks/sandwich/power bars or equivalent, etc. 10.) Water - for first day, Saturday and Sunday we will refuel from a stream. 11.) Sun protection - Bug repellent I will recommend to buy this map ahead of time if you want to be confident of the area we will backpacking: http://www.amazon.com/Country-Highlands-National-Geographic-Illustrated/dp/1566956641/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428117352&sr=8-1-fkmr3&keywords=Mt.+Rogers%2C+Grayson+Highlands+map **Google driving map:** https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Vienna%2FFairfax-GMU,+9550+Saintsbury+Dr,+Fairfax,+VA+22031/36.698135,-81.503392/335+E+Laurel+Ave,+Damascus,+VA+24236/@37.816822,-80.6481425,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b64bee3f1333f7:0xaed8819b1f5a6c8d!2m2!1d-77.2716314!2d38.8777047!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x885040d1424224dd:0xba6cd2c5a06ba3b7!2m2!1d-81.7850887!2d36.6343419!3e0?hl=en **CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends by just posting a message!! **Have a ride:** Please post where you are coming from, what time, and how many spots you have. **Need a ride:** Post that you need a ride and contact any offers via e-mail for those that are offering rides. **Riders:** Carpool is NOT free, you must share gas expenses in equal parts whit all occupants on the vehicle. **Link to last videos/pictures from this same trip:** https://goo.gl/photos/vfcf2neeiRjw8Ymz5

In previous years, the rangers said they try to get to the park and open the gate by 7:45 AM. From the website: [https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm](https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm) Waterlilies are bountiful all over the park! Our volunteers moved the tropical lilies from the hothouses to the display ponds, and they are vibrant. Bird enthusiasts have been enjoying watching the 3 young fledgling red-shouldered hawks, nesting orchard orioles, and kingbirds. Turtles have been laying eggs, and tadpoles and frogs are abundant in the ponds. Every year, we visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens on July 4th. The lotus flowers start blooming in early June and will be plentiful by the end of the month. The best time to visit is in the morning, as the temperatures are cooler and the flowers close up in the heat of the day, usually around 1:30 pm. I know it is outside of the Virginia Beltway, but it is not far. It is a very unique place in Washington, DC. I will be there in my grey pickup and rain or shine (hopefully shine)! Bring: Tripod Comfortable shoes Water Fully charged batteries Empty memory cards Rain poncho and plastic bags for the camera and lens in case of rain. Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Park Facts Entrance Fee: Free Allow Dogs with lease: No Bathroom: Restroom in the Visitor Center Address: 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington D.C. 20019 Lat, Long: 38.913003, -76.940142 - Parking Lot Plus Code: W375+6W Washington, District of Columbia Website: https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm I generally schedule this meetup on the Fourth of July, as I would have the day off. They are open on July 4th, but one year we waited until 9:00 AM until a ranger showed up to unlock the gate, and it wasn’t a holiday. I also want to mention security, as in the past, a photographer in my group was at the gardens and saw someone’s car being broken into in the parking lot. From the parking lot, walk towards the gardens down the path. I usually stay to the left and head into the lotus fields. Please be careful, as there are just dirt paths between the fields, and if there has been a lot of rain, there can be ruts, and I almost twisted my ankle. You actually need a fairly long lens, as the lotus flowers are tall and can be some distance away. A wide angle is only good for some overall shots, and a good-sized macro works as well. Another thing folks do not realize is that the flowers do bloom into September, but have many full blooms. This is one park where you do not have to worry about mosquitoes, as they are eaten by pond beetles, dragonflies, and damselfly larvae, and also by frogs and birds. There is a boardwalk at the back of the flower fields that goes out to a marsh area. I have seen many types of birds and dragonflies in that area. Being there makes it hard to believe that you are in Washington, DC. On the way out, allow some time to check out the small ponds with different lotus and lilies that also attract frogs and dragonflies. Why you will not see any mosquitoes in the park: https://www.nps.gov/keaq/learn/nature/insects.htm By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

Kenilworth Gardens in known for its beautiful lotus blossoms and waterlilies at this time of year. For more info about the gardens and rules for visiting see their website: https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm For this Meetup, be prepared. The park is unpaved - good, sturdy shoes will be a must. Also, during this time of year, there will be lots of bugs, so bring bug-spray. The park officially opens at 8am but we have historically gone early and been able to enter upon arrival. Just be aware of heat, humidity and your safety (take water etc).

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45899232](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45899232) 26.1 miles. Lunch is at the Great Falls overlook 18.2 miles into the ride. There are toilets at Great Falls and Fletchers' Boathouse. We will e-bike from Glen Echo Park in Maryland to the majestic Great Falls. We will be biking on the Capital Crescent Trail, the C&O Canal pathway, and McArthur Blvd with separate biking lanes. This tour captures the essence of adventure and natural beauty. We will be meandering alongside the serene Potomac River and the C&O Canal, offering E-bike Lovers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the lush landscapes that define this region. Glen Echo Park, with its rich tapestry of cultural and artistic heritage, serves as the perfect prologue to a journey that gradually unfolds into the wild, untamed beauty of the Great Falls. The route is just over 26 miles on gravel and asphalt. The gravel is compact. If you don't like the gravel on the C&O Canal pathway, this is not your route. Entrance to the Great Falls National Park is for free as we enter from the C&O Canal. We park at the large parking lot off Oxford Street, NOT at the smaller lot at McArthur Blvd. Please bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water. FYI: Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers Club membership is now for free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. **REMEMBER:** This is a self-guided event. This event empowers each participant to take the lead, as there are no designated bike leaders within E-bike Lovers. We all embrace the role of leaders in this self-guided experience. Please RSVP only if you are coming so we know how many E-bike Lovers will participate. We enjoy a nearly 100% RSVP success rate. Thank you so much for your help! As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, RICHARD CAMER TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

Guys, we need to do this slow. Mishki gets overheated, so we take breaks from time to time, plus there may be other folks who walk slow. To make everyone feel included in the group experience, we walk slow, we wait and are kind. **Meeting Spot**: We gather at the main parking lot close to the park entrance, under the trees. **Lake Artemesia Walk – College Park** Join us for a relaxed, easy-paced walk around beautiful Lake Artemesia. A chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others in a calm, welcoming setting. We’ll walk the scenic loop, take in the lake views, and enjoy light conversation along the way. All fitness levels are welcome. **Main parking lot: 55th Ave & Berwyn Rd,** College Park, MD 20740 Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. 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 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\.

**Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from a duo with over 16 years of experience combined. During this demonstration event, you can expect to learn how to direct and guide your creative vision through lighting and communication to your model. We guarantee you will leave this event feeling more confident to try new lighting set ups to match up with your anticipated outcome. Finding the right way to express your vision is key to getting your model to pose accordingly, so we got you there too! To take this even further, think about signing up for a tutorial spot following the demonstration.** ***Note: this is a demonstration event only, you will not shoot your own images. However, if you bring your camera we can test it for compatibility with the studio lights.*** **Following the demonstration will be a tutorial/coaching event - sign up separately if you are interested at** https://calendar.app.google/ZcHb4CQB2rrV3U7j9 **Save and book both for $199 (discounted from $215; the discount will be applied on the Tutorial invoice).**

These meetings will be a building block approach to learning photographic mastery over three disciplines: Completely Mechanical (CM) - A 13-week series Completely Exposed (CE) - A 26-week series Completely Composed (CC) - A 52-week series All three series will run concurrently and will dovetail as follows: Q3/26 - CM (Iter 1), CE (Iter 1, Pt 1), CC (Iter 1, Pt1) Q4/26 - CM (Iter 2), CE (Iter 1, Pt 2), CC (Iter 1, Pt2) Q1/27 - CM (Iter 3), CE (Iter 2, Pt 1), CC (Iter 1, Pt3) Q2/27 - CM (Iter 4), CE (Iter 2, Pt 2), CC (Iter 1, Pt4) That's likely confusing, but essentially, CM offered 4 times in that period, CE offered 2 times, and CC offered 1 time. **TO BE CLEAR - THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THESE CLASSES.** This is an aggressive series, with presentations, homework, group shoots to be added in, likely at LEAST twice a month, image critiques, and an expectation that you are willing to put in the work to elevate your photography significantly. Open to all levels and all equipment levels. Don't let hesitation about your skillset and/or gear keep you from a one-time opportunity. The group will meet every Tuesday, with periodic exceptions, and we will try to keep as close as possible to the original plan. Obviously, more data is coming and will be published as this is further developed, but now is the time to decide if you want to be a part of this.

This will be our regular monthly meeting, with a new topic picked each month. Topics to be determined and posted soon.

You can sleep in on the Sesquicentennial (observed), we’re shifting to the following Friday. But join the local UX community for a chat and some biscuits to catch up. If you were in CA for Figma Config, tell us all the lines and you can tell me how I can animate an SVG without coding it by hand, and why I’d even want to. Thanks to the team at Nationwide of supporting the group.