Landscape Photography

The Buddhist Kingdom of the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan, boasts of ancient monasteries, towering fortresses, dramatic scenery of mountain peaks, valleys, and subtropical plains, and a soft and tranquil ambiance throughout the country. Nepal is the home of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. A trip to Nepal will never be complete without soaking in the view of the sunrise amidst the towering snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Take a plunge into the world of ethnic groups who take pride in their vibrant art, culture, religion, history, and expression in Nepal, located between the two landlocked countries, China and India. Highlights Visited Places: • Kathmandu • Paro • Thimphu • Buddha Point • Punakha • Chime Lhakhang • Hongtsho • Taktsang • Tiger’s Nest Monastery • Kichu Lhakhang • Pashupatinath Temple • Boudhanath • Swayambhunath • Patan • Chitwan National Park • Pokhara • Nagarkot Travel Experience: • Sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara • Hiking • Visits to Buddhist monasteries, temples, and pagodas • Local festivals and performances • Interaction with the Tibetan community • Long picturesque drives • Wildlife activities like elephant safari, canoeing, bird-watching, and jungle tours • Entertaining Tharu Dance performances • Paragliding • Witnessing the sunrise at the peak of Mount Everest Tour Start KathmanduTour End Kathmandu Destination Nepal - Bhutan Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 6pm • Return: Day012 anytime after 6am Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) – Kathmandu Itinerary Day01 Kathmandu Day02 Paro – Thimphu Day03 Thimphu – Punakha Day04 Punakha – Paro Day05 Paro Day06 Kathmandu Sightseeing Day07 Chitwan National Park Day08 Chitwan NP Day09 Pokhara Day10 Pokhara Day11 Nagarkot Day12 Kathmandu Cost: $3100 (Double Occupancy) $3690 (Single Supplement) Inclusions Price Includes * Flight to Paro and Back from Kathmandu * Visa Fees * Govt.fee $250 per Day for Foreign Nationals * Private transportation. * All necessary travel permits * English speaking local guide. * Accommodation on twin room basis. * Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary * Meal plan: Full Board Basis * All transport by privet car and driver * All accommodations in Chitwean/Pokhara/ **BB** Plan * Guided tour in Chitwan as per itinerary * Sightseeing in Pokhara * Sightseeing in Kathmandu * Mt. Everest Sunrise activity – Nagarkot * Full board Chitwan Jungle Safari package **BLD** * All necessary government taxes including VAT * All necessary monument entrance fees and Chitwan national park permits * Paragliding flight in Pokhara ($90 Off if you want to skip this activity) Price Excludes * International Flights * Meals (other then mentioned above) * Personal Expenses * Tips and gratuities (allow $50) * Transfers other then mentioned in the Itinerary (available at extra cost) * Travel insurance / Visa ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/bhutan-nepal-paro-thimphu-kathmandu-pokhara/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/bhutan-nepal-paro-thimphu-kathmandu-pokhara/) Questions? Text / Call - 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

This is the first event of the year where you can rent a canoe or kayak. Scroll down for more information on renting from Prince George's County. Postponing this by a week, so hopefully the forecast is warmer and less breezy. I've adjusted the times so there will still be plenty of water to explore Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. We'll shove off from Bladensburg Waterfront Park promptly at 1:30pm and head downstream towards Kenilworth, about two miles downstream. We'll do a loop around the wetlands and hopefully see some early blooms and plenty of birds. Once everyone regroups, we'll turn around and paddle back to Bladensburg, arriving before 4pm to accommodate rental returns. This is event is suitable for paddleboards (including iSUPs), recreational/touring kayaks, and canoes, but not inflatable kayaks. Everyone must WEAR, not just bring a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD. **RENTERS** The Prince George's County Parks Department rents single and tandem kayaks or canoes at this launch. You MUST reserve beforehand (several days before a nice weather weekend). Rentals run from 1pm-4pm. We will start paddling at 1:30 and be back at the ramp just before 4. **As a reminder, this group is geared towards paddlers with at least a modest amount of experience.** We do not offer instruction and highly advise against joining any of these events if you have never paddled before. [Double check the date and reserve boats here.](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=kU6I180Y6V00232Y1Q452Q4D5X5Z545S0A6Y605H5P73595T6I4G035O645C656Q5X4J5C576L5S4B6H4V6R5V4J6P5271544Z565805534O4X53016E4Q5A5A076S405G&begindate=05%2F10%2F2026&enddate=05%2F10%2F2026&type=&subtype=&category=&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+All&features=&quantity=1&secondarycode=&features1=&features2=&features3=&features4=&features5=&features6=&features7=&features8=&blockstodisplay=24&begintime=01%3A00+pm&endtime=04%3A00+pm&primarycode=BWP+Rentals&timeblocksearch=&display=Graphical&layer=42018&module=RN&multiselectlist_value=&rnwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes) Single Kayaks: $25 for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents; $33 for non-residents Tandem Kayaks & Canoes: $30 for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents; $39 for non-residents

**Welcome to our church in Greenbelt, MD** where we believe that everyone is made in God’s image, and that no one should be ignored or marginalized. We are a safe space for everyone who is looking for unconditional love and acceptance in Jesus Christ our Lord. We invite you to join us for our next service on **Sunday**, at 10:40 AM. We hope to see you there! 🙏🌟

## Details - Please read all below before you sign up **Cost:** Free **Court Type:** Outdoor Grass **Level:** BB **Transportation:** Parking will be right by the grass. **What to bring:** at least 3 bottles of water and a ball/net if you have one. **4 persons per net max** **Host's Philosophy on this event:** The purpose of this meetup is to create a fun and supportive environment where we can improve our skills, enjoy competitive games, and connect socially. While we do aim to play seriously and challenge ourselves, the focus is more on growth and enjoyment than simply winning at all costs. This event is more on the competitive side. **Skill Level:** 1. **If you want to know your level, please see the link below:** [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) **YouTube:** The games may be recorded and uploaded to our channel here: Let the host know if you have an issue with this. [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626) **ATTENDANCE:** **Player Selection:** Regulars > Your Vibe > Skills > \*Flaky-ratio (your attendance ratio) > New Members \*If you have attended 3 events and dropped 6, you may or may not be invited. Anyone with a Flaky-ratio -.50 or lower. If you have a recent no-show, you may not be invited. The host takes attendance very seriously. Please remove yourself from the event (if you can't make it) as early as possible to allow others to join. You will be marked as a ***no-show*** if you don't show up to the event. [Smiley Social Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/edit) **Q&A** *-Bringing your dog or cat is welcome and encouraged.* -Can I come if I don't know how to play? \*No, you may not. The host does teach a beginner's volleyball class that you may attend on Saturdays. -Can I be late or leave early? *The host expects you to be there **on time** and leave on time. If you need to come late or leave early, please let the host know ahead of time.* -Can I come even if I am not on the going list? \*No, sorry -How can I improve my Flaky-ration? *You can attend other Smiley events. Commit to showing up.* -Why are new members accepted last? *Because they are the most flaky.* -NO SMOKING (anything) **Smiley Social Important Links:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

(Bus hike) Wildflower Hike III: Enjoy the Springtime in Shenandoah Forest. This hike includes wildflowers, wonderful views, a peaceful waterfall, and bright blue skies (we hope). Long hikers start at the intersection of Dickey Ridge trail at Skyline Drive and follow Dickey Ridge trail to Fox Hollow trail, where they will ponder an old cemetery as they loop around to Dickey Ridge trail. Meanwhile Moderate hikers start at the Dickey Ridge Visitor center and go south on the Dickey Ridge Trail. They join long hikers at Fox Hollow trail and all hikers follow Dickey Ridge trail to Sneed Farm Road. Moderate hikers cross the road and continue on the Dickey Ridge trail, passing views of the Shenandoah valley below. Long hikers will go left on Sneed Farm Road and take the Snead Farm Loop Trail, passing farm ruins on their right, as they loop around to the Dickey Ridge trail where they will join moderate hikers. All hikers will continue on the Dickey Ridge trail to a parking lot where they will go down the gravel road to Lands Run waterfall about a half mile from Skyline Drive. After enjoying the waterfall, all hikers backtrack on the Dickey Ridge Trail to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. Est.: 12.0 miles, 2200 ft. elevation and 8.5 miles, 1400 ft. elevation. There are optional hikes that include an Extra Long hike of 14 miles and shorter moderate hikes ranging from 0-7.5 miles. PATC map 9. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass. VA Hikes. ***Map and hike description are posted under Photos*** **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. **RESERVATIONS** Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. Space permitting, walk-ons are permitted at the second pick-up point. Your hike fee will be paid to one of the hike leaders in either cash or check (we're working on Venmo / Zelle). **FIRST-TIME HIKERS** If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. **CANCELLATION POLICY** Cancellations sometimes play havoc with our hiker accountability as the hike leaders print out the rider list from the MeetUp sign-up website. If the RSVP is not complete or up-to-date, neither is our check-in list. To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less the MeetUp $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on the MeetUp website before NOON on the Friday **before the hike**. If you change your RSVP afterwards, no refunds will be issued. While Metro/carpool/trailhead hike cancellations will not be issued a financial refund, hikers on either bus or trailhead hikes are implored to change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at either bus stops or the trailhead. **COVID, RSV, or seasonal FLU precautions** . . . Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38382930](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38382930) 24.1 miles. Picnic at Beltsville Community Center, 14 miles into the trail. Restrooms are available at the beginning, the middle, and the end of the event. This is an easy ride on relatively flat terrain and should be appropriate for all bikers and all bikes. The route is 24 miles and about 800 feet elevation gain. It should be a beautiful day. **WHERE AND WHEN WE MEET:** Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD 20710. We meet at 10:00 and ride at 10:15am **ROUTE:** MD-Trail 1 - can be downloaded from Ride with GPS here: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38382930](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38382930) We'll take the Anacostia River Trail north to the Northeast Branch Trail through Riverdale Park, around the College Park Airport to Lake Artemesia. The Paint Branch Trail takes you through the University of Maryland campus, alongside USDA research fields to Cherry Hill Rd., where we can stop and reverse the route back to Bladensburg. Mileage round trip is 24 +/- but there's more trail at either end of the ride for those who want to put in more miles. **RESTROOMS** Restrooms are available at the beginning, the middle, and the end of the event. **WHAT TO BRING:** Our bikes will always be in our sight. No additional locks are required to keep your bike safe on this trip. Bring snacks and a light lunch if you want to eat on the journey. Don't forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. **OTHER INFORMATION:** FYI: membership of the Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club is now free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) is generating 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) You will have access to over 2,000 miles of curated e-bike routes. With free membership, we hope everyone will download trails before we e-bike. This is the link to the EBL Ride With GPS page: [https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/6746-e-bike-lovers](https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/6746-e-bike-lovers) For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word and let's have fun. Please only RSVP 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. **Your registration for this ride signifies your agreement with the terms of the disclaimer below.** **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**

**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\.

## 🛼 Sunday Morning Alley Adventure: The "Trashy" East Side Tour Sometimes you just feel a little behind, a little bumpy, or maybe even a little trashy. This skate is for you! We are ditching the pristine paths to hit a bunch of random alleys throughout the East. Why? Because your wheels are too nice and your feet could use a little more grit. It’s weird, it’s different, and it’s exactly what the weekend ordered. We’ll be keeping a **slow, chill pace**, so just bring some good vibes and come hang out as we rattle through the city. *** ### **When & Where** * **Date:** Tomorrow, Sunday, May 10th. * **Meeting Time:** 10:00 AM. * **Rolling Time:** 10:10 AM sharp. * **Location:** **Pershing Park**, located at the corner of **Pennsylvania Ave and 14th St NW**. * **Note:** We are starting here because Freedom Plaza is currently closed for a massive rehabilitation project. ### **The Route** * **Distance:** Approximately 14.4 miles. * **Terrain:** Expect plenty of alleys and varying road surfaces—it’s an adventure! * **Route Map:** https://onthegomap.com/#/route/019dd035-e6ae-72f0-940e-4b9c67728587 ### **What to Bring** * Your skates (and perhaps your "trashiest" attitude). * Good vibes and a relaxed mindset. * Water and safety gear as needed. Let's get a little numb to the pain and enjoy the ride! For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you Sunday!

Similar to our "Beginner Ride", a casual, on-road-avoiding, cycle-path-winding, beginner friendly, group ride. The ride will be led by Maya and Angie, who have a combined 50 years of cycling experience. This is a no drop ride with an average speed of 7- 12 mph. Please bring a helmet, lights, a snack, hydration and wear appropriate clothing for cooler weather (cotton is not your friend in cooler temps and we will be riding in the dark). The ride can be tailored to the skills that attendees want to master, i.e- drinking from water bottle while riding, making tight turns, riding in a small group and cycling etiquette. We will be riding mainly on trails, streets as minimally as possible, and sidewalks only when necessary. This ride is perfect for someone who hasn't ridden in a while and wants to get some easy miles on the saddle; not just for newbies. If you have not ridden your bike in several weeks, months or years, please have a safety check done before the day of the ride. We are just here to have fun.

As a reminder, since Freedom Plaza is under construction, we will meet at the plaza in front of The International Trade Center near the National Children's Museum (on Pennsylvania Ave). We'll begin with going over a few drills (varies week to week). The skills we drill will be for the first 30 minutes. For the second half, we will casually skate down the bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue from the plaza to the U.S.Capitol and stop at 3rd St. and then skate back the same route. This route is about 2 miles in total and is perfect for those who are new to skating in the city but feel comfortable on skates in a parking lot or roller rink. This is also great if you wish to start with shorter routes to increase your physical fitness or stamina for some of the other routes. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare to skate with others on the road. You will also get to meet skaters who will arrive for the Intermediate and Advanced skate routes following the introductory skate. This is great training to feel prepared for the Tuesday Night and Friday Night Skate! Route: [http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7653831](http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7653831) Inline skates (rollerblades), roller skates (quads), bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, longboards and other similar modes of transportation are welcome to join. Helmet and pads are required. Skate at your own risk. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the session

hey friends! Bring your bicycle, water, snacks We meet at 11 for a quick meet&greet, wheels up at 11:10 sharp we will cycle for 50 minutes in one direction, stop for 10 and turn around at 12:10 This is going to be a no-drop ride - at all times, we will have one person in the front (pace setter) and one person in the back (sweep) to ensure we all get there and back together and no one is left behind!

We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

*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

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

5:45-7:45 in Conference Room B, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

**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.