Location Photography

We’ll explore the dramatic coastal trails and panoramic viewpoints of Bray Head, one of the most visually rewarding walks near Dublin. From woodland paths and rugged cliff edges to expansive sea views and the iconic summit cross, this walk offers endless opportunities to work with light, texture, scale, and storytelling. The goal is simple: slow down, observe carefully, and shoot with intention. Along the route, we’ll experiment with composition, exposure, timing, landscape framing, candid moments, and using natural light in constantly changing outdoor conditions. *** ## **📍 Meeting Point** Raheen Car Park, Bray Head 📅 Saturday, 23 May 2026 🕒 10:00 hrs *** ### **What to expect** * A relaxed photowalk through Bray Head Looped Walk * Coastal landscapes, woodland trails, cliff views, textures, and candid moments * Practical, real-time photography tips while shooting * Opportunities to experiment with composition, exposure, movement, and perspective * A casual post-walk coffee session to review shots and exchange ideas *** ### **About the walk** The Bray Head Loop is one of Wicklow’s most scenic coastal walks, offering spectacular views across Bray, Dublin Bay, the Irish Sea, and the Wicklow Mountains. The route combines woodland trails, dirt paths, rocky sections, and open cliffside viewpoints. The climb to the summit cross is relatively short but steep in places, with some uneven terrain and light scrambling near the top. On a clear day, visibility stretches for miles, making this an excellent location for landscape photography and learning how to work with depth, scale, and changing natural light. **Walk details** * Grade: Moderate * Distance: \~5.5 km loop * Terrain: Uneven trails, rocky sections, woodland paths *** ### **This is for you if you want to** ✅ Get more comfortable using your camera beyond Auto ✅ Understand shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure in real situations ✅ Improve landscape and outdoor composition ✅ Learn how to work with changing weather and natural light ✅ Meet other photographers and creative people *** ### **Benefits** * Experience Bray differently by actively observing instead of just walking * Learn faster through practical shooting rather than passive tutorials * Build confidence shooting outdoors in unpredictable conditions * Get feedback and inspiration from other photographers *** ### **What to bring** 📷 Any camera (phones are absolutely fine) 👟 Comfortable walking shoes with good grip ☔ Weather-appropriate clothing 💧 Water/snacks 💰 Money for coffee or food after the walk *** ### **Weather note** If conditions are too poor or unsafe for the hike, we’ll still meet in Bray and turn the session into a photography discussion and photo review meetup instead of cancelling. *** ### **Important** 🔔 This is a casual, peer-led meetup. You are responsible for your own safety and equipment. Some sections of the trail are uneven and can become muddy or slippery after rain. Please assess your own fitness and comfort level before joining. Dogs are welcome but should remain on a lead. *** ### **Leave No Trace / Outdoor Ethics** Please help keep the trail enjoyable for everyone: * Dispose of waste properly * Respect wildlife and nature * Be considerate of walkers and cyclists * Leave what you find * Keep dogs on a lead * Respect local residents and trail users *** ### **GDPR / Consent** By joining, you consent to being photographed by other participants. Always ask permission before photographing identifiable individuals outside the group. Respect refusals. Extra care is required when photographing minors. *** ### **Transport / Carpool** Need a lift or want to share a ride? You can join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H0ld8u1MvjhGkVB2YijHPz?mode=gi_t) to coordinate transport with other participants, ask for a lift, or arrange carpooling.

**Explore Donabate Beach in County Dublin** **Meeting Point : Dublin Connolly Train Station (Inside beside Pret A Manger).** **Time : 12:00PM.** **When : Saturday, 23rd of May.** We will be meeting at **Dublin Connolly Train Station for 12:00PM**, we will be **waiting** for only **10 minutes**. **At 12:10PM**, we will be walking to the **Scheduled InterCity Train to Drogheda at 12:17PM.** This Train Serves Howth Junction/Donaghmede, Clongriffin, Portmarnock, Malahide and Donabate, Duration 29 Minutes. We will be getting of the Train at Donabate Train Station **(12:47PM).** After we get of the train, then we will be walking for 35 minutes to Donabate Beach, then starting our walk on Donabate Beach. **Duration : 7.6KM** **Length : 2 Hours** Coffee Shops nearby : Triangle Coffee, Cates Cafe, Cuppacabana Cafe and The Shoreline Hotel. Bathrooms : Shoreline Hotel, Triangle Coffee and Donabate Beach. Every event is 5 Euro's you can pay by using Revolut or Cash. I hope to see you there. Many Thanks Thomas.

Kirtan & HeartSong - Their Lives Matter (TLM) Fundraiser This is a very special evening, dedicated to raising much needed funds for TLM, a wonderful charity very close to our hearts. TLM, Their Lives Matter, are a group of charities based in Tanzania, Ireland & UK with the united aim to reach every child in Tanzania who develops cancer and treat them with high quality cancer treatment free of charge. [https://www.tixtree.com/e/kirtan-heartsong-tlm-fundraiser-5883b19ddcc7?_gl=1](https://www.tixtree.com/e/kirtan-heartsong-tlm-fundraiser-5883b19ddcc7?_gl=1*10x5knd*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzk2MDQ0Mzg1LjE3NzkyMTM2Njk.*_ga_NC63NZQRVP*czE3NzkyMTM2NjkkbzE)*[10x5knd](https://www.tixtree.com/e/kirtan-heartsong-tlm-fundraiser-5883b19ddcc7?_gl=1*10x5knd*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzk2MDQ0Mzg1LjE3NzkyMTM2Njk.*_ga_NC63NZQRVP*czE3NzkyMTM2NjkkbzE)*[_up](https://www.tixtree.com/e/kirtan-heartsong-tlm-fundraiser-5883b19ddcc7?_gl=1*10x5knd*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzk2MDQ0Mzg1LjE3NzkyMTM2Njk.*_ga_NC63NZQRVP*czE3NzkyMTM2NjkkbzE)*[MQ..](https://www.tixtree.com/e/kirtan-heartsong-tlm-fundraiser-5883b19ddcc7?_gl=1*10x5knd*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzk2MDQ0Mzg1LjE3NzkyMTM2Njk.*_ga_NC63NZQRVP*czE3NzkyMTM2NjkkbzE)*[_ga](https://www.tixtree.com/e/kirtan-heartsong-tlm-fundraiser-5883b19ddcc7?_gl=1*10x5knd*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzk2MDQ0Mzg1LjE3NzkyMTM2Njk.*_ga_NC63NZQRVP*czE3NzkyMTM2NjkkbzE)*[Mzk2MDQ0Mzg1LjE3NzkyMTM2Njk.](https://www.tixtree.com/e/kirtan-heartsong-tlm-fundraiser-5883b19ddcc7?_gl=1*10x5knd*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzk2MDQ0Mzg1LjE3NzkyMTM2Njk.*_ga_NC63NZQRVP*czE3NzkyMTM2NjkkbzE)*[_ga_NC63NZQRVP*czE3NzkyMTM2NjkkbzE](https://www.tixtree.com/e/kirtan-heartsong-tlm-fundraiser-5883b19ddcc7?_gl=1*10x5knd*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzk2MDQ0Mzg1LjE3NzkyMTM2Njk.*_ga_NC63NZQRVP*czE3NzkyMTM2NjkkbzE) Join us for an uplifting evening of pause, self‑care, and connection by the sea. Just a moments stroll from Sandycove beach, we’ll gather in a beautiful private INDOOR space to weave songs, chants and sacred mantras from around the world accompanied by guitar, harmonium, percussion, and shamanic drum. This intimate gathering invites us to slow down, reconnect, and deeply nourish ourselves among friends old and new. Together we’ll move with the ebb and flow of our intuitive hearts, sharing practices that ground, uplift, and restore as we raise money & our collective prayers for peace and healing in our world. What to Expect: ️ Kirtan, HeartSong & Meditation: Experience the blessings of Bhakti Yoga through devotional mantra, intention‑setting, and heart‑opening group singing. ️Sound Bath: Soothe your nervous system with calming, restorative frequencies. ️Time for Reflection & Connection: Share space with like‑minded souls in the spirit of Sangha- Spiritual Community. Anyone feeling overwhelmed or in need of a gentle reset, those seeking natural, holistic well‑being practices and/or anyone longing for connection & joy in an open‑hearted space, this is for you. No experience needed, just bring your voice and an open heart. When: This Saturday May23rd ️Location: Private indoor venue near Sandycove Beach. The exact location of our gathering will be shared upon booking. ️Time: 6:30pm\~8:30pm Exchange: €40 \| €30 \| €25 Link in bio to book, or revolut/paypal Beannachtaí, Asante Felicity, Joyce & all the kids at TLM x Check out TLM website [www.wearetlm.og](http://www.wearetlm.og/) for more details about the amazing work they do! Lastly, this beautiful gathering is THIS Saturday, and time has somehow slipped by. If it speaks to your heart, & you can't make it we’d be so grateful if you shared it with your friends and communities & perhaps donate on revolut or paypal. Every share & donation will help so much! #kirtan #theirlivesmatter #dublinevents #felicityananda Namaste, *Felicity Ananda* Check us out on instagram & facebook @felicityanandakirtan [](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=53.2881%2C%20-6.11413)Sandycove · Dublin NOTE: The above pin is not our exact location. The exact address will be sent upon securing your ticket. Please PM me on 0894037056. Thanks! ##

Kirtan & HeartSong - Their Lives Matter (TLM) Fundraiser This is a very special evening, dedicated to raising much needed funds for TLM, a wonderful charity very close to our hearts. TLM, Their Lives Matter, are a group of charities based in Tanzania, Ireland & UK with the united aim to reach every child in Tanzania who develops cancer and treat them with high quality cancer treatment free of charge. [https://www.tixtree.com/e/kirtan-heartsong-tlm-fundraiser-5883b19ddcc7?_gl=1*10x5knd*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzk2MDQ0Mzg1LjE3NzkyMTM2Njk.*_ga_NC63NZQRVP*czE3NzkyMTM2NjkkbzE](https://www.tixtree.com/e/kirtan-heartsong-tlm-fundraiser-5883b19ddcc7?_gl=1*10x5knd*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mzk2MDQ0Mzg1LjE3NzkyMTM2Njk.*_ga_NC63NZQRVP*czE3NzkyMTM2NjkkbzE) Join us for an uplifting evening of pause, self‑care, and connection by the sea. Just a moments stroll from Sandycove beach, we’ll gather in a beautiful private INDOOR space to weave songs, chants and sacred mantras from around the world accompanied by guitar, harmonium, percussion, and shamanic drum. This intimate gathering invites us to slow down, reconnect, and deeply nourish ourselves among friends old and new. Together we’ll move with the ebb and flow of our intuitive hearts, sharing practices that ground, uplift, and restore as we raise money & our collective prayers for peace and healing in our world. What to Expect: ️ Kirtan, HeartSong & Meditation: Experience the blessings of Bhakti Yoga through devotional mantra, intention‑setting, and heart‑opening group singing. ️Sound Bath: Soothe your nervous system with calming, restorative frequencies. ️Time for Reflection & Connection: Share space with like‑minded souls in the spirit of Sangha- Spiritual Community. Anyone feeling overwhelmed or in need of a gentle reset, those seeking natural, holistic well‑being practices and/or anyone longing for connection & joy in an open‑hearted space, this is for you. No experience needed, just bring your voice and an open heart. When: This Saturday May23rd ️Location: Private indoor venue near Sandycove Beach. The exact location of our gathering will be shared upon booking. ️Time: 6:30pm\~8:30pm Exchange: €40 \| €30 \| €25 Link in bio to book, or revolut/paypal Beannachtaí, Asante Felicity, Joyce & all the kids at TLM x Check out TLM website www.wearetlm.og for more details about the amazing work they do! Lastly, this beautiful gathering is THIS Saturday, and time has somehow slipped by. If it speaks to your heart, & you can't make it we’d be so grateful if you shared it with your friends and communities & perhaps donate on revolut or paypal. Every share & donation will help so much! #kirtan #theirlivesmatter #dublinevents #felicityananda Namaste, *Felicity Ananda* Check us out on instagram & facebook @felicityanandakirtan

***Mountain Skills for Only €120 / course*** Ever wanted to learn the skills you need to become a competent navigator in the Irish mountains, the UK, the Alps or beyond! As a fully qualified mountain guide and course provider for Mountaineering Ireland and the UK, I run Mountain Skills which is a nationally accredited course and is delivered in an upland environment. Hiking in Ireland can be challenging not only because of its wilderness, but the island has very little sign posted hiking trails in the mountains or hills. In addition to this, as being an island in the Atlantic we experience the forces of nature; storms and weather events. In other words, Ireland is probably the best place in Europe to learn a new outdoor skill like Mountain Skills. The aim of this course is to help you learn the skills you need to get out hiking in the hills and mountains independently, safely and responsibly. You will learn how to navigate with confidence by any type of weather conditions. A Mountain Skills course is run over 2 days in an upland environment and covers: Map reading, map description, map scale, contour lines, land and ground features, navigation legs, simple navigation techniques, setting the map, the 5 D, estimation of direction & destination, grid reference, mountain hazards, hypothermia, mountain environment, timing, pacing, route planning, route card, emergency procedures, personal equipment, safe movement skills, river crossing and much more… Some level of fitness is essential in taking part in this course. Each course (MS1 / MS2) is a 20 hour syllabus which includes indoor and outdoor sessions and night navigation (MS2) **A course includes:** Maps and compass provided, tea breaks, course notes, 3 route cards, a free hiking day practice as part of a weekend. **For Only €100 for under 18 and students and €120 for adults.** Accommodations can be provided Her are few additionnal dates: Jan 24-25 MS2 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow Feb 11-12 MS1 Comeragh, Co.Waterford March 21-22 Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow March 28-29 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow April MS1 18-19 Glenmalure, Co,Wickow For more information contact us at: [aeaccom@gmail.com](mailto:aeaccom@gmail.com) / +35387 9691193 Or go to: [www.mountainadventures74.com](http://www.mountainadventures74.com)

Join us for a series of short talks on possibly one of the oldest and most mysterious philosophical questions? Who am I? We will explore it from 3 perspectives: * Genetics * Neuroscience * Anthropolog **The Gene Delusion** What is a gene, and what it is not. Are we just our genes or are they part of a network of factors that makeup our biological identity? It is often imagined as the fundamental unit of life’s story—the script that writes who we are. But this view, though seductive, is incomplete. A gene is not a destiny coded in molecular ink; it is a participant in a vast, dynamic conversation. **Neuroscience and the Ghost in the Machine** In the long-standing dialogue between mind and brain, neuroscience has made remarkable strides in mapping the physical architecture of thought—tracing emotions, decisions, and memories to vast networks of neural activity. Yet the question remains: is the mind merely what the brain does, or is it something more—a modern echo of the “ghost in the machine”? **Anthropology – Consciousness Gateway to our essence** What is consciousness? Philosophy links it to our essence as human beings. How can we find our essence? It is described as finding our centre, to be within our centre – so it is linked to concentration (con centrum ‘to be within our center’). Mircea Eliade (Historian and Anthropologist) describes this search for, and idea of a centre from which all life emerges, as a very human endeavour. What makes us human? How do we connect with what is essentially human and our life force? *There will be a break with tea, coffee and cakes.*

Capture coastal geometry and spring light with a focus on framing, leading lines, and maritime vibes. Walk, shoot, and connect with photographers & creators as we explore Dun Laoghaire together. Beginners, enthusiasts, and pros — all are welcome. –––––––––– **EVENT DETAILS** **Location: Dun Laoghaire** **Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026** **Time: 15:00 – 17:00** **Meeting Point: Gourmet Cafe** (79 George's Street Lower, Dun Laoghaire, A96 H9D8) –––––––––– **EVENT FLOW** **15:00 \|** Meet & Connect We’ll gather at Gourmet Cafe, introduce ourselves, and warm up creatively with a few quick ideas on framing and composition. **15:30 \|** Main Walk (Urban Framing & Architecture) The host will guide the group through the area, utilizing local architecture, windows, and doorways to create unique frames within frames under the afternoon sun. **16:15 \|** Second Focus (Coastal Lines & Maritime Views) We’ll move toward the coastal spots, shifting our focus to strong leading lines, reflections on the water, and framing the scenery against the open sky. **17:00 →** Optional coffee, tea, or drinks nearby. –––––––––– **IMPORTANT** * This isn’t a class. * It’s not a tour. * It’s a creative meetup. * We’ll walk. We’ll shoot. We’ll connect. –––––––––– **WHAT TO EXPECT** **Bring your:** • Film camera • Digital camera • Smartphone • Curiosity Whether you're a beginner, seasoned photographer, content creator, or just creatively curious — you’re welcome here. Come solo or bring friends. **Spots are limited — reserve your place ASAP.** –––––––––– **STAY CONNECTED** 📍 **Join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H9REqb6tyFrKyQdOtR2MLd?mode=gi_t) for live location & updates.** 📸 **Follow [@takeaphotowalkcommunity](https://www.instagram.com/takeaphotowalkcommunity) and tag us in your photos.** –––––––––– **ABOUT TAKE A PHOTO WALK** Founded in Barcelona in July 2024, Take a Photo Walk connects photographers and creators around the world through real-life creative experiences. Now **Dublin** is part of the story. –––––––––– **Capture the rhythm of the city where the glass meets the gray.** See you in **Dublin**. 📸

Are you Solo and Single? Make New Friends! Thus is a singles social hike in Howth's Cliff path walk To the light house. Social Dogs 🐩 are welcome.We will meet at 11.15am infront of the Dart Train Station Pub and leave about 11.30am. This is an Easy Social hike starting from train Dart Station and going along the top by the lake to the Summits to view the light house, Islands and beaches. This is an event for singles who want to socialize and make new friends. Bring snacks warm winter water proof clothing and water/drinks as we will stop for picnic lunch. This is a sporting event, so every person is responsible for their own health and saftey. When we are back in Howth fishing village we can go for Drinks/ Tea/ Coffee or food to socialize.

Have you ever walked down a street and wondered who lived there, what happened on the street, or behind closed doors? Walk along an ancient highway known in Irish as Slí Mhor, The Great Way. Listen to tales of Normans and Nobels, Rebellions and Weavers, Traders and local characters who once called this place home. Consider as you walk in the footsteps of the many people who went before you, how the area has evolved over the years and what the future may be. Our guide is Anita Ray, a proud local, born and raised in the Liberties. Be prepared to travel through the centuries, look through walls and buildings and imagine how life 'used to be'. Cost: €10.00 payable at time of booking. Please note: Bookings are not honoured without payment! [PayPal.Me/DLHGroup](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/DLHGroup?v=1&utm_source=unp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=RT000269&utm_unptid=c5d142a8-2861-11ed-aa18-98039ba0714a&ppid=RT000269&cnac=IE&rsta=en_US%28en-IE%29&cust=ZTGE7US474996&unptid=c5d142a8-2861-11ed-aa18-98039ba0714a&calc=f793604dc7c12&unp_tpcid=ppme-social-user-profile-created&page=main%3Aemail%3ART000269&pgrp=main%3Aemail&e=cl&mchn=em&s=ci&mail=sys&appVersion=1.109.0&xt=104038) Meeting point: St. James's RC Church on James's Street.

**Explore Laytown in Meath.** **Meeting Point : Dublin Connolly Station. (Inside beside Pret A Manger)** **Time : 11:50AM.** **When : Sunday 24th of May.** We will be **meeting** at **Dublin Connolly Train Station (Inside beside Pret A Manger) at 11:50AM.** **Waiting 5 Minutes** then we will be heading to the **Drogheda InterCity Train** which is scheduled for **12:10PM.** 1**0 Stops (56 Minutes)** Howth/Junction Donaghmede, Clongriffin, Portmarnock, Malahide, Donabate, Rush & Lusk, Skerries, Balbriggan, Gormanston and reaching our destination Laytown Train Station. **We will arrive to Laytown Train Station at 13:06PM (Estimated).** **Starting** our walking loop at **13:10PM** **from Laytown Train Station.** This is loop is a coastal walk around the seafront of **Laytown** and continues into **Bettystown**. **Duration 2 Hours 30 Minutes.** **Length 10.3KM.** **Coffee Shops** : Relish, Navy at Bettytown, Ellies Ice-Cream, Ariosa Cafe and Bistro BT. Every event is 5 Euro's you can pay by using Revolut or paying by cash. I hope to see you there ! Many Thanks Thomas

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. Own entry to the gym: \- One off Daypass is €14 \+ shoes €4\.5\. \- Or promotion deal of 1st timers €30/30days \(includes shoes\) 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! 🧗‍♀️🤝🧗‍♂️ \- Street parking is available

Hi All, this is a on lead walk with dogs of all ages and experience welcome. Many who attend are recently rescued and learning. Walk the lovely grounds and see the flowers and wildlife followed by coffee. There is a Fb page Sighthound Adventures Ireland and #dublinhoundwalks on Instagram. All Welcome.

Next Sunday (24th May) we'll be doing a mystery walk in South Dublin. **Meeting Location** Laughanstown Luas stop - this is two stops before the southern terminus of the Green Line (Bride's Glen) and is between Carrickmines and Cherrywood. It's not a great place to get to by bus, but Cabinteely is probably best to get off if you need to take the bus. **\*\*\* Important, please click on Attend if you wish to join this event \*\*\*** **Route Description** As it's a mystery walk, we won't go into details about the walk, other than to say we should get excellent views and see plenty of lovely scenery and places of historical interest. It's around 10km in length on a mixture of well-defined paths and some paths off the beaten track which may include obstacles to negotiate such as tree trunks to climb over. As it's a linear walk, we'll be finishing at a different place but one that is in easy reach of the DART, Dublin Buses and the Luas (a short walk away). There are no toilets or refreshments during the walk, but we will finish up near a pub, cafés and a Spar. We should be able to find a nice place to sit during the walk, so feel free to bring own snacks and drinks. Feel free to come on the walk even if you haven't been to a meet up before. This is a great way to meet new people and see new places. \*\*\* If you wish to wander off during a break then it's probably OK but please agree with the organisers a time you'll return so we're not waiting for you \*\*\* [Host(s)] Tim (085 718 5658) WhatsApp FAQs 1. Is there a charge for this event? No, this is a free event. Sometimes we have events that involve a visit to a museum or garden with an entrance fee - but this will be clearly marked in the details 2. Is it OK for people on a short visit to Ireland to join this walk? Yes both visitors and residents alike are welcome to join our walks. 3. How easy/difficult is this walk? Most walking groups would classify this as a medium walk, so having a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Some parts of the walk are quite steep with narrow, uneven paths and some paths may be muddy. 4. Why are there only a limited number of places for this event? To ensure the best possible experience for the people attending it is necessary to limit the numbers, especially as the chosen route may not be straightforward and along narrow paths. 5. Why is it necessary to book on this event if you wish to attend? This is because there are only a limited number of spaces (see point above) and to ensure the fairest allocation of spaces, we kindly request everyone to book a place. It's OK to change your mind about coming but please change your RSVP as soon as you have for someone else to take the place if they wish to. PLEASE NOTE: Walking like many outdoor activities carries an element of risk. People who take part in our meet up activities do so at their own risk and are responsible for their own actions and involvement. If you register to join our meet up walks you agree that you wish to take part in the activities knowing these risks. Please wear boots, shoes or runners that you find comfortable, provide suitable support and have good grip as some of the paths may be uneven or steep. It is also recommended to bring water to avoid dehydration. Bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket or umbrella in case of inclement weather. Feel free to bring walking poles if you wish. The Wild Travellers' Adventures Meetup Group supports the Leave No Trace Campaign

**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.

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

**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 Soil and Water Conservation District **Stream Team Sampling Events** Are you interested in the health of local rivers and streams? You can join the Licking County Soil and Water in a Stream Team assessment. These events are a night filled will fun in the water. We look at habitat, biology, and chemical parameters in waterways that indicate how healthy our water is! We would love to see you at one of these events! Family friendly. Free to attend. June Wildwood Park, Granville Where: 785 W Broadway, Granville, OH 43023 Date: 6/11/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. July Velvet Ice Cream, Ye Olde Mill Where:11324 Mount Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080 Date: 7/9/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.