Pug Play Group

Step into the heart of the Balkans where glacial lakes mirror soaring peaks and ancient thermal springs whisper tales of Thracian gods. Welcome to the majestic Rila Mountains – the crown jewel of Bulgaria and the highest range in the Balkan peninsula. Here, sparkling lakes, thundering waterfalls and flower dotted alpine meadows create a landscape of untamed beauty waiting to be discovered. On this journey, we'll immerse ourselves in the raw splendour of this mountain wilderness. Trek through ancient forests alive with birdsong, marvel at the legendary Seven Rila Lakes, and soak in Europe's hottest mineral springs in the historic town of Sapareva Banya. Along the way, we'll explore paths once walked by Thracian tribes while embracing the fascinating blend of natural wonders and ancient healing traditions. To make this really special we're staying in a fantastic newly built Guest House with swimming and jacuzzi, it's also in the spa town of Sapareva Banya so in the evening we can check out the town. It's rated 4.8/5 from over 160 reviews on Google Maps: The Rock Guest House: [LINK](https://www.google.com/search?q=the+rock+hotel+saparavo+banya&oq=the+rock+hotel+saparavo+banya&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKABMgkIAhAhGAoYoAEyBwgDECEYjwIyBwgEECEYjwLSAQg0MTM1ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#vhid=/g/11y1g2kzry&vssid=lcl) Join us for an adventure where crystal clear lakes, thermal waters, and Balkan culture merge to create an exhilarating mountain experience! To see a drone video one of our attendees took on a previous trip to this area, click here: [LINK](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRVRNKRblYE) **HIGHLIGHTS** • Just 2 days off work for a 3-night adventure in the heart of the Balkans! • Explore the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria’s most famous glacial lakes, each with its own unique charm and legend • Soak in Europe's hottest mineral spring at Sapareva Banya's historic thermal healing baths - we enjoy time at the spa • Hike through Rila National Park, home to Bulgaria’s highest peaks with rare wildlife and stunning alpine scenery • Witness the unique geyser fountain of Sapareva Banya - the hottest geyser in continental Europe, firing out at 103 Celsius • Stay in the historic spa town of Sapareva Banya, known since Thracian times for its healing mineral waters • Visit the spectacular Skakavitsa Waterfall, a hidden gem nestled in the lush foothills of Rila • Experience the vibrant nightlife and culture of Sofia, one of Europe’s oldest cities • Enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine and hospitality in a picturesque mountain town • Discover landscapes dotted with rare Balkan endemic flowers like Edelweiss and Rhodopean lilies • Small group adventure, limited to just 8 participants to make it really special • Stay in Hotels/Guest Houses - with twin bedded en suite rooms **HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION** The Rila Mountains – Bulgaria’s crown jewel and the sixth highest mountain range in Europe offer a breathtaking landscape of alpine lakes, endemic wildlife, and ancient thermal springs. This remarkable scenery combines pristine wilderness with centuries of healing traditions, creating an adventure that feeds both body and soul. Our journey begins in the historic town of Sapareva Banya where we are staying, home to Europe's hottest mineral spring, where ancient Romans once sought healing in the therapeutic waters. From here, we’ll venture into Rila National Park to hike the mystical Seven Rila Lakes, a cluster of glacial lakes scattered across the mountains at altitudes reaching 2,500 meters. Each lake tells a story – legends of giants and celestial tears – as we ascend through an ever-changing panorama of ridges, waterfalls, and wildflower-dotted meadows. We’ll balance adventure with relaxation as we soak in Sapareva Banya's healing mineral waters, before embarking on a hike to the picturesque Skakavitsa Waterfall - set in a wooded valley with wild flowers. Our adventure concludes in Sofia, where ancient Thracian treasures, Roman ruins, and vibrant nightlife create a fascinating finale to our Bulgarian journey. From the breathtaking beauty of high-altitude lakes to the healing powers of Europe's hottest springs, this trip offers a unique blend of natural wonders, blissful relaxation and cultural heritage. **ITINERARY** **Friday** Arrive at Sofia Airport and transfer to the historic spa town of Sapareva Banya. Nestled at the foot of the Rila Mountains. After check in, enjoy a group dinner and relax before our adventure begins and enjoy our Guest House pool. **Saturday** Hike: Seven Rila Lakes Grading: [Intermediate/Challenging](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) Ascent: approx 500 to 600m Hiking time: Approx 3.5 to 5 hours Today, we embark on the legendary Seven Rila Lakes. After breakfast, we take a scenic chairlift ride high into the mountains offering panoramic views of the Rila range. Our trail winds through alpine meadows with native mountain flowers, leading us to each of the seven glacial lakes nestled between 2,100 and 2,500 meters altitude. The lakes are a true natural wonder, their crystal clear waters reflecting the sky. We’ll hike past Salzata ("The Tear"), the highest and purest lake, Okoto ("The Eye"), a deep, mysterious oval pool, and Babreka ("The Kidney"), with its dramatic curved shoreline offering a panoramic viewpoint over the entire valley. The landscapes here are mythical. According to legend, the lakes were formed from the tears of a giantess mourning her fallen lover. Today, a rock near Babreka ("The Kidney") is said to resemble the lovers, standing as eternal guardians of their sacred land. Along the way, we might spot soaring golden eagles, agile chamois on rocky ledges and delicate wildflowers unique to the Balkans. After descending, we return to our Guest House in Sapareva Banya for a well earned evening of relaxation and dinner. **Sunday** Hike then visit to the Kotvata thermal pools and saunas Complex Hike: Skakavitsa Waterfall Grading: [Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) Distance: approx 5-7km Hiking time: 2.5 to 3 hours We begin our day with a hike to Skakavitsa Waterfall, a towering cascade hidden in the lush foothills of Rila. The journey takes us through shaded forest trails, through a valley past wild flowers, and up to a scenic viewpoint where the rushing waters create a refreshing mist in the summer air. This serene natural spot is the perfect way to round off our time in the mountains. In the afternoon we return to Sapareva Banya's mineral spa, where the healing traditions of Thracians and Romans live on. Soak in various pools of different temperatures, including waters from Europe's hottest spring (103°C), known for their ability to ease muscle tension and rejuvenate the body. We then transfer to Sofia arriving, where you'll have a free evening to explore Bulgaria's vibrant capital nightlife - a city where ancient Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and modern boulevards coexist in harmonious contrast. Hotel check in is where the guided trip ends. **Monday** Enjoy a relaxed morning in Sofia, with free time to explore at your own pace - stroll through bustling markets, sip coffee in a historic square, or wander through ancient ruins. Then take a short metro ride or taxi to the airport for your flight back home. **COST & PAYMENT** EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT - £326 for the first 6 sign ups, then £396. Click “Attend” and pay the £100 deposit by Paypal. The remainder is due by bank transfer before Sunday 1st March, we’ll email payment details 1 week before. Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details: [FAQ](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) **START AND END TIME** Times are local time i.e. the times for Bulgaria are in Bulgarian time. We suggest the inbound group flights below. For anyone on these flights or at the airport at this time we arrange a complimentary transfer to the accommodation at 2:20pm. If you arrive later, you’ll need to make your own way to the accommodation. Flights are not part of the package and are suggested for convenience only - if your chosen flight is cancelled or disrupted, you remain responsible for reaching the meeting point and should ensure your travel insurance covers travel disruption. Inbound flights 12.06.2026 1\. Wizzair 8:10am from London Luton \(LTN\) to Sofia \(SOF\) 1:20pm at Terminal 1 Flight W64302 2\. BA 8:20am from London Heathrow \(LHR\) to Sofia \(SOF\) 1:30pm at Terminal 2 Flight BA892 3\. Ryanair 9:00am from London Stansted \(STN\) to Sofia \(SOF\) 2:00pm at Terminal 2 Flight FR9961 **RETURN** Trip ends at the hotel in Sofia and you can make your own way to the airport. The cheapest way to do this is via metro (underground) and it costs about 0.80 Euros, taxis are also cheap. Please book onward flights with a comfortable buffer, as we are not responsible for missed connections; your travel insurance should cover delays or disruption. **FOOD** Breakfast will be provided in Sofia. In the spa town we will visit a local cafe. We will stop by a local grocery shop where you can buy your favourite items for lunches. For dinner you can explore the local cuisine for approximately £25 excluding drinks. Vegetarian food can be catered for. Some dietary requirements such as lactose free, nut free, gluten free or vegan cannot be catered for. We need to be aware of all dietary requirements prior to booking, please email us first to check if they can be catered for: info@outdooraholics.co.uk **THE PRICE INCLUDES:** • 3 nights Hotel/Guest House accommodation in twin en suite rooms • Complimentary airport transfer at the start for everyone taking the suggested flight option • Private minibus transport throughout the trip and back to Sofia • Breakfast in Sofia • Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection • Hiking pole hire if you require these (these MUST be pre requested with us at least 14 days in advance) • Bulgarian/English speaking mountain guide **THE PRICE EXCLUDES:** • Flights • Dinners, lunches, 2 breakfasts (approx 4 Euros each), spa entry 15 Euros • Chair lift pass - approx 15 Euros **INSURANCE** It is essential that you have travel insurance that covers the cost of emergency medical treatment and also the activity of hiking (up to 3000m in this case). Your insurance must also cover cancellation, curtailment, and travel disruption (for example if you cannot reach the start of the trip due to cancelled or delayed flights). You will be required to provide a copy of this before the trip. Without it we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case. Outdooraholics cannot verify policies or what they cover so please confirm with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy is not an indication that we confirm it is valid or covers what we list, only your insurers can confirm this. There are lots of insurers who cover hiking, for example the BMC: [LINK](https://www.thebmc.co.uk/insurance) You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including a passport and Visa if you require one. Bulgaria is within the EU. **SAFETY** \- Your guide is a trained hike leader\. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury\. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes\, waterproof jacket and trousers \- [CLOTHING TIPS](https://www.londonhiking.co.uk/Equipment.pdf) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 [Foreign trips](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/foreigntriplist.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) **[TERMS AND CONDITIONS](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditions.pdf)** \- By signing up or attending you agree to these © Outdooraholics Ltd 2026 E & OE

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

Step into the heart of the Balkans where glacial lakes mirror soaring peaks and ancient thermal springs whisper tales of Thracian gods. Welcome to the majestic Rila Mountains – the crown jewel of Bulgaria and the highest range in the Balkan peninsula. Here, sparkling lakes, thundering waterfalls and flower dotted alpine meadows create a landscape of untamed beauty waiting to be discovered. On this journey, we'll immerse ourselves in the raw splendour of this mountain wilderness. Trek through ancient forests alive with birdsong, marvel at the legendary Seven Rila Lakes, and soak in Europe's hottest mineral springs in the historic town of Sapareva Banya. Along the way, we'll explore paths once walked by Thracian tribes while embracing the fascinating blend of natural wonders and ancient healing traditions. To make this really special we're staying in a fantastic newly built Guest House with swimming and jacuzzi, it's also in the spa town of Sapareva Banya so in the evening we can check out the town. It's rated 4.8/5 from over 160 reviews on Google Maps: The Rock Guest House: [LINK](https://www.google.com/search?q=the+rock+hotel+saparavo+banya&oq=the+rock+hotel+saparavo+banya&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKABMgkIAhAhGAoYoAEyBwgDECEYjwIyBwgEECEYjwLSAQg0MTM1ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#vhid=/g/11y1g2kzry&vssid=lcl) Join us for an adventure where crystal clear lakes, thermal waters, and Balkan culture merge to create an exhilarating mountain experience! To see a drone video one of our attendees took on a previous trip to this area, click here: [LINK](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRVRNKRblYE) **HIGHLIGHTS** • Just 2 days off work for a 3-night adventure in the heart of the Balkans! • Explore the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria’s most famous glacial lakes, each with its own unique charm and legend • Soak in Europe's hottest mineral spring at Sapareva Banya's historic thermal healing baths - we enjoy time at the spa • Hike through Rila National Park, home to Bulgaria’s highest peaks with rare wildlife and stunning alpine scenery • Witness the unique geyser fountain of Sapareva Banya - the hottest geyser in continental Europe, firing out at 103 Celsius • Stay in the historic spa town of Sapareva Banya, known since Thracian times for its healing mineral waters • Visit the spectacular Skakavitsa Waterfall, a hidden gem nestled in the lush foothills of Rila • Experience the vibrant nightlife and culture of Sofia, one of Europe’s oldest cities • Enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine and hospitality in a picturesque mountain town • Discover landscapes dotted with rare Balkan endemic flowers like Edelweiss and Rhodopean lilies • Small group adventure, limited to just 8 participants to make it really special • Stay in Hotels/Guest Houses - with twin bedded en suite rooms **HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION** The Rila Mountains – Bulgaria’s crown jewel and the sixth highest mountain range in Europe offer a breathtaking landscape of alpine lakes, endemic wildlife, and ancient thermal springs. This remarkable scenery combines pristine wilderness with centuries of healing traditions, creating an adventure that feeds both body and soul. Our journey begins in the historic town of Sapareva Banya where we are staying, home to Europe's hottest mineral spring, where ancient Romans once sought healing in the therapeutic waters. From here, we’ll venture into Rila National Park to hike the mystical Seven Rila Lakes, a cluster of glacial lakes scattered across the mountains at altitudes reaching 2,500 meters. Each lake tells a story – legends of giants and celestial tears – as we ascend through an ever-changing panorama of ridges, waterfalls, and wildflower-dotted meadows. We’ll balance adventure with relaxation as we soak in Sapareva Banya's healing mineral waters, before embarking on a hike to the picturesque Skakavitsa Waterfall - set in a wooded valley with wild flowers. Our adventure concludes in Sofia, where ancient Thracian treasures, Roman ruins, and vibrant nightlife create a fascinating finale to our Bulgarian journey. From the breathtaking beauty of high-altitude lakes to the healing powers of Europe's hottest springs, this trip offers a unique blend of natural wonders, blissful relaxation and cultural heritage. **ITINERARY** **Friday** Arrive at Sofia Airport and transfer to the historic spa town of Sapareva Banya. Nestled at the foot of the Rila Mountains. After check in, enjoy a group dinner and relax before our adventure begins and enjoy our Guest House pool. **Saturday** Hike: Seven Rila Lakes Grading: [Intermediate/Challenging](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) Ascent: approx 500 to 600m Hiking time: Approx 3.5 to 5 hours Today, we embark on the legendary Seven Rila Lakes. After breakfast, we take a scenic chairlift ride high into the mountains offering panoramic views of the Rila range. Our trail winds through alpine meadows with native mountain flowers, leading us to each of the seven glacial lakes nestled between 2,100 and 2,500 meters altitude. The lakes are a true natural wonder, their crystal clear waters reflecting the sky. We’ll hike past Salzata ("The Tear"), the highest and purest lake, Okoto ("The Eye"), a deep, mysterious oval pool, and Babreka ("The Kidney"), with its dramatic curved shoreline offering a panoramic viewpoint over the entire valley. The landscapes here are mythical. According to legend, the lakes were formed from the tears of a giantess mourning her fallen lover. Today, a rock near Babreka ("The Kidney") is said to resemble the lovers, standing as eternal guardians of their sacred land. Along the way, we might spot soaring golden eagles, agile chamois on rocky ledges and delicate wildflowers unique to the Balkans. After descending, we return to our Guest House in Sapareva Banya for a well earned evening of relaxation and dinner. **Sunday** Hike then visit to the Kotvata thermal pools and saunas Complex Hike: Skakavitsa Waterfall Grading: [Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) Distance: approx 5-7km Hiking time: 2.5 to 3 hours We begin our day with a hike to Skakavitsa Waterfall, a towering cascade hidden in the lush foothills of Rila. The journey takes us through shaded forest trails, through a valley past wild flowers, and up to a scenic viewpoint where the rushing waters create a refreshing mist in the summer air. This serene natural spot is the perfect way to round off our time in the mountains. In the afternoon we return to Sapareva Banya's mineral spa, where the healing traditions of Thracians and Romans live on. Soak in various pools of different temperatures, including waters from Europe's hottest spring (103°C), known for their ability to ease muscle tension and rejuvenate the body. We then transfer to Sofia arriving, where you'll have a free evening to explore Bulgaria's vibrant capital nightlife - a city where ancient Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and modern boulevards coexist in harmonious contrast. Hotel check in is where the guided trip ends. **Monday** Enjoy a relaxed morning in Sofia, with free time to explore at your own pace - stroll through bustling markets, sip coffee in a historic square, or wander through ancient ruins. Then take a short metro ride or taxi to the airport for your flight back home. **COST & PAYMENT** EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT - £326 for the first 6 sign ups, then £396. Click “Attend” and pay the £100 deposit by Paypal. The remainder is due by bank transfer before Sunday 1st March, we’ll email payment details 1 week before. Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details: [FAQ](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) **START AND END TIME** Times are local time i.e. the times for Bulgaria are in Bulgarian time. We suggest the inbound group flights below. For anyone on these flights or at the airport at this time we arrange a complimentary transfer to the accommodation at 2:20pm. If you arrive later, you’ll need to make your own way to the accommodation. Flights are not part of the package and are suggested for convenience only - if your chosen flight is cancelled or disrupted, you remain responsible for reaching the meeting point and should ensure your travel insurance covers travel disruption. Inbound flights 12.06.2026 1\. Wizzair 8:10am from London Luton \(LTN\) to Sofia \(SOF\) 1:20pm at Terminal 1 Flight W64302 2\. BA 8:20am from London Heathrow \(LHR\) to Sofia \(SOF\) 1:30pm at Terminal 2 Flight BA892 3\. Ryanair 9:00am from London Stansted \(STN\) to Sofia \(SOF\) 2:00pm at Terminal 2 Flight FR9961 **RETURN** Trip ends at the hotel in Sofia and you can make your own way to the airport. The cheapest way to do this is via metro (underground) and it costs about 0.80 Euros, taxis are also cheap. Please book onward flights with a comfortable buffer, as we are not responsible for missed connections; your travel insurance should cover delays or disruption. **FOOD** Breakfast will be provided in Sofia. In the spa town we will visit a local cafe. We will stop by a local grocery shop where you can buy your favourite items for lunches. For dinner you can explore the local cuisine for approximately £25 excluding drinks. Vegetarian food can be catered for. Some dietary requirements such as lactose free, nut free, gluten free or vegan cannot be catered for. We need to be aware of all dietary requirements prior to booking, please email us first to check if they can be catered for: info@outdooraholics.co.uk **THE PRICE INCLUDES:** • 3 nights Hotel/Guest House accommodation in twin en suite rooms • Complimentary airport transfer at the start for everyone taking the suggested flight option • Private minibus transport throughout the trip and back to Sofia • Breakfast in Sofia • Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection • Hiking pole hire if you require these (these MUST be pre requested with us at least 14 days in advance) • Bulgarian/English speaking mountain guide **THE PRICE EXCLUDES:** • Flights • Dinners, lunches, 2 breakfasts (approx 4 Euros each), spa entry 15 Euros • Chair lift pass - approx 15 Euros **INSURANCE** It is essential that you have travel insurance that covers the cost of emergency medical treatment and also the activity of hiking (up to 3000m in this case). Your insurance must also cover cancellation, curtailment, and travel disruption (for example if you cannot reach the start of the trip due to cancelled or delayed flights). You will be required to provide a copy of this before the trip. Without it we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case. Outdooraholics cannot verify policies or what they cover so please confirm with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy is not an indication that we confirm it is valid or covers what we list, only your insurers can confirm this. There are lots of insurers who cover hiking, for example the BMC: [LINK](https://www.thebmc.co.uk/insurance) You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including a passport and Visa if you require one. Bulgaria is within the EU. **SAFETY** \- Your guide is a trained hike leader\. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury\. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes\, waterproof jacket and trousers \- [CLOTHING TIPS](https://www.londonhiking.co.uk/Equipment.pdf) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 [Foreign trips](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/foreigntriplist.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) **[TERMS AND CONDITIONS](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditions.pdf)** \- By signing up or attending you agree to these © Outdooraholics Ltd 2026 E & OE

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

Are you passionate about supporting other men on their mental health journey? We’re building a movement of virtual and in-person men’s groups across Ohio — and we’re looking for group leaders who want to make a real difference with us. As a group leader, you’ll create a safe space where men can connect, reflect, and grow together. Training and support are provided — you just need heart, presence, and a willingness to lead. **Apply now to lead a group in your area:** 👉 https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application Speak Your Mind is a mental health non profit dedicated to bringing our community together to end the isolation that leads to mental struggle and suicide. Learn more about them here: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind

The meeting/AGM for 12/13 has been canceled due the anticipated snow. We will hold our Annual General Meeting on Friday @ 6:30pm the first day of our year end holiday double header ... Free Pizza and Cake is expected to be served. Hope to game and see you Friday and let you know about CABS!!!