Outdoors

[https://vimeo.com/183429568](https://vimeo.com/183429568) **Most mysterious and the least explored of Central Asia \~stans**, this country has been difficult to approach for a long time. Bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south and southwest, and the Caspian Sea to the west. **Turkmenistan has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries**. In medieval times, Merv was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road, a caravan route used for trade with China until the mid-15th century. Annexed by the Russian Empire in 1881, Turkmenistan later figured prominently in the anti-Bolshevik movement in Central Asia. In 1924, Turkmenistan became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic **became independent in 1991**. The country became famous for the dictatorship of Saparmyrat Niyazov, who ruled as ‘**Turkmenbashi**’ (‘leader of the Turkmen’) until his death in 2006. He covered this desert republic with golden statues of himself and monuments to the achievements of his ‘golden age’. **The full Turkmen experience** is ultimately about mingling with the warm and fascinating Turkmen people themselves, whose hospitality is legendary. **Ashgabat is a capital designed at the cost of billions of dollars showing off the world glory and accomplishments of the Turkmen**. A thoroughly artificial collection of white marble buildings across a long, dry valley. At sunrise or sunset, there's a beauty to this uniform, resembling more of a science-fiction film than actual human settlement. **Visit to the Köw Ata Underground Lake is a unique experience**. You ll enter a cave at the base of a mountain and walk down a staircase, **65m underground**, which takes you into a wonderfully sulphurous subterranean world. At the bottom awaits a superb lake of clear water naturally heated to about 36°C where you can have a dip. **Turkmenistan doors to hell…** The village of Darvaza is centrally located in Turkmenistan, its 350 tribal residents braving the inhospitable conditions of the desert for hundreds of years. Nothing could interrupt the peaceful and quiet lifestyle of the nomadic tribe, aside from sitting on a valuable cache of natural resources. Initial estimations of the site’s reserves were extremely low; when the soviet scientists lit the gas, it erupted and **never stopped burning. Over forty years later locals call it the Doors to Hell.** **Lets go!** **DAY 0 :: MARCH 17 // Departure** Meeting on MARCH 17th at 22:00 at Terminal 2 for a flight on MARCH 18th at 00:10. **DAY 1 :: MARCH 18 // Ashgabat** Arrival, immigration procedure, check in and short rest. Foreign passport registration procedure. Quick look at majestic statues of Ashgabat and few other landmarks of the city, including Tolkuchka Sunday Market, largest in Turkmenistan. Dinner and overnight in your lavish hotel Turkmen style! **DAY 2 :: MARCH 19 // Ashgabat – Nohur** In the morning departure to Kopet Dag, aka “hilly mountains” towards Nokhur village. Return towards Ashgabat, swim at volcanic **underground lake of Kow-Ata.** Come back to sci-fi scenery and indulge into neon lit up streets with white marble decorations. Check up on local nightlife. **DAY 3 :: MARCH 20 // Darvaza** Morning souvenir shopping. After local lunch, departure to Darvaza. On the way stop at two other craters with water and sulfur mud, both seeping with gas from the underground. In the evening **"A little party never killed nobody" themed barbecue** dinner near the main crater. Unforgettable sunset over the gas burning spectacle (camping). **DAY 4 :: MARCH 21 // Ashgabat** In the morning return to Ashgabat, refresh in the hotel and lunch. Afternoon tour of parks and remaining sites of Ashgabat, that will still surprise you with forms and decoration styles. Overnight in the hotel. **DAY 5 :: MARCH 22 // Departure** Early morning transfer to the airport for return flight to Dubai. Back home at 7am. **Activities:** trekking, swimming, sightseeing, getting amazed with burning gas crater! **Accommodation & meals:** 4 star hotel double sharing + 1 night camping, local meals included. **Cost: 7,350 AED all incl. flights and visa pre-approval.** **Cost valid** **until FEB 28. Past this date cost will change.** **Visa:** payable on arrival, approx. 100 USD. In case of pre-approval denial, processing fee of 50 USD is deductible. **RSVP:** To reassure enough time for visa processing and eventual re-applying in case of denial, we recommend to join this trip within 30 days before travel date. Standard cancellation policy applies for anyone joining later. See yah at Doors to Hell x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 - 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

**Note : Registration is confirmed only through [MeetNtrain](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** [WhatsApp Group ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hv4ZnN1kKA18JfPpxcpweN) Get ready for an exciting evening of **beach volleyball on soft sand** 🌴🏐 This session is designed for **intermediate-level players** who already know the basics and are ready for fast rallies, good energy, and competitive fun. Come play, vibe, and enjoy the beach atmosphere with a great group of people! **📍 Location:** Kite Beach - Dubai **🕘 Time:** 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (2 hours of play) ⏳ *Spots limited to 18 players – secure your spot early!* ⏱ *Note: Timing may change – join the [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hv4ZnN1kKA18JfPpxcpweN) for updates.* **💵 Fee:** 40 AED per player **✅ What’s Included:** * Cold water 💧 * International music with high-quality sound 🎶 * Guided games & refereeing by your host, Noah 🎤 📲 *Join our WhatsApp group for full details & to confirm your spot!* **📬 Contact:** Reach out via WhatsApp or email to confirm your participation. **[Book Now](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** **Noah : 0504746210**

Are you looking for guided indoor activity to burn some calories and have fun? Join our volleyball classes at the Dwight School to learn volleyball in a fun way! \*Beginners friendly \*Mixed groups \*Classes tailored for you individually \*You'll learn every skill from professional \*Game-like drills (you'll start learning how to play from the very first class) \*Coach with vast experience \*\*played professionally for 22 years, \*\*coached for 5 years, \*\*FIVB & USAVolleyball coaching certificates \*AED 150 per 2h class \*Ask for your discount when buying a package Click wa.me/971504872545 to get more info.

Don't have a group, completely fine. badminton sessions for all levels.. Aed 45 for two hours, aed 28 for one hour come and play with us. teams will beade on levels to have exciting matched contact no +971 50 6658 933 join below WhatsApp group for regular updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc)

**REGISTRATION THROUGH WHATSAPP: 0522955859** Looking to kick a ball around and have fun? Join us for a friendly game of football! Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, all skill levels are welcome. This event is perfect for players who want to improve their fitness while enjoying a social game of football in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We cater to all types of players, from experienced footballers to beginners who want to learn and have fun. Our group is all about providing a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Join us on the pitch and let's have some fun together! As always, we will be playing outdoors, so please remember to bring appropriate footwear, comfortable athletic clothing, and water to stay hydrated. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to meet new people, get in some exercise, and indulge your love for the beautiful game. See you on the field!

This time we will take you off the beaten trail and bring you inside equatorial wilderness, **African adventure Eldorado**, as we search for gorillas, trek through Uganda jungle, meet the pygmies and take in the views from relaxing shores of Lake Bunyonyi! Meeting face to face with mountain gorillas is one of the **most overwhelming experiences in the world of safaris**. Encounter of jungle beast, only a few feet away can be scary, but there is no need to panic! They are actually quite calm animals, **laziness ambassadors by excellence.** Observing the mountain gorillas in their habitat is an amazing spectacle; you will notice the **social dynamics, hierarchy** and most touching of them all, the **gorilla mothers and their babies**, since they live in family units of 30 to 40 members. The timing spent with them is **mesmerizing and hypnotic, it is impossible to stop looking at them**. They pretend to ignore you, from time to time they cross their gaze with yours, and that is when you realize that the differences between humans and them are minimal. Their eyes speak as the human gaze does, with the movements of the lips we can know if they are smiling, worried or angry, the gestures of the hands are almost identical to ours. **Humans and Gorillas share 98% of DNA.** The KING of the Jungle, the silver back, is **one of the most beautiful creatures on earth**… he is imposing, majestic, elegant, strong and gorgeous. His sudden appearance can leave you breathless, shivering… but do not worry, he will ignore you - green leaves are tastier for breakfast. There is a lot of action in the group: **eating, playing, fighting, grooming each other, rolling on the floor, hitting the chest... it is endless**. The baby gorillas will rock it in a proper show of naughtiness… they will make you laugh. Those cute cubs have so much curiosity for humans, so be ready to witness a show of funny and noisy games to catch your attention. Following the rangers advice, choose a good spot, look around and get the best shots of lifetime memories! At the beginning, we will **traverse through the jungle aka impenetrable forest**. The length of the trek is entirely dependent on the gorillas, sometimes the guides can track them down in less than two hours, other times it takes much longer. **Mountain gorillas are nomadic**, travelling in families and staying in an area just long enough to clear it off food. They also don’t follow a clear path, you’ll realize when tracking them, they like to meander. On your first sighting, you may see mothers holding their babies, juvenile gorillas playing, or dominant silverbacks keeping an eye out for their family! But gorillas are only a part of our trip - we will head to **Lake Bunyonyi, an undiscovered treasure of serenity and scenic views**. We will visit the indigenous Batwa people, who are the original forest dwellers of southwestern Uganda. Expect lots of interactions, cultural demonstrations, and storytelling sessions. The Batwa are known for their vibrant music, dance, and folklore. You can enjoy traditional dances, drumming sessions, and songs that tell stories of their forest life, spiritual beliefs, and the deep connection they have with nature. Definitely a trip on **the wild side** with more relaxed approach to seek out gorillas in their habitat and enjoy pristine jungle in the **heart of Africa**! **Lets go!** **DAY 1// TOUCHDOWN RWANDA, KIGALI – VOLCANOES NP.** Meting at DXB T2 at 00:15 for a flight to Kigali at 01:50. Welcome to Africa! Immigration clearance, short rest and a coffee. We will start with key spots of Kigali: Genocide Memorial Museum, Hôtel des Mille Collines, Nyamirambo Women's Center, Parliament and Kandt House Museum. Further on, transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Overnight at hotel. **DAY 2// GOLDEN MONEKY TREK + IBW'ACHU CULTURAL** After an early breakfast, we will move to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing. By 8:00 AM, we will proceed to the trailhead just outside the park to begin our trek. The golden monkeys inhabit the bamboo forests near the edge of the park, offering relatively flat and accessible terrain. After spending approximately one hour observing the golden monkeys, we will return to the trailhead and drive back to the lodge for lunch. Post lunch, we will visit Gorilla Museum at the Karisoke Research Center to learn about Rwanda's gorilla conservation history. Further on we head to Uganda via Cyanika border towards Bwindi with a stop at Ibw'achu Cultural Village. Overnight accommodation at Ichumbi. **DAY 3// GORILLA TREK IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST** Early in the morning, we will head to Bwindi National Park for gorilla trekking. This experience is considered one of the most thrilling wildlife adventures. The trek takes between 2 to 6 hours and is led by an experienced ranger who will provide insights regarding the jungle's flora, fauna, and the gorillas' lifestyle. After spending one hour with the gorillas, we will return to the lodge and subsequently be transferred to Lake Bunyonyi. Overnight accommodation at Bunyonyi. **DAY 4 // KIGALI** Following a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, we will head back to Rwanda and Kigali. Quick look at bazaars for souvenir shopping and a dinner. Head back to airport for a flight back home. **Level of Difficulty:** Easy to Moderate, including jungle trekking. **Duration:** 4 Days. **Room & Meals:** Comfortable lodges / hotels - double sharing, meals in Uganda included, meals in Rwanda excluded. **Cost: AED 9,410 all incl. flights until MAR 05.** **Specifically Excluded:** Any expenses related to visas, insurance, meals in Rwanda, single supplement. **Visas:** **Rwanda:** Eastern African visa on arrival or eVisa (for both countries). **Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate required for border crossings.** See yah with gorillas x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

**REGISTRATION THROUGH WHATSAPP : 0552176382** Looking to kick a ball around and have fun? Join us for a friendly game of football! Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, all skill levels are welcome. This event is perfect for players who want to improve their fitness while enjoying a social game of football in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We cater to all types of players, from experienced footballers to beginners who want to learn and have fun. Our group is all about providing a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Join us on the pitch and let's have some fun together! As always, we will be playing outdoors, so please remember to bring appropriate footwear, comfortable athletic clothing, and water to stay hydrated. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to meet new people, get in some exercise, and indulge your love for the beautiful game. See you on the field!

**Lebanon is that pocket-sized powerhouse** that somehow fits 10,000 years of history, ski slopes, beach clubs, Roman mega-temples, and the world’s best mezze into an area smaller than Qatar. You can literally have breakfast by the Mediterranean, lunch in the mountains, and dinner in a rooftop bar that **feels like Paris and Dubai had a baby**. Buckle up – this place hits different. **They don’t call it the “Switzerland of the Middle East” for nothing**: snow-capped peaks, ancient cedars older than Jesus, and valleys so deep monks built monasteries into the cliffs just to flex. The name “Lebanon” even comes from the ancient word for “white” – yeah, those snowy mountains have been the national brand since forever. History? Phoenicians invented the alphabet here, Romans dropped the most over-the-top temples outside Italy, Crusaders built castles, Ottomans added souks and soap empires. Modern chapter got messy – civil war, heartbreak, rebuild, repeat – but Beirut rose from the ashes like the ultimate comeback kid and reclaimed its title: **“Paris of the East 2.0”.** And the food? **Mezze spreads so good you’ll forget calories exist.** Labneh that slaps harder than your ex, grilled meats dripping with garlic sauce, and enough olive oil to keep the Mediterranean shiny. Ready? Let’s roll. **Day 1 // Thursday :: Touchdown Beirut** Meet at DXB, hop on the direct FZ-159 to BEY. Land, breeze through arrivals, and get whisked to the hotel. Night owls? First taste of Beirut nightlife – the city that never sleeps (and probably invented after-parties). **Day 2 // Friday :: Crusader Castles, Soap Kings & Cliff Monks** Road-trip north to Tripoli, Lebanon’s underrated second city with serious old-school swagger. * Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles – biggest Crusader fortress in the country, panoramic sea views included. * Get steamy (literally) at Hammam Ezzedine, a 14th-century bathhouse still looking fresh. * Dive into the souks: spices, vintage caftans, and soap so legendary it has its own palace (Khan Al Saboun – watch olive-oil soap being born). Afternoon: Qadisha Valley – aka the “Holy Valley.” Think Lord of the Rings scenery with monasteries carved into cliffs like ancient Jedi temples. Easy to moderate hike past hermit caves and cedar groves, ending at Qozhaya Monastery (home to the Middle East’s first printing press, 17th-century flex). Overnight inside the monastery, we’re going full spiritual glow-up. **Day 3 // Saturday :: Waterfalls, Roman Megalomania & Wine O’Clock** Morning magic: Baatara Gorge Sinkhole – a 250 m sinkhole abyss with three natural bridges and a waterfall that drops through like nature’s own stunt show. National Geographic called it one of the world’s most beautiful sinkholes; we just take pics, don't judge. Then: Baalbek (ancient Heliopolis). The Romans showed up and said “hold my wine” – built the largest temple in the entire empire. Six columns of Jupiter’s temple still stand 19 m tall, and the Temple of Bacchus is so perfectly preserved it looks Photoshopped. Bonus: the biggest stone block ever cut (1,650 tons!) still chilling in the nearby quarry like the ancients gave up mid-lift. Evening: Château Ksara – Lebanon’s OG winery since 1857, run by Jesuits who discovered Roman caves and thought, “Wine cellar, obviously.” Tour the creepy-cool tunnels, taste the goods, realize Lebanon makes banger reds. Back to Beirut for the night. **Day 4 // Sunday :: Beirut, Baby**! Capital energy unlocked: * Downtown time travel: Phoenician ruins → Roman baths → Ottoman palaces → bullet-scarred “Holiday Inn” war relic (now iconic). * Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael – street art, indie cafés, bars in stairwells, the works. * Corniche stroll, mandatory Pigeon Rocks selfie, optional boat ride under the cliffs. * Sunset drinks somewhere rooftop, mezze coma, then “keshek el-fouqara” (poor man’s goodbye) as we head to the airport. Four days. One tiny country. Lifetime memories. **Grade:** Easy – available for everyone. **Activities:** Cultural immersion, trekking, sightseeing. **Cost:** **3,250 AED** **excluding flights or 6,300 AED incl. flights** **until FEB 28th.** Past this date cost will change. **Accommodation & Meals:** **4 star hotel** **&** **monastery** **stay** \- shared rooms\, meals excluded\. **Specifically Excluded:** Visa expenses (if any), meals. **Visa:** Visa on arrival for most passports. See details [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Lebanon). *It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.* See you in the cedars! ✨ x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Ever dreamt of having **elephants walk up to your lodge room while you sip a coffee** and watch the sun rise over lush savannah and eucalyptus trees? Built on stilts in the tradition of the Taita tribes, you’ll watch the **bush unfold from the comforts of this world-class lodge**, take game drives from sun up to sun down in search of zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, antelopes, and oh so many birds. With a salt lick at your feet and an elephant to offer a helpful trunk, you’ll be the lion king or queen of Kenya! **Spread over 28,000 acres of gentle rolling hills**, forests, and savannah in the southeast corner of Kenya and just a few hours drive from white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is home to cape buffalo, African bush elephant, leopard, lion, cheetah, Masai giraffe, zebra, hartebeest, impala, waterbuck, Thomson's gazelle, lesser kudu, dik-dik, Hyena, and diversity of birdlife for spotting. Since most vegetation is lacking in vital salts and minerals, a salt lick is a natural source of nutrients, providing sodium, calcium, iron, zinc, and trace elements that local wildlife needs for bone and muscle development. **Animals will often seek out sources of salt,** both naturally occurring as well as artificial, making for ideal spots for wildlife to congregate, as important as a watering hole. With a **Zanzibar-esque vibe along tranquil white sands**, fresh seafood served in thatch-roofed huts along turquoise waters and golden sand dunes, the beaches of Mombasa, in Kenya’s second largest city after Nairobi, makes for ideal relaxation spot along the Indian Ocean, with 16th century forts, snorkelling gardens, and all-you-can-eat seafood as you take in the sunset from this little-known beach paradise. **Let’s go!!** **Day 1 // Touch down Mombasa** After arrival and immigration clearance, we head right for the wildlife sanctuary. Its time to meet up with local residents of elephants at the lodge for dinner and rest or perhaps jump on a night drive to check customs of nocturnal animals. **Day 2 // All Day Game Drives** With coffee in hand, we’ll be face-to-face with the wildlife over breakfast before heading out for an all-day game drive in search of zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, antelopes, and oh so many birds. When we’ve had our fill of the full African safari experience, we’ll head back to the lodge for dinner and toast our field trip with a sunset on the bush. If you’re up for even more, there’s still an option for night safari to spot the nocturnal movements of big and small game alike. **Day 3 // Return to Watamu & Beach** With early morning breakfast and one last game drive at sunrise on the way out of the sanctuary, we’ll head back to Watamu with optional visit to Maasai village en route. We’ll reach our beach lodge in late afternoon in time for sunset and dinner on the coast. **Day 4 // Tropical Coast** After breakfast of black tea and Mandazi or Vibibi, we’ll pack up for boat trip towards nearby islands. If we're lucky we may spot humpback whales on the way. Return for lunch, later in the afternoon Tamarind Dhow sunset dinner cruise. **Day 5 // Chill on the Beach** Lazy start of the easy day with a tropical beach stroll and swim accompanied by the gentle breeze. Continue idyllic exploration until its time to head to airport. Bye bye Mombasa! **Level of difficulty:** Easy, available for everyone, kids friendly. **Activities:** African safari, beach strolling, swimming, snorkeling, boating, optional night game drives. **Accommodation & meals:** included, lodge and beach resort, double sharing. Meals included. **COST: AED 4,000** excl. flight until MAR 12. Past this date cost will change. **Specifically excluded:** visa (ETA), insurance. **[Visa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Kenya):** No visa to Kenya, only simplified Electronic Travel Authorization at [www.etakenya.go.ke](http://www.etakenya.go.ke/) See yah in Kenya x Trekkup Crew [Whastapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

**History** [Slate Run Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/slate-run/), located south of Canal Winchester in Pickaway County, has roots tracing back to the early planning efforts of the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District. In 1963, Metro Parks officials identified the land along Slate Run as having strong potential for a large metropolitan park due to its expansive acreage, diverse habitats, and natural features like the stream that gave the area its name. The largest stream in the vicinity, Slate Run, flows south to northwest through a ridge, providing a logical basis for the park's designation. Between 1964 and 1968, Metro Parks acquired approximately 1,662 acres through multiple parcels, including a key 212-acre farmstead that had been continuously operated since 1805. This acquisition phase positioned Slate Run as a future major addition to the system, following the openings of other parks like Sharon Woods in 1968 and Highbanks in 1973. The park officially opened to the public in 1981, marking it as the sixth Metro Park in the district and, at the time, the largest with its substantial land holdings. From the outset, Metro Parks envisioned incorporating a living historical farm to educate visitors about 19th-century Ohio agriculture. The focal 212-acre parcel, purchased from the White family heirs in 1964, included historic structures that made it ideal for this purpose. The park's development preserved natural areas such as grasslands, wetlands, meadows, and forests while integrating interpretive elements. Upon opening, Slate Run quickly became a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Central to the park's identity is the Slate Run Living Historical Farm, which interprets life on a typical Ohio farm in the 1880s. The gothic revival farmhouse on the site was constructed in 1856 by owner Isaac Fridley and later restored by Metro Parks for historical accuracy. Visitors can explore interiors like the living room, parlor, and kitchen, where interpreters demonstrate period activities. The multi-bay barn, built in 1881 by Samuel Oman (the fourth owner), was meticulously restored with help from Amish carpenters. Heirloom animals such as Percheron horses, pigs, geese, and turkeys inhabit the farm, enhancing the immersive experience. The historical farmstead reflects a long lineage of ownership and agricultural use dating back to the early 19th century. Continuous farming on the land since 1805 made the site authentic for recreating late-19th-century practices, including grain harvesting and animal husbandry. Metro Parks focused on authenticity by restoring original buildings and introducing period-appropriate methods, such as horse-powered threshing machines from the late 1880s. The farm operates with volunteers and staff in period attire to portray daily rural life. This educational component has drawn school groups and families for decades. Today, Slate Run Metro Park spans about 1,705 acres and attracts roughly 250,000 visitors annually for its blend of natural preservation and historical interpretation. The park maintains diverse habitats supporting wildlife like nesting sandhill cranes and reintroduced northern bobwhite quail. Trails and open spaces offer opportunities for hiking and observation amid the preserved landscapes. The Living Historical Farm remains a crown jewel, continuing to teach about Ohio's agricultural heritage. Ongoing programs and restorations ensure the site's relevance for future generations. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Slate Run](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SLR-parkmap@2x.gif). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Five Oaks, Sugar Maple, Covered Bridge, Shagbark, and Lake Trails. This will be around 4.5 to 5 miles. While Slate Run is moderately strenuous in a few places, it's generally a good place to hike and doesn't seem to wear people out. Some spots on the hike are unshaded, though, so be prepared for the possibility of some sun. I find Slate Run to be very underappreciated for the quality of its hiking. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the [Shady Grove Picnic Area](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B045'30.1%22N+82%C2%B050'13.2%22W/@39.758347,-82.83701,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.758347!4d-82.83701?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can use the map pin I've provided here; it's accurate. There's a latrine at Shady Grove, but there is no running water (no water fountains). We will pass a water fountain when we get to the Buzzard's Roost Picnic Area, although I can't guarantee this fountain won't be off for the winter. I'd recommend bringing some water just in case, at least for after the hike. I'd also recommend [hiking shoes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D972KN3W) for this park. **After the Hike** Once we're finished at Slate Run, we'll head over to [Loose Rail Brewing](https://looserailbrewing.com/) for [drinks](https://looserailbrewing.com/canal-winchester-canal-winchester-loose-rail-brewing-drink-menu) and [food](https://looserailbrewing.com/canal-winchester-canal-winchester-loose-rail-brewing-food-menu). The brewery's actual address is [37 W Waterloo St, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/37+W+Waterloo+St,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/@39.8432511,-82.8071032,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88387be3ac496d83:0x23e8ee9d9391dd6b!8m2!3d39.8432511!4d-82.8071032!16s%2Fg%2F11cp8n8x1j?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's about 10-12 minutes from Slate Run. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

**Summary** Celebrate America's 250th year and the [Columbus Clippers'](https://www.milb.com/columbus) 50th season by watching [Franklin County's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Clippers) best team play the [best game in the world](https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/babe_ruth_140116) at [one of the ten best](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/minors/2025/03/26/huntington-park-voted-top-10-minor-league-ballparks-usa-today-10best-awards/82656048007/) baseball stadiums in the United States in their 2026 home Saturday opener! The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The gates always open an hour before the scheduled first pitch. I'm usually at the ballpark a half an hour before the scheduled first pitch. Clippers' games usually last around two and a half hours. Being a few minutes early will help us secure good seats. **Parking** I personally always like to park in the [McConnell Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/McConnell+Garage/@39.9685114,-83.0103938,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388f24145462d1:0x6238c0f0c851ab70!8m2!3d39.9692957!4d-83.0081175!16s%2Fg%2F1jkw6y27y?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). If nothing else is going on in the area, this should be $7. However, I've also seen it be as high as $22. I can't say for certain what it will be for this game, but once I know, I will post in the comments. Alternately, there are other lots in the area you can try which will probably be a few dollars cheaper. [Here is a map](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/q_auto/milb/ernng44ya2xkr4wbheql) of all the garages and lots surrounding the stadium. Keep in mind that many of these are outdoor lots and your car will be out in the elements. If you decide to look for a different lot, I would mildly recommend either the Buggyworks Lot or the Broadbelt Lot, but I have never parked in either of these myself. Although it won't apply for this game, keep in mind that street parking is also free citywide in Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf). **Where We'll Be** Here is a [map of the ballpark](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/qkqohbqjgtx5uwo6zkgn.pdf). We'll be sitting on Level 3 of the [Left Field Building](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/huntington-park) (aka the "AEP Power Pavilion"), which features a 110 foot bar with six open patios overlooking the field. This area is covered and will be out of any sun or rain that may transpire. If you enter the park through the Center Field Entrance (which is at the intersection of Nationwide Blvd. and Neil Ave.), there will be a door to your immediate right after you enter that leads to a staircase up into the Tower. This door is not well-marked, and if you've never been to Huntington Park before, you may wonder if you're actually allowed to go in and up the stairs. Yes, you are. We'll be on the Tower's "Level 3". I have uploaded to the Photos section of this event page, below, a picture of the sign you want look for after you ascend the stairs, so you'll know you're on the correct floor. **Tickets** Do not buy your tickets ahead of time. They will literally be twice as expensive if you buy them on Ticketmaster. Instead, go to the ticket window near the Center Field Entrance. Buy a *Standing Room Only* ticket (don't worry, you won't be standing), which will cost you a flat $8 with no other taxes or fees. These tickets never sell out, and this is the cheapest way to get into the park. **Carry-Ins** Per the team's [website](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/a-z-guide): "Soft-sided coolers are permitted in the general seating area [which is where we'll be], but not hard-sided coolers; also no alcohol, glass bottles, or cans will be permitted. SMALL bags or backpacks of food items and beverages in plastic bottles are ok. Reusable water bottles are permitted, but must be empty upon arrival. Diaper bags are allowed." I always bring a disposable plastic bottle of water and refill it as I need at the park. Bottled water at the game is something like 4 or 5 dollars. So if you want a bottle of water, I recommend bringing your own bottle instead of buying it at the park. **Food & Drink** The area we'll be in has burgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, ice cream, and other sorts of things you would expect at a baseball game. I've posted pics of the menu in the Photos section, below. The burger and fries are $14 plus tax, and they're not bad. (This is what I usually get.) The beer is *really* overpriced. It's like $9, or $20 for a pitcher. If there's some people to help me drink it, though, I'll buy a pitcher of Michelob Ultra. While we'll be on the penultimate floor of the Tower, the top floor (which has a great view, but is fully exposed to the elements) has a [Dirty Frank's](https://dirtyfranks.com/) hot dog stand. I've never gotten anything from there, though I've been told it's good. The Donatos pizza stand is also a very short walk away from where we'll be. I love Donatos, but the pizza is so expensive at the ballpark. It's like $9 for a personal-sized pepperoni. It is good, though. **Peroration** Let's (watch them) play ball!

Free at Bexley Library Adventures in Ecological Horticulture with Rebecca McMackin Wednesday, March 18 1:00pm - 2:30pm Gone are the days when a garden could be ornamental alone. We now recognize the impact that our land care practices have on the ecosystems around us, and can see the importance of encouraging biodiversity. Thankfully, we do not need to sacrifice beauty when we invite butterflies and songbirds into our gardens. Rebecca McMackin has cultivated gorgeous landscapes in the toughest environments possible: urban parks, school playgrounds, and the sidewalks of New York City. She will take lessons from her work at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and decades of research to share how those of us who are fortunate enough to care for land, can do it beautifully and ecologically. Rebecca McMackin is an ecologically obsessed horticulturist and garden designer. She writes, lectures, and teaches on ecological landscape management and pollination ecology, as well as designs the rare public garden. She is currently Lead Horticulturist for the American Horticultural Society, an Associate with the Harvard Divinity School’s Thinking with Plants and Fungi Initiative, and Consulting Arboretum Curator for Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY. Rebecca spent a decade as Director of Horticulture of Brooklyn Bridge Park, where she managed 85 acres of diverse parkland organically. Their research into cultivating urban biodiversity and ethical management strategies has influenced thousands of people and entire urban parks systems to adopt similar approaches. She has been published by and featured in the New York Times, Gardens Illustrated, on NPR and PBS. Her garden for the Brooklyn Museum recently won the PPA’s Award of Excellence and her TED Talk has been viewed over a million times. She holds M.Sc. from Columbia University and University of Victoria in landscape design and biology and recently completed the Loeb Fellowship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. This program is presented in partnership with Rooted in Bexley and generously funded by the Bexley Community Foundation and Bexley Community Author Series Fund.