Paramedics

Free to play board gaming all day until we close

Enjoy numberless ephemeral flowers, new leaves, and local fauna while hiking along the Potomac River and C & O Canal, and through upland woods to a dramatic view that is fast disappearing below the expanding tree canopy. We’ll look out for many inhabitants, whether flowers already going by, in bud, at peak, or yet to flower - including bluebells, blood root, spring beauties, cutlet toothwort, cranefly orchid, violets, Dutchman’s britches, smooth rockcress, trillium, trout lily, perhaps elusive hepatica, also turtles, heron, and maybe an eagle. We’ll hike about 8.7 miles. Expect about 617 ft of elevation gain, some rock scrambles and a stream crossing, moving around 2 mph, and pausing to admire discoveries, especially during the first section along the Billy Goat B Trail. From there we take the towpath to the canal crossing at Angler’s on up to a woodland loop including out and back to overlook for lunch, then return via towpath. **Note: Sign up only if you know you can make it, and please remove yourself from the Going or Waitlist as soon as possible if you find you can’t.** **The Sierra Club welcomes a $2. Donation to cover expenses** **Meet**: [Carderock North parking lot](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPXMBmBAx7mTQ7366) At 8:45 am for registration, we will start hiking at 9 am. There are privies at the parking lot, and a bio-break op after lunch. **What to Bring / Wear:** Plenty of water, snacks / lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, grippy hiking shoes, camera. You might want to record finds on the i-Naturalist App, and contribute to citizen science, including to phenology, the study of periodic biological phenomena, such as flowering and migration. For carpooling, the closest metro stations are the ones on the Red line: Friendship Heights, Bethesda, Medical Center, Grosvenor-Strathmore. Arrange for carpool in Meetup Comments, on your own. Questions: Use comments below or Text / Call Hike Leader Barbara 703.772.5401 To participate in this event, you must: Read the liability waiver (officially, the Sierra Club Participation Agreement) http://bit.ly/3Qd4F1B 2: Tap ATTEND at the bottom of this event 3: When prompted, type ’I accept’ to the liability waiver, your first and last name, your contact cell number, and an emergency contact number – Example: I accept, Jane Doe, (703) 555-5555, (301) 666-6666”

Join us for a fun afternoon of board games, card games, etc! Bring your favorites or play a game that someone else brings. You are welcome to bring snacks (for yourself or to share) and non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP will remain open until the start of the event!

This is an out-and-back hike on the western portion of the 45-mile **W&OD Trail**. The trail was once the Washington & Old Dominion (hence, the acronym) Railroad that ran from Alexandria to Bluemont, at the foot of the Blue Ridge, from 1859 to 1968! Unlike the eastern, suburban end, the western end of this trail passes through some particularly attractive pastoral areas. Here are some [photos](https://photos.app.goo.gl/WsggsmW91P32dnhc9) from 2013. (Seems like yesterday.) Starting from the trail parking lot in Ashburn (mile marker 27.5), you may do anywhere from 19 miles (very difficult) by going to MM30 and back, or 35 miles (pain in the feet and elsewhere) by going to the end at MM45 and back. If you do less than 19 miles, that's OK too. It’s perfect for ODH training in that you can gauge exactly where you are in your regimen. Much of our route has an adjacent gravel trail. Although meant primarily for horses, you may enjoy walking on it more than its paved counterpart…but watch where you step. The end of the trail in Purcellville has the conveniently located Sweet Rose Bakeshop, full of goodies. Keep a nostril out for the aroma as you get closer. **TRAIL MAPS & INFORMATION:** Here are some links that you may find helpful: [Bike Washington section map](http://bikewashington.org/trails/wad/wad.htm), a [bit of history](https://rb.gy/k4mxop), and Friends of W&OD [overview](https://wodfriends.org/trail-map/) maps. **WHEN & WHERE:** We'll meet at 8 AM at the [W&OD Trail's parking lot](https://rb.gy/urc70d), which is just north of the trail off the east side of Ashburn Road. Look for the sign shown in the photo above. You may use the [Carolina Brothers Pit Barbeque](https://rb.gy/yz0sym) (also shown in the photo above) in your GPS for directions, but the trail's parking lot is just north of that on the east side of Ashburn Rd. Do NOT park in the restaurant's parking lot. **WHAT TO BRING:** Bring food and drink, or $$ to buy on the way. You’ll proceed at your own pace and you may stop (or not) anytime to eat. This hike occurs rain or shine, cold or warm, so dress appropriately. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended, as well as electrolyte replacement, such as a sports drink, to complement plenty of water. In case of hazardous weather, please check here for last-minute changes before leaving for the hike. **LEADERS:** Gary Kosciusko (Novahiker@cox.net, 703-946-8111) and Ellen Hill (EllenWHill@Gmail.com, 703-994-9493) **ONE DAY HIKE:** Although open to all, this training hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the **[One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304791832/)** (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May 2, 2026. See this website for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see [volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304792694/) and/or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com). For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH email list by sending a blank email to **OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io**. **SCPRO DONATION:** A voluntary donation of $2 or more per event is appreciated to help support our all-volunteer program. You may join the Sierra Club by clicking "JOIN" on the Virginia Chapter's [website](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia).

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free sessions and everyone is welcome to join.

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy nature! We meet Saturdays at 10am, by the bike racks and benches 150 feet in front of BUBBLES Hair Salon in Reston, leaving no later than 10:05. Every week we'll walk the Green Trail to Lake Anne Plaza (\~1 mile), pause there for 5-10 minutes (water, bio, and from April-Nov a Farmer's Market), then circle the lake (2 miles) before returning to our starting point. It's roughly 3.5 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to a local restaurant to refuel and relax before tackling the rest of the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels, and both friends and dogs are always welcome! We recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water bottle, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll always walk, rain or shine. By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

**Bluebells at Riverbend Park, Great Falls and Difficult Run a Mod. 10.5 Mile Hike** This is a two-park hike spanning 10.5 miles, beginning at Riverbend Park and winding through the uplands toward Great Falls. The trail follows the gorge and continues onto the floodplain, offering a variety of landscapes, stunning vistas, and about 800 feet of elevation change along the way. The hike winds its way back to Riverbend and its spring display of bluebells. Just 15 miles from downtown Washington, the Great Falls area stands out as premier natural escape from the city. Riverbend Park features over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. In the spring, these meadows and riverbanks come alive with blooming Virginia bluebells, creating a vibrant carpet of soft blue and pink hues. Bluebells are especially abundant along the Potomac’s floodplain, drawing hikers and nature lovers to this annual spectacle. Here, Potomac River abruptly plunges nearly 80 feet through a series of rapids, carving a narrow, mile-long gorge with sheer walls. Protected by National Park Service lands on both riverbanks, the hike rewards you with breathtaking views of nature's power—accented by a wonderful display of bluebells lining the water’s edge. NOTE: It is important to arrive by 8:45 or earlier as the parking lot fills quickly at this time of year. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders is Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed. **Directions to Trailhead**: It is best to use the GPS coordinates. They will take you directly to the parking lot. The GPS Coordinates are 39.017916, -77.246091 The street address to the park is 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066. We meet at the visitor’s center. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 10.5 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 800 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: Bathrooms both at trailhead and Great Falls Fees: no fees **Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found [here.](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/364d3859a63a971c3f6e12df21a16dac0e2edb52dedff598122b3f4ba7349ada) **Notes:** -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership).

Event Starts @ 1 pm $5 entry Prize support based on attendance

Arrive at 9:30 am Pedal at 9:45 am Join us for this scenic ride with great views of Sugarloaf Mountain, pristine farmland, and peach trees along Peach Tree Road. There is also an option to go up Sugarloaf Mountain. Doing so, would add another 6 to 8 miles and 350 feet of climbing. We can decide at the beginning of the ride if we want to add the Sugarloaf Mountain climb. This route is a long time favorite of local cyclists with its use of lightly traveled country roads through Western Montgomery County's Agricultural Preserve area. After the ride, we can go either to Rockland Farm Winery for a much-deserved glass of wine and pizza or to Bassett's Restaurant. Ride Details Two ride options varying in length and difficulty are available as detailed below. Riding time, including breaks, for both ride options is expected to be about 3 hours. Ride A: Distance: 42.2 Miles Terrain: Gentle rolling hills to hilly. Elevation: 2575 ft Max Grade: 9.2 % Surface: Paved country roads Pace: 15 to 16 mph Map for Ride A (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1924990) Ride B: Distance: 35.3 Miles Terrain: Gentle rolling hills to hilly Elevation: 2090 ft Max Grade: 6.8% Surface: Paved country roads Minimum Pace: 14 mph Map for Ride B (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1925038) What to Bring • Helmet - Mandatory! • Liquids - And plenty of them! • Photo ID • Cell Phone • Money - Cash or credit card for food or emergency • Bicycle Emergency Kit - (cash, mini tool, inner tube, CO2 cartridge or hand pump, etc.) Other Things to Keep in Mind If you RSVP "yes" and you are unable to attend due to unexpected circumstances, please call or text the event host. No go if conditions are bad. This includes precipitation (rain, =snow, ice) or very high (60% - 100%) probability of precipitation, wet roads, tornadoes, hurricanes, or very high winds. **Note:** All persons participating in the activity accept and/or assume any and all risks of injuries (physical or otherwise) arising from and/or associated with this activity. Questions & Contact Info As always, if you have any questions, you may email the organizer(s) for the event or post your question as a comment.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“What Digital Detectives Find,”** on the afterlife of your digital data and the methods of those who investigate it, with Jim Jones, associate professor at George Mason University and cyber security and digital forensics expert. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-digital-detectives](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-digital-detectives) .] What happens when you delete digital data such as a picture, video, or email message? The truth is that “deleted” doesn't mean “gone,” and digital forensic investigators can extract and make sense of the residual fragments left over from data often assumed to be gone forever. Learn about the field of digital forensics—and the lessons it offers those who worry about sensitive data being exposed—with Jim Jones, who has been a cyber security and digital forensics practitioner, researcher, and educator for more than 30 years. You’ll learn how all investigations today, criminal and otherwise, to some degree involve digital forensics, an interdisciplinary field that draws from computer engineering, computer science, information technology, law, and ethics. Digital forensics doesn’t just respond to specific incidents, but also seeks out threats within organizations, analyzes malware, and buttresses cyber security. Much of the work of Dr. Jones, his colleagues, and students involves examining digital systems of all types to understand how data persists and decays and how it can be found and recovered. Dr. Jones will discuss how what happens to the digital data that you deleted depends on the type of device you are using, along with a host of other factors. You'll learn how digital data is stored on different devices and what does and doesn’t happen when you delete that data. You'll see examples of data extracted from different devices, demonstrations of what can be inferred from these remnants, and how investigators can tell if such remnants are genuine or not. Finally, you'll learn about strategies to mitigate the risk of exposing sensitive data. Dr. Jones will sort those that work from those that don’t. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A digital forensics examiner works with evidence in the FBI’s New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (FBI photo).

*You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.* **Details** This is an 8-mile loop with 2000 feet of elevation gain. You can find a map and description of the hike at [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/little-devils-stairs-and-piney-branch-loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/little-devils-stairs-and-piney-branch-loop) . Our pace will be around 2.5 mph, with pace slowing on the uphills. The first two miles of the hike are steep, and typically wet and slippery, so please come prepared. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) The meetup for carpooling is at the Centreville Park and Ride. Please arrive at 7:15 for an 7:30 departure. If you plan to meet us at the trailhead, please let me know, and plan to be at the trailhead by 9:00. We will start from the parking lot near the west end of Virginia Rte. 614 (Keyser Run Road). The map coordinates for parking are 38.7309,-78.2557. CARPOOL FEE: $4.00, paid to the driver. Will Martyn, 703-994-9098

Come chat and then comedy starts around 9pm

**Registration required;** [Birding Banshee - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-banshee-april/) Whether you’re a beginning birder or an expert, you’ll be thrilled by the many bird species you’ll find at **[Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve](http://www.loudounwildlife.org/Great_Places_Banshee_Reeks.htm)** south of Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hot spot. Bring binoculars if you have them. \*\*\*Questions: \*\*\**Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org)*

Title: Talk/listen about life-changing loss and grief, and care-giving challenges We have created “LET'S TALK - Leesburg” and you are invited to attend. Folks meet to give and receive support dealing with caregiving or life-changing events. This activity is for any one that is experiencing powerful life changes such as loss of independence, caregiving challenges, any loss that has been a life-changing blow to them or has significantly changed their life, including the loss of a precious person. Participants who attend the “LET'S TALK” group say that the group is a place to: Feel safe, to talk or to listen, gain understanding of experiences, and foster confidence! Realize that: “I Can do …” , “Get my equilibrium back.” “LET”S TALK” invites participants to come together...so that they might share the feelings, thoughts, questions, challenges and concerns. This activity is facilitated by a professional counselor.

Bring a favorite game or pick out a new favorite!

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. Join me on a new NVHC **GUIDED NATURE WALK** with Heidi Allen, a dedicated volunteer with Fairfax County Park Authority's Invasive Management program for the past 11 years. She has spent a decade caring for Fred Crabree, Deerlick, and Waples Mill Parks, helping to restore the health of our native habitats. She co-founded the NOVA Tree Rescuer program and spent several years coordinating volunteers to protect our tree canopy. We'll learn interesting facts from Heidi as we look for vernal pools, bellwort, wild azaleas, Christmas ferns, Virginia spring beauties, trout lilies, skunk cabbage and different varieties of club moss while walking along Little Difficult Run. Thanks to NVHC member/Crabtree volunteer Margaret Coffey for helping with this event. **DETAILS**: We'll do a 2 mile slow-paced guided loop with Heidi in Fred Crabree Park from 9:00-10:30. It is mostly flat, with a small hill. Trails are natural surface. Option for an additional 2.5-3 miles at a moderate pace on other trails within Crabtree Park. There is one stream crossing over large rocks in this second section. **LIMITED PARKING**: Please note that due to limited parking at Fred Crabtree Park and the preference of our nature guide for a smaller group, this hike will be limited in size. Please only sign up if you are fairly certain that you're able to attend. Thank you. **RESTROOMS**: One porta-potty **FEES:** No fee **DOGS**: No dogs allowed on this one

**Backpacking 101** is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry. Get ready to hit the trail with confidence—let’s make adventure happen! **Requirements** · Participants must 18 or older & a PATC Member · **Fee:** $100 · **Class Size:** Limited to 8 students. · **Waiver:** A signed waiver is required by PATC. **Topics Covered** * Dressing for Success – Clothing, layering, and footwear essentials * Gear Up! – Choosing the right pack, shelter, and sleep system * Backcountry Basics – Water purification & cooking on the trail * Home Sweet Campsite – Selecting and setting up your ideal spot * Leave No Trace – How to protect nature while enjoying it * Trail Hygiene – Sanitation and staying fresh in the wild * Plan & Navigate – Trip planning, maps, and finding your way **Class Structure** * Pre-Class Prep – Watch assigned YouTube videos for a head start * 2 Gear Demos & Discussions – Hands-on learning and Q&A sessions * Overnight Adventure – Put your skills to the test on a backpacking trip! **Classroom Sessions** Location: PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VA Online: There will not be an online option as this has not worked well previously. Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm * Tuesday, April 7 * Tuesday, April 14 **Weekend Option #2:** This trip will be in GWNF and includes a **3.2 miles hike (each way)** with 1,200 foot elevation. I’d rate this as “easy" * Weekend Option #2: April 25-26 * Rain Date for Option #2: May 2-3

**Backpacking 101** is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry. Get ready to hit the trail with confidence—let’s make adventure happen! **Requirements** · Participants must 18 or older & a PATC Member · **Fee:** $100 · **Class Size:** Limited to 8 students. · **Waiver:** A signed waiver is required by PATC. **Topics Covered** * Dressing for Success – Clothing, layering, and footwear essentials * Gear Up! – Choosing the right pack, shelter, and sleep system * Backcountry Basics – Water purification & cooking on the trail * Home Sweet Campsite – Selecting and setting up your ideal spot * Leave No Trace – How to protect nature while enjoying it * Trail Hygiene – Sanitation and staying fresh in the wild * Plan & Navigate – Trip planning, maps, and finding your way **Class Structure** * Pre-Class Prep – Watch assigned YouTube videos for a head start * 2 Gear Demos & Discussions – Hands-on learning and Q&A sessions * Overnight Adventure – Put your skills to the test on a backpacking trip! **Classroom Sessions** Location: PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VA Online: There will not be an online option as this has not worked well previously. Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm * Tuesday, April 7 * Tuesday, April 14 **Weekend Option #1:** This trip will be in Northern Virginia and includes a **6.5 miles hike (each way)** with 2,000 foot elevation. I’d rate this as “moderate" * Weekend Option #2: April 18-19 * Rain Date for Option #2: May 9-10