Personal Essay

Join us on a brand new Bear & Wildlife Watching Slovakia Tour. Come to Slovakia to experience one of Europe’s most wildlife-rich mountain regions. This tour is focused on **ethical and safe wildlife observation**, combined with light hiking, cultural highlights, and enough flexibility to adapt to weather and animal behaviour. Over five days, you will explore the **High Tatras and surrounding foothills**, home to brown bears, chamois, marmots, beavers, and ground squirrels. Observation always takes place **from a safe distance**, using **binoculars and spotting scopes**, under the guidance of experienced local guides who understand animal behaviour and terrain. This is **not a zoo experience** and sightings can never be guaranteed — but the areas we visit are carefully selected based on long-term local knowledge and seasonal animal movement. To see the tour on our website **[CLICK HERE](https://www.slovakation.com/tour/bear-wildlife-watching-tour-slovakia/).** There are more information about the tour. **NOTE**: This trip does not focus on long or demanding hikes, but a basic level of fitness is required. You should be comfortable walking for several hours at an easy pace, standing still during wildlife observation, and riding a bicycle on paved roads. The activities are designed to be accessible, but participants should be in good general health to enjoy the experience comfortably. **PROGRAM** **Day 1** - **Arrival and meeting in Krakow** Meet the group at **Kraków Airport** at 16:00 and transfer to Slovakia. After approx. 2,5 hours you will arrive to your hotel in the area of the Tatra mountains in Slovakia. **Day 2** - **Brown Bears & Beavers** We start early, setting off at dawn to quietly walk into a remote mountain valley, when bears are most active. From a safe distance, we scan the surrounding slopes using binoculars and spotting scopes, observing wildlife without disturbance. After a relaxed lunch, we visit a traditional open-air museum before heading out again in the late afternoon to watch beavers in their natural river habitat. **KM walked**: 13 km, **Meters ascended**: 500m, **Meters descended**: 500m **Day 3** - **Chamois, Marmots & Alpine Forests** After breakfast, we use a chairlift to gain altitude effortlessly, avoiding steep climbs and keeping the day relaxed. The open chairlift offers wide views but feels stable and comfortable — suitable even for those cautious about heights. From the upper station, we walk through alpine forests and meadows, scanning for chamois and marmots. After lunch, we visit the nearby Vazecka cave, adding another natural element to the day. **KM walked**: 8 km, **Meters ascended**: 100m, **Meters descended**: 600m **Day 4 - Bears Again & Recovery Day** We set off early again, this time using **e-bikes** to move efficiently along a quiet mountain road into a remote valley. Riding e-bikes allows us to cover distance quickly and save energy for wildlife observation. From the valley end, we scan the surrounding slopes for brown bears using binoculars, always from a safe distance. Participants should be **confident** **riding** a bicycle on paved roads. The afternoon is kept flexible for rest or recovery and possible evening visit of the local thermal pools. **KM biked**: 24 km, **Meters ascended**: 400m **Day 5 - Ground Squirrels & Departure** On our final day, we visit **Spiš Castle**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set high above the surrounding countryside. Its vast open grounds are home to a thriving colony of ground squirrels, making it a unique and surprisingly accessible wildlife-watching location. We keep the program light and unhurried before transferring to the airport. Transfer back to the airport is scheduled to arrive by approximately **15:00**. It is safe to book return flights departing **after 17:00**. **NOTE** This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, special events, etc. PRICE OF **845 EUR** **INCLUDES**: * 4X accommodation in 3\* hotel in twin rooms in Tatra mountains region * 4X breakfast and 4X dinner * 1X chair lift ticket * Airport transfers and transfers within the trip * Guiding by an experienced wildlife specialist with formal education in nature conservation and ecology, and many years of hands-on field experience observing large mammals in the Carpathians * E-bike rental * Entry fees to Spis Castle, Vazecka Cave and Vrbov thermal pools * All group transfers **EXCLUDES** * Drinks and personal expenses * Lunches * Travel cost to Krakow and back **BOOKING YOUR PLACE** Please visit my website and sign up **[OVER HERE](https://www.slovakation.com/tour/bear-wildlife-watching-tour-slovakia/)** You will pay only 25% at the time of your booking, if the booking is made at least 30 days before the departure. The balance will be due 30 days before your departure. **HOW TO GET THERE** **ARRIVAL** We are meeting at the airport in Krakow at 16:00. You can fly directly to Krakow from Brussels with Ryanair, Brussels Airlines or from Eindhoven in Netherlands with Ryanair of Wizzair. If the flights don´t work for you, you can spend the night before and after in Krakow, which is an interesting city itself, listed in UNESCO World Heritage. **DEPARTURE** We will be back at the airport on the last day at around 15:00, so you can fly back home after 17:00.

Join us on a brand new Bear & Wildlife Watching Slovakia Tour. Come to Slovakia to experience one of Europe’s most wildlife-rich mountain regions. This tour is focused on **ethical and safe wildlife observation**, combined with light hiking, cultural highlights, and enough flexibility to adapt to weather and animal behaviour. Over five days, you will explore the **High Tatras and surrounding foothills**, home to brown bears, chamois, marmots, beavers, and ground squirrels. Observation always takes place **from a safe distance**, using **binoculars and spotting scopes**, under the guidance of experienced local guides who understand animal behaviour and terrain. This is **not a zoo experience** and sightings can never be guaranteed — but the areas we visit are carefully selected based on long-term local knowledge and seasonal animal movement. To see the tour on our website **[CLICK HERE](https://www.slovakation.com/tour/bear-wildlife-watching-tour-slovakia/).** There are more information about the tour. **NOTE**: This trip does not focus on long or demanding hikes, but a basic level of fitness is required. You should be comfortable walking for several hours at an easy pace, standing still during wildlife observation, and riding a bicycle on paved roads. The activities are designed to be accessible, but participants should be in good general health to enjoy the experience comfortably. **PROGRAM** **Day 1** - **Arrival and meeting in Krakow** Meet the group at **Kraków Airport** at 16:00 and transfer to Slovakia. After approx. 2,5 hours you will arrive to your hotel in the area of the Tatra mountains in Slovakia. **Day 2** - **Brown Bears & Beavers** We start early, setting off at dawn to quietly walk into a remote mountain valley, when bears are most active. From a safe distance, we scan the surrounding slopes using binoculars and spotting scopes, observing wildlife without disturbance. After a relaxed lunch, we visit a traditional open-air museum before heading out again in the late afternoon to watch beavers in their natural river habitat. **KM walked**: 13 km, **Meters ascended**: 500m, **Meters descended**: 500m **Day 3** - **Chamois, Marmots & Alpine Forests** After breakfast, we use a chairlift to gain altitude effortlessly, avoiding steep climbs and keeping the day relaxed. The open chairlift offers wide views but feels stable and comfortable — suitable even for those cautious about heights. From the upper station, we walk through alpine forests and meadows, scanning for chamois and marmots. After lunch, we visit the nearby Vazecka cave, adding another natural element to the day. **KM walked**: 8 km, **Meters ascended**: 100m, **Meters descended**: 600m **Day 4 - Bears Again & Recovery Day** We set off early again, this time using **e-bikes** to move efficiently along a quiet mountain road into a remote valley. Riding e-bikes allows us to cover distance quickly and save energy for wildlife observation. From the valley end, we scan the surrounding slopes for brown bears using binoculars, always from a safe distance. Participants should be **confident** **riding** a bicycle on paved roads. The afternoon is kept flexible for rest or recovery and possible evening visit of the local thermal pools. **KM biked**: 24 km, **Meters ascended**: 400m **Day 5 - Ground Squirrels & Departure** On our final day, we visit **Spiš Castle**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set high above the surrounding countryside. Its vast open grounds are home to a thriving colony of ground squirrels, making it a unique and surprisingly accessible wildlife-watching location. We keep the program light and unhurried before transferring to the airport. Transfer back to the airport is scheduled to arrive by approximately **15:00**. It is safe to book return flights departing **after 17:00**. **NOTE** This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, special events, etc. PRICE OF **845 EUR** **INCLUDES**: * 4X accommodation in 3\* hotel in twin rooms in Tatra mountains region * 4X breakfast and 4X dinner * 1X chair lift ticket * Airport transfers and transfers within the trip * Guiding by an experienced wildlife specialist with formal education in nature conservation and ecology, and many years of hands-on field experience observing large mammals in the Carpathians * E-bike rental * Entry fees to Spis Castle, Vazecka Cave and Vrbov thermal pools * All group transfers **EXCLUDES** * Drinks and personal expenses * Lunches * Travel cost to Krakow and back **BOOKING YOUR PLACE** Please visit my website and sign up **[OVER HERE](https://www.slovakation.com/tour/bear-wildlife-watching-tour-slovakia/)** You will pay only 25% at the time of your booking, if the booking is made at least 30 days before the departure. The balance will be due 30 days before your departure. **HOW TO GET THERE** **ARRIVAL** We are meeting at the airport in Krakow at 16:00. You can fly directly to Krakow from Brussels with Ryanair, Brussels Airlines or from Eindhoven in Netherlands with Ryanair of Wizzair. If the flights don´t work for you, you can spend the night before and after in Krakow, which is an interesting city itself, listed in UNESCO World Heritage. **DEPARTURE** We will be back at the airport on the last day at around 15:00, so you can fly back home after 17:00.

Let’s meet and discuss John Updike's Rabbit, Run, the first in his series of four novels following the life, hopes, and disappointments of former local basketball star, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he fitfully confronts and evades adulthood.

**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group** This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy: [Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy [Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php): https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!