RV

Get checked your Bucket List by joining this eastern route of USA. Start your tour in the capital Washington DC and end in New York City while exploring the upstate New York by visiting Watkins Glen, Niagara Falls and many more highlights on this 8 days sightseeing tour of the lifetime. Highlights Visited Places: * Washington, D.C. * Watkins Glen * Niagara Falls * New York City Travel Experience: * City sightseeing * Local cuisine * Parks * Waterfall Tour Start WASHINGTON, D.C. Tour End NEW YORK CITY Destination USA Itinerary Day01 ARRIVAL - RIVER CRUISE & GUIDED GEORGETOWN WALKING TOUR Day02 WASHINGTON DC WITH MOUNT VERNON & OLD ALEXANDRIA Day03 WASHINGTON, D.C. – NEW YORK Day04 NYC - NIAGARA FALLS Day05 NIAGARA FALLS - NYC Day06 NYC: HARLEM, BRONX, QUEENS, BROOKLYN & CONEY ISLAND Day07 NEW YORK CITY SIGHTSEEING Day08 DEPART NEW YORK CITY Price: $3290 (Double Occupancy) $3990 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes * 7 nights hotel stay * Breakfasts at hotel * All transportation by road (Bus / Mini Van) * Guided day tours * Activities as per the itinerary Price Excludes * Flights * Airport transfers * Meals * Personal Expenses * Optional activities * Travel insurance / Visa * Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-8-day-eastern-highlights-washington-dc-new-york-niagara-falls/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-8-day-eastern-highlights-washington-dc-new-york-niagara-falls/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

Hey, everyone! I’m going to cycle through some regional classics in the coming months as I come back from plantar fasciitis. So this is Ramsay’s Draft, a roughly 16-18 mile circuit described in my book under the Wild Oak chapter. In a nutshell, we’ll meet up Saturday morning at Vienna, rationalize cars, and drive out. We’ll hike along ridge line in the afternoon before reaching Hiner Springs, one of the higher campsites we routinely use in our area (it could be cool). Sunday, we’ll wake early and descend the draft, which will involve many, many water crossings before we regain the cars. Dry clothes. Pub. Home. I can take 10. The trip is ideal for new people. I will need a gear list, though. Join me. U-Turn 571-225-6763

Earth and Sky Adventures at Sweet Run State Park generally begins with a short evening hike along with family friendly activities in the Education Building (Red barn). This is followed by astronomical viewing led by members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club. See link below for scheduled times, and contact Jim Crowley at [uuplink@aol.com](mailto:uuplink@aol.com) for any questions. [Sweet Run State Park](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sweet-run)

**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)*

*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

Discover a hidden ribbon of trail that transitions from open lake views to the rustic charm of an old-world mill. his route tracks the peaceful flow of the water through deep stream valleys, connecting two of the area's most iconic parks via a canopy-covered trail. Spring is here! What a wonderful time to get out and hike beautiful trails across the DMV! You must register here \*\*\*https://www.destinationhike.com/events/gristmill-hike\*\*\* **Once you register, please look for a detailed email from info@destinationhike.com.** \* Excerpt from Destination Hike Waiver\* *Hiking is a recreational activity that has an inherent risk of danger. While hiking I may be exposed to dangers and hazards, not limited to: heat, stroke, dehydration, bee stings, tick bites, snake bites, loss of balance, inclement weather, falling rocks, fatigue, wildlife, negligence of others, drowning, and/or death. Please review full waiver prior to registering for any Destination Hike event.* How to prepare? 1\. Wear comfortable shoes\. If you have hiking boots that would be preferred\. However\, if you have not committed to buying hiking shoes\, wear comfortable tennis shoes\. 2\. Check the weather for the day and dress appropriately\. When you are hiking in the Spring\, you need to pay attention to what the weather may be for that day\. There is always a possibility for rainy weather\. Allergens may be higher\, and there may be more bugs out\. You will want to dress in layers\, so you can take off and put on layers as necessary\. Also\, make sure you wear solid footwear with grips on the bottom\. Hiking boots are strongly encouraged\. Spring can bring wet trails that can be slick if you are not wearing appropriate footwear\. 3\. Bring a small to medium size back pack\. This is to carry any personal items; cell phone\, water\, personal medication\, and any other items you may need\. 4\. Always bring a at ***least*** 1L of water. Make sure you have hydrated the day before, and the day of the hike. 5\. Remember\, there are no bathrooms in nature\, so stay hydrated but make sure you are good to hike without needing a bathroom\. If you do need to use the bathroom\, nature will be your stall\. 6\. Suggested: Download the AllTrails app\. Trail app will be provided in confirmation email\. Any additional questions, comments, or concerns, email info@destinationhike.com

Get checked your Bucket List by joining this eastern route of USA. Start your tour in the capital Washington DC and end in New York City while exploring the upstate New York by visiting Watkins Glen, Niagara Falls and many more highlights on this 8 days sightseeing tour of the lifetime. Highlights Visited Places: * Washington, D.C. * Watkins Glen * Niagara Falls * New York City Travel Experience: * City sightseeing * Local cuisine * Parks * Waterfall Tour Start WASHINGTON, D.C. Tour End NEW YORK CITY Destination USA Itinerary Day01 ARRIVAL - RIVER CRUISE & GUIDED GEORGETOWN WALKING TOUR Day02 WASHINGTON DC WITH MOUNT VERNON & OLD ALEXANDRIA Day03 WASHINGTON, D.C. – NEW YORK Day04 NYC - NIAGARA FALLS Day05 NIAGARA FALLS - NYC Day06 NYC: HARLEM, BRONX, QUEENS, BROOKLYN & CONEY ISLAND Day07 NEW YORK CITY SIGHTSEEING Day08 DEPART NEW YORK CITY Price: $3290 (Double Occupancy) $3990 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes * 7 nights hotel stay * Breakfasts at hotel * All transportation by road (Bus / Mini Van) * Guided day tours * Activities as per the itinerary Price Excludes * Flights * Airport transfers * Meals * Personal Expenses * Optional activities * Travel insurance / Visa * Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-8-day-eastern-highlights-washington-dc-new-york-niagara-falls/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-8-day-eastern-highlights-washington-dc-new-york-niagara-falls/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

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.

Come chat and then comedy starts around 9pm

**You know we love a theme… and this one might be our favorite yet!!!** **We’re taking over Ned’s for a Fifty Shades of Pink party — Sorry... we don’t do gray ⛓️‍💥** **We do HOT. PINK. and yes, we expect you to lean ALL the way in... bright pink, soft pink, sparkly pink, “this looked pink in my closet” pink… it all counts.** **Collective will be bringing the energy (as always), so get ready for a packed dance floor and the kind of night where you wake up the next morning smiling (and maybe still covered in glitter).** **No contracts. No safe words. No secrets.** **Just a whole lot of Pink!!! 🩷🩷🩷**

**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).

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).

We will hike the famous Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT). We’ll depart from the Lake Audubon pool area and follow the trail north for three miles. The route features a pleasant mix of dirt, gravel, and paved surfaces, with a few gentle hills—none exceeding 200 feet. Along the way, we’ll also enjoy a one-mile stretch of the W&OD Trail. After the hike, we’ll head to Lake Anne Brew House, an award-winning spot known for its small-batch beers and beautiful views overlooking Lake Anne. Hike parking along Twin Branches and Glade Dr. A detailed map of the CCT is located here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trails/trail-buddy

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

Here's another adventure inspired by my attempts to nibble off a few more miles for my SNP 500. This adventure takes us to the very end of the southern district. The plan: Depart Vienna and head to Rockfish Gap. We'll station a few cars there, and then make our way north to Jarman Gap to start our adventure. We'll head north along the AT to Turk Branch Trail, and then take that down to the South Moormans River Road. We'll follow that trail south and eventually rejoin the AT, taking that down to the Calf Mountain Hut. We'll camp there for the evening. Sunday is all AT back to Rockfish Gap and our cars. Reverse the shuttle and then make our way home. This should be a nice outing to explore some of Shenandoah's southern-most trails. I'll hold five spots for applicants and will prioritize them on the wait list. Applicants, you'll need to send me a gear list to be approved for the trip. **DCULers have maps!** PATC's Map 11 (South District) is the one to have. Questions? Send them my way. Group size is limited to 10. The Fine Print \- Total round\-trip distance is roughly 140 miles\. Per DC UL recommended guidelines of about $0\.10 per mile\, expect to chip in about $14 to your driver if you're catching a ride\. \- Members and above\, don't forget to pay your annual dues\. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile\. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip\. To pay your dues via PayPal\, use this link: https://www\.paypal\.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15 \($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project\.\) \- By RSVPing for this trip\, you acknowledge that you’ve read our COVID\-19 guidelines \(https://dculbackpacking\.com/about/covid\-19\-guidelines/\) and that you agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms\. \(https://dculbackpacking\.com/about/liability\-waiver\)

They have a 4.7 rating and food trucks (until 5:30 pm), and they make Pizza there every Saturday. The music is Folk Pop, and we can watch the sun set as we drink wonderful wine. * Wine is currently available **by the bottle, glass, 3-wine flight, and guided 5-wine tasting. A guided 5-wine tasting costs $22 per person, and it is a seated experience in our tasting room. We do not take reservations.** * **[Rotating food vendors](https://www.rocklandsfarmmd.com/events/calendar)** on-site year-round every Saturday 12-5:30pm, and Sunday 12-5:30pm. Local snacks and charcuterie also available in our tasting room. It's not too far to drive home on the back roads so take it slow going home or get a designated driver (carpool) or take Uber. Drink responsibly (whatever that means! LOL). Buy your own ticket. # House Show (TBD) - Eli Lev Saturday, April 18, 2026·6:00 – 9:00pm [Rocklands Farm Winery, 14531 Montevideo Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837, USA](https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Rocklands%20Farm%20Winery%2C%2014531%20Montevideo%20Rd%2C%20Poolesville%2C%20MD%2020837%2C%20USA&source=calendar) *notes* Coming Soon! - Join us Saturday (time TBD) in the Stone House. Our "House Show Series" is a ticketed show for guests to have a beautiful, unique experience, up close and personal with Eli. Come early to get a good seat, delicous wine, and great food from the food truck. With one foot in the traditions of conscious folk music and another foot in modern pop production, Eli stands firmly on his own ground. His earnest, enlightened, and invigorating folk-pop has garnered favorable comparisons to Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran, Noah Kahan, Jack Johnson, and John Denver. Website: [https://eli-lev.com/](https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Feli-lev.com%2F&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1765900440000000&usg=AOvVaw07hEzzy4b4VbVoj77ReKIm) Listen: [https://eli-lev.com/music/](https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Feli-lev.com%2Fmusic%2F&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1765900440000000&usg=AOvVaw367d2zzFQt-DPXQkTVmEXP) Youtube: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=7Fdjk7bre68&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Feli-lev.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Feli-lev.com&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=7Fdjk7bre68&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Feli-lev.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Feli-lev.com&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY) All aboard mates!

**IMPORTANT - READ** Monongahela National Forest limits groups to 10 people, so that is a hard limit for this trip. If you are not 100% committed please do ***NOT RSVP*** ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Moderate** * **Length:** 16 Miles * **Duration:** 2 Days * **Elevation Gain:** 2,216 Feet * **Bear Canisters:** Not Required * **Permits:** Not Required * **Parking:** Red Creek Trailhead * **Coordinates:** 38.972729, -79.397824 * **AllTrails Map**: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/dolly-sods-backpack-16-mi-24357dd](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/dolly-sods-backpack-16-mi-24357dd) The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) and one of the most desirable trekking areas in the US. Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and flora and fauna normally found much further north in Canada. A backpacking trip in this area will expose you to a very diverse and unique landscape with sphagnum bogs, grassy meadows lined by spruce trees, wind-carved boulders, and beautiful mountain vistas. Note - this area can have very unpredictable weather. I've had everything from sunshine, to heavy rain, to even snow and hail as late as May. Pack accordingly. **Trail Details:** We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 8am and drive to the Red Creek Trailhead at the southern end of the Dolly Sods wilderness. The drive is about 3 hours - I will drive and am happy to have up to 3 others carpool with me. When we arrive at the trailhead, we will hike about 6.3 miles to our campsite, stopping once to check out the the iconic Lion's Head on Breathed Mountain (pictured in the post). Should be an early day, so feel free to bring cards, adult beverages, or other items to pass the time. The second day, we will explore the rest of the park, which includes the rugged Dunkenbarger trail. The second day is about 9.4 miles back to the car. There are a ton of stream crossings on this trip - so expect to get wet and pack accordingly. **Essential Items**: * Tent * Sleeping pad​ * Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​ * Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​ * Backpacking stove with fuel​ * Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​ * Dehydrated meals​ and snacks * Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)​ * Water filter or purification tablets​ * Headlamp with extra batteries​ * Rain gear * Dry bags or pack cover​ * Warm clothing layers (non-cotton) * Trowel for and toiletries for Leave No Trace compliance **Optional Items**: * Personal first aid kit​ * Map and compass or GPS device * Power bank or external battery * Trekking poles​ * Camp shoes * Electrolyte supplements​ * Alcohol​ * Books, games, or other enterainment * Gaiters​ * Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​ **General meetup location:** Vienna Metro Station - 8:00am Time driving: 3 hr. each way Google driving direction from Vienna metro: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLA) **CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). ​ See you on the trail!