Scavenger Hunts

Are you tired of the usual expensive and boring New Year's Eve parties? Join us for a unique adventure to start 2026! 🎆 I'm **Francesco**, a biologist and explorer. I have organized a **7-day trip to Romania** (Dec 30 - Jan 6) that combines an authentic Urban NYE with a wild Road Trip into the heart of Transylvania. **🗺️ THE PLAN** **PART 1: The Urban Warm-up (Dec 30 - Jan 1)** 📍 **Timișoara:** We will explore the "Little Vienna" of Romania. * No tourist traps: we’ll hunt for **hidden Jazz Clubs**, drink fresh unpasteurized beer at the factory, and explore the communist history. * **NYE Night:** We celebrate in the main square with the locals and fireworks, then move to a cool pub to welcome the new year. **PART 2: Into the Wild Road Trip (Jan 1 - Jan 5)** We pick up our car and head to the mountains! 🚗 * 🦬 **Wildlife:** We’ll track **European Bisons** in the snow at the Hațeg Reserve. * 🏰 **Gothic Vibes:** Visit **Corvin Castle** (one of the spookiest and most beautiful castles in Europe). * ❄️ **Snow & Trekking:** Base in **Sibiu** (Medieval city) + a day of accessible winter hiking in **Păltiniș**. * 🧊 **The Ice Hotel:** Driving the legendary **Transfăgărășan Road** up to the frozen Bâlea Waterfall to see the famous Hotel of Ice. **👀 WHO IS THIS FOR?** I'm looking for 2-3 chill, open-minded travel buddies (20-40s). If you prefer nature, good conversations, and a snowy adventure over a chaotic disco, you are the perfect fit! **💰 COSTS & LOGISTICS** I have already arranged the logistics (Car Rental + Itinerary). * **Style:** Low-cost but smart (Hostels/Guesthouses). * **Budget:** We share the costs (Fuel/Food) and there is a fixed fee that covers the **Car Rental and Accommodation** for the whole week. **📅 DATES:** Dec 30th to Jan 6th. **📍 MEETING POINT:** Timișoara. **👉 HOW TO JOIN:** This is a small group (max 4 people in the car). **Send me a direct message here on Meetup or contact me on IG: pangolin_travel.**

WHO IS READY FOR GAMES? (now with added videogames) *What is the vibe?* This is a social with games.... The games are all easy to play (nothing too serious) so come along even if you just want to socialise In general. This is open to *everyone* under the LGBTQIA+ Umbrella and allies. *Boardgames -* Giant jenga Codenames Uno Monopoly go Connect 4 Sushi go Chamelon Blokus Azul Just one Exploding kittens Please bring your own too if you wish. *Videogames -* Mario Kart World Mario Party Jamboree Overcooked 2 Street fighter 6 Smash Bros Ultimate Streets of rage 4 Super Mario 3d World Super Mario Wonder Wii Sports Just Dance TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Resident evil 5 (Coop) Retro games - GCN, NES, MEGA DRIVE, N64 AND SNES *How to attend* As always if you have meetup please RSVP but if you dont have meetup yet you are free to just turn up. Checkout this Meetup with LGBTQ+ London: https://meetu.ps/e/NQhq1/CLkL7/i The event starts from 7pm where there will be a table with nametags which are self service. A host will be present until 7:30 for Introductions. After this time if you need a host please approach us (we will be playing games/chatting to others) *The space* We have a large amount of space so plenty of room for everyone. Videogames/Giant jenga can also be played whilst standing too. Plenty of options *How the event works* Hosts are present to welcome people but there are no gamesmasters. Everyone finds a spot, finds a game and just gets on with it. There are instructions 😀. *Location* Betty & Joans 9 Hewson Wy, Elephant Park, London SE17 1JS *Time* 7pm onwards (Usually finishes 10:30/11pm) *Food* Venue does not serve food but you are welcome to bring in food or deliveroo. *How to be a good gaymer?* Playing a game and see someone on their own? Invite them In a conversation and see someone is new? Invite them into the chat Respectful of games - after playing games please return as you saw them as we are run by donations. I will post when I arrive and it is all set up via @⁨⁨Event Chat⁩⁩ but the chat will be locked. All info is provided here. _____________________________ Please Rsvp if you plan to come and also join our Whatsapp. https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFBV5gaLGA2CNUbeZwi34C If the link does not work please Dm mark or leave a comment. __________________________________ Dont forget we run all events for free but there are many costs to running a meetup and Social group. Send your yearly donations to the following. Name: Mark Geer Account number: 03450947 Sort code: 04-00-04 Reference- donate thanks a lot

**It's been a while! -** Kickstarting this Meetup Group for 2026 Been anyway cool in 2025? What do you have planned for 2026? Let's meet up on 30th December, Double-Eve of the New Year, for a couple of post-Xmas drinks and a catch-up, or a welcome if you've joined recently. No particular agenda or structure, just a few (maybe more than a few) people who exercise their passports frequently & are looking for some new ideas, or some good stories. It's in that awkward week when nobody knows what day it is, but the 30th should be (mostly) OK for travel to London Bridge area. Hope to see you there - and feel free to drop questions or comments in the messages.

First of all...Attention this is a BIRDING TRIP and a HIKE which will involve stopping, waiting and looking for birds. Time to take an easy walk along the coast to my happy place, I am not feeling like hiking hills and travelling too far away on this day so let's hop on a train to the coast of Kent and breath in the fresh air! If you want wild traditional English Coast, this is a place to go to. Pebble beaches. swamps, surrounded by nature reserves, golf courses and manor houses, without the crowd of Brighton or Eastbourne. This trip should be quite an experience, whether you like birds or not, being surrounded by flying owls is quite something and my number one favourite nature show so why not try it out?! I do recommend cameras and binoculars as you never know what surprise you can get in this magical place! We will look for wildlife but the star of the day will be the short eared owls! If the weather allows, they can put up quite a unique show and will flight just a meter or two away, in some cases, not caring the least about any of us, so if you are a photographer or a birder, or want to witness something difference, this is your trip! Of course, it is nature, I cannot commend the owls to come out in the middle of the day but they usually do unless there is a lot of wind so we have got many chances to live the show from the front row seats The area is a well known nature reserve with one of the largest.concentration of overwintering owls in the country, there were at least nine the last time I came so let's hope for some lucky day! We will walk along and will stop for photos whenever we spot one of those gorgeous feathery friends. This year is one of the most exceptional for the shorties, as we call them in the country and populations at a number rarely seen before have just arrived from Russia and Scandinavia. I do recommend cameras and binoculars as you never know what surprise you can get in this magical place! We will look for wildlife but the star of the day will be the short eared owls! If the weather allows, they came put up quite a unique show and will flight just a meter or two away in some cases not caring the least about any of us, so if you are a photographer or a birder, this is your trip! The area is a well known nature reserve with one of the largest concentration of overwintering owls in the country, there were at least nine the last time I came so let's hope for some lucky day! We will walk along and will stop for photos whenever we spot one of those gorgeous feathery friends. This year is one of the most exceptional for the shorties, as we call them in the country and populations at a number rarely seen before have just arrived from Russia and Scandinavia. France is right across the Chanel and we might spot the white cliffs of Calais on a clear day. This is a lovely walk, flat and easy, great for beginners of for people who just want to spend a day out on the Coast without too many human activities around. The area is one of the prime migratory routes for birds in Britain and host an impressive list of rare bird species from around the globe over wintering. A colony of harbour seals also inhabit the nearby bay so we might even spot one or two at hight tide. [Sandwich Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich_Bay,_Kent) is home to [nature reserves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_reserve) and two world-class [golf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf) courses, [Royal St George's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_St_George%27s) and [Prince's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince%27s_Golf_Club,_Sandwich) where golfers are used to being interrupted by hunting short eared, barn and long eared owls, quite peculiar isn't it? The town is also home to many educational and cultural events. Sandwich also gave its name to [the food](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich) that you like by way of [John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Montagu,_4th_Earl_of_Sandwich), who didn't actually live in Sandwich... ATTENTION: PLEASE WEAR WARM CLOTHING. WE WILL STAY AT THE SAME SPOT FOR ABOUT an HOUR TO WAIT FOR THE OWLS and will spend some time in a hide for lunch to spot snipes, jack snipes, avocets and other birds. Those who wish are welcome to join for a delightful diner at a Turkish restaurant afterwards. It is located next to the station so if you prefer to head back home, just jump on the train. DISTANCE: 10 miles/16km DIFFICULTY: Easy/no major climb PRICE: £17 for the guide's fee £30 in cash for the return train journey. INCLUDED: Guide fee A lovely time with the loveliest people, also called Jonions NOT INCLUDED: Transport: Will cost about £30(roughly) for the return train ticket Please bring cash on the day to get a discounted group ticket. Food Anything not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: A packed lunch Cash for the transport Weather appropriate clothing(Think winter, you will get wet) Preferably hiking shoes, unless you wish your shoes to die. They will! MEETING POINT: London St Pancras at 9:30 am I will send the location when I am there. ATTENTION: Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 As you can see, my humour is terrible, good luck with that but know that I take care of my Jonions and read the bit about discrimination please, if you are racist, homophobic, cannot accept that people have other opinions or mental health issues, this might not be a trip for you. If you aren't any of the above, we will love you so, come on, press the button. POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection to any of our trips and this without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationality, people of all ages, sex and political believes and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 14 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our side, you will be fully refunded,

🌌Ever look up like I do and marvel with insatiable curiosity at both the beauty and wonder of the **universe?** That wild sobering thought that somewhere in the chaos of creation - the emergence of life - the universe became **conscious** enough to look back and ask the big questions; How it all started, our evolution and place in it, and where else in the cosmos other complex life might exist (almost every star you see at night has planets orbiting with up to **20 billion habitable exoplanets** easily in our galaxy alone!)? 🪐🌟🌟🌟 🌍Then RSVP to view the potential life harbouring moons of **Jupiter**, the 3I Atlas **interstella** **Comet** ☄️(estimated to be 8+ billion years old), the famous **Orion Nebula** where stars like our sun were born, the majestic rings of **Saturn**, the international space station, the Tau Ceti star system with **2 Earth like planets** orbiting in the habitable zone, remnants of **supernova** witnessed by our early ancestors plus a range of other fascinating celestial wonderments (comets, star systems, galaxies) over drinks and engaging chats and banter this Dec fully hosted by me - a passionate amateur astronomer and former global Journalist covering big picture stories including cutting edge science related ones. 🚀In between observing - we'll have **drinks and engaging chats** on all astronomy related topics for those inclined (Astrobiology, SETI/Femi Paradox, cosmology, space exploration, exoplanetology, astrophysics, paleontology etc) as well as non space chatter and banter too. No doubt I'll hear the usual jokes we've all heard hundreds of times before! If those don't make you laugh, then my impersonation of Los Angeles ET will! 👽 **======= Joining Astronomers Group & Telescopes =======** I'm able to take a limited number of people (please only RSVP if you can make it) to join my friendly informal relaxed London amateur astronomers' club that have been for over a decade with their regulars made up of up to about 150 people. As there will be people attending from this private Astronomers group as well as others from one of my other groups - the total attendees will be far higher than rsvps here and the public liability insurance only covers a max number of people - hence I need to impose strict limits on attendance. Over the years we have enjoyed numerous social evenings of stargazing and thought provoking chatter with people of all ages and varying levels of astronomy knowledge - so complete beginners that are genuinely curious about the universe are very welcome. If you are just looking to meet generic randoms then there are others groups that will better cater for that. The world renowed **BBC Television Sky at Night** also attended our events pre covid and interviewed some of us for it's show that aired on BBC1 in Feb 2019. BBC **Radio London** (94.9 FM / digital) were there Aug 2023 to cover our meteor shower event broadcasting live to millions of Londoners for 3 hours You don't need a telescope as you will be able to view through scopes belonging to me and other club members (as long as you behave responsibly and don't temper with expensive equipment). If you have your own telescope/binoculars feel free to bring along and I can help you setting it up if you're a newbie **==== Food & Drinks With Seating From Warm Indoor Cafe ====** Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cider only), hot drinks and food/snacks will be available to purchase from an indoor cafe at the observation point which Regent's park keep open exclusively for the astronomers group so please don't bring your own drinks **==== ITINERARY =====** We will meet outside Camden Station. After a short wait for anyone delayed, I will escort everyone to our observation point in the local park 15 minutes walk away and brief you in terms of what to expect, observing etiquette, tips, equipment handling and take any questions you have - weather general or astronomy/cosmology related. **After Drinks:** Unless I have a very important 9AM Thursday deadline for a client presentation or something that I'm still gonna be writing 2 mins before start - most of us usually head our way back to Camden for another drink. If so - I will annouce the pub when we leave the park **==== What Can You Expect To See (this time of year)? ====** * Orion Nebula * Jupiter and 4 moons * Meteors * Andromedia Galaxy * Saturn, rings & moon * Star clusters such as the Pleiades & Owl Cluster etc * International Space station fly by * Venus & Mercury * Binary & tripple star systems (think planet *Tatooine in* Starwars!), * Neptune * Uranuus * Mars * Our moon * A look towards the galactic centre where that supermassive £22b Labour black hole sits (Sagittarius A) More here from Jodrell Bank Observatory/Astrophysics Centre: [http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/](http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/) Guide to viewing the cosmos for beginners: [https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp](https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp) **===Weather Dependent=====** The event is subject to clear skies forecasts on the night so if on the actual afternoon of the event the weather forecasts looks unsuitable beyond doubt then I will postpone so please check the event status on the day of the event . If this event is still listed here at 5PM on the day, it will be going ahead at the designated day and time! Happy Stargazing Lucas Skywalker - The Singin, Dancin, DJin Astronomer

**Tired of passive sightseeing?** Put your brain and teamwork skills to the ultimate test in the heart of London! This isn't a tour—it's a **High-Energy Street Treasure Hunt Competition** designed for collaboration, discovery, and major bragging rights. If you love puzzles, competition, and meeting resourceful people, this is your mission. ### 🗺️ The Mission: Conquer Central London! You and your newly-formed international team will race across iconic districts, using scattered clues and secret creative prompts to unlock the city's hidden gems. Success depends on how well you can strategize, communicate, and solve puzzles together! #### **Your Action Zones & Challenges:** * **Outernet Data Drop:** Decipher the clues hidden within the latest digital art installations. * **The Big Ben Time Trial:** Uncover the secrets of the famous landmark's history under pressure. * **Trafalgar Square Art Heist (Photo Challenge):** Complete a set of hilariously creative photo prompts amidst London's grandest architecture. * **Reds vs. Blues: Icebreaker Trivia Titans:** Test your street smarts and London knowledge with interactive challenges that force your team to communicate closely for points! ### 🤝 What You Gain: More Than Just a Win! * **Intense Collaboration:** This event is specifically engineered to make sure you **bond quickly** with your teammates—making new international friends is a *side effect* of the competition! * **See London Differently:** Discover fascinating facts and hidden spots even locals miss, viewing the city as a giant game board. * **A Massive Sense of Achievement!** ### 🎟️ Ready to Accept the Challenge? * **Entry Fee:** Only **£10**, payable on site. This low cost ensures accessibility while supporting your passionate guides! * **What to Bring:** Good walking shoes 👟, a spirit of competition, and a waterproof jacket just in case! * **Can't Join in Person?** The adventure will be recorded 🎥—you can follow the drama afterward! **To sign up or ask for the start location, text your name to the Mission Control team immediately!** * Jingyi: +44 7487 832243 * Avi: +44 7391 692387 **Stop watching the game—start playing it! We'll see you at the starting line.**

Time for us to do another escape room as a group. We will be venturing out to Greenwich for Houdini Escape Rooms (Voted Trip Advisors #1 Escape Room in the World) for Friday Night Escape Rooms for the below: -Escape From Alcatraz -Escape From Titanic Following this we can head to local pub for a debrief #### Escape From Alcatraz FRAMED FOR A CRIME YOU DIDN'T COMMIT, WILL YOU PROVE YOUR INNOCENCE? The year is 1952, you have been convicted of multiple murders that you claim you're innocent of. With only an hour to go before your execution, surely it's too late for your brother to finally prove your innocence and save your life? ​Can you escape your prison cell in the infamous Alcatraz before the guards come to take you to the electric chair? #### Escape From Titanic THE QUEEN OF THE OCEAN IS ABOUT TO EXPERIENCE DISASTER! On April 10th 1912 the largest ship ever build left Southampton on her maiden voyage. She was called the ship of dreams, transporting people to New York in the height of luxury. ​Just 4 days into the journey disaster struck as she collided with an iceberg. On board, as first class passengers, with the impending doom; what would you do to escape the ill-fated ship? **Location** Hodini's Greenwich 161 Greenwich High Road, London. SE10 8JA Please enter via Davy’s wine vaults and make yourself known to the bar staff. One of our Games Masters will be alerted and will come and collect you. Nearest station/DLR - Greenwich **Cost** Cost is £35 to reserve your place and you can pay using paypal below: https://paypal.me/MeetupSaltyYoga or Message me for Bank Transfer If you can let me know which game you would like to play. There are only 6 X spots for Alcatraz and 6 X Spots for Titanic (Note they are at same time so can only do one). 12 spots in total. See the comments below to see availability as more people RSVP. **Schedule** 12:30pm - 1:00pm - Meet at Escape Rooms and get ready 1:00pm - 2:00pm - Escape Rooms 2:00pm + Debrief down local pub \*Note those later than 1:00pm will miss the briefing, if later that 10 mins later may not be able to play the game Any other questions just message me Chris

If you're looking for a fun and creative way to relax, Still Life Paint Social offers a wonderfully relaxed, untutored painting activity in the heart of Deptford. Running from 7pm – 10pm, it’s the perfect workshop for exploring your artistic side in a laid-back setting. Once people have settled in, we'll help you loosen up with a few fun drawing exercises, chat through some options for approaching your composition and then set you off to paint. This session is all about creative freedom. While it's an untutored activity, you'll quickly learn how to enjoy the simple process of playing with paint at your own pace. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, gathering your mates for something a bit different, or just flying solo for some creative downtime, this is a welcoming space to unwind and enjoy the vibe. There's absolutely no experience needed and no pressure – just good music, a creative atmosphere, and the time to experiment with paint.All essential painting materials are provided to get you started and the display is usually edible (so can be eaten if no one is painting specific parts). We have a licensed bar with drinks and some light nibbles available to make your workshop experience even more enjoyable. **What you'll get** * Access to a wide range of acrylic paints * An A4 canvas board and A3 card to paint on * Inspiring still life arrangements and optional templates to work from * Friendly, relaxed guidance if you want a little nudge to get going

Ready to ditch the boring tours? Join us for the **Unconventional Friend-Maker Tour**—your guaranteed pathway to **laughter 😂, making new friends from around the world 🌍**, and seeing London like a true local! **Important**: please register on this [page](https://www.meetup.com/your-london-exploration-family-of-fun/events/312296041/?recId=192b19e1-8a4b-4ad9-abe3-dfa3a03b2392&recSource=event-search&searchId=4d0daa5b-e84e-4382-aab8-dfd7f70c0bbb&eventOrigin=find_page%24all) (please click on the URL for the original event page). We are **unlike any other tour provider**; this is an active, social, and creative daytime adventure designed for connection. Don't just take our word for it: **our clients are 100% happy!** Please message either Jingyi: +44 &487 832243 or Avi: +44 7391 692387. 👏On this tour, you'll get to experience: * ✴ **Outernet:** Know the latest digital art piece. * 🎡 **London Eye:** Stroll along the iconic riverside, * **Big Ben:** Uncover the history of the famous big clock and feel the **vibrant, romantic energy** surrounding London’s most famous landmark. * 🥂 **Trafalgar Sqaure:** Immerse yourself in **London’s artistic elegance**, surrounded by grand architecture, lively culture, and the charm of the city’s sophisticated heart. \#\#\# 🎲 Games Designed for Friends & Fun This tour is built around interaction to ensure you leave with new connections: * 🤝 **Icebreaker Trivia Titans:** Test your London knowledge as we hit iconic spots! Expect **hilarious, interaction-based questions** that require you to **collaborate closely** with your teammates. * 📸 **The Ultimate Global Photo Challenge:** Forget stiff selfies! You'll receive a set of highly **creative photo prompts** for each neighbourhood. Capture amazing memories *with* your new international friends. * 🗺️ **Urban Treasure Hunt Twist (The Collaboration Catalyst):** Scattered clues and secret missions lead you between districts, forcing you to **team up and collaborate** with new friends to unlock the next stage of our journey. This is a high-energy, cross-cultural puzzle where teamwork means success! 🥳 This unique experience is **10 pounds,** payable on site. We believe in making our tours accessible to everyone while ensuring our passionate guides can continue to share their love for London. For those who can't join us in person, the journey will be recorded 🎥, so you can still be part of the adventure! 😎 Lace up your walking shoes 👟, bring your appetite and **waterproof jacket** in case of rain, and get ready for a memorable adventure that celebrates the best of London's diverse and delicious neighbourhoods.

Join us for a fun and relaxed cooking experience where students and young professionals can meet, network, and bond over food! Share stories, make new connections, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with like-minded people. No cooking skills required, just a willingness to have fun and make new friends!" 🍴👨‍🍳

Closes mid January: "Top secret. Redacted. Falsified. Forgotten. Unlock the secrets of history’s most mysterious maps." Tickets for this exhibition cost £20, and £10 with an Art Fund pass. £3 Universal/Pension Credit (ID required). Please book your own ticket: https://events.bl.uk/exhibitions/secretmaps I haven't used my Art Fund pass often enough yet to make it worthwhile, so I need to catch up. This exhibition sounds really interesting, come and join me! Where to meet: In the entrance hall to the right of the "open book" bench.

📈**GRADE 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5** —— **⛳️MEETING POINT & TIME** **Option 1️⃣** **👉🏻London Marylebone Train station** Main ticket Office \| **08:20** 👉🏻Train departure **08:42** ➡️ Princes Risborough **09:25** \| *Direct Train* **Option 2️⃣** **👉🏻**Outside **Princes Risborough train station** \| **09:30** —— **📍HIKE START** ***-* Princes Risborough** train station \| **09:40** 🏁**HIKE FINISH** ***-* Saunderton** train station \| **\~16:30-17:00** —— **📖SUMMARY** Enjoy a scenic 21.4km (13.3mi) journey through the **Chilterns National Landscape**, exploring peaceful beech woods, rolling hills and fascinating historic sites. Starting from Princes Risborough, we’ll make our way through **Bradenham Wood** and **Hangings Plantation** before stopping for a relaxed lunch break and an ⭐️**optional** **visit**⭐️ to the atmospheric **Hellfire Caves**. From there, we’ll follow an easy climb up to the impressive **Dashwood Mausoleum**, where sweeping valley views await. We’ll end with a gentle descent to Saunderton Station for a smooth journey home. —— **🌟HIGHLIGHTS** * **Bradenham Wood** – Classic Chilterns beech woodland with peaceful trails and gentle hills. * **Hangings Plantation** – Quiet forest paths and lovely viewpoints across the valley. * **Hellfire Caves Visit** – Explore one of the region’s most atmospheric and historic cave systems. https://www.hellfirecaves.co.uk/history * **Dashwood Mausoleum** – Commissioned in the 1760s by Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the notorious Hellfire Club and owner of West Wycombe Park. Built in a classical style and inspired by Italian architecture, it was intended as a grand memorial for the Dashwood family. The mausoleum stands beside the Church of St Lawrence and contains memorial plaques and urns dedicated to family members and close associates. Its prominent hilltop location made it both a statement of status and a symbolic landmark overlooking the Dashwood estate and the Chiltern Hills. —— **📈TRAIL DETAILS** * This is a **Point-to-Point** * **Princes Risborough *➡️* Saunderton** * **Distance** 21.4km (13.3mi) * **Total Ascent** 609m * **Total Descent** 595m * **Max elevation** 216m * **Duration** 5 hours including breaks * **Difficulty** 🥾🥾🥾**Grade 3/5** —— 💷**COST** **Free** This hike is completely **free to join** but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— **ℹ️ HELLFIRE CAVES TICKET INFORMATION** * During our lunch break, there will be an ⭐️**option to visit the Hellfire Caves**⭐️These unique and dramatic 18th century caves take you deep underground into the Chiltern hills. An atmospheric highlight not to miss ! * Cost **£9.50** * https://www.hellfirecaves.co.uk/history —— 🎟️ **TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION** * **Super Off-Peak Return London Marylebone 🔁 Princes Risborough (direct) with a Network Railcard is £19.30** (instead of the usual \~£29). * 💡If you’d like to join other hikers using a Network Railcard, please arrive earlier so we can organise small groups. Note that each card can cover up to 4 people. * More information at https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ —— 🎒 **WHAT TO BRING** * 1-2L water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera, binoculars —— ✅**WHO CAN JOIN** • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. • 👶 For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. • 🐾 We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. • ☑️ Everyone is welcome to RSVP, but to keep things fair for all members: \- If someone often cancels last minute or misses hikes without notice\, they may be placed on a waitlist or removed from the group for future events\. \- We do a quick check\-in on the day of the hike\, which helps us keep track and make sure spaces are available for those who really want to join\. —— ⚠️**SAFETY** As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk. —— 📌**NOTES** * This is a group hike led by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join. * A few wrong turns? That’s part of the fun! * While you're free to “hike your own hike,” we encourage group participation, get to know one another, make new friends, and enjoy the journey together. * Food options are limited en route, bring lunch. —— 🚨**DISCLAIMER** **Event Participation Disclaimer** * By signing up for an event we host, you acknowledge and agree to the following: * The organisers are not qualified hiking leaders, certified first aiders, or formally trained in navigation, survival, or any related disciplines. * These hikes are informal, self-guided gatherings of like-minded individuals. * The hosts expressly disclaim all responsibility and liability for any injuries, accidents, or safety incidents that may occur during participation. * Participation is entirely voluntary, and all attendees are solely responsible for their own safety and well-being. * These events are non-commercial and are organised purely as a recreational hobby, with no business or financial interests involved. * Hiking and outdoor activities inherently carry risks of personal injury. By choosing to participate, you accept these risks and take full responsibility for your own actions and decisions. —— 🚨**GENERAL GROUP POLICY** * Voluntary Participation: Attendance is at your own risk. The group and hosts bear no liability. * No Professional Duty of Care: Hosts are volunteers, not trained guides or medical professionals. * Insurance Is Your Responsibility: If desired, you must arrange your own personal insurance. * Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles at all times. * Emergency Preparedness: You are responsible for organising your own emergency plan. * Weather and Safety: Events may be cancelled or changed if conditions are deemed unsafe. * Self-Assessment Required: You must honestly assess your fitness and ability to keep pace with the group. * No Guaranteed Rescue: While help may be offered, full rescue capabilities should not be expected. * No Minors Without Guardians: Participants must be over 21. * Right to Refuse Participation: Hosts may turn away any individual who appears unprepared or poses a safety risk to others. * First Aid Preparedness Encouraged: It is highly recommended that each participant carries a small first aid kit for minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bites, and blisters. —— 🚨**FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT** * By attending this event, you confirm that you are participating voluntarily and at your own risk. Neither the host nor the group accepts responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage incurred.

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Join us at Easton Town Center for a casual evening of board gaming. Play from our library or bring one of your favorites to share. We usually bring along Catan, Ticket to Ride, Cascadia, etc... We'll be set up at the Donatos Pizza Party Room. It was free for us to reserve, but you may want to buy a drink or go in on a pizza. Why Easton? Although there aren't any board game stores / cafes here, it's a nice area. More importantly, this event coincides with LifeTime Fitness Parent's Night Out, so our kid will get babysat. If you happen to be a member of Lifetime you too can get free babysitting and play some games.