Sea Kayaking

**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

Details: Saturday, April 25th Meet-up 11:00AM First Ride: 12:00PM Location: Union Station Fountain Second Ride: ~3:30PM Third Ride:~ 7:00PM Sunday, April 26th Intro2Speed DC Track Day Track Setup: 10: 23050 Pacific Blvd. Parking Sterling, VA 20166 Join us next weekend to kick-off the 2026 warm weather riding season! Each year, the DCESK8 Season Opener is a celebration of the end of winter, when you can cruise the city in shorts, a t-shirt, and the wind in your face. We will be meeting up on Saturday in Lower Senate Park at 11AM with three rides planned for the day. Stay tuned for plans between rides #1 and #2. Then, on Sunday, we will be hosting an Intro2Speed DC track session to hone our technical and racing skills. Participation is free! All PEVs are welcome! The vibes are immaculate! So come on down and let's start the 2026 riding season with a banger!

This Saturday lets run to the National Mall! We will start at Roosevelt Island at the crosswalk in the center of parking lot. (Note there is an alternative meeting spot, it is right on the Custis trail, on the North side of Gateway Park, near Langston Blvd and Lynn St; it will be clearly marked as the meeting spot if conditions are bad on a given Saturday. Ignore this unless told otherwise. Afterwards stay for coffee, we'll wander up to Rosslyn and either meet in Compass or, if the weather is nice enough, at the Plaza opposite the Metro. Note: Photos taken during the event may end up on Instagram, Meetup, Strava and similar platforms. \|LOCATION: Roosevelt Island Parking Lot. Use this map to locate the parking lot ([https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B053'48.2%22N+77%C2%B004'02.1%22W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B053'48.2%22N+77%C2%B004'02.1%22W)) [GPS: 38°53'51.99"N 77° 4'3.24"W]. To help new people find the group, please meet in the middle of the parking lot. Please meet 10 min. before the start time. Alternative location, ONLY when indicated, on the Custis trail, on the North side of Gateway Park, near Langston Blvd and Lynn St: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SNFYSkFv9rRQed37](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SNFYSkFv9rRQed37) PACE and MILEAGE: All paces are welcome! We'll be doing an out and back route, so everyone will just turn around at the halfway time marker. We generally average from 8-12 min/miles and run for fifty minutes. But, you can run any amount of time or mileage. And if you need to walk, it's not a problem either, everyone needs to start somewhere! ROUTE: The usual route is [https://onthegomap.com/s/7r0gvj5r](https://onthegomap.com/s/7r0gvj5r). It may vary occasionally. The full circuit works out to around 8:30 min/mile for a 50 minute run. Slower paces can turn around earlier, faster paces can run farther. PARKING: Use this map ([http://bit.ly/i2dWD0](http://bit.ly/i2dWD0)) to find parking in Rosslyn. There are parking lots at Roosevelt Island and above the Continental Lounge. There are also meters and pay garages. DIRECTIONS: For those of you driving to Roosevelt Island, please note that the parking lot is only accessible from the NORTHBOUND lane of GW parkway. You will see it right after the Roosevelt Bridge. Also whenever it is warmer the parking lot fills up really quickly. You are strongly advised to use alternative travel or park in Rosslyn. They do ticket illegally parked cars at the island!! METRO: Orange or blue to Rosslyn. From N. Moore St, turn left; right onto 19th St; cross Lynn St. and turn left; take the trail on the right just before the Key Bridge.

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez intermédiaire/avancé ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with a glass of wine, appetizers and drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from intermediate to native fluency. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez intermédiaire/avancé ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with a glass of wine, appetizers and drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from intermediate to native fluency. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING*** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vv1wxZAR1k](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vv1wxZAR1k)

I have been told to visit the Brighton Dam Azalea Garden at peak bloom for years because, as you can see, it is apparently stunning. Well, I'm finally putting it on the calendar. Annnnd, we'll get the full view from the water, not having to battle the crowds onshore. We will launch into Triadelphia from the Greenbridge Boat Ramp. Give yourself extra time to be in the water by 10:30, as the ramp is narrow and it is not easy to unload at the waters edge. We will head straight for the garden and spend some time there taking photos. From there, we'll paddle back further into the reservoir and explore two of the larger coves. Total distance should be about 4 miles and we'll be wrapped up around 12:30. This is event is suitable for kayaks and canoes (but not inflatables). WSSC does not allow paddle boards on their reservoirs and has been getting more serious about enforcement. If you've got a seat attachment for your SUP and can paddle it sitting down, I *think* you're in the clear. As always, you must WEAR, not just carry your life jacket/PFD. **WSSC requires a watershed use permit.** Permits are $6.25 per day or $72 for the year. I heard that they increased the fine for not having one to $100. You can purchase them online at: [https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces](https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces)

## 🛼 Sunday City Skate: Potomac Loops & Kalorama Heights Since **Freedom Plaza** is still closed for construction, we are shifting our starting point slightly to the **WWI Memorial**! This 12-mile intermediate loop is a classic D.C. tour, hitting scenic bridges, urban climbs, and historic neighborhoods. *** ### 🕒 THE SCHEDULE * **10:00 AM:** Meet at the **WWI Memorial** (Pershing Park, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave NW). * **10:10 AM:** Rollout sharp! ### 📍 THE ROUTE (12.1 Miles) This intermediate-level route offers a mix of scenic views and urban challenges: * **Downtown & Georgetown:** Warming up through the city. * **The Bridges:** Cross the **Key Bridge** into Rosslyn and return via the **Roosevelt Bridge** past the Kennedy Center. * **The Climb:** Push through the hills of **Adams Morgan** and the beautiful embassy-lined streets of **Kalorama**. * **The Finish:** A smooth descent back through Georgetown to wrap things up where we started. **Route Map:** https://onthegomap.com/s/b79a2mqf *** ### 🎒 WHAT TO BRING * **HELMETS ARE REQUIRED** for all Washington Area Roadskaters events. * Wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads are strongly recommended. * Water and a way to carry your shoes (skate leash or backpack). * Ensure your hardware (axles and bolts) is tightened before arrival. ### ⚠️ SKILL LEVEL **Intermediate:** You should be confident maintaining a steady pace of 10-12 mph, navigating city traffic, managing moderate hills/descents, and performing reliable stops in various conditions. *** *Washington Area Roadskaters is a community of skaters dedicated to promoting safe and fun skating in the D.C. metro area. Join us for the roll!* For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you Sunday!

Below is the alltrails link to the hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/maryland/capital-crescent-trail We will only be doing 3 miles overall in this hike, out and back. Parking and Metro Access: Park in the garage near 7150 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815. Or park on the streets----- street-parking is free on Sundays. For metro: just get down at Bethesda metro station. We will meet at the trailhead next to the Ourisman Honda, check out the photo section of this event for a visual of the location. Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

**THIS IS ONLY IF YOU ALREADY SIGNED UP!** NEW POLICY IS IN PLACE FOR THE OPENER. THEY ARE REQUIRING A $ 75.00 DOLLAR DEPOSIT. PLEASE MAIL YOUR CHECK TO MICHAEL BUCHANON 6619 AMBAR AVE CINCINNATI OH 45230. MAKE CHECK OUT TO ASGA CINCINNATI. CALL TAMMIE WITH ANY QUESTIONS. 513 309-2633 The Virtues golf getaway will be our Season Opener trip! Staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Heath **NOTE Hotel may change** **Double occupancy** $440 includes **2 nights stay**, **3** rounds of golf **Single Occupancy** $570 includes **2 nights stay**, **3** rounds of golf **Double occupancy** $360 includes **2 night stay,** ***2*** *rounds of golf* **Single occupancy** $490 includes **2 night stay**, **2** round of golf. **Double occupancy** $295 includes **1 night stay, 2** rounds of golf **Single occupancy** $360 includes **1 night stay 2** rounds of golf Please read the accommodations carefully. The hotel includes breakfast. **You will pay in full including the hotel at the Virtues Golf Club Sunday.** **There are 6 doubles and 5 singles reserved for this event.** The hotels are booked for graduation. The sooner we sign up the better. Here is the schedule... Friday.. Eaglesticks Golf Club 11:54 Sat... Dennison 9:00 Sun... The Virtues Golf Course 9:10 **Dinner Friday is at 7:15 TBD** **Dinner Saturday is at 5:30 1922 on the Square 10 N Park Pl Newark** ***Please answer the following questions \*\*\*\**** **I need to know if you are a single or double and who you are rooming with. How many nights are you staying and rounds of golf.** **Also if you are a double or single requesting a King bed. There are a limited number of Kings so 1st come 1st served**

**We'll hike 3.4 miles on the Killdeer and Yellowlegs Trails - both out and back gravel trails. If we want more mileage we can repeat an out and back. Pace of around 3.5 mph, no one left behind and those who want to go faster sure can!** **As always optional lunch after.** **This is the second Metro Park in the lineup - with 21 to go (plus more are being added).** **Also I have a conflict and am not available so have asked Karin to lead!**