Trekking with Kids

This April, in celebration of Earth Day 🌍, join the **Save Soil Walkathon – Walk for Children** across cities in North America. Join us in supporting the Save Soil movement and help raise awareness about the importance of healthy soil for our future. Together, we can make a difference for our planet and generations to come. In Washington, DC, 1000s are expected to come together for a 3K walk 🛣️ on April 18th at the Washington Monument to raise awareness about soil health and protect our planet for future generations. Register: [savesoil.org/walkathon](savesoil.org/walkathon) Be part of this movement—let’s take a step for the Earth and our children. 🌱🚶‍♂️✨ If your organization would like to support this initiative or if you have any questions, please reach out to us at [washingtondc@ishausa.org](mailto:washingtondc@ishausa.org)

**Park Map/ MD Bus** *$36. Long hike: 13 mi., 2000 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 9 mi., 1000 ft. elevation gain.* The central section of the Maryland portion of AT provides one of the most popular hikes in Maryland on account of the views from Black Rock and Annapolis Rocks. Long hikers will start from Raven’s Rock Road, crossing Little Antietam Creek (a bridge is available about ¼ mile from the trail if the water runs high) and passing the Ensign Cowall shelter. Moderate hikers will begin at Wolfsville Road. All hikers will pass the Pogo campsite, and then take an optional spur trail to the Black Rock Cliffs overlook and a second optional spur trail to the view at Annapolis Rocks of the Hagerstown Valley, finishing at the parking area on Rte. 40. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- RESERVATIONS Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited on all trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Friday, but reserving before Wednesday night helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. We don't want to leave you behind! Because this is a paid event, we cannot offer a waitlist should the hike fill up. If spots subsequently open up, they will become immediately available to anyone and everyone. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep at least a 2 mph pace. BUS STOPS: MARYLAND ROUTING Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before times listed below. All our bus stops are Metro accessible. If you're driving to meet the bus, we strongly advise using the Grosvenor bus stop, as parking is extremely limited at the others. Bus stops and times are as follows (click links for maps): * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8. * **[Connecticut Ave. and Porter St,, NW, northeast corner](http://bit.ly/ConnecticutPorter)**. Bus briefly stops at the curb in front of the Broadmoor Apartments to pick up hikers about 8:10 a.m. * **[Connecticut Ave. and McKinley St., NW, southeast corner](http://bit.ly/ConnecticutMcKinley)**. Bus stops at the bus shelter in front of the Safeway to pick up hikers about 8:20 a.m. * **[Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station, North Bethesda](http://bit.ly/Grosv_Metro)**. Bus stops at the bus shelter nearest to Metro Station walkway entrance between the station and the parking garage about 8:30 a.m. LIABILITY By RSVP'ing for a CHC hike, you acknowledge and accept that hikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or club activities. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the hike. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full refund less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before 12PM the Thursday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after 12PM the Thursday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. MORE DETAILS -- **[SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](https://www.capitalhikingclub.org/hikes-faqs)** for answers to questions such as these and many more: * What should I bring on a hike? * Can things be left on the bus during the hike? * When will the bus return to the metro Washington DC area? * Can I drive my car and meet the bus at the hike destination? * Are dogs allowed on hikes?

Join the Prince George's Running Club for our 39th annual Springburst 10K and free Kids One Mile Fun-Run. The race will take place on Saturday, April 18th, starting at the Glenn Dale Splash Park. Pre-registration is required via RunSignUp. Registration and more race information here: [https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/GlennDale/Springburst10K](https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/GlennDale/Springburst10K)

We’re keeping this one super casual - just come hang out, meet people, and enjoy sunset on the rooftop. **Note:** We’re capping this meetup at 20 people to keep it small and intentional. Only 10 spots are available to RSVP on Meetup - feel free to join the waitlist and I’ll approve additional attendees until we reach capacity. Feel free to grab food from Union Market beforehand (around 6:30 PM - lots of options), then head up to Hi-Lawn around 7:00 PM. We’ll meet right by the entrance of the rooftop and then find a spot on the lawn to hang out. Whether you’ve already built something, are in the process of building something, or just want to connect - you’re welcome. Feel free to bring a blanket or something to sit on if you’d like.

The 6,300-acre Seneca Creek State Park, conveniently located in nearby Montgomery County, MD, may be most famous (or infamous) as the site of the filming of the mega-sleeper hit movie of the 90s, *The Blair Witch Project.* When the curious are not attempting to find other-worldly creatures in the dark, the Park's central features are Clopper Lake and the eponymous Seneca Creek. Our moderate 6-mile loop will feature views of both the lake and the stream, as well as a restored 19th-century cabin and the archeological remains of the Clopper estate. The park also has a peonies garden, which we will check out to see if they are in bloom. Cumulative elevation gain will be 600 feet. Bring water, lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, mud-worthy boots, $5 for trip fees, and $3 to reimburse your carpool driver. We will carpool at 10 a.m. from the Kiss & Ride section of the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station. For those interested, we will stop at a watering hole before returning back to Grosvenor. Please note: We will NOT be making a pit stop en route because of the very short drive, so be sure to pack your lunch with you. Though we plan to be home long before the witching hour, take extra care to sign the Adventuring release form if you intend to linger in the Park after dark. **NOTE:** Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you **RSVP** to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

It's been awhile since we have all been together to discuss and watch all things Star Trek. So let's do it in style. At this meetup we will watch a few episodes of Star Fleet Academy (we will be sure to have a no spoiler rule prior to watching). we will also have Star Trek Show and tell so bring your favorite item to share. the exact address of the location of the meetup will be shared via email to attendees three days prior to the event. please bring a dish to share. we have cats but they will be safely away from the area we are in. medicate if you need to. see you soon!

**NOW ONLINE** The weekly Sunday morning (10:30 am to 12 noon) class begins with a welcome, short reflection on an aspect of the teachings, and includes an arriving meditation (15 minutes) that will often incorporate poems and may end with a reflection or question. The opening meditation is followed by an invitation to each person to share their name and a few words (for example, what is alive for them right now or what their intention is for the class or the day). The sharing has been a powerful support to help welcome new people, get to know each other, and build community/sangha. Following a brief period of mindful stretching/movement, we finish with a longer meditation (25-30 minutes) and final reflections on the teachings, sharing, Q&A, and announcements. Class participants are welcome to stay and engage with other members of the community or adjourn to a neighboring restaurant or coffee shop. This space is inclusive, everyone is welcome, and we invite you to bring with you all aspects of yourself. Learn more here: https://imcw.org/Calendar/Event-Calendar/EventId/3686/e/drop-in-class-livestreamed-19-apr-2020

It’s finally gorgeous weather for hiking! Let’s visit Billy Goat Trail! We’re going to rock scramble on Section A. This section is 1.75 miles and considered by National Park Service as technical and strenuous, with rugged terrain of the trail involving a 50ft steep cliff face ascension. Meeting Point: free parking lot near the trail, but NOTE this parking lot fills up very quickly very early https://maps.app.goo.gl/FisVVrYkULSRjzNf6?g_st=ic Pets: not allowed by NPS on this section Duration: 2-3 hours Attire: hiking shoes HIGHLY recommended \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

## Lake Artemesia Walk Join us for a relaxed, social walk around the scenic Lake Artemesia loop in College Park. This is an easy-paced group walk—perfect for fresh air, light exercise, and good conversation. We’ll complete the paved lakeside loop (\~1.5–2 miles) at a comfortable pace, enjoying peaceful water views, birds, and greenery along the way. Those who want to go around the lake multiple times, can do so. ### Meeting Point Parking lot of Lake Artemesia Berwyn Rd & Branchville Rd Entrance College Park, MD 20740 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\.

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

Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in! We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind. If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.

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 for me - with 21 to go (plus more are being added).

Let’s walk the gardens and enjoy what has spring has on display.