Sharing Travel Experiences

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Since Kyle had left us to carry on the PATC cabin tradition, I wanted to book a cabin for a nice weekend of hopefully wintery hiking. But as luck would have it, both Jones and Corbin cabin are closed for the season so we’ll have to try something new. I’ve been to this cabin with 11 other friends (and everybody did not hate each other afterwards) so I can say that the good news is, it will probably be warmer inside than the usual cabins. The bad news is that will be because this is a pretty small one room cabin with 4 bunk beds next to each other dorm style. So if you want to have some nice bonding time with up to 11 of your best DCUL friends, come and join us! I will start this at 8 but there are 4 double beds so if anyone has a buddy or partner they don't mind sharing a bed with, let me know and we could add a couple more. The plan is to meet at Vienna at 4, drive down and hike in about 4 miles on Friday to the cabin, do about 20 miles of hiking on Saturday and enjoy post-hike merriment, and then on Sunday spend the morning lumberjacking for wood to replenish the cabin wood supply and then hike out. I will post some ideas for the saturday hike as we get closer. The cabin does have a wood stove; however, you should still treat this as winter conditions and have everything you would need to stay safe without the wood stove. You should also have some form of shelter (tarp, emergency bivy, etc) to bring with you on the day hike in case of emergencies. And finally, bringing a fun food or drink to share with the cabin on Saturday is also encouraged. ***The Fine Print:*** See DC UL's winter rankings here: [https://dculbackpacking.com/about/tripranks/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/tripranks/) **Cabin cost:** Please pay me $14.50 for the cost of the cabin, venmo is @Madeline-Beaudry and paypal is @madelinebeaudry1 **Maps:** DCUL'ers have maps! Some options: * GPX: https://caltopo.com/m/T6ULGAQ * PATC Map 11 ([PATC store link](https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/product.jsp?product=20&catalogId=2&)) **Waiver**: By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)) COVID-19 policy: [https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/) **Dues**: 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](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15)** ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.) **Carpool**: As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile. From Vienna, that is roughly $25 for this trip depending on the route

* Experience a practice that encourages intentional & gentle movement, as well as stillness & observation * Experience mobility & flexibility for the whole body * Experience a gentle strength practice * Options encouraged, practice tailored for you * In person, online or recorded * Typically also offered weekly on Mondays & Tuesdays * Reserve your space: [https://square.link/u/jF5cSTGh](https://square.link/u/jF5cSTGh)

**NEW ADDITIONAL LOCATION – Join us in Virginia for the Arts of Life: A meditative, creative journey with local artist Nancy Burbridge.** Join us every third Friday of the month in Virginia from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM for an afternoon of creativity, relaxation, and self-discovery. In this interactive session, you will learn how to draw, paint, and explore the beauty within, cultivating the best version of yourself in a serene and supportive environment. Come experience the magic of art and meditation as tools for self-expression and inner growth. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore! We can't wait to see you there! Fri., Jan. 16th, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Held at the Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/JNzf4](https://shorturl.at/JNzf4)

* Experience a variety of rolling techniques to help release tension patterns & create space in the body using the Yamuna balls * All levels encouraged, practice tailored for you * In person, online or recorded * 8 spaces available * https://perpetualwellness.net * Some of YBR benefits: Decreases pain Stimulates bone Lengthens muscles Improves alignment Improves circulation Ability to help yourself Increases range of motion Increases awareness of the breath Deepens the relationship & understanding of one's body, how it works & what it needs

Dieser Stammtisch findet jeden Monat am ersten und dritten Freitag statt. Kommen Sie doch mal vorbei, um Deutsch zu sprechen und nette Leute kennenzulernen!

Adoption & Info Day with Furever Haven 🐾 Stop by to meet the team from Furever Haven, a local 501(c)(3) rescue doing great work for dogs in need 🐶❤️ Chat with volunteers, learn more about fostering or adopting, hear a few rescue stories, and meet some adoptable pups. Grab a beer 🍻, hang out, and support a good cause.

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching.

Join fellow members of the Virginia Women's Travel Group at the DC Travel & Adventure Show. Meet a new travel buddy to explore the show with. The DC Travel & Adventure show is being held at the Washington, DC Convention Center. We'll meet directly outside the show (Hall C). Attendees are responsible for purchasing their own show tickets. **By Metro:** The Convention Center sits atop the **Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center station,** served by Metro's Green and Yellow lines. Alternatively, take the Red Line to the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station, which is a 5-minute walk from the Convention Center.

***Registration required at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy -*** [Birding Algonkian - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-algonkian-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. This bird walk takes place each month except December. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands and grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot.

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Our monthly meeting: Opportunity to introduce yourself, learn about each other, discuss travel ideas, possibly plan a trip together and make new friends! At this meeting, we will determine our Feb20-22 weekend trip!

Meet for coffee and let’s discuss fun travel ideas and past trips.

Let’s meet at Sweet Greens and discuss travel plans. Hope to see you all there.

Let’s get outside and explore the beautiful Great Falls Park. **No Fees ** We’ll take in the stunning river views, walk the scenic trails together, and afterwards head to a nearby spot for our signature sips and bites. The Plan • What: Group Hike + Lunch • Where: Riverbend Park , McLean (about 15 miles from D.C.) • Hike: 12:00 PM • Lunch: Right after at Mookie’s BBQ Looking forward to a fun and refreshing day outdoors!

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

Dulles Town Center Mall Hike: Meet at the entrance to the right of the Regal Movie Theater. A Test of Endurance Join us for a 6-mile trek through the treacherous terrain of Dulles Town Center mall. This hike is rated as physically easy, but don't be fooled - the mental challenges will push even the most seasoned hikers to their limits. Hazards Include: The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked Cinnabon, threatening to derail even the most disciplined of diets. Endless rows of high-end storefronts, beckoning you to indulge in some serious retail therapy. Balmy 70-degree temperatures, lulling you into a false sense of comfort. Blinding fluorescent lights, capable of disorienting even the most experienced navigator. Will You Emerge Victorious? Afterwards we'll head over to The Bungalow Lake house 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling, VA 20165 for their delicious brunch cuisine.