Sierra Nevada

## Details Hello everyone! We climb at Crystal City Movement every Monday. Please read rest of the description carefully. We mostly do tope rope climbing but we can arrange bouldering sessions as well. If you prefer lead climbing please post on the comments to find your belay partner. \#\# Requirements * If you are not a Movement member, you'll get a daily pass. If you don't have the equipments you can rent them in the gym. * Please sign the waiver through: [https://movementgyms.com/waiver/](https://movementgyms.com/waiver/) * You can get a discounted day pass and free rental gear if you say you are here for my meetup All skill levels are welcome! If you are totally new to climbing and want to do top rope, then you have to have a belay certificate. In order to do that; * You can check Movement gym Intro to Rope Climbing class : [https://movementgyms.com/crystal-city/climbing/classes/](https://movementgyms.com/crystal-city/climbing/classes/) * After the course, you should do the 'Belay Check' which can be done as soon as 24 hours after you take the class. The test takes around 15 mins so it can be done before the climbing session. Before your first visit you may want to check the related webpage: [https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/) \#\# Where to meet To find us go down the stairs in front of the front desk. We will meet around the benches next to climbing walls.

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“George Washington Never Declared Independence,”** an exploration of our first president’s evolving American identity, with Denver Brunsman, associate professor of history at George Washington University and scholar of the American Revolution and early American republic. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-washington-never](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-washington-never) .] With our nation’s 250th anniversary approaching, it’s time for a fresh assessment of one of the key figures who got the ball rolling. Trace the unconventional steps that George Washington took in embracing American citizenship, separate from his status as a British colonial subject, with historian Denver Brunsman, a Profs and Pints fan favorite and the author of the forthcoming book *George Washington and His World: Enslaver, Revolutionary, President.* It will be the ninth time Professor Brunsman has given an annual talk tied to Presidents’ Day and George Washington’s Birthday, and each has been a blast, featuring odes to America’s first president and ending in historic toasts. You’ll learn how George Washington missed the fiery debates that marked the political process culminating in Congress approving independence on July 2, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence two days later. That’s because he had been leading the Continental Army against British forces for the past year. As a result, Washington never signed the Declaration or, for that matter, formally declared independence. Instead, Washington had followed a more evolutionary path to an American identity. The process began during the Seven Years’ War from 1756 to 1763 and continued during the Imperial Crisis of the 1760s and 1770s, when he traded tobacco for wheat as the primary cash crop at Mount Vernon. It crystalized in his command of American forces. The upshot was that Washington embraced a separate American identity months, even years, before most of his fellow revolutionaries. You’ll embrace learning history after hearing Denver Brunsman discuss this founding father’s fight for freedom. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: “Washington Taking Command of the American Army–At Cambridge, Massachusetts, July 3rd, 1775,” an 1876 Currier & Ives lithograph (Metropolitan Museum of Art).

Mt. Vernon offers free admission on the 16th. We could also go either to Huntley Meadows or Belle View marina for a walk. It will be up to the attendees. [Dishes of India |Order Online Food| Catering Services in Alexandria, VA](https://www.dishesofindia.com/) ## [Mon2/16](https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/alexandria/22314/daily-weather-forecast/331249?day=10) [48° /30°](https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/alexandria/22314/daily-weather-forecast/331249?day=10) [0%](https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/alexandria/22314/daily-weather-forecast/331249?day=10) Mostly cloudy in the morning followed by sun through high clouds in the afternoon **Real Feel® 53\***

If you're looking for a casual game of chess in a fun atmosphere, this event is for you! Members range from beginner to expert level, and games are played both with and without time controls. They meet upstairs, on the mezzanine. Upon arrival, fill out a name tag and indicate your relative skill, to help facilitate match-ups. Club sets are available, though members are welcome to bring their own as well. They don't have club clocks, but most people use the Chess Clock app from Chess.com to play timed games. More info at https://www.meetup.com/chess-on-tap/ Hosts: Leith W. and Ryan C.

Let's try out a new venue that just started playing the District Trivia game! True Food Kitchen is a restaurant in the Mosaic District of Merrifield serving lots of healthy food, with some of it actually being palatable. It it a mellow and relaxing place to play! Parking is available in the adjacent "Market Garage" (that also houses Target). Team limit for this event is FOUR people. Try to arrive a little early to grab a table and get all set up. See you there!

Presidents Walking Tour of Historic Alexandria, Virginia, Monday, Feb. 16! Take a stroll around Alexandria’s cultural & historic core, with a focus on the U.S. Presidents who've had a mark on the place. These include, most prominently, Washington and Lincoln, but many others as well. Take in the GW parade, perhaps, then walk in Washington's footsteps. Old Town drips with an astonishing dense array of famous persons and historical events, and eye-catching architecture. Immerse yourself in one of America’s most fascinating locales. Meet at the Lyceum, 201 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314 Fee: Prices start at $22. About 2 hours in length. Pre-register and Pre-pay at-- Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/presidents-day-tour-of-historic-alexandria-virginia-monday-feb-16-tickets-1982938054099?aff=oddtdtcreator Or PayPal, sending $22 to: paypal.me/EMoser460 Or pay $22 in cash at the start of the tour. Fun itinerary will select from: • Hometown of Presidents, Generals, Admirals, Musicians, Educators • Schools founded by George and Martha • The noted architects behind its stunning architecture • Locale of a famous Confederate, and Union Army, sculptor • The worst peacetime accident in Navy history • How the town started a world war • Locale of the biggest slave escape in U.S. history • Historic churches and cemeteries from revolutionary days • George and Martha’s home away from Mt. Vernon • Civil rights sit-downs and Underground rails • The site of the first six Presidential inaugural balls • The nation’s narrowest houses • Where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were hatched • The first fatalities of the Civil War • The ghostly Mysterious Stranger • World-famous "Captain's Row" • The floating mansion • An in-town Civil War battle • A presidential fistfight • The Curse of the Black Cat • The family that got Pierre L'Enfant fired • Graves of the Civil War and the "Second American Revolution" • The horrific attack on a Revolutionary War hero And more! Your guide is a former “Tonight Show” writer, an ex-Presidential speechwriter, & author of the new adventure novel rooted in Alexandria's rich history, The Old Town Horror-- https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic/dp/B0BW2WR85N/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= And this book on D.C.’s history, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: Crime, Scandal & Intrigue in the History of Lafayette Square: https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette/dp/1476674868/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1555118270&sr=1-1-catcorr And a book of fun essays on U.S. history & culture: https://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should/dp/1596525495 Also a book on the history of Congress: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJoCU6LsCM And his latest, a spy thriller set in Georgetown: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5 The Guide's tours are rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor!: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html Think history’s dull? Think again! Lots of free street parking on the side streets south of King St. Nearest metro stop is King St., with a free trolley bus from there. Take with a lovely, informative walk through America's most historic town.

**IMPORTANT - READ** This is a by law 10 person limit capacity trip, If you are NOT 100% committed please do ***NOT RSVP*** **Survival Mode Winter Backpacking** The Dolly Sods Wilderness — originally simply Dolly Sods — 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 for the free bird and adventure spirit. A legend from the 1800 say: "In Randolph County, Virginia, is a tract of country containing from seven to nine hundred square miles, entirely uninhabited, and so savage and inaccessible that it has rarely been penetrated even by the most adventurous. The settlers on its borders speak of it with a sort of dread, and regard it as an ill-omened region, filled with bears, panthers, impassable laurel-brakes, and dangerous precipices. Stories are told of hunters having ventured too far, becoming entangled, and perishing in its intricate labyrinths. The desire of daring the unknown dangers of this mysterious region, stimulated a party of gentlemen . . . to undertake it in June, 1851. They did actually penetrate the country as far as the Falls of the Blackwater, and returned with marvelous accounts of its savage grandeur, and the quantities of game and fish to be found there." Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and lifeforms normally found much farther north in Canada. To the north, the distinctive landscape of "the Sods" is characterized by stunted (“flagged”) trees, wind-carved boulders, heath barrens, grassy meadows created in the last century by logging and fires, and sphagnum bogs that are much older. To the south, a dense cove forest occupies the branched canyon excavated by the North Fork of Red Creek. The name derives from an 18th century German homesteading family — the Dahles — and a local term for an open mountaintop meadow — a "sods". State: West Virginia Counties: Grant, Randolph, Tucker Elevation: 3,734 ft (1,138.1 m) Coordinates: 38.972729, -79.397824 Download the Dolly Sods Trail Map here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=12366 **Trail details:** Friday night we will hike about 1 mile and camp around Red Creek and Little Stonecoal trail intersection (wild camp), next day morning (Saturday) we will break camp and head North-West following Little Stonecoal trail (TR552 on map) to Dunkenbarger trail (TR558) to Big Stonecoal trail (TR513) to Blackbird Knob trail (TR511) to Rocky Ridge trail heading north to the intersection of Dobbin Grade (TR526) trail and to our next camping location on the plateau, about 10 miles trek, enjoy the scenery and dinner. Next morning (Sunday) head east on Dobbin Grade trail (TR526) heading to Upper Red Creek trail (TR 509) and from there all the way south to Red Creek trail (TR514) and to the parking lot area, this section will be about 10 miles trek for a grand total of 20-22 miles weekend trek so "make sure" to wear your most comfortable hiking boots. **Note:** Doe to local stream wether conditions to be face, we may not even make half way but we will fight and give all what we have and go as far as we can, so, be prepare. **Gear list:** Note: Make sure you are 100% water proof. What you need to bring: 1.) Tent - Sleeping pad - 0 or -20F Sleeping bag 2.) 2 pieces rain suit 3.) 3 extra pair of socks - 1 will stay on the car 4.) Backpacking stove + pot/cup/dish/spoon 5.) Dehydrate food 6.) Big mouth bottle for drinking water - NO camel back 7.) Snacks/sandwich/power bar or equivalent, etc. 8.) Saturday and Sunday we will refuel from a stream or melting snow. 9.) Warm jacket whit hud, hat and water proof globes, Balaclava 10.) Water proof shoes-boots 11.) Extra pair of shoes (one stay in the car) 12.) Gaiter (Must have) 13.) Liquid fuel cooking stove (Gas canister do not work in freezing temperatures) 14.) Googles 15.) Micro spikes (Must have) 16.) Snow shoes "Mandatory to bring" (You wont be allowed to join us if you don't bring this piece of gear) **General meetup location:** Vienna Metro Station - 7:30pm Time driving:3 hr. each way Google driving direction from Vienna metro: 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 by just posting a message!!

Come join us in call and response chanting (kirtan) of ancient mantras! Mantras are melodic phrases in the ancient language of Sanskrit that allow us to travel beyond the incessant ruminations of our mind and touch a part of ourselves that can only be reached by the sound of our own voices. The self calling out to the SELF and being heard! This event is free, but donations are appreciated 🙏🏾 Devadas is a kirtaniya, composer and artist hailing from Brooklyn, New York. He leads kirtans throughout the world and has recorded a wide variety of acclaimed CDs, including his latest releases, 3 Prayers and Radio Nada. In 2012, Devadas collaborated with indie-rock icon J Mascis to produce and record the film score for the feature documentary One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das. Devadas produced Nina Rao’s chant album, Antarayaami, and in 2016 launched the Lokah Peace Project, an online and ever-expanding video project aimed at inspiring reflection, empathy and harmony.

*RESCHEDULED from Feb. 5* If winter weather cooperates, this will be a moderate 5.7-mile loop hike in Rock Creek Park. We will start on the Western Ridge Trail and proceed north past Military Road, connect to the Valley Trail to return south, and finish with a visit to Pierce Mill and back to our starting point. **Meeting Point**: I recommend using the GPS coordinates below with Google Maps or another mapping application to get to the meeting point. I've added an alternative place to park in case the first parking lot is full. The two lots are about 1/4 mile apart. **Meet at:** Parking lot for Picnic Grove #2 North (space for about 10 cars) * **Address:** Beach Drive NW &, Broad Branch Rd NW, Washington, DC 20008 * **GPS Coordinates:** 38.94365251382421, -77.05048751390072 **Alternative Parking:** Parking lot for Picnic Grove #28 (space for about 5 cars) * **Address:** Ross Dr NW, Washington, DC 20008 * **GPS Coordinates:** 38.94605569126567, -77.05053042924311 **Meeting Time:** Plan to arrive at 9:45 so you will be able to meet everyone and sign the PATC waiver. Once the waiver is signed, we will begin the hike; w**e will begin walking at 10:00 AM.** Please be punctual as my hikes begin on time. **Route:** This AllTrails route map is divided into 3 segments. I will also post a single segment route prior to the date. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/custom-route-0bc7233 Here is an AllTrails route with a single segment in case you want to import this into a navigation device: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/rock-creek-western-ridge-valley-trails-46f065c?u=i&sh=fuqxr6 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Peter; 703-999-9435. Call or text as needed.

Whatsupdc. presents Salonhouse, an intimate house-concert venue where music, dialogue, and community converge. These unique experiences dissolve the boundaries between artist and audience, creating a shared space for connection. Through compelling performances and thought-provoking discussions, Salonhouse invites listeners to engage deeply with the art and with one another. It’s more than a concert - it’s a place to come together, connect, and explore the sounds, ideas, and stories that shape us. Doors: 7PM Show: 8PM Named a 2025 Tiny Desk Top Shelf artist, singer-songwriter Taisha Estrada has been making waves in DC’s music scene since her arrival. Estrada engages audiences with a vibrant stage presence and is known for her powerful, genre-fluid voice and vulnerable, bilingual lyricism. Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the rhythms of bomba y plena were an integral part of Taisha’s upbringing. Her debut record “Nostalgia Ajena” (released in April 2023), pays homage to these roots. Since then, Estrada has made a conscious effort to expand her artistry beyond Latin music. Her latest release, a single entitled “El Abstracto,” earned Estrada the Tiny Desk recognition, revealing a more assured composer. https://partiful.com/e/usGrOzh8cGmCBsiokuUR?source=share&fbclid=PAZnRzaAP4xG1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaf9NUtqWhubAezmVL8qkJiI8ip0jx_svI6xSzFwF1yGLme3RaYa5R-HANU0kQ_aem_n_7qDhF-OAjBa3iDx-ZkHA

Visit an area of Rock Creek Park frequented by President Theodore Roosevelt 100 years ago. This 3.1 - mile loop hike travels through the forest and along the creek, following the route identified by pink tape wrapped around wooden posts and along the trail. It's rated as moderate due to narrow dirt trails, gentle ascents and rolling hills. There are obstructions such as rocks and tree roots along the path, and if it's rained recently, it could be slippery. Trail Map: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/boulder-bridge-hike.htm Meeting Point: Rock Creek Park, Picnic Grove #1, Washington, DC Meeting Time: 10:00 am Distance: 3.1 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Pace: Moderate (2.5 miles/hr) Elevation gain: 337 ft Duration: 2 hours Type of trail: Dirt, stones, rocks, tree roots TRANSPORTATION By Metro, option #1: Take the Red line to Van Ness/UDC. Exit the station and head three blocks south along Connecticut Avenue, making a left on Tilden Street, NW. Walk down the hill until you see Peirce Mill on your left and Shoemaker Street on your right. Turn onto Shoemaker street and walk to the picnic area parking lot. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the Metro. By Metro, option #2: Take the Red line to the Cleveland Park station. Exit the station on the east side, and follow Connecticut Avenue north, past Porter Street, NW. Just after the Wilshire Park Condominium (on your right), turn right onto the Melvin C Hazen Trail. Follow this trail about half a mile, with several easy stream crossings through natural wooded terrain. Turn left at Western Ridge Trail, and follow the parking lot to the picnic grove. It's about a 17 minute walk from the Metro. By Car: The Rock Creek Park Picnic Grove #1 parking lot is off Tilden Street, NW, across from Peirce Mill. Dog friendly?: Yes. Please keep your dog leashed at all times. Bathroom Facilities: Located at the Rock Creek Grove 1 parking lot, and mid-hike at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. Food/Water: Bring your own vegan snack and (non-alcoholic) beverage to enjoy after the hike at the picnic area near Peirce Mill and the parking lot. Please carry plenty of water! Weather: Be prepared! We will hike rain or shine, but if conditions pose a danger, we’ll cancel the hike and post a notice in the “comments” section. We suggest that hikers wear comfortable footwear and suitable clothing made from quick-dry, synthetic fabrics, as cotton can lead to uncomfortable blisters and life-threatening hypothermia in case of inclement weather. *For important updates regularly monitor the "comments" section below.* *Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.* *Please also view the Rules listed at the end of this description* \*Please read The 10 Essentials of Hiking: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/ \* RULES Pets: When hikes are organized in dog-friendly areas, hikers are invited to bring their pet(s). However, dogs are the sole responsibility of the owner(s) who brought them; should be up-to-date on their vaccinations & in possession of the relevant tags; and should be under the control of their owner(s) at all times. Dogs that demonstrate consistently aggressive or otherwise out-of-control behavior will be banned from future hikes. Owners should come prepared to dispose of their dogs’ waste in appropriate receptacles. Alcohol/Smoking/Intoxicants: Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during the hikes. --- **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Join us for a discussion and open play Tuesdays at 7pm Lamond Riggs/Huff Library 5401 South Dakota Ave., NE Washington, DC 20011 If you cannot see the flier and instead see the default photo, it means the censorship engine is working. Try [https://www.meetup.com/rockville-chess-meetup/photos/33350169/511337001/](https://www.meetup.com/rockville-chess-meetup/photos/33350169/511337001/) .

Join us for a **fun and social hike** at Rock Creek Park as we explore the "Southern Loop," starting from the Nature Center. Starting at the **Nature Center**, the "Southern Loop via Western Ridge Trail, Rock Creek, and Valley Trail" is a well-loved route. With over 2,700 glowing reviews on AllTrails, it offers beautiful scenery, well-maintained paths, and a refreshing escape close to the city. This **easy hike** winds through lush forested trails, showcasing the beauty of Rock Creek Park. While the trail is mostly straightforward, please note that sections **slippery**, so wear sturdy, grippy shoes. To learn more about the trail, click the link in the **Trail Map section below**. Get ready for fresh air, great conversations, and plenty of scenic moments! This hike is perfect for all levels, so bring your good vibes and let’s hit the trail together! **Meeting Time & Location:** Meet us at 9:30 AM at the **Rock Creek Park Nature Center,** located at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015. There’s plenty of parking available at the Nature Center. We’ll gather right in front of the building to start the hike. **Distance:** 5.6 miles **Elevation Gain:** 685 feet **Difficulty:** Moderate Walk/Hike This hike is a moderate walk with natural trails and a few gentle inclines to get your heart rate up. The terrain includes some uneven sections, and the fallen leaves can make it a bit slippery in spots. With sturdy footwear, it’s an enjoyable and accessible hike for most levels. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 2.5 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We'll walk a steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Ample parking is available at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, with additional overflow parking located across the street. **Trail Map (AllTrails)** [Rock Creek Park - Southern Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/rock-creek-park-nature-center-a2f0474?u=i&sh=ylk43q) With over 2,700 reviews on AllTrails, this popular route offers insights into the trail’s conditions and highlights. Click the link above to learn more and prepare for your hike! **Restrooms** Restrooms are available at the Nature Center, our meeting point at the start of the hike. They open at 9:00 AM. Additionally, there are restrooms approximately 1 hour into the hike, where we’ll take a brief break. **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** After the hike, join us for an optional lunch at **Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza** (4940 Wisconsin Ave. NW), an affordable, counter-service spot just a 10 minute drive away. They serve New England-style pizza, pastas, salads, antipasti, and local brews—something for everyone!

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. This is an 6 mile hike with 400' elevation gain in the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. [https://bansheereeksnp.org/](https://bansheereeksnp.org/). We follow our AllTrails route as we go through the many trails in this Preserve. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph while moving. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) [Rating: D](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Meet: Plan to arrive at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Visitor Center at 8:45am so we can get everyone checked in and start at 9:00am. The address in Meetup may not get you to the exact location, use GPS Coordinates. GPS coordinates: 39.028758, -77.599534 [https://goo.gl/maps/AADrS4iNX1kYTUZo7](https://goo.gl/maps/AADrS4iNX1kYTUZo7) Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Alltrails Maps: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/banshee-reeks-6-miles-7648732?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/banshee-reeks-6-miles-7648732?u=i&sh=7cs7ov)

Join the Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO) on **Sunday, March 8** for a scenic **7-mile loop** trail following the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River. The hike will proceed north from **Burnt Mills West Special Park** (Burnt Mills Reservoir) on the Rachel Carson Greenway Trail looping back on the Northwest Branch Trail. Hiking conditions will be on **uneven muddy terrain** with elevation gains of 250 feet, offering nice views of the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River. We will rendezvous at the parking lot of the **Burnt Mills West Special Park** at **8:45 am** (north side of Columbia Pike - route 29). The hike will go on [light] rain or shine. Meetup page will be updated with weather forecast the night before. Bring water, snacks, comfortable hiking shoes, and dress for the weather. Park entrance is free. **\*\*\* FIRST DAY OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME--PLAN ACCORDINGLY \*\*\*** Note: All participants must sign a liability waiver at the start. Sierra Club requests a voluntary $2/person donation to support our many volunteer-led activities. You can become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Virginia Sierra Club's site: http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia Leaders: Sean McCartney & Bob Mathis Resources: [All Trails - Rachel Carson Greenway and Northwest Branch Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/rachel-carson-greenway-and-northwest-branch-trail) [Rachel Carson Greenway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Carson_Greenway) [Northwest Branch Trail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwest_Branch_Trail)

Our club meets the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month at 10:00 am. We are always delighted to see new guests -- please come about 5 minutes before start to help us get you introduced. It is a hospitable, supportive, and fun environment. Stop by and make new friends and plan on having a good time! We meet in the Youth Room on the top level of the Center. Park on the right side of the building and take the elevator all the way up. The Youth Room is just around the corner to your right as you exit the elevator. See you there!

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. This is an 7.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain through the woodlands of Reston and Oakton. On the hike we'll pass horse paddocks and may even see a group of curious goats. This is one of my favorite sections of the Cross County Trail and probably the least traveled. Thanks to Tom Underwood for the photo. We'll start at the Walker Nature Center and pick up the Cross County Trail (CCT) for an out and back of the northern half of CCT Section . Our turn will be at Gabrielson Garden Park, **Park on Glade Road so the Nature Center parking lot can be kept open for the Center's pre-school activities and drop-offs.** We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving. Y**ou must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.** Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/gabrielson-garden-goats-horse-steve-frith-4cc5400?u=i&sh=iypgzx

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. This is a pleasant 7.3 mile/ 212 foot elevation gain hike around Beaverdam Reservoir with plenty of water views. For those of you who like numbers the reservoir is 350 acres and holds between 1.3 and 1.5 billion gallons of water. We will meet in front of the Visitors Center at 8:45. The Visitor Center, with the trailhead, is new and the GPS mapping apps are still updating. **The Reservoir Park Main entrance is located within the Brambleton Community Park West Baseball field complex, accessed from Belmont Ridge Road in Ashburn.** The address is 22211 Water Vista Drive Ashburn, Virginia. The GPS coordinates are: 39.00223 N, 77.53529W. We hike at a pace of \~ 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain. Meet in front of the Visitor Center at 8:45am for sign-in. Restrooms are available. Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/reservoir-park-trail?sh=iypgzx&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

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. This is an enjoyable hike with the Lake, lots of graceful full growth trees and the fun of winding through multiple trails in this relatively compact Park. The Hike route is about 7 miles with 460 feet of elevation. The Hike route is a loop consisting primarily of dirt trails. We will start at the Bike Lane Brewing &Café, at 11150 Sunset Hills, Reston VA 20190. The Bike Shop and Brewery is adjacent to Lake Fairfax Park and for those interested, we can enjoy a beer after the hike. You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain. We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 -3.0 mph while moving. Restrooms are available at the start point and at our break point during the hike. Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Willem Janssen Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-july-23-2025-ad7bdca?u=i&sh=iypgzx hi