Swimming in Lakes and Rivers

I haven't been on the water since before Thanksgiving! I'm guessing many of you have had an even longer dry spell, so let's try fixing that with a leisurely afternoon paddle of Clopper Lake in Seneca Creek State Park. This is contingent on the forecast remaining outrageously nice (I'm writing this one week out). We'll launch from the private boater area, just west of the boat rental center and do a 2.5 mile circumnavigation of the lake. If the water is high enough, we can paddle up through the spooky culvert into Long Draught Branch. 12:00 is on-the-water time for us to enjoy the warmest part of the day, so please arrive with sufficient time to get your gear unloaded (parking is very close to the water). We will be off the water before 2:00. This is event is suitable for paddleboards (including iSUPs), recreational/touring kayaks, and canoes, but not inflatable kayaks. Everyone must WEAR, not just bring a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD. The water temperature is still in the low 40's. At just about any other location, I would say that a wetsuit or drysuit is mandatory, but considering the water barely gets 4 feet deep in most spots, you will survive without one. Also, you would likely die of heat stroke wearing one if the 75° forecast holds up. Still, you ABSOLUTELY need to be wearing 100% synthetic-fiber clothing and I STRONGLY recommend packing a spare set of clothes in your dry bag.

This Saturday I've invited Sandy F. to help co-host this event. She is an experienced birder with years of experience in finding and identifying birds in our area. The Group gathers in the parking lot between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM to catch the sunrise over the Potomac River. Google Maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9) Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is known as a top regional birding spot, over **300 species** have been recorded here, including nesting bald eagles and ospreys. Bring your longest telephoto lens and binoculars. I can help you with camera settings so you can capture sharper images of both perched birds and birds in flight. I randomly drop by this afternoon before the snow and saw many amazing birds. I posted a few already. Note: I set the meetup for 6:30am to capture the sunrise. It's supposed to be partly cloudy which should make for amazing skies. I suggest you arrive at 6:00 AM to capture the glow of twilight hour. It is thrilling to capture the amazing orange and red colors that are only available at that time in the morning. Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Bring water, comfortable shoes, a tripod, fully charged batteries, and empty memory cards... Park Facts: Entrance Fee: Free Allow Dogs on a leash: Yes Bathroom: On the north side of the Marina is a building for restrooms National Park Service Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve: www.nps.gov/gwmp Friends of Dyke Marsh (www.fodm.org) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location, and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

**Parking**: There are 3 parking lots adjacent to each other, so you will be able to use any one of the lots if there is an overflow. Meeting Spot: Please wait near the "Dog Park" sign that is by the side of the parking lot that is closest to the trail head. Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Bring a **joke**. **Trail Description**: "Prince George's County's Paint Branch Trail (not to be confused with Montgomery County's Paint Branch Trail farther north) runs for 3.5 miles between Lake Artemesia and Cherry Hill Neighborhood Park in the Washington, DC, suburb of College Park. The trail is a part of the larger Anacostia Tributory Trail System, which provides miles of off-road paved paths along the various branches of the Anacostia River." **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.

Run starts promptly at 9:45 am and follows a 1.5 mile loop around the lake. Do however many loops you like! Run at your own pace. After the run, we'll meet at the Brew House for a beer or coffee and BREAKFAST pretzels! Those cannot be anything but delicious. See you there.

🔥 60-Minute Full-Body Circuit Training Workout ⏱️ Structure Overview We will meet at the volleyball court in Founders Park in Alexandria, VA Warm-up: 10 minutes Main Circuits: 40 minutes Finisher: 5 minutes Cool-down: 5 minutes 🟢 1. Dynamic Warm-Up (10 Minutes) Perform continuously, 30–45 seconds each: Jumping jacks Bodyweight squats Arm circles (forward/backward) Walking lunges Inch-worm walkouts High knees Glute bridges Push-ups (easy pace) Goal: Increase heart rate + activate major muscle groups. 🏋️ Main Workout (40 Minutes) Format: 3 Circuits 4 exercises per circuit 40 seconds work / 20 seconds rest Repeat each circuit 3 times before moving on Rest as long as you want between circuits Cool down 5 Min IMPORTANT!!!!! Liability statement: I understand that I am responsible for exercising at my own pace and within my own physical limits, and for monitoring my condition during participation. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation and agree that I attend entirely at my own risk. I hereby release and hold harmless the organizer, and affiliated parties from any and all liability, claims, or demands arising out of or related to any injury, medical condition, loss, or damage that may occur as a result of my participation.

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. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.
​
Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions
​
1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?
​
Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles
​
4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
​
Optional Questions: AI & Being Human
​
7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
​
Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning
​
10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
​
Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche
​
13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
​
Optional Questions: Work & Purpose
​
16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
​
Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection
​
19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
​
Optional Questions: Time & Mortality
​
22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
​
Optional Questions: Society & Culture
​
25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
​
Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy
​
28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**\*\*\*TO ATTEND THE EVENT, YOU MUST PURCHASE TICKETS THROUGH OUR WEBSITE \*\*\*** [https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup) Hosted by Pre-Dating Speed Dating, the experts, bringing people together since 2001! Our events have been featured on CNN, CBS, Axios, Miami New Times, TLC's 90 Day Fiance - The Single Life, Tampa Bay Times, Southbend Times, Citylink Magazine, Essence, The Wall Street Journal, Best of Baltimore, AM New York, Chicago Tribune, WINK FM, Woman's World Magazine, and 100s more -- but come see for yourself! Join us for a night of fun, flirtation, and possible romance at our singles speed dating event! If you're tired of swiping left and right on dating apps, speed dating is a great way to meet new people in person, in a relaxed, safe, and comfortable environment. **HOW IT WORKS:** We'll introduce you to at least 5, and up to 12 - or more - single women or men. Spend a little time with each one, during a series of 6-minute Pre-Dates. Then tell us who you'd like to speak with again & we'll do the rest! It's the modern, civilized, effective, and fun way to meet other professional-level singles. If you're finished with the games and ineffectiveness of online dating and apps, join us to share a wonderful evening of enjoyable conversation with interesting people... and maybe something magical will happen! **GET TICKETS:** A **Meetup RSVP is not a ticket**, you must purchase on our website. [https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup) Use Code MATCH5 for $5 off! **DOES IT WORK?** Yes! According to the New York Times, at a speed dating event, people like 2-3 out of 10 people they meet. Online daters only match with 1 in 100 or fewer of the profiles they study. This is the best way to meet new people, and it works! Just ask the thousands of people that have met at our events and had successful relationships and marriages. **WHAT DOES IT COST?** We put a lot of time and effort into creating the best singles events possible, so we collect a fee for our hard work. Our events are an excellent value at about $3 per introduction. Get your ticket for the best singles event in town. **NOTE FOR NEWCOMERS:** We post our events on various platforms. Our events often sell out, so expect plenty of fellow singles, regardless of the numbers you see here :) So what are you waiting for? Join us for some fun conversation with great new people... and maybe something more! Who will you meet? **GET TICKETS:** [https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup)

Celebrate the coming of spring with dance! Join local Brazilian favorite Lunna Gomes at Roda Movements in Wheaton, MD. Forro for fun and for a good cause, we are raising money to support the Afro-Bahia Fest and local music groups. Lunna's forro dance class is open to all levels. After class, let's have a turn on the dance floor, dance social starts after class. Event cost : $12

Alright Beavers, it’s time to emerge from the lodge and get back on the pitch! Practice is officially back this week, and we’re capping off the first week with a session that is—quite literally—a big deal. We’ll start with a **fun touch session** to shake off the rust and work on our ball handling. After we’ve built up a proper thirst, we’re heading straight to **Audacious Alewerks** for a post-practice social. **Why you shouldn't miss it:** It happens to be **Pickle Day** at the brewery! Since we’re Beavers, we usually stick to wood, but this Saturday we’re making an exception for some fermented cucumbers. **The Game Plan:** * **Touch Rugby:** Fast-paced, low-contact, high-fun. 🏉 * **The Weather:** Looks like it will be a wonderful warm and sunny day! * **The After-Party:** We’re heading to Audacious Alewerks in Falls Church. * **The Goods:** They are bringing back the **"Kind of a Big Dill" Pickle Gose Ale**. If beer isn't your thing, they’ve got **pickle martinis**. * **The Grub:** **Bad Ass Pickles** will be there from Noon–4:00 PM doing tasting flights. Word on the street is they go great with grilled cheese. **The Details:** * **When:** This Saturday, March 7th. * **Where:** Larry Graves Park then Audacious Alewerks. * **RSVP:** Do it now. Let’s kick the season off right. See you on the pitch!

Start and end in Antananarivo! With the Wildlife tour Madagascar 9 Days Baobabs and Lemurs Tour, the adventure taking you through Antananarivo, Andasibe, Antsirabe, Morondava and covers other local sightseeing in Madagascar. Highlights Visited Places: Antananarivo Andasibe Antsirabe Morondava Travel Experience: National parks Wildlife viewing Scenic drives Baobabs and Lemurs Tour Local cuisine Itinerary Day01 Antananarivo Day02 Antananarivo - Andasibe Day03 Andasibe Day04 Andasibe - Antsirabe Day05 Antsirabe - Morondava Day06 Morondava Day07 Morondava - Antsirabe Day08 Antsirabe - Antananarivo Day09 Antananarivo Price: $5590 (Double Occupancy) $3990 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes 8 nights hotel stay Breakfasts at hotel All transportation by road (Bus / Mini Van) Airport transfer Experienced guides/Tour leader Activities as per the itinerary Price Excludes Flights Meals Personal Expenses Optional activities Travel insurance / Visa Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/madagascar-9-days-adventure-baobabs-and-lemurs/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/madagascar-9-days-adventure-baobabs-and-lemurs/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

Do you want more motivation and confidence to build Lasting Relationships? This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

This is an in-person meeting. Did you know that unwanted emotions like loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear, anxiety, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not chemical imbalance in your brain due to some nebulous chemical reactions by chance. Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. For instance, let's say you are already carrying a huge load on your back, then you cannot take on much more, but, let's say something else happens to you, such as the difficulties from the Pandemic, then the resultant combined weight on you can take you over the edge, kind of like the straw that break the camel's back. When this happens, people's attention usually goes to the straw that was added, but actually the majority of the weight had come from the huge load that were already there, holding a person down and causing a person issues. So how do you remove the huge load that was already there? How do you lighten them up? Is it possible to get rid of them? That is what this meeting will be all about. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

**🥰 Discover Speed Dating Online – The Easiest Way for First Timers to Meet Someone!** **⚠️ CRITICAL: Your Spot Is NOT Confirmed by RSVPing!** Follow these steps to secure entry: 1. Select your age group below 2. Click the registration link 3. Complete the personality quiz **Spots are extremely limited!** **🎯 Select Your Age Group & Register Now:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=serene-lake-love-mirror&ar=55+&face_v=4.0) --- 🙌 **Never tried speed dating before?** You're in the right place! Think of it as the easiest first date you'll ever have – from your couch, with a host who keeps things fun, and a room full of Cleveland singles who are just as excited (and maybe just as nervous) as you. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - Anyone who's tired of swiping and wants real conversation - Shy or reserved singles who open up better in private chats - Anyone trying speed dating for the first time - First-timers wanting a low-pressure, guided experience **How It Works** 1. **Sign Up** – Click the registration link for your age bracket above. 2. **Answer a Few Fun Questions** – Our quiz helps match you with compatible Cleveland singles. 3. **Show Up on Zoom** – Grab a drink, get comfortable, and let the host guide you through each round. 4. **Enjoy the Conversations** – Each round is timed and guided so every chat feels natural and fun. 5. **Get Your Matches** – After the event, mutual matches are revealed. Start a real connection! **Event Details** - **Format:** Live on Zoom – easy to join, private, and beginner-friendly - **Location:** Wherever you're most relaxed – that's your venue tonight - **Host:** Charismatic host who keeps the energy positive and the nerves low - **Vibe:** Light-hearted, easy-going speed dates with open-minded Cleveland singles - **Follow-up:** Post-event match results delivered to your inbox - **Support:** Our host is available before, during, and after the event 💡 **Heads up:** The best connections happen when you're genuinely interested in the other person. --- ✨ Connect from your comfort zone with friendly Cleveland first-timers – no pressure, just possibilities! 💓 ✨