Travel Writing

Come chill with us we'll eat, drink, discuss the book of the month : The starless sea by Erin Morgenstern and get to know each other most of all. If you didn't enjoy the book, haven't had time to finish it or even start it, no worries come anyway, everyone is welcome, we come together to share our passion for books written by women ! I'll bring homemade baked goods, feel free to bring something to eat and/or drink, it always make events more special !

**A Journey Through the Soul of the American Wilderness** Step aboard and let the rails carry you into the heart of America’s wild beauty. With Amtrak’s Grand National Parks journey, the landscapes tell a story — of ancient mountains, roaring geysers, and valleys carved by time. Your adventure begins in the legendary Yellowstone National Park, where the earth breathes through steaming geysers and colorful hot springs. Witness the powerful eruption of Old Faithful, stand in awe at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and watch herds of bison and elk move across wide, golden valleys untouched by time. Next, journey westward to the granite cathedrals and misty waterfalls of Yosemite National Park. Beneath the towering heights of El Capitan and Half Dome, and among giant sequoias older than empires, you’ll walk through landscapes that have inspired generations of adventurers, poets, and dreamers. Finally, travel north aboard the famed Empire Builder to the wild, untouched splendor of Glacier National Park. Here, turquoise lakes, sweeping alpine meadows, and rugged peaks paint a portrait of nature’s raw, enduring beauty. Every trail, every mountain pass whispers of an ancient world still alive today. Throughout this unforgettable journey, the train is more than transportation — it’s a front-row seat to America’s greatest wonders. With comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and breathtaking views at every turn, this is not just a vacation — it’s a pilgrimage to the soul of the American wilderness. [Click Here for Full Details](https://www.suitcasegals.com/grand-national-parks-627-71225) \#\#\# Day 1\-Your Journey Begins in Chicago \(27 Jun\, 2026 \- 2 pm\) Head over to Union Station in Chicago to board the California Zephyr train heading West. Your journey to Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier National Park has begun! (Overnight onboard Amtrak) \#\#\# Day 2\-Salt Lake City\, UT \(28 Jun\, 2026\) The train journey from Chicago encompasses both the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. From golden grain fields to craggy mountain peaks, the scenery is magnificent! Later in the evening, your train arrives to Salt Lake City and you'll check in to your hotel for the night. (Overnight in Salt Lake City) \#\#\# Day 3\-Yellowstone National Park \-\(Salt Lake Express 1\-Way Shuttle Transfer Salt Lake City to Jackson\, WY\) \(29 Jun\, 2025\) Beautiful Vibrant Geysers in Norris Basin Yellowstone after Sunset Awake this morning and continue on to Yellowstone. Along the way you will take in a very scenic ride so keep your camera handy! (Overnight in West Yellowstone) \#\#\# Day 4\-Yellowstone National Park \(30 Jun\, 2026\) America's first national park is yours to explore today! Your tour picks you up for a journey through Yellowstone. Along the way, your guide will provide some amazing insights into the park, its history, and of course, its abundant wildlife. Famous spots such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake are all part of the experience. There is no place on earth like Yellowstone National Park. (Overnight in West Yellowstone) \#\#\# Day 5\-Salt Lake Express 1\-Way Shuttle Transfer \- West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City \(1 Jul\, 2026\) \#\#\# Overnight Onboard Amtrak You are transported back to Salt Lake City today to board the train heading to San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) \#\#\# Day 6\-7 CA Salt Lake City Amtrak Station\, UT \(SLC\) to Emeryville\, CA \(EMY\) \(2 JUL\, 2025 11:40 PM\) \#\#\# Emeryville\, CA \(EMY\) to San Francisco\, CA \(SFC\) \(3 Jul\, 2026 \- Tonight, you will travel to San Francisco overnight \#\#\# Day 8\-San Francisco to Yosemite National Park \(4 JUL\, 2025\) After being picked up from your hotel, your tour will take you across the beautiful heartland of California to Yosemite National Park. The scenery here is breathtaking. From its wide-open meadows, bold mountains, and abundant forest, Yosemite is an endless parade of nature's beauty. In addition to your tour, you will have plenty of free time to wander a bit and take Yosemite at your own pace. Breathe in the clean fresh air as you take time to explore the park. After your day of exploring Yosemite, you will return in the evening to San Francisco. (Overnight in San Francisco) \#\#\# Day 9\-10 Sunday 5\-6 July 2026 \#\#\# On board train San Francisco\, CA \(SFC\) \- Seattle King Street Station\, WA \(SEA\) \#\#\# Rail Segments \(2\): San Francisco, CA (SFC) to Emeryville, CA (EMY) Emeryville, CA (EMY) to Seattle King Street Station, WA (SEA) \#\#\# Day 11: Tuesday 7 July 2026 Seattle King Street Station\, WA \(SEA\) \- East Glacier Park\, MT \(GPK\) Combine two great attractions. Visit both the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Two attractions you don't want to miss. Space Needle - The tower’s 520’ saucer-shaped “top house” offers visitors Seattle’s only 360-degree indoor and outdoor panoramic views of downtown, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges. Experience two entirely new levels of thrills! From an all-glass floor on the lower level to floor-to-ceiling glass on the upper level, Seattle’s “must see” is now a “must do.” Chihuly Garden and Glass - Provides a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Take full advantage of all the Exhibition has to offer. The centerpiece of Chihuly Garden and Glass is the Glasshouse, it is the result of Chihuly’s lifelong appreciation for conservatories. \#\#\# Seattle King Street Station\, WA \(SEA\) \- East Glacier Park\, MT \(GPK\) ### \#\#\# Day 12\-Glacier National Park\, MT \(8 Jul\, 2025\) You will arrive this morning to Glacier National Park, one of the most beautiful spots in North America. After checking in to your hotel, the day is free to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery all around you. (Overnight in Glacier National Park) \#\#\# Day 13\- Glacier National Park \(9 Jul\, 2025\) Climb aboard the charming, historic vessel, Sinopah, the oldest wooden boat in our fleet. Relax and enjoy all this “secret” valley offers, take in the scenery while learning about the rich Blackfeet tribal history surrounding the Two Medicine area. Upon docking at the head of the lake you can choose to remain on the boat or disembark and begin a self-guided hike or hike with one of our guides to Twin Falls and catch a later return boat. \#\#\# Day 14\- Glacier National Park Tour \(10 Jul\, 2025\) This tour starts from the high plains and covers an incredible area that is home to over 1500 species of plants, as well as multitudes of North American free-roaming wildlife, some of which include elk, deer, moose, antelope, black bears, and grizzly bears. From there, you will enter Glacier National Park from its East entrance at the St. Mary Visitor Center, and continue up on Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Take advantage of numerous photo opportunities along the route that may include stops such as Rising Sun, Deadhorse Curve, Wild Goose Island, Sun rift Gorge, Grizzly Point, Jackson Glacier Overlook, Big Bend, the Weeping Wall, and Logan Pass. \#\#\# Day 15\-Overnight Onboard Amtrak After enjoying a final breakfast at Glacier Park Lodge, you will cross over to the train station and board the Empire Builder once more. The journey through the Rockies is a once in a lifetime passage through soaring mountain ridges and past countless examples of natural splendor. As the mountains change to foothills and then plains, you will be treated to a little bit of everything the American outdoors has to offer. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) **B** \#\#\# Day 16\-Your Journey Ends in Chicago

is is an In-Person Writing Event at Three This is an In-Person Writing Event at Kaldi's Social House in Clarendon! Please join us. This is not a critique session or discussion event. If you're interested in attending one of our regular meetings to discuss the art and craft of writing or to review another's work, please join us for a regular meeting on Wednesdays from 7p-9p.

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

Explore the flora and fauna of two dredge islands in the Anacostia River, linked from the mainland by a boardwalk across Kingman Lake. The trails out and back are approximately 3 miles of easy if sometimes muddy terrain. We'll discuss history of the islands, ecological management, and DC's draft wildlife management plan. Great for birding and other critters, and possibly river otters. Bring hiking shoes, water, tick repellent, and weather appropriate attire. We will meet at the SE corner of RFK lot #6, nearest the entrance to the Park. It is possible to park at that location. Additional directions for metro, bus and bike here: https://www.kingmanisland.com/visit A voluntary $2 donation in exact change is requested to help support the Sierra Club outings program. The event will cancel if there is a steady rain.

Let’s try Detour Coffee in Arlington. It’s just down the street from Northside Social, which we’ve already been to. I like this newborn, and I’m hoping for good espresso and good vibes. Plan ahead because I’m not sure what the parking situation will be. (Please keep your RSVP updated if you know you won't be able to attend, so others who can join have the opportunity to. No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

We will be visiting the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration the weekend it opens, on Sunday June 28th. This is conveniently located about a quarter mile walk from the Farragut North metro on the Red Line. Please purchase your tickets here ($31.79/adult): https://moe.nationalgeographic.org/en/visit/tickets Please select the entry slot for 11 OR 11:15am. Update - 11am is sold out. Please purchase for 11:15am before these are sold out as well. We can request the museum to let us in at once (they have done so in the past). We will meet at 10:45 in the lobby.

Join our monthly writer meetup to share ideas, socialize, kick off your creativity, and write something! To find us, either take the stairs or elevator to the fourth floor, following the signs for the conference center. We'll be in room 401-A. All writer levels are welcome; we're all about building community and confidence. If you have any questions, please email us! (writingheptagon@gmail.com)

Guys, we need to do this slow. Mishki gets overheated, so we take breaks from time to time, plus there may be other folks who walk slow. To make everyone feel included in the group experience, we walk slow, we wait and are kind. **Meeting Spot**: We gather at the main parking lot close to the park entrance, under the trees. **Lake Artemesia Walk – College Park** Join us for a relaxed, easy-paced walk around beautiful Lake Artemesia. A chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others in a calm, welcoming setting. We’ll walk the scenic loop, take in the lake views, and enjoy light conversation along the way. All fitness levels are welcome. **Main parking lot: 55th Ave & Berwyn Rd,** 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\.

The water lilies and lotuses are blooming at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! Let's explore the gardens and go for a walk on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From 9 to 10 am we'll do about 2 miles of unstructured wandering around LBJ Memorial Pond to enjoy and photograph the aquatic plants and the boardwalks to the west. If you arrive later, which is fine, just come on in and join us in the gardens! * At 10 am, we'll reconvene in front of the Visitor Center and go for a 1.9-mile walk on the Anacostia River and back along the Anacostia River Trail. The River Trail is paved and fairly level. * The total walk is about 4 miles. We should finish at around 11:30 am. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a](https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a) ❷ **How to get there:** * The parking lot entrance is located at 4505 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington D.C. (The official address is 1550 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington, DC.) From the parking lot, a path through the woods leads to the Visitor Center. The park is accessible by Metro from the Deanwood Metro Stop on the Orange Line. * For detailed directions, see the NPS web site, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm) ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Insect repellent, sunscreen, and maybe an umbrella are recommended. A camera is a handy accessory. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 88F, with a 24% chance of showers at start, falling to 14% by noon. Light NW winds. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc](https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc) ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms and drinking fountains at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Visitor Center. ❼ **Notes:** * "Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens," Official National Park Service Website, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm)

Welp, it's official. I'm moving to Taiwan on June 30. It would be great to see everyone before I go!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Join us for a 2.4 mile hike along the Alum Creek Trail south from Casto park to Strawberry Farms park and back. This is a fully paved flat trail along Alum Creek. Come and enjoy a great hike with us!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!