Travel

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. **8 miles, about 2100 feet elevation gain (Low A).** **Description:** Please join us for this point-to-point hike within the George Washington National Forest including beautiful winter ridgeline views from Massanutten Mountain east across the Shenandoah Valley and South Fork of the Shenandoah River and west into Fort Valley. After positioning vehicles at the beginning and end points of the hike, we will hike up Habron Gap Trail to the Massanutten Trail. Continuing north on the Massanutten Trail for approximately 3.25 miles, we will descend on the Indian Grave Ridge Trail. **Hike Route**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-5c1e0ae?u=i&sh=z7o4im **Hiking Pace**: We typically hike about 2.5 mph (faster on flat sections, slower on hilly / rocky sections); however, we leave no one behind and will move at a pace that is comfortable for all. **What to Bring**: At least two liters of water, emergency contact information, personal first aid kit and medications, snacks/meal, sunscreen, trekking poles if you use them, sturdy hiking footwear. Please leave pets at home. **Time to Meet**: Please meet by 9:15 am at the Indian Grave Ridge Trail parking lot for introductions and sign in. We will leave several cars here where the hike will end. We will carpool/convoy to Foster’s Landing Parking Lot (Habron Gap trailhead) and begin the hike. After the hike we will stop by the Foster's Landing Parking Lot to recover the cars left there. **Carpool:** Please meet at Centreville Park and Ride at 7am. **Please don't load up the cars because we will need some slack for the shuttle**. The meeting point is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Centreville. Meeting Point for Morning Shuttle: Google Map to: [Indian Grave Ridge Trailhead](https://maps.app.goo.gl/swTnNpQVhQ8kyYjf9) Hike Start: Google Map to: [Fosters Boat Ramp - Habron Gap Trailhead](https://maps.app.goo.gl/kdJCUAn69bvGDvun6) **Facilities:** No bathrooms **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike leader is Caroline S. Call or text if needed. 703.489.1315. **Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found [here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/d03523023976ebd19c7d32e3e7e95971238502669e6c4b9b5d5234e2e4b94804).

**Unwind. Breathe. Reset.** Join us for a calming **guided evening meditation** designed to help you **release stress**, **quiet the mind**, and **restore inner peace**, even if you’ve never meditated before. * **Time:** 6:30 PM–7:30 PM * **Format:** Gentle guidance + quiet time + peaceful reflection * **Perfect for:** Beginners and experienced meditators * **What to bring:** Just yourself **Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter.** * **Reserve your spot** (recommended) * **Free Event - Donations Appreciated** * **Bring a friend. First-timers welcome!** * **Arrive early to settle in. Doors open at 6:00 PM.**

**REQUIRED**: You must read the following information [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 brisk morning workout. The hike is about 8.8 miles with 2600 feet elevation gain in SNP. We will start the hike by climbing 615 stairs on Buck Ridge. Once reaching SLD, we will take an out-and-back to Mary's rock. Return via Buck Hollow. We hike at a pace of **3-3.3 mph** when moving. **This is considered a fast hike**. The plan is to complete before noon so you can have proper lunch elsewhere. **You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and *speed*.** Leader: Xiaobin 857-408-1070 **The hike leader will meet at the trailhead at 8AM.** For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour 10 minutes. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 6:50AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 6:50AM. Suggested carpool fee is $7. PLEASE NOTE: Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Trailhead: **Buck Ridge Trailhead at 8AM** GPS Coordinates: 38.659803739145936, -78.28179773950886 [https://goo.gl/maps/hgD9oLJWXvcC6K2N7](https://goo.gl/maps/hgD9oLJWXvcC6K2N7) Park Entry Fee: $0 Rating: A Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Hiking Map: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q39SmtJXxhlCyLUI3Rr0Nr5gVsNmmc7v/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q39SmtJXxhlCyLUI3Rr0Nr5gVsNmmc7v/view?usp=sharing)

Join us ***in person* at the Brahma Kumaris Virginia Center** as we come together as a community to participate in a live Zoom class with BK Shila Sanghani. This shared experience offers a nurturing space to gently reconnect with yourself and realign your inner world. Our breath is one of the most profound tools for self-regulation, peace, and inner harmony. Through conscious breathing, we open the body’s meridians and energy pathways, activating the natural life force that supports healing on every level. From this heightened state of awareness, the mind becomes clearer, the body more relaxed, and the spirit more expansive. In this **weekly session**, you’ll be guided through simple yogic breathing practices and light stretching exercises that refresh the body, calm the mind, and uplift the heart. These techniques are accessible for all levels and offer a beautiful way to reset and recharge. BK Shila Sanghani, a certified yoga instructor based in the Chicago metro area, brings years of experience facilitating workshops, national retreats, and collaborative programs with medical professionals. Her compassionate approach has supported individuals navigating various health conditions, making her sessions both therapeutic and deeply restorative. Come nourish your well-being from the inside out - one breath at a time. Free Event - Donations Appreciated.

Game night with a potluck, join us at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston on Wiehle Ave. for a game night and potluck. All are welcome there. I will bring a selection of over 2 dozen games of different styles from my collection. Some examples of the variety of styles include: Earth Flamecraft Quacks of Quedlinburg Meadow Wingspan Pandemic Feast for Odin The Crew Love letter Just One Code Names please feel free to bring along any of your games you would like to play. Please be respectful of the venue and any other groups that may be using the facility and, as you are able, please help clean up at the end of the night. Children are welcome. However, they are expected to be playing games in the same room. If you are bringing children, please make sure to bring games they enjoy playing. This is also a potluck so please bring some food to share. Hosts bring at least one main dish and a side dish, and plates, utensils, and basic drinks are provided. We are appreciative of any food you want to bring. A $5 per person suggested donation to the church helps cover basic costs.

**Note the address says SE but it should be SW** HSLC is excited to collaborate with October One Vineyard for a monthly Yappy Hour! To support our local animals, please bring a pet food donation and you’ll be entered into a raffle for free tastings and glasses! You can also purchase raffle tickets. Your monetary donations help cover much-needed medical expenses for homeless and at-risk animals. This event will be 5-8pm on the last Friday of every month at the October One Vineyard tasting shop in Downtown Leesburg. This event is free to the public, so stop by and raise a glass. HSLC will be on hand to answer questions and let you know about available animals. Let’s “cheer” up our local area animals in need!

**Alpine stile, North Fork Mountain, WV - Winter Traverse** 2 days backpacking - 24 mile **IMPORTANT:** All the time we will be traveling on or next to the ridge line and we will be expose to the wind, this will make this trip an Alpine experience, be protected with the right layers of cloths is essential. **Gear required:** 1.) Backpack 2.) Tent 3.) Sleeping bag (20F or better if 0F) 4.) Sleeping pad 5.) 3-4 lt. of water, there is no water supply on North Fork (Do not use camelback, the hose will totally froze in no time) 6.) Micro-spikes 7.) Hiking shoes /boots 8.) 3 pair of extra socks 9.) 2 piece rain suit (top & bottom) 10.) Legging gaiters 11.) Hat, gloves 12.) Extra warm layers, jacket 13.) Head lamp with extra batteries 14.) Small garbage bag 15.) Cooking hardware (backpacking stove-gas cannister-pot-dish-spoon) 16.) Dehydrate food and plenty of snacks This is a one way shuttle trek, the general plan is to head over the end of the trail (point B on description bellow) leave a car there and proceed to star of trail head (point A on description bellow) **Friday night car camp:** Redman Run Trail Parking 38.912332, -79.261841 **Hike start - Point A** Trail head parking 38.710801, -79.401991 **Hike end - Point B** Trail head parking 38.981855, -79.230984 **North Fork Mountain detailed trail map** [http://www.hikingupward.com/MNF/NorthForkMountain/](http://www.hikingupward.com/MNF/NorthForkMountain/) **North Fork Mountain general area trail map** [http://www.wvhighlands.org/Pages/Maps_NFM.html](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvhighlands.org%2FPages%2FMaps_NFM.html&h=ATMoIFAapg0J-A94Uf3uxzP2hkGk8GuLff1m46dNaA-GFcsAly-sjAvBsLoLN_f6OF3nzm3suPpBtUVh3jIx766vk4oh1g8eBOZF7Qqna5PO6aoBNLZnR84Xo7BJr9JopFXhvEEled48O64VSpRxiObLa7qC2PfjQbpPUg4SA7-1TbkqkMUzTvxyfA) [24K full trail detail map](https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/01eV6w6mnZdtLzcFS-K7-1QEw#North-Fork-Mt-24K) **Google driving directions:** [https://goo.gl/maps/yJBVKK1Quim](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgoo.gl%2Fmaps%2FyJBVKK1Quim&h=ATNNTfluXFEa85nhBMXaxU9qEfkLC0nWYX8nADC9hFYAufd44Fo3I_NgsZfAH7Lu0wkbw7l0O4nkRYkKwt0SJzwGHyIroHxafqxUepYEYu3js4adD_JJGL5wiFSpWtryhK9piMGG38r5cEGjgMxtch7A5a4Acz34GQWR0xP5Q-xDGiD5Ah-G7i88Vg)

I’ve been here once and I was very impressed with their food and ambience. https://www.maharanipalace.com/

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.

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/Gf89PPYe3RMAK6Z7SGf5or)]] 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.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration at [Birding Gilbert’s Corner - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-gilberts-corner-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a bird walk at the relatively new [Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/gilberts-corner-regional-park) in Aldie (see map below). With a combination of scrub, brush and meadow, this park is a great birding hotspot in southwestern Loudoun. *Limit 14. **Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org)*.

**Only 8 seats left** ** If anyone is interested in going to Greece. The trip is a 12-day escorted tour including a 4-day cruise to the islands of Mykonos and Santorini and one day in Turkey. Globus is the tour operator for the March 24th-April 4th event with the cost of the trip $2,899 per person double occupancy for the 12-day escape. A single supplement is an additional $350 if still available. Airfare and travel protection are al additional. You can reserve a spot with a $250 non-refundable deposit through So far there are 6 fellow meetup members going. The group flies from bwi march 22 If interested please contact Jon Stratton, who is coordinating the trip, with a DM through GRASP or at [stratton.travel.adventure@gmail.com](mailto:stratton.travel.adventure@gmail.com) for more information.

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.

**\*\*\*This group is filled. Check out our next departure on Feb 20, 2026:** **https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/\*\*\*** Gaze at the Northern Lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, be a reindeer herder for a day, learn about the Sámi culture, visit an ice hotel, catch a fish (or two) through a hole in the ice, taste some good Scandinavian delicacies, visit the ABBA museum...My, oh my! These are just some of the fun activities we are planning to do during this once-in-a-life time adventure! Like all our adventures, this one is crafted from the ground up with the true spirit of Meetup in mind. We handle every little detail before and during the trip, accompany and guide the group, creating a stress-free journey with a laid-back, friendly vibe. No big tour operators, no inflated prices — we work directly with locals to give you authentic experiences and unbeatable value. Come as strangers, leave as lifelong friends — and make memories that stick forever! ***We visit:*** * Stockholm * Kiruna (Lapland) * Helsinki * Copenhagen (optional extension) ***The trip includes:*** \* 2 nights in Stockholm \* A night train from Stockholm to Lapland in a private sleeping compartment \* 4 nights in Kiruna \* 3 nights in Helsinki \* Airfare from Kiruna to Helsinki \* Arrival and departure transfers \* Sightseeing tours in Stockholm and Helsinki \* Boat ride in Stockholm \* Food tasting in Helsinki \* Breakfast daily \* 2 dinners and 3 lunches \* Northern Lights Tour \* Jukkasjärvi Icehotel Half-Day Tour \* Full-Day Reindeer Tour \* Ice Fishing or Husky Sleigh Ride **Price per person, double occupancy: $4770** (we match roommates for those wishing to share) **Price for single room: $6320** ***Not Included:*** x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that) x Meals not listed above x Tips and any personal and incidental expenses x Optional extension to Copenhagen The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit **\*\*\*Deposit link removed as this date is sold out. You can reserve your spot for our next departure on Feb 20, 2026 [HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/) \*\*\*** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).\*\*\* Final payment due 60 days before departure\*\*\* ***[Click Here](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37)***[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37) For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) Limited capacity of 14 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. \*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included\*\*\* **OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO COPENHAGEN offered at $590 per person/double or $785 solo occupancy (air from Helsinki to Copenhagen not included)** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) SOT 2000318-10

**\*\*\*This group is filled. Check out our next departure on Feb 20, 2026:** **https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/\*\*\*** Gaze at the Northern Lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, be a reindeer herder for a day, learn about the Sámi culture, visit an ice hotel, catch a fish (or two) through a hole in the ice, taste some good Scandinavian delicacies, visit the ABBA museum...My, oh my! These are just some of the fun activities we are planning to do during this once-in-a-life time adventure! Like all our adventures, this one is crafted from the ground up with the true spirit of Meetup in mind. We handle every little detail before and during the trip, accompany and guide the group, creating a stress-free journey with a laid-back, friendly vibe. No big tour operators, no inflated prices — we work directly with locals to give you authentic experiences and unbeatable value. Come as strangers, leave as lifelong friends — and make memories that stick forever! ***We visit:*** * Stockholm * Kiruna (Lapland) * Helsinki * Copenhagen (optional extension) ***The trip includes:*** \* 2 nights in Stockholm \* A night train from Stockholm to Lapland in a private sleeping compartment \* 4 nights in Kiruna \* 3 nights in Helsinki \* Airfare from Kiruna to Helsinki \* Arrival and departure transfers \* Sightseeing tours in Stockholm and Helsinki \* Boat ride in Stockholm \* Food tasting in Helsinki \* Breakfast daily \* 2 dinners and 3 lunches \* Northern Lights Tour \* Jukkasjärvi Icehotel Half-Day Tour \* Full-Day Reindeer Tour \* Ice Fishing or Husky Sleigh Ride **Price per person, double occupancy: $4770** (we match roommates for those wishing to share) **Price for single room: $6320** ***Not Included:*** x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that) x Meals not listed above x Tips and any personal and incidental expenses x Optional extension to Copenhagen The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit **\*\*\*Deposit link removed as this date is sold out. You can reserve your spot for our next departure on Feb 20, 2026 [HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/) \*\*\*** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).\*\*\* Final payment due 60 days before departure\*\*\* ***[Click Here](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37)***[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37) For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) Limited capacity of 14 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. \*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included\*\*\* **OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO COPENHAGEN offered at $590 per person/double or $785 solo occupancy (air from Helsinki to Copenhagen not included)** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) SOT 2000318-10

**\*\*\*This group is filled. Check out our next departure on Feb 20, 2026:** **https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/\*\*\*** Gaze at the Northern Lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, be a reindeer herder for a day, learn about the Sámi culture, visit an ice hotel, catch a fish (or two) through a hole in the ice, taste some good Scandinavian delicacies, visit the ABBA museum...My, oh my! These are just some of the fun activities we are planning to do during this once-in-a-life time adventure! Like all our adventures, this one is crafted from the ground up with the true spirit of Meetup in mind. We handle every little detail before and during the trip, accompany and guide the group, creating a stress-free journey with a laid-back, friendly vibe. No big tour operators, no inflated prices — we work directly with locals to give you authentic experiences and unbeatable value. Come as strangers, leave as lifelong friends — and make memories that stick forever! ***We visit:*** * Stockholm * Kiruna (Lapland) * Helsinki * Copenhagen (optional extension) ***The trip includes:*** \* 2 nights in Stockholm \* A night train from Stockholm to Lapland in a private sleeping compartment \* 4 nights in Kiruna \* 3 nights in Helsinki \* Airfare from Kiruna to Helsinki \* Arrival and departure transfers \* Sightseeing tours in Stockholm and Helsinki \* Boat ride in Stockholm \* Food tasting in Helsinki \* Breakfast daily \* 2 dinners and 3 lunches \* Northern Lights Tour \* Jukkasjärvi Icehotel Half-Day Tour \* Full-Day Reindeer Tour \* Ice Fishing or Husky Sleigh Ride **Price per person, double occupancy: $4770** (we match roommates for those wishing to share) **Price for single room: $6320** ***Not Included:*** x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that) x Meals not listed above x Tips and any personal and incidental expenses x Optional extension to Copenhagen The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit **\*\*\*Deposit link removed as this date is sold out. You can reserve your spot for our next departure on Feb 20, 2026 [HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/) \*\*\*** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).\*\*\* Final payment due 60 days before departure\*\*\* ***[Click Here](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37)***[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37) For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) Limited capacity of 14 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. \*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included\*\*\* **OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO COPENHAGEN offered at $590 per person/double or $785 solo occupancy (air from Helsinki to Copenhagen not included)** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) SOT 2000318-10