Outdoor Adventures

#This meetup is around a third-party organizer (Focus Filmtheater): you can either purchase your ticket online or right before the session# **Title**: Silent Friend **Language**: German **Subtitles**: English **Length**: 147 min **Director**: Ildiko Enyedi More **info**: [https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-silent-friend/](https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-silent-friend/) **Ticket link**:[https://www.focusarnhem.nl/tickets/143041/](https://www.focusarnhem.nl/tickets/143041/) **Silent Friend** A mesmerizing reflection on humans, trees and how we might communicate… No trees are actually hugged in Silent Friend, but arboreal adoration has never blossomed on screen as lushly as it does in this contemplative, nature-focused feature from Hungarian writer-director Ildiko Enyedi. Not so much a narrative-driven drama, this is more a contemplative reverie about people, trees, the world and their interconnections, anchored around an ancient ginko tree standing in the middle of a German botanical garden. **How it works**: I will be at Focus around 18:30, where we can meet before the movie starts. You can message me to find us. Screening starts at 19:00. After the movie, we can have a drink together. Hope to see you soon!

😌 **Tired of dating apps or speed dating that feels forced and boring?** ✨ Ditch the apps and meet people offline in the most fun way possible! We take a crowd of freshly showered people, mix them up, and shake them up with: 🎲 Mini-games 🤼 Group Challenges 🧲 Connecting questions 🤪 Crazy hosts **What to expect?** Watch this video for a quick impression: [https://update-events.nl/#whatcaniexpect](https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fupdate-events.nl%2F%23whatcaniexpect) **No awkward silences** Just like a perfect night out, the evening is filled with surprises. One moment you are playing a 1-on-1 game, the next you are mingling in a group challenge. Amazing hosts will guide you through the evening, creating a group spirit, making you feel safe, and getting you laughing (a lot!). You'll be having so much fun you won't even notice you're meeting dozens of new people in so many different ways! Our philosophy? Real connections happen with: 😏 Reacting to unexpected situations together 😎 Discovering someone's natural vibe in a group setting 🗣️ Having deeper conversations naturally 🎭 Dropping the masks and getting playful **It's a Match!** Met someone you like? We make it easy. At the end of the night, simply select your favorites on your phone. If the interest is mutual, you’ll receive each other’s contact details the next morning via email :) **🎟️ IMPORTANT: How to join?** An RSVP on Meetup is **not** a ticket. We need to keep the gender balance equal, so you must get your ticket here: 👉 https://update-events.nl/events/utrecht-29th-of-april-32-45-y-o-the-5th-neude-fun-at-first-sight/ (Note: Our events sell out fast, so don't wait too long!) **Timeline** 18:45 - Doors open 19:00 - Official start & welcome 19:10 - Chaos! But nice, very social chaos :) 20:00 - Breather & Drinks 20:10 - More games, more people 21:00 - Is it already over? Don’t be sad, you can stick around! Maybe invite one of your favourites for a drink? :) **P.S. Low RSVP count here? Don't worry!** Most people book directly through our website or other channels. Our evenings are usually sold out with 30 participants. If we don't have enough sign-ups (which rarely happens), you will be offered a full refund.

Are you an **expat** in **Utrecht** and do you want to **learn how to swim?** Look no further! Dive into **personalized swimming lessons** with **Your Personal Swim Coach**. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced swimmer seeking to refine your technique, our expert coaches offer **tailored sessions** that fit your needs. **De Kwakel** is a great pool close to the city center, has free parking, and is easy to reach by bus. It's an **amazing learning environment!** **Don't wait any longer:** **[Sign up for a Try Out Lesson!](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/product/try-out-adult-swimming-lesson/)** Want to learn more first? Go to our **[website](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/)** or **[schedule a call!](https://calendly.com/ypsc/new-meeting)**

Hi all! 🙂 On Wednesdays we welcome you to practice languages! If you want to practice a specific (uncommon) language, please send us a message so we can find some conversation partners for you on our mailing list! We hope to see you in Café Marktzicht! In the last year we had tables for the following languages: * Dutch * English * French * Italian * Spanish * Turkish\* * German\* * Portuguese\* * Danish\* * Norwegian\* * Russian\* * Arabic\* * Chinese\*\* * Japanese\*\* * Indonesian\*\* * * Most likely, but not every week present. \*\* - Rather rare ;-) If your language is not in this list, please let us know! We have a large database of Language Cafe visitors speaking 56 different languages! We might be able to connect you with a person that does speak the language you want to practice. In case you are not in our database yet, please use this form: http://goo.gl/forms/oSCn9Dn8m8

The **program** will go as this: * 17:00-18:00 Walk-in * 18:00-18:05 Welcome * 18:05-18:50 1st Talk: **Jan Stomphorst (ACC-ICT)** * 18:50-19:30 Pizzas * 19:30-20:15 2nd Talk: **Benjamin Smeding &** **Merijn Stiekema (ProRail)** * 20:15 - 21:30 Networking & drinks * 21:30 End 1st Talk: **Title:** **Kubernetes and the Answer is… 42!** The ultimate checklist for deploying your app without regrets. You built the app. You wrote the Dockerfile. You pushed to your CI/CD pipeline. But... is it really ready for Kubernetes? This talk hands you the one thing every team needs but rarely has: a no-fluff, field-tested, brutally honest checklist of 42 points to verify before you deploy. This is an interactive session from beginner to expert. You’ll learn: How to avoid the most common mistakes in Kubernetes deployments What actually matters in production — and what doesn’t How to think like a platform engineer, even if you're a developer Why checklists save you from 3 AM incidents Interactive, opinionated, and painfully relatable. This is not another Kubernetes 101 — this is the list you wish you had a year ago. Don’t panic. Just check it. **Speaker: Jan Stomphorst** Bio: Ik ben Jan Stomphorst, Solutions Architect van beroep. Ik werk al 25 jaar in de IT en ondersteun organisaties met hun applicatieontwikkeling met behulp van nieuwe technieken zoals Kubernetes. Samen met mijn team werk ik momenteel veel aan Kubernetes projecten, nieuwe implementaties en ben ik voortdurend bezig met het testen van nieuwe tools en technieken. In mijn vrije tijd kook ik graag en houd ik van bbq-en. Wat ik zo geweldig vind aan deze podcast is dat ik als IT'er mijn kennis kan en mag delen met andere IT'ers. Het voelt daardoor een beetje als een opensource project, waarbij ik hoop ook feedback van onze luisteraars te ontvangen. 2nd Talk: **Title: Getting ProRail on Track with Kafka on Kubernetes** Safety and reliability is of high importance to ProRail, which contradicts innovation. A new movement has however started to implement Kubernetes to allows teams to more easily build, host and manage their applications. During this talk we will talk about how the Integratie team uses this technology to provision Kafka (using Strimzi) for a new integration platform. This will be a tale that starts with ClickOps and abandons it all in favor of GitOps using Terraform, ArgoCD and other CNCF projects. We will also share our vision of the integration platform of the future. abstract **Speakers**: **Benjamin Smeding &** **Merijn Stiekema** Benjamin: Solution Architect at ProRail with more than 10 years in the rail sector. My background is in rail design and embedded safety systems. At ProRail I work on event streaming and help promote cloud-native and open-source technologies. Merijn: DevOps Engineer at ProRail. For the past 1.5 years, I have worked on cloud enablers like Kafka and API Management in Azure, provisioning platforms and building tools for health checking and self-service. I enjoy combining software engineering with DevOps and automating processes so teams can onboard and build faster. Outside of work, I have a passion for open source and love building things in my free time. **Photography/Video consent:** We will be taking photos and videos during the event and will use these photos and videos for social media and promotional materials. By coming to the meet-up, you give us your consent to take photos and videos of you. **Code of Conduct:** All members are required to agree with the [Berlin Code of Conduct](https://berlincodeofconduct.org/). **Stay in touch:** Please get in touch on the [CNCF #netherlands slack channel](https://cloud-native.slack.com/archives/CKE1F68G6) for any questions (we're also looking for co-organizers, especially in other cities). Please also don't forget to join the official CNCF community here **Directions:** Directions **Parking:** Parking nearby • https://www.p1.nl/parkeerplaats/parkeergarage-kop-van-lombok/ (cheapest) • https://www.p1.nl/parkeerplaats/parkeergarage-croeselaan/ (more expensive, but closer) https://www.ns.nl/fietsenstallingen/info/utrecht-centraal-jaarbeursplei

**10X ORG: The NL Book launch** [Alexey Krivitsky](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexeykrivitsky/), [Craig Larman](https://www.linkedin.com/in/craiglarman/) and [Roland Flemm](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolandflemm/) released their bestselling book [10XORG](https://www.amazon.nl/10X-ORG-Topologies-Elevating-Performance-ebook/dp/B0GNDSJGKM/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_nl_NL=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=YO8SQXLGDS3O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Rv8O2emcuflTuBjweveWC1ZWzi1zXd_Zlf7Cl_8EY11no-K-NWQo7EhtL-HBe_3Jj-M8JAvNNgYycikpRqxgmMaRIHl8Q5A7-eaHZ13NZNNsAQ2l5dZv6WG4RfaQi5GFTTCz3ybHEX8AGum9q7lffnvRKZuyRoSGZeot9J1bt49HrEQjzAgy2gEdFpfhByjA__3aU4mT6o3hzaX6Uuk530ViINBrvQBFjGU42WAl7TVlGHWkFgdlW_cbIFbPSyY5YJ5hbl7hCsrNQLBCCCkiH82uVxtfgGwg06mfKIjcVpc.gjWcGcVthI5baE9TUVRKurZTQEj3z6-tocYXN7eDSjg&dib_tag=se&keywords=10x+org&qid=1775071604&sprefix=10x+org%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1) on Amazon. As of this month, the book is also available in all Netherlands-based bookstores. To celebrate this event, the [Agile Consortium](https://www.agileconsortium.nl/) and the LeSS company are inviting you to the official book launch at [Sopra Steria](https://www.soprasteria.nl/) in Nieuwegein. During this session, Roland will present the book 10X ORG: A manager’s guide to elevate business performance with people and AI. Released at the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Agile Manifesto, the book distills decades of hard-won insights on agility and organisational transformation. Which patterns in org design have proven truly unbreakable? How well are we actually unlocking the full potential of our people? And how can we harness AI to reshape our organisations — making them not just efficient, but fit for the future? Ultimately, what will it take to build a world of work our children will thrive in? Besides highlighting the key learnings of the book, Roland will also be sharing why they wrote the book, how the writing process went, and there will be time to answer questions in a Q&A. This talk will summarize the learnings from the 10X ORG book and touch upon the underlying concepts of Org Topologies. You will leave with key insights and, above all, with new questions to explore about organization, learning, and performance. We will close the session with an opportunity to purchase the book, and have it personally signed by Roland. **As we're making use of nice catering, please actively manage your RSVP and let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.** **Date: Thursday April 29th** * 17:00 Walk-in * 17:30 Buffet * 18:00 Talk by Agile Consortium: the impact of AI on our professional field / the successful application of AI requires responsiveness on people, team and organization level * 18:30 10X ORG and 25 years of Agile Transformations * 19:30 networking & drinks Location: Sopra Steria [Ringwade 1, 3439 LM Nieuwegein](https://www.google.com/maps/place/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47c5c939362b986f:0xa7dc68348aa9f7b6?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111) Free Parking

*We work on each other's practical goals & "impossible" dreams* \*\*\* Help wanted & help offered. Bi-weekly meetings (every two weeks). Language English/Dutch. This idea is inspired by Barbara Sher's story and experiences. Please see her Ted Talk titled "Isolation is the dream-killer, not your attitude". The idea in short: One person at a time tells the group his/her dream or aim and the obstacles they face to achieve it. It could be a trip, an experience, a change of career, an undertaking of some kind, learning a skill, solving a particular problem or even finding out what you really want. The group works to realise the person's aim. Not just theoretically, also practically. For this we use our experience and networks. —Nothing as satisfying as helping another! Perhaps suitable, Gabor Mate's words: "You never heal alone." Please contact me at galatv@protonmail.com if you have questions. We gather in a pleasant space at Rosa Buurtcentrum. On the 2nd floor ("eerste verdieping"), take the door at your right (right from the staircase), at end of the small hall, the last door left). There will be tea and you are welcome (but not required) to bring snacks. It's free (50 cents for tea contribution is appreciated). We'd love to have you. Painting: Cattleya Orchid and Three Hummingbirds. Martin Johnson Heade, 1871.

Join us for a scenic and varied hike around Oosterbeek, one of the most versatile routes in the Netherlands 🌿 Expect a mix of forests, riverside paths, historical landmarks, and open landscapes along this beautiful circular walk. 🥾 What to expect: • A circular hiking route starting from Oosterbeek station • Approx. 13 km | moderate level (good fitness required) • Forest trails, boardwalks, and riverside paths • Highlights include streams, viewpoints, and scenic nature spots • Historical sites including WWII memorials and landmarks • Unique landscapes including floodplains and countryside charm 📍 Starting point: Oosterbeek Station (easy access by train and bus) 🕒 When: Saturday, May 2 Meeting time: 11:00 AM at Oosterbeek Station We’ll wait about 15–30 minutes before starting, so departure around 11:15–11:30 🚗 Getting there: Reach Oosterbeek easily by public transport • Train: Direct to Oosterbeek Station (meeting point) • Bus connections available nearby • Parking available around the station and in town 💬 Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group for coordination, carpooling & updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fv8Kqa3jMNK9nHKKAMV8SZ Follow our Instagram for photos & upcoming events: https://www.instagram.com/globeglide_?igsh=MWp3a2t6MmpocWFmZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 🌼 Let’s enjoy a day of walking, nature, and great company! ⚠️ Disclaimer: This is a casual, non-commercial meetup organized by hiking enthusiasts. By participating, you acknowledge that you are joining voluntarily and at your own risk. The organizers are not responsible for any personal injury, health issues, transportation, loss, or damage. Each participant is fully responsible for their own safety, insurance, and well-being. ⸻ This route offers a great mix of nature and history, with plenty of beautiful spots to rest or even picnic along the way. Expect around 3–3.5 hours of walking at a relaxed pace. Bring suitable footwear, water, and snacks. Looking forward to hiking together!

* We **start at 11:30** at the car parking Parking, close to station: Stationsplein 5, 6881 WC Velp https://maps.app.goo.gl/mtKL419jenjZWcHGA * Length: \~15.7 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by Train:** * To Velp train station: https://maps.app.goo.gl/w1T91UyU57h57Z9P7 **Getting there by Car:** * Free Parking: P+R Stationsplein 5, Velp https://maps.app.goo.gl/mtKL419jenjZWcHGA **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=cqlYWv_MTpSjp2VkROXWhA * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

Let’s go on picnic together be outside in nature, share some food and let’s get to know each other! Bring a smile, fun vibes and you are free to bring some snacks (drinks)

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

'CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN' by Sayaka Murata 'Keiko Furukura had always been considered a strange child, and her parents always worried how she would get on in the real world, so when she takes on a job in a convenience store while at university, they are delighted for her. For her part, in the convenience store she finds a predictable world mandated by the store manual, which dictates how the workers should act and what they should say, and she copies her coworkers' style of dress and speech patterns so that she can play the part of a normal person. However, eighteen years later, at age 36, she is still in the same job, has never had a boyfriend, and has only few friends. She feels comfortable in her life, but is aware that she is not living up to society's expectations and causing her family to worry about her. When a similarly alienated but cynical and bitter young man comes to work in the store, he will upset Keiko's contented stasis--but will it be for the better? Sayaka Murata brilliantly captures the atmosphere of the familiar convenience store that is so much part of life in Japan. With some laugh-out-loud moments prompted by the disconnect between Keiko's thoughts and those of the people around her, she provides a sharp look at Japanese society and the pressure to conform, as well as penetrating insights into the female mind. Convenience Store Woman is a fresh, charming portrait of an unforgettable heroine that recalls Banana Yoshimoto, Han Kang, and Amélie.' ***Please read the book and join us for a lively discussion (in English) about the contents during our afternoon book club meeting.*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **PLEASE NOTE:** This is an IN-PERSON event in Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Please cancel your attendance in advance if you are unable to join, so that those on the waitlist can participate. Looking forward to seeing you all IN REAL LIFE then! Best regards, Sandra

Iedereen is welkom op onze open Freedom Friday Bitcoin Turnhout Meetup @ het super gezellige café Sint Pieter - Grote Markt 60, 2300 Turnhout Geen presentaties. Geen workshops. Gewoon 1 onderwerp: bitcoin. **Connect with Like-Minded Minds** Engage with the Bitcoin community and mingle with fellow enthusiasts. This meetup is your chance to discuss the future, share ideas, and network with pioneers in the decentralized money world. 🏢 **Central Location**: café Sint Pieter ligt perfect centraal, een ruim cafe op de grote markt van Turnhout. Mark your calendars and spread the word!

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 17 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 18 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

We will hike the Ridge Trail and Meadows Trail twice, for a total of 3.8 miles. There are some pretty good inclines so plan on getting a cardio workout :). This is a loop which is pretty easy to follow; thus faster walkers can take the lead and the rest (like me) will bring up the rear at a slightly slower pace. You could also just do the loop once for 1.9 miles. No one left behind. Optional lunch to follow in Canal Winchester. I'm working through the metro parks - this is the third one!