Urban Exploration

On this walk we'll start in Bethesda, walk the Capitol Crescent a bit, then walk towards AU/Teneleytown. **Millage:** 4.5 **Map:** [komoot](https://www.komoot.com/tour/3024611926?share_token=aWXz8Cxnm7LZhjNMD6lUku1mIiHrUOBCOp4zWEfbgqOAbTWWgr&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=5208720834658), [caltopo](https://caltopo.com/m/7NC3PM1) **Start:** Bethesda metro (street level, top of the stairs) **End:** AU/Teneleytown metro **Terrain:** There will be mostly paved surfaces. \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer. Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

**Our Meetup is off to another hiking adventure! Mt Kilimanjaro, as the tallest mountain in Africa, is included in the 7 Summits of the world.** **It is a bucket-list item for all hard-core hikers and mountain lovers.** We did this trek with Meetup in the summer of 2024 and it was a true experience of a lifetime (see photos below) Let's get to some numbers. It is 5,895m/19,340ft BUT . . . our starting elevation for the trek is 3795m/12541ft As such elevation gain is 2100m/6799ft To compare Everest Base Camp trek, is about 2754m/9035ft elevation change. And Mt Whitney is about 1828m/6000ft elevation change. The key to being able to succeed in this endeavor lays in the route and the support system. We are taking the Lemosho Route via the Northern Circuit. The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It's one of the best routes because it has the best acclimatization profile. This results in one of the highest summit success rates. Add to that stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It is also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes. As far as our support system: We will be accompanied by experienced guides, porters and cooks. They are certified, ensuring our safety and comfort. Porters will carry our gear. We will have a high ratio of guides to hikers. Our guides will go our pace and support each and everyone of us, regardless of fitness level and pace. In other words...you go your own speed and we all get there safe. More about our trek/trip. As with all our international trips, we picked the best season/time of year to go for weather and wildlife. Lemosho and Northern Circuit is a scenically spectacular and varied route. At the lower elevations it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season. **Each of our trips is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.** *But I don't have the needed gear?!* You don't need much more than the standard trekker's equipment. We will provide you with a list of what is already included and what can be rented there. *Does this include food?* All meals on the trek potion are included and a cook travels with us! *What is lodging like?* We are sleeping in new and comfortable tents (carried during the day by porters) *I am new at this.* That's OK. We do plenty of prep Zooms before we depart. And in California we have a number of local outdoor day or weekend outings you can test out with us. *How dangerous is this? What if I get sick or hurt?* We will be walking on an established, well used trail the entire time. **Our trip INCLUDES emergency insurance.** We are also Certified Wilderness First Responders and our guides are members of (AMREF) Flying Doctor. **Plain and simple, safety is our primary goal.** *How much does this cost?* **Kilimanjaro Mountain Trek $3950 per person, double occupancy. Land only (airfare not included). Solo supplement $600** Trip Cost includes: \- 9 nights accommodation \- 3 meals everyday on the trek \- All Fees & Entrances and Taxes \- Camping equipment such as tents\, tables\, chairs\. \- Lead Guide\, Assistant Guides\, Porters and Cook *RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.* ***The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $300 deposit:*** ***[CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/8P9NUAVQM8UEN)*** *Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).* *IF you need an airfare quote,* [Click here to message Anna](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: **[INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** To see pictures from our Kilimanjaro adventure in 2024 [CLICK HERE](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPkfkUp6sEZVQ-xse1di_K19d1QVmSb5KOLeIjynRoWGv_XFLXI8wBfT61XxAHavg?key=U2tKajBuOGRiZkxBOUtTUG1GbUVRVmlDaERCeG5n) We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered. [Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/) The MAIN location where this event is posted: [https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/) (RSVP there for any conversation and comments) This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here ](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)for our other events: Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 200318-10

Let's walk a series of trails winding around Connecticut Ave and Rock Creek Park. **Route:** * Start at Van Ness metro * Take Soapstone Valley Trail * Shortly on Broad Branch Rd to get to Western Ridge Trail * Western Ridge Trail -> Reservation 630 * A good point to bail for those seeking a shorter walk would be when we cross Connecicut Ave here * South on 34th St NW, heading to Kingle Valley Trail * Kingle Valley Trail -> Rock Creek Trail -> Zoo/AdMo Metro * NOTE: The "zoo loop" will be closed and we'll be walking along/within the Beach Drive tunnel. **Millage:** 5.4 **Map:** (two parts because gmaps won't let map trail correctly) [kamoot](https://www.komoot.com/tour/3024597933?share_token=aHA6TwA0P1uRvGgJttMbiJcdcZYAMx0V6y272W6n8abALVBU8h&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=5208720834658), [caltopo](https://caltopo.com/m/UG6R4JG) **Start Location:** Van Ness-UDC Metro Station **End Location:** Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station **Terrain:** There will be some **unpaved** hiking trails and hills. \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer. Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

**KleptoRadio just loves music and they want to share, appreciate and celebrate that music with everyone!!! They bring everyone at every show together by bringing to life the magic of great music, from the latest instant classics, to timeless hits from every decade.** **We will meet by the beer tent.**

**This jovial jaunt is a** **paved** **3.8mile mostly easy walk with some hidden hills & full of stairs (270 in total). Pace: 3mph.** The trek traverses embassies as well as academic campuses in D.C.'s Van Ness neighborhood... *Can you enumerate all the embassies?* The walk first frolics about the University of D.C. (UDC) with an 'amphitheater ascent' that leads to the [Henderson Sports complex](https://www.udcfirebirds.com/general/2021-22/releases/20220219d185lb), which was named after the "Father of Black Basketball". The circuit then embraces enigmatic embassies that are collectively known as the International Chancery Center [(ICC)](https://www.state.gov/international-chancery-center/). After ambling through alleys the trek pauses parallel to International Park. Latter of the circuit descends a snaky staircase then creeps by an eerie alley of eyes before encircling new & old Howard University (HU) School of Law buildings, including a Kennedy Center look-a-like known as the [Allen Mercer Daniel Library](https://www.tumblr.com/dcsojourn/137654182949/howard-universitys-bizarre-abandoned-allen); enjoy a vacuous vista of D.C. here. Following a gander at a grandiloquent grotto the walk concludes among terracing towers. NOTES: 1\. Trail Forecast= [MAP](https://smartergrowth.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/VanNessMainSt-1.pdf) \| Commuting via Metro advised: alight from Van Ness\- UDC station \(RD line\)\, exit via south/western portal\. \(Paid\-\) parking is available for Cars in [nearby Garages](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TMFv6gAmEzbh8peL8). 2\. Post\- social @TBD\. 3\. Footnote: This is a grand gander\, resist abstaining\! We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer. Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation.