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)

Solstice special; please note the 7:30 pm start time. Brisk, 3-to-4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Freddie's Beach Bar in Crystal City. After the hike, we will head to Freddie's for drinks, food, and karaoke. Closest metro Crystal City.

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

Hi everyone! Tuesday Night Skates are in full effect! Meet every Tuesday outside of the NOMA-Galladudet U Station at the North entrance (1305 2nd St NE). We will head out at 7pm sharp for an 8 mile skate followed by pizza! We'll skate up the Metropolitan Branch Trail to the Ft. Totten Metro station and back down the trail to M St NE for pizza at Andy's. See ya there! This skate is led by Asher and myself. 🛼 This ride is BEGINNER FRIENDLY! While the full ride is 8 miles long, you have the option to tap out at one of the three red line metro stations along the route in both directions. You'll also have an opportunity to learn new skills and practice drills with the skate leaders at our regroupping spots along the route. The tap out points are as follows: 2 miles: Rhode Island Ave Metro 2.5 miles: Brookland Metro 4 miles: Ft Totten Metro 6 miles: Brookland Metro (on the way back) 7 miles: Rhode Island Ave Metro (on the way back) 8 miles: Andy's Pizza This is a great way to test and build up your endurance while skating! At least one of the skate leaders will skate at your pace, so you'll never be left behind. Join us at Andy's Pizza afterwards for a FREE slice of pizza with the purchase of any alcoholic beverage or N/A lemonade! Route Map: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7752153 If we need to cancel one week due to weather or other reasons, we'll update the event page in advance.

We'll use this time to meet new GRASP members and catch up with those we already know! Look for GRASP table flyers and Eli's GRASP shirt to easily find the group. This restaurant is a fast-casual format meaning it's easy to order and pay individually! Adult beverages are available and you can expect entrees in the $15 range. The [Torchy's Tacos menu is here](https://torchystacos.com/menu/) and they offer a wide variety of tacos, burritos, salads, and excellent sides. In living by their Damn Good mantra, they’re constantly innovating to ensure they’re delivering the tastiest tacos, queso, and margaritas in the game. Their Taco of the Month promotions allow them to provide unique tacos to Taco Junkies year 'round. The ingredients make the meal. That’s why they responsibly and ethically source every single ingredient, down to the jalapeño. From there, they work hard to whip up the best damn tacos, cooked to order, just the way you like 'em.

## **Hinduism (June 28, 2026)** Event is free with $5-$10 suggested donation to Rhizome DC for letting us use the space! There is no people limit, but meetup only allows for 10 attendees. Please put in your calendar if you are interested. **Readings** **\*** [Chandogya Upanishad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandogya_Upanishad), [The Story of Shvetaketu](https://courses.edx.org/assets/courseware/v1/2741f1a978481d4c3cb8c66a33d36e98/asset-v1:HarvardX+HDS3221.5x+2T2019+type@asset+block/The_Upanishads_Eknath_Easwaran_excerpts_HarvardX__1_.pdf) \* [Bhagavad Gita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavad_Gita) (translation by Eknath Easwaran), [Chapters 2, 3, 6](https://library.memoryoftheworld.org/#/book/3748780f-2650-4cf3-a4cc-744201312067) **\*Note:** You can download the EPUB file and upload it to epub-reader.online to actually view the book. The site is virus free, and this is the easiest option to view this version. The first contextual text will explain some about why we are reading this translation, but feel free to Google the author. Contextual Texts **\***Here you can read an overview of the setting and context of the Bhagavad Gita ([link](https://www.brettlarkin.com/how-to-read-the-bhagavad-gita/)) Chapters 2, 3, and 6 set up some of the core tenets of Hinduism that continue to be built upon throughout the Bhagavad Gita. They also allow us to explore ideas that we will see consistently come up across different religions. Chapter 2 talks about the immortality of our souls. Chapter 3 outlines selfless action, telling us that we should perform duty without attachment to the results, surrender our fruits to the Divine, and avoid inaction. Chapter 6 gives us more technical motivation on the advantages of meditation, controlling the mind,and self realization. Through these texts we should be able to think about the nature of ourselves and actions, and discuss why we do the things we do, and the concept of a “soul”. We can also discuss experiences with mediation, controlling the mind (controlling emotions), and if anyone feels self realized. With “The Story of Shvetaketu” we follow a young man who is taught by his father that knowledge is more than just what we learn intellectually, rather it is about gaining understanding of the essence of existence. Here we get to explore fun philosophical concepts about what learning and knowledge truly is. Ultimately, these texts challenge us to think about our agency by finding a sense of self-worth that exists independently of external notions of success or validation.

**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.

Hike in the moonlight along the C&O Canal towpath to Great Falls, Maryland, 4 miles **Time**: Hike starts promptly at 8:15 p.m. and goes to approximately 10:15 p.m. (2 hours). It’s best to arrive about 10-15 minutes before the start of the hike (around 8:00 – 8:10 p.m). **Meeting Place**: Parking lot across from Old Angler's Inn, 10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD. **Reservations**: Unlike CHC's Saturday bus hikes, signing up for Moonlight Hikes is not required. However, if you do sign up, you can be notified of a possible change in plan. Usually, light rain alone will not cancel the hike--for safety reasons, severe weather or a thunderstorm will. **Directions:** a. From the Beltway (I-495), take exit # 41, which is immediately north of the American Legion Bridge. When taking exit # 41, take it west towards Carderock / Great Falls, Maryland. b. This puts you on the Clara Barton Parkway, heading west. Stay on the Clara Barton Parkway for 1.7 miles until you come to a flashing stoplight. c. Make a left turn at the flashing stoplight onto MacArthur Blvd. Go for 1 mile until you see the Old Anglers Inn on your right side. Park in the parking lots across the street from the Old Anglers Inn. What to bring: a. A flashlight b. A small bottle of water c. Insect repellent d. Comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes are fine) Cost / Donation: There is no charge for this hike, in accordance with CHC’s permit from the National Park Service. **Difficulty / Terrain**: This hike is mostly over flat terrain along the C&O Canal towpath and the Berma Road. This hike is considered to be an easy hike. **Ages**: This hike is open to all ages, so long as they can comfortably walk 4 miles. Parents need to be mindful of small children during the hike for their safety. **Dogs**: Dogs are welcome, so long as they are kept on a leash at all times, are friendly around people and other dogs, and are not taken out on the walkway to Olmstead Island.

Join the Introverts of Columbus at Quarry Trails Metro Park for an afternoon walk in the Park. We'll meet near the parking lot area for about 15 minutes before heading out to chat and hike through the metro park. This will be a casually paced walk to allow people to get to know each other, and enjoy nature at the same time. 🚨🚨 Please note that there are multiple parking areas for the Quarry Trails Park, and please note the address in the event to get to the correct starting area! 🚨🚨

Join us for a beautiful walk in the park this Tuesday at 7 pm! We will hike two miles through the beautiful landscaped gardens of Inniswood Metro Park. Our trail will be a combo of boardwalks, dirt trails and paved paths winding through the flowers and woods.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

**Presenter:** Matthew Hess, Microsoft MVP **Time:** Pizza at 6:00, Presentation Starts at 6:30pm Eastern **Location:** Theoris, 9000 Keystone Crossing, Either Downstairs or in Suite 230 if main meeting room isn't available, Indianapolis In 2019 (C# 8.0) Microsoft introduced a feature that has generated a lot of confusion, debate and outright dissent. I'm talking about Nullable Reference Types. In this presentation, I we dig into this feature, explore why it exists, what problem it tries to solve, how it works, and how people have critiqued it, so that you as a programmer can decide if and how you want to use it. Looking forward to seeing you there!