Vacations

Join the Ski and Sports Club of Washington DC (SCWDC) on the slopes this season. Show your interest or solicit roommates here on Meetup. **However, [TRIP REGISTRATION IS ON THE SCWDC WEBSITE](https://scwdc.wildapricot.org/Ski-Flight-Trips)**. Trips are open to paid SCWDC members ([see all club benefits on the SCWDC website](https://scwdc.wildapricot.org/membership)), or Blue Ridge Ski Council (BRSC) members. **ASK QUESTIONS directly to the TRIP LEAD on ea SCWDC TRIP page** Trip Prices Include: -**Planning and logistics handled by Trip Leaders** -All trips supported by experienced committee members and club leaders -Club founded in 1936 **-Group roundtrip air travel & ground transportation to the slopes** -Grocery stop, may be included -Ground transportation only (book your own flights), may be available **-All posted prices, Double Occupancy** -Specify preferred roommate during registration, if identified -Trip Lead assigns a same gender roommate if none specified -Private rooms available with the additional single supplement (SS) price **-Pre-Trip DMV social meet/greet, may be included** **-During trip daily social meet/greet, may be included** **-Discount lift tickets, at additional costs, from third-parties may be included**

We love a good brunch. Join for some music, laughter, and Caribbean Italian fusion food.

Satisfy your wanderlust with a 10-day trip to Spain and Portugal! Start in Madrid and learn about amazing architecture, inspiring culture and the Spanish lifestyle! Discover Toledo, Granada and Seville. Visit Ronda and see the famous Puente Nuevo. Cross into Portugal and admire the incredible Algarve views. Experience lively Lisbon, taste port in Porto and explore historic Garda. Finish off this Spain and Portugal tour with stops in Salamanca and Avila. Embrace the local way of life complete with tapas, flamenco and bullfighting on our unforgettable Portugal and Spain tours! Highlights Visited Places: • Madrid • Toledo • Granada • Ronda • Seville • Algarve • Lisbon • Obidos • Porto • Guarda • Salamanca • Avila Travel Experience: • Explore Madrid; capital of Spain • Enjoy a welcome dinner in Madrid • Visit the ancient city of Toledo • Discover the delights of Granada • Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo • See Seville on a driving tour • Enjoy a local dinner in Seville • Explore the streets of Seville on a guided tour • Visit the Algarve; Portugal’s stunning southern coast • Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon • Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town • Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto • Taste Portugal’s most famous drink – Port! • Visit Guarda; Portugal’s highest city • Explore the streets of Salamanca • Farewell dinner in Salamanca • Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture Notes Tour Start Madrid Tour End Madrid Destination Spain & Portugal Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 4pm • Return: Day 10 anytime after breakfast Airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) Meeting Point • The group meets at the arrival airport or at the hotel on Day01. • More details will be provided via group chat on WhatsApp Itinerary Day01 Madrid ARRIVAL Day02 Start of tour in Madrid Day03 Toledo - Granada Day04 Granada - Ronda - Seville Day05 Seville Day06 Algarve - Lisbon Day07 Lisbon: Free Day Day08 Obidos - Porto Day09 Guarda - Salamanca Day10 Avila - Madrid ———————————————— Cost: $2990 (Double occupancy) $3690 (Single occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes • 9 nights hotel stay • Breakfasts at hotel • All transportation • Airport transfer • Experienced guides/Tour leader • Activities as per the itinerary Price Excludes • Flights • Meals • Personal Expenses • Optional activities • Travel insurance / Visa • Tips ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/spain-portugal-highlights-madrid-granada-seville-lisbon-porto/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/spain-portugal-highlights-madrid-granada-seville-lisbon-porto/) Questions? Text / Call: Himanshu - Organizer 2023787696

**25 miles. For advanced beginners and above.** **The route is flat except for a long, easy climb back to the start.** Free for members/$15.00 non-members This is our favorite winter ride! Beginning in Bethesda, we’ll ride down the Capitol Crescent Trail (CCT) into the city, stopping at the Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR and MLK Memorials for photo ops and a little history. Our ride will also take us down the National Mall, past the WWII Memorial, and the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian Museums as we enjoy the beauty of the city. We’ll have a rest stop about mid-way at the U.S. Botanic Gardens. * **Register and pay for this event on our website with this link:** **[https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6500964](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6500964)** * ***No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.*** * **Register now on our website to reserve your spot!** **Upon completion of registration, trip information will be forwarded by email**. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, immediately check your spam folder. **Find out about WWO Member benefits at this link**: **[Membership Information](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/Membership)** If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: bike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org

Our very first initial meeting to introduce yourself, learn about each other, discuss travel ideas, possibly plan a first trip and make new friends! I’ll be on the lookout for possible assistant organizers - checking the vibe :) Caboose has great drinks, appetizers and typically a good atmosphere to chat.

Sunday should be sunny and 50 degrees - fine weather to meet Saturday at Tenleytown and walk down Foxhall Road and back up the Glover Archbold Trail. We will visit the National Cathedral and then wend our way back to Tenleytown. The Cathedral will be wide open on Sunday so if you want to spend more time there touring or exploring it, that works out fine. The starting point for the hike is a hop and a skip from a Whole Foods store with the best peanut butter cookies in the D.C. area. ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the meetup point we'll walk southeast along Wisconsin Ave NW, turn left at Nebraska Ave NW and follow it southwest to Foxhall Rd NW, * We will hook a left on Garfield Ave. and follow to the Glover-Archbold Trail through the woods back to Cathedral Ave. We will cross Wisconsin Ave and visit the National Cathedral for a brief spell. We will then wend back to Tenleytown via 36th St., 37th St., and Van Ness. * Total distance is around 5 miles and should take about 2 hours, . The surface is paved and slightly downhill on the way out, and a slightly uphill mix of pavement and woodland trails on the way back. This is a fairly easy walk. * [map is for prior version of the hike; update pending] Google map: http://tinyurl.com/y9bthc7a ❷ **How to get there:** * Metro (recommended): The Tenleytown - AU Metro Station is on the Red Line. See the Metro Trip Planner at https://www.wmata.com/ * Driving: If you must drive, the Tenleytown - AU Metro Stationstreet address is 4501 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016. There is limited parallel parking in the area, but mind the street signs and leave plenty of time to find a spot! ❸ **What to bring:** Plenty of water, comfy shoes. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is sunny and a high temperature of 50F. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/sw2ejvu8 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. Dogs must be leashed at all times. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms near the meetup point at Whole Foods, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Starbucks, and Target and at the Cathedral.

Ladies! Join us for a cozy winter afternoon of board games and hot chocolate at my sister Cat's place in Annapolis. We'll have a hot chocolate bar with all the fixings--bring your own cookie to crush as a topping if you'd like! (Please no peanuts or tree nuts.) Bring your favorite board game to share, or just come ready to play. All skill levels welcome! Space is limited, so please RSVP by January 7. Looking forward to seeing you all! Note: Cat's full address will be shared after RSVP. Allergen warning: Cat has two cats, a Maine coon mix and an American shorthair. They will most likely hide while we play, but if you're very allergic, it may not be a good idea to come this time :(

**Make new friends and enjoy the great outdoors** on a 4.2-mile loop hike from Riverbend Park to Great Falls Overlook and back, with an optional **lunch at Mookie’s BBQ afterward**. This hike offers a great mix of outdoor adventure and social connection, giving you a chance to enjoy nature while meeting others who share your love for the outdoors. We’ll start at the Riverbend Park parking lot and follow a scenic trail through the woods with a few small inclines, then on the return from the Overlook we'll follow the trail along the Potomac River. The route winds through peaceful woodlands and scenic riverside paths, leading to the stunning Great Falls Overlook 2. This is an **easy-to-moderate hike**, with mostly flat terrain and a few gentle inclines, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. The hike will take about **2.5 to 3 hours**, offering plenty of time to enjoy the views and good company. Afterward, join us for lunch at **Mookie's BBQ** located at 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066. It’s the perfect way to relax, socialize, and share stories with fellow hikers. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the exercise, or to connect with like-minded people, this outing promises to be a memorable experience. Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait to sign up! **Meeting Time & Location:** We’ll meet at **9:30 AM** in the Riverbend Park parking lot. Please refer to the map pin for the exact location. **Distance:** 4.2 miles **Elevation Gain:** 302 feet **Difficulty:** Easy (a few gentle inclines) This hike features natural, well-maintained trails that are mostly flat, with a few easy-to-walk uphill sections near the beginning. The wide and smooth paths make it easy to walk and chat with others along the way. With minimal obstacles and straightforward navigation, this hike is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an enjoyable and manageable outdoor adventure. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We'll walk a steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** We’ll park at the **Riverbend Park parking lot**, which has ample spaces and serves as the starting point for our hike. Please check the event map for the exact location to ensure you arrive at the correct lot. **Trail Map (AllTrails)** [Take a Hike! (DMV) - Riverbend Park (Great Falls Overlook 2)](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/take-a-hike-dmv-riverbend-park-26dd0db?u=i&sh=ylk43q) Preview the hiking route on AllTrails to get familiar with the terrain. Download the map in advance to follow along and stay on track during the hike. **Dogs on the Trail** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Restrooms** Restrooms are available at the Riverbend Park Visitor Center and at the Great Falls Visitor Center. **Lunch After the Hike** Join us after the hike for a casual lunch at **Mookie's BBQ**, 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 - (703) 759-2386. It’s a great chance to relax, enjoy a meal, and connect with fellow hikers.

(Bus hike) Today's there-and-back hikes go along the section of the Tuscarora Trail that straddles the state line between Virginia and West Virginia on the ridge line of Great North Mountain. This section of the Tuscarora Trail runs along the ridge line of Great North Mountain and provides extensive views both the west and the east. All hikers start from Rte. 55 and go up to Eagles Nest Overlook. At this point moderate hikers lunch, enjoy the view to the area at Capon Springs Resort, and then return. Long hikers continue to a second overlook at the power line crossing, which also provides extensive views, lunch, and then return. The absence of foliage during this season enables hikers to obtain views of the valleys to the east and the west, even in places that are not designated as overlooks. Est.: 12.5 miles, 1700' and 7 miles, 1200'. Tuscarora Trail Guide. Fare: $33. VA Hikes * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. RESERVATIONS Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. COVID PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

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/KGITTiG15IC9wkbljaGseO) 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.

• What we'll do Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! And we will teach you how to use your camera IN THE FIELD, not in a classroom! Join our standard Monuments and Memorials workshop, offered Wednesdays and Saturdays, in which the instructor takes you to some of DC’s most popular attractions: White House, Lafayette Park, the Einstein, Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Three Servicemen Memorials, and finally to Union Station, where you learn to make all the moving people DISAPPEAR! Remember, it was Confucius who said: "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do, and I understand." At Washington Photo Safari, we help you "do " and understand! That is why our motto is "See. Click. Learn." This $71 Safari (a 20% discount from the regular $89 price) begins with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you basic tips in composition, F-stops and shutter speeds, portraiture, and interior photography. While you are taking pictures, you receive hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and smartphone photographers will appreciate the instructor’s extensive knowledge of the best camera angles in DC. This is suggested as a preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographers at any skill level with any camera, phone, or tablet. Transportation from site to site is provided by the instructor. • What to bring camera and all lenses • Important to know travel, architectural, portrait and street photography techniques

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Java Central Café and Roaster](https://javacentral.coffee/)**!**

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. I've been hardware hacking a See N Say to make it say whatever I want - while the project is in progress still, it should be working by this meetup! I'll bring it for demo. [See N Say Project](https://github.com/cdeever/esp32-see-n-say) While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.

***FREE TOUR TICKET FOR ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL MEETUP MEMBERS*** Use Promo Code **MEETUP2025** to get your free ticket and route smart guide at [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sol-in-columbus-oh-a-smart-guided-short-one-way-loop-bikeway-tour-tickets-769120860197](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sol-in-columbus-oh-a-smart-guided-short-one-way-loop-bikeway-tour-tickets-769120860197) You can do the tour solo/with your favorite peeps, or try to generate a group ride of Meetup CycleNuts by RSVPing here and posting the day and time you are interested in others joining you. Either way, have fun on your memory-making adventure, and thank you for being a CycleNut! ### SOL in Columbus, OH \- A Smart\-guided Short One\-way Loop Bikeway Tour Short One-way Loop (SOL) in Columbus on bikeways. The smart-guided tour is mostly through scenic riverside parks with a quick downtown peek. All of that in 10 miles! 83% of the route is bikeway, and the rest is Google Maps designated "bicycle-friendly roads". This short ride passes through several beautiful riverside parks. Passing through downtown the route runs alongside Huntington Park baseball stadium, Nationwide Arena hockey stadium, near North Market (worth a stop if you enjoy markets with lots of tasty treats), within a few blocks of the state capitol, convention center, art museum, center of science and industry, several first-class hotels, and much more (see Points of Interest list below). Easily, anywhere along the way, the tour can be detoured to nearby points of interest. This smart-guided route comes with CycleNuts' 50% downhill guarantee. Sweating is optional. If your bike has gears, you might use them to climb in a few spots. All bikes are appropriate for this smart-guided tour (even a single-speed if you do not mind walking your bike up the spots mentioned). The route is shaded about 50% of the way. Sweating is optional - you set your pace, starting time, and touring agenda. Points of interest: COSI Scioto River North Market German Village The Scioto Mile Brewery District Huntington Park Nationwide Arena Columbus Union Station Arch Greater Columbus Convention Center **The Meetup plan = Show up, Rally with whoever else shows up, and Roll following the smart-guided instructions.** This is a smart guided tour route that can be ridden any day or time, solo or with others. It is only posted with a repeating set time and date with a tour leader to fit the Meetup format, and, more importantly, to encourage you to get out and ride when it is convenient for you. **If you are going to ride it and would like the company of others, then simply RSVP and post in the comments when it is that you are going to ride - date and time.** Take pictures/videos and share. Have fun! ***This is a repeating event on the calendar***\*, but the date and time do not necessarily need to be what is posted. **If you are interested in riding with a group, then simply RSVP and leave a message in the comment section** giving the date and time you would like others to join you. If you are interested in riding by yourself or with your private group of friends, then simply do it.\* ***The mission of this format is to create a catalog*** *of free group tour routes available for CycleNuts to ride as a group, or solo, in an area spanning several states. **The goal is to get people out cycling** either in groups or solo. **The vision is a cycling community with resources** available for bike tours, bike talk, and a format for lives experienced at the speed of bike.*