Visas

Let’s get outside and explore the beautiful Great Falls Park. **No Fees ** We’ll take in the stunning river views, walk the scenic trails together, and afterwards head to a nearby spot for our signature sips and bites. The Plan • What: Group Hike + Lunch • Where: Riverbend Park , McLean (about 15 miles from D.C.) • Hike: 12:00 PM • Lunch: Right after at Kalypso's Sports Tavern Looking forward to a fun and refreshing day outdoors!

Whether you’re joining us for the hike at Riverbend Park or just want to meet up afterwards, come enjoy a relaxed lunch with great company. It’s a perfect chance to connect, hang out, and unwind together. When: Right after the hike (around 2:30 PM) Who: Open to everyone - hikers and non-hikers! Come for the hike, the lunch, or both. We’d love to see you there!

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. **10 mile circuit hike with about 650 feet of elevation gain.** ***Join us for a scenic hike on this Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday along the C&O Canal towpath and the forest trails of Blockhouse Point Conservation Park.*** **Description:** Starting from Lock 22 Pennyfield Lock parking lot off of River Road we will hike on the C&O Canal towpath. We will then hike to Violette's Lock and on to Riley's Lock where we'll cross the Seneca Creek Aqueduct and take a short side trip to the Seneca Mill & Quarry Ruins. We'll retrace our steps and take a lunch/snack break at Riley's Lock before heading back to Violette's Lock where we will make our way into Blockhouse Point Park. We will take several trails in the forest and stop at a couple of overlooks of the Potomac and Canal Towpath on our way back to the parking lot to complete the circuit. This is a B hike due to the mileage, but most of the hike is level. There is one short but somewhat steep hill going up into the forest. You might want to bring hiking poles if you normally use them on hills. The overlooks are short out and backs and descend slightly from the forest area. **These rocky overlooks offer great views of the Potomac!** The pace will be about 2.5 mph. There are porta-johns at the locks. **Bring**: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots with a lot of leaf coverage on the ground. There is one small stream that is easily stepped across. **Fee:** There is no park fee. **Dogs are welcom**e. NVHC Dog policy: [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:00am. **Blockhouse Point Park**: [https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/blockhouse-point-conservation-park-trails/](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/blockhouse-point-conservation-park-trails/) **C&O Canal Pennyfield, Violette's, and Riley's Locks:** [https://birdersguidemddc.org/site/co-canal-pennyfield-violettes-rileys-locks/](https://birdersguidemddc.org/site/co-canal-pennyfield-violettes-rileys-locks/) **C&O Canal Pennyfield Lock:** [https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/lock-22-parking/](https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/lock-22-parking/) **Meeting Place Instructions:** We will meet at Pennyfield Lock, Lock 22 parking area on Pennyfield Lock Road. **GPS 39.053641, -77.288893**. See attached directions in the link. After turning onto River Road west from I-495, **Pennyfield Lock Road** is about 8.5 miles on your left. Keep your eyes open and look for the sign for the turnoff onto Pennyfield Rd intersection. Proceed to the end of Pennyfield Road. I will be in a white Nissan SUV with the rear hatch open. **Post hike rehydration TBD.** If you have questions, please message me here or call/text me at 202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

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. **Meetup date/time**: January 19 at **7:45 a.m.** (carpool location) or **8:45 a.m.** (trailhead location) **Distance and Elevation Gain**: Approximately 10 miles and 2.200 feet. You should have prior, recent experience with "A" level hikes. **Description**: This is a circuit on Massanutten Mountain in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. The hike is predominantly on the Massanutten (orange blazed) and Tuscarora (blue blazed) trails, and includes great views from Buzzard Rock Overlook, Fort Valley Overlook, and Signal Knob. Signal Knob's historical significance stems from its use as a lookout point during the Civil War by both the Confederate and Union troops. We hike at a pace of \~2.5 mph while moving, slightly slower on the uphills and slightly faster on the downhills. **Carpooling**: For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville P&R (**[38.836080, -77.455327](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Centreville+Park+%26+Ride/@38.8359338,-77.4575166,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b6449119065775:0x3d3e139d818567f2!8m2!3d38.8359296!4d-77.4553279))**. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. **Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:35 AM.** Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location; carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Suggested carpool fee is $7. ***The hike leader will NOT be at the carpool location.*** **Trailhead:** Please arrive at the trailhead by **8:45 a.m.** for a 9:00 a.m. start at the Signal Knob Trailhead Parking Lot on Fort Valley Rd, Fort Valley, VA 22652 **[(GPS: 38.934984, -78.319957)](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B056'05.9%22N+78%C2%B019'11.9%22W/@38.9326718,-78.3159012,14.75z/data=!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.934984!4d-78.319957?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEwNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D).** **Dogs** are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **Leader:** John H **Park Entry Fee:** $0.00 **Rating:** A **Hiking Map:** https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/signal-knob-loop-trail-fb4c835-2

NO CLEAT SHOES. Please show up at 06:45 PM sharp so we can warm up, distribute pennies, and make the division. IF YOU ARE A FIRST-TIMER PLEASE PAY UPFRONT OR ELSE YOUR SPOT WILL BE GIVEN TO SOMEONE ELSE. We are back at our old location for the next set of games - Dulles Sportsplex at Sterling, VA ! We'll play in Field #2 for this game. (might be field 1 or 3 as a result of last minute change by sportsplex so please check other fields if you don't find us on 2) \*\*\*\* $20 each player \*\*\*\* 1- You need to RSVP. **Those who RSVP but do not show up will be banned from the group** 2- $20 each player will be collected before the game. We accept payment through Venmo (https://venmo.com/u/Rizwan-Sabir-1) and zelle (571-266-9736). Once you have paid please DM me so i can mark you as paid. 3- We'll play in Field #2. 4- Pinnies will be provided. 5. No cleats are allowed 6. Please download the Covidwise app 7. please appear at field at least 15 minutes ahead to warm up and manage the players distribution. For legal purposes, we need to add the following:- BY JOINING AND/OR PARTICIPATING WITH Sterling Pick-up Indoor Weekend Soccer YOU CERTIFY THE FOLLOWING: I certify that playing soccer may be risky and dangerous. I realize that those risks include, but are not limited to, permanent paralysis and death, and may result from slips, falls, collisions, equipment failure, bad decision-making, inattentive players and from equipment that has become worn, loose or damaged. I understand that there are unforeseeable accidents. While particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, I acknowledge the risk of injury does exist. You also certify that Sterling Pick-up Indoor Weekend Soccer and/or its organizers are not responsible for any injuries. Due to covid 19 please be advised with the following: 1- stay home if you have been in close contact with someone who was diagnosed with Covid 19 or if you had any of the following symptoms in the last 3 days: achy/itchy throat, diarrhea, elevated temperature, loss of smell or taste, coughing or sneezing continuously 2- wear a face mask at all time on the premises of the sports complex when not playing 3- do not shake hands with any team members or high five before or during the game 4- bring your own hand sanitizer with you in the game so you can disinfect with every water break 5- Download the covidwise app to help with contact tracing in order to insure safety of all game members 6- please understand that the risk of conducting Covid 19 is higher when you engage in contact sports and accept full responsibility towards this possibility. By signing up for this game you hereby accept the above terms and conditions and therefore any of the game organizers or game participants are not legally or morally responsible for anyone’s well being but their own.

***Feel free to come earlier to ensure we have enough courts!*** **Remember to bring a can of new or lightly used tennis balls.** By signing up to this Meetup event, you agree * To practice effective social distancing and hold yourself 100% responsible for protecting yourself against exposure to Covid-19 and any other cooties. * To not hold anyone (including Meetup.com) liable should you be exposed to Covid-19 by attending this event. * To decline attending if you suspect you have any of the Covid-19-related symptoms (we can wait until you're better to show your tennis prowess). Please bring a can of NEW tennis balls. As usual, this meetup is cancelled if the weather doesn't permit us to play If you see others waiting to use the courts, please limit your play to one short set (best of 5 games), where the losing team rotates out. Thanks in advance!!

Meet in front of Copper Canyon by the benches.
We'll do anywhere from 3-5 laps. It's .75 miles around and we usually do 3/4 laps. For safety reasons, we’re going to keep the group to two small groups of eight members each. Sometimes it get crowded there so we don’t want to have any mishaps. 
Afterwards, if we like the group will decide where to grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants at the RIO. If you happen to be late, walk, counterclockwise around the lake and you should see us walking

Let's try this again! Join us as we gather on a January Sunday at one of our old favorites, Fleetwood Farm Winery. This time I am sure that they will be open... Let's get toasty in front of their roaring stone fireplace in the main tasting room. They have a good selection of red and white Virginia wines, many that have been produced exclusively for them. The grounds are designed to be an escape from the Northern Virginia hustle bustle without the long drive. Outside food is not permitted but they have a full menu of flatbreads, Charcuterie boards, wings, sliders, etc. We will not go hungry!

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

A new outpost of the Hall of Heroes has been established in Cormyr at the request of Aurus, the Great Gold Wyrm, protector of these lands. The outpost's purpose: to combat the growing influence of forces bent on chaos and conquest in the Central Heartlands area. Rumor has it the Zhentarim are involved, along with other as yet unidentified antagonists. Recent activities in the area indicate that this is more than a rumor. Journey to these mythical lands and help the Hall of Heroes thwart their efforts, and maybe find an interesting trinket or two along the way! ***At our first session***: After speaking to Xeraxius, the dragonborn Liasson to the new outpost for Aurus the Golden Great Wyrm, the party made their way to the future home of the Hall of Heroes outpost, Delphi Manor. Encountering the ghost of Elra at the edge of the property, they were warned of the horrors they might encounter at the manor, and the strange energy surges occurring in the mansion. Arriving at the eerily quiet manor, the party decided to start on the ground floor, waltzing in through the front door. After a brief discussion, it was decided that they would go from room to room, seeking their target, Marcus Delphi, and the book he stole from his father's library: the *Celestial Codex*. They encountered one of the mysterious surges in a spare bedroom near the tower stairs. Hammy had a great time dancing with his shadow, sadly losing his new companion when he left the room, While clearing out the aberrant horrors on that floor, the party discovered the stairs leading up to the second floor, and the stairs leading to the basement. Next stop: the basement! Here is a **link to the DnD Beyond Campaign**. If you have your character drawn up in DDB, feel free to add that character to the current campaign. You will also be able to see the character sheets of the other players who are participating. https://www.dndbeyond.com/campaigns/join/71231341888304901 I have a discord server set up with different topics, including general chat, character creation information, backstories. Here is the **link to the Discord Server**: https://discord.gg/qWgDFfTb

Come join us in call and response chanting (kirtan) of ancient mantras! Mantras are melodic phrases in the ancient language of Sanskrit that allow us to travel beyond the incessant ruminations of our mind and touch a part of ourselves that can only be reached by the sound of our own voices. The self calling out to the SELF and being heard! This event is free, but donations are appreciated 🙏🏾 Devadas is a kirtaniya, composer and artist hailing from Brooklyn, New York. He leads kirtans throughout the world and has recorded a wide variety of acclaimed CDs, including his latest releases, 3 Prayers and Radio Nada. In 2012, Devadas collaborated with indie-rock icon J Mascis to produce and record the film score for the feature documentary One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das. Devadas produced Nina Rao’s chant album, Antarayaami, and in 2016 launched the Lokah Peace Project, an online and ever-expanding video project aimed at inspiring reflection, empathy and harmony.

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

Let’s meet at Sweet Greens and discuss travel plans. Hope to see you all there.

Join us for a fun afternoon where *you* get to play winemaker at the B.Y.O.W. (Blend Your Own Wine) Party at 8 Chains North Winery! Learn how to make your own red wine blend from a selection of 8 Chains North 2022 Virginia varietals. This is a hands-on event. Owner, Edz Sturans, will guide you through a tasting of the different grape varietals they grow and have an interactive discussion about their flavor profiles. You’ll learn blending techniques, as well as strategies for crafting a well-balanced wine. The price includes all the wines for blending your 750 ml bottle of 2022 vintage wine to take home and enjoy! Light snacks will be provided. The cost of this event is $60 plus $5.87 fees. **[Click here for tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/byowblend-your-own-wine-class-tickets-1980014649116?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **After the class we can enjoy the rest of the afternoon sipping wine and listening to the music of Stanley Whitaker!**

**\*\*\*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

Meet for coffee and let’s discuss fun travel ideas and past trips.