Weekend Road Trips

**MAY LONG WEEKEND SPECIAL** **SAVE $$$** **Was $3,950 NOW $3,555** **SOLO Was $4,695 NOW $4,297** CALL ME BY WEDNESDAY MAY 20 6:00PM or while space lasts (905) 471 7843 **PLEASE NOTE -THERE IS A LOT OF INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP -Meetup will not let me post it all. For the FULL Itinerary - please email me at traveltheworldhorizons@gmail.com and I will send it you you. It is important for you to have the most info you can get to make a decision** HI EVERYONE SO EXCITED TO BRING BACK THE SPAIN PORTUGAL MORROCCO LAND PACKAGE I BOOKED FOR YEARS! This is land not a cruise! 14 Days - 3 Countries -11 Cities! 13 Breakfasts - 5 Dinners TAILORED BY YOU! This is ALWAYS our most popular land trip. It is incredible value and an incredible agenda. If you are looking to get back to a land trip AND travel with an EPIC JOURNEY this is it! $200.00 Non refundable deposit - call me at (905) 471 7843 occupancy - incredible value for this trip! $3550.00 Double Occupancy based on 2 sharing including all taxes and fees, - see full list of inclusions at the bottom. Very limited single supplement spaces ON SALE AS WELL $4297.50 OCTOBER 10 - 23 2026 FLIGHT - We will book through Trafalgar or use your points or I will help you. Stay extra time at either end. Meals * 15 Breakfasts * 6 Three-course dinners **First class travel Highlights -What You Can Expect On Your Trip** An expert Travel Director and professional Driver Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted Many meals and daily breakfasts included City orientation tours Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries Return ferry crossing between Spain and Morocco Extensive variety of Choice Experiences On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may Sightseeing Highlights * Casablanca View the Corniche and see the Hassan II Mosque during sightseeing with a Local Specialist * Fátima Visit the celebrated shrine * Fes Sightseeing includes a walking tour of the Medina and views of the Royal Palace * Granada Enjoy a scenic drive to this Moorish city * Lisbon View Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries on your sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist * Madrid Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes views of the Royal Palace, Retiro Park and the Cibeles Fountain * Marrakesh Visit Bahia Palace and Djemaa el-Fna Square during your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist * Rabat View the Mausoleum and Royal Palace during your orientation * Salamanca Orientation of this university city includes views of the Plaza Mayor * Seville Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes views of the Cathedral, Plaza de Espana and Giralda Tower * Toledo Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes views of the synagogue and cathedral. Visit a steel workshop * NOT INCLUDED * No early check in/late checkout included. * International flights * Travel insurance, visas and items of a personal nature. * Gratuities to Travel Director, Coach Drivers and Local Experts. * $200.00 Non Refundable Deposit You will be crossing by Ferry the Straight of Gibraltar from Spain to Africa - Morocco - this included. LeeAnn (905) 471 7843 INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ASK ME FOR DETAILS You need a Passport with minimum 6 months remaining from date of arrival. Prices/itinerary can change any time. Costsaver a division of Trafalgar - YOUR CHOICE Travel Agency Nexion 380 Wellington St Tower B 6th Floor London #67927204 (519) 660 6966 Hope you can join us for this incredible vacation Included Sightseeing Casablanca View the Corniche and see the Hassan II Mosque during sightseeing with a Local Guide Fes Sightseeing includes a walking tour of the Medina and views of the Royal Palace Granada Enjoy a scenic drive to this Moorish city Lisbon View Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries on your sightseeing tour with your Local Guide Madrid See the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Retiro Park on a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide Marrakesh Visit Dar El Bacha and Djemaa el-Fna Square during your sightseeing tour Rabat View the Mausoleum and Royal Palace during your orientation Seville Sightseeing with your Local Guide includes views of the Cathedral and Giralda Tower Toledo Sightseeing with your Local Guide includes views of the synagogue and cathedral, enjoy a visit to a steel workshop The spaces go FAST so please call me at (905) 471 7843 to get on board. This is a trip to look forward to!!! Please read complete agenda! This is my 13 time booking this amazing vacation! YES! 13 x But not since the Pandemic.

Hello Everyone! Cycling season has started again and the the Go Trains are running to and from Niagara again. Since this is early in the season and we're all probably a bit rusty. This ride will be a steady Niagara Ride for experienced cyclists. I'll be following the route to Niagara that we most usually used in the past (for those people who have done it before). We'll be aiming for a group speed of about 22-28 km/hr. If you've never done a ride to Niagara, it's about 5-6 hours of actual biking time from Oakville. The terrain is mostly flat around the lakeshore, with a few more hills after we turn inland through wine country and a few more hills just before we come to Niagara Falls. Road Bike are strongly recommended, but can also be done by Cyclocross, Gravel, or Hybrid bikes (if you're a strong rider). Please have your bike in good riding condition to avoid mechanical delays. Make sure you have enough tools/equipment to repair any tire flats if you have one. There is NO vehicle support for this ride, so we're kinda on our own. We'll be aiming for a group speed of about 22-28 km/hr, so if you can not maintain that speed, you will have to proceed on your own. There will be plenty of drop out points where you can catch transit back to Toronto if you run into mechanical or health problems. **IMPORTANT NOTE:** The safety of our rides is really important. It is essential to know and practice how to ride in a group safely, exercise good judgment and thus not endanger others. Please have emergency contact number easily accessible either on yourself or on your phone. **Cycling on the road is inherently dangerous and holds the risk of injury and even death. Riders are responsible for riding within their limits as well as assisting others to make sure our rides and events are safe and enjoyable. By taking part in this event you attest: a) you are in good health, b) you participate at your own risks, and c) you release the organizer(s) from any responsibility.** We encourage each other, lead by example and provide advice intended to help other riders be safe and improve their skills. **Speed: 22-28 km/hr** **Length: \~118km** (but if you start from Humber Bridge in Toronto, it'll be closer to 160 km - 100 miles.) **Link to a map of the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39630077** If you've haven't done this ride before, please download or print a copy of the route in case you get separated (it has happened before!). **Endpoint: Grand Central Bar and Grill** (4573 Queen St, Niagara Falls) **Inventory:** Road Bike Recommended. Head Light & Tail Light Helmet (mandatory) Sunscreen Water Snacks - power bars, trail mix, etc. **Costs:** Fare for return GO train. For people planning to go back to Toronto/Oakville via Go Train, there's currently a promotion for $10 with the weekend pass; otherwise it's about $18-20 with Presto. Here's the link to the GO train $10 weekend day pass promotion: [https://www.gotransit.com/en/travelling-with-us/promotions-and-events/weekend-passes-with-go](https://www.gotransit.com/en/travelling-with-us/promotions-and-events/weekend-passes-with-go) You can only buy it online, and the pass will be emailed to you. It's cheaper than paying with Presto. Bring money for any drinks, snack, meals at any of our stops. Mainly, the Croissant Express Bakery in Oakville (near the beginning), the Tim Hortons in Winona (around the midway point), and Grand Central Sport Bar and Grill (at the end) at Niagara. We'll meet and leave from Croissant Express Bakery (just next to Aroma Espresso Bar) in Oakville at 7:45am. Try to arrive there a bit earlier (and have a drink or snack while you're waiting). I'll be cycling down to Oakville from Georgetown, but if you're cycling from Toronto, you should probably leave from the Humber Bridge at least from 6:00 to make it to Oakville by 7:45 to 8:00. Alternatively, if you don't want to cycle from Toronto to Oakville, you can also just take the morning Go train/GoBus from Toronto to Oakville Go station (which is only about 3km North from Croissant Express) and meet us at Croissant Express. I believe if you buy the Go Train day pass, it will cover the trip from Toronto to Oakville as well. The goal is the reach Niagara by 2:00pm so we can grab a drink and bite at Grand Central, before having to catch the 4:02pm Go Train back to Oakville/Toronto (arriving at 5:48pm/6:27pm, so you should still have your night free to go out, etc). Otherwise the next Go Train leaving Niagara is at 8:00pm. Hopefully, I would like to do a ride down to Niagara every few weeks during the summer. **Weather Update: Right now, the weather is looking favorable for Monday (12-26c; 20% pop; 9-13km/h S wind); but if it changes, I may have to postpone the ride to another weekend.** Peter.

\*\*\* TIME CHANGE TO 12:30 PM\*\* DUE TO RAIN FORECASTED AT 4-5PM Don't know what to do on Victoria day? Come join me for a bike ride from Jack Layton Terminal to Port Credit \~25km. We may end earlier at Long Branch if needed. We will be pedaling along the harbourfront at slow pace \~10km/hr. We will take the GO Train back to Union Meeting point: Jack Layton terminal We will break as needed and stop for photos if needed at the following places -Jack Layton Terminal -Toronto Music Garden -Trillium Park -Humber Bay Bridge -Colonel Samuel Smith Park -Marie Curtis Park -final destination: PORT credit lighthouse Washrooms available at Humber Bay Bridge Date : Mon May 18 at 12:30pm. we will wait 10 mins and then start pedaling. if you're late, you can try to catch up. If you don't have a bike, you can rent one from bike share Toronto. you can download the app to search for available bikes Bring lots of water

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** For those of you who work weekdays and would like the chance to walk on a weekend or Holiday I am doing a special walk this Monday. The only authorized cemeteries within York were Anglican or Roman Catholic. Citizens who did not belong to either church had no choice but to find burial arrangements outside York. The General Burying Ground received Royal Assent in 1826 and land that came to be known as Potters Field was acquired and started operation soon afterwards. Over time, additional cemetery lands were added and in 1873, a new cemetery available to all citizens was established. The new cemetery was situated on the farm land of the Cawthra family near Yonge Street. This walk is for all fitness levels. Please dress for the weather. This walk will begin and end outside the Yorkminster Park Baptist Church at 1585 Yonge Street just north of Heath Street. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! This tour has space for **11** explorers, so if you do plan on attending please secure your tickets early. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

48,2 km easy downhill ride. Meet at West side exit Downsview Park Station 12 PM Catch 4 PM ferry to Wards Island Beach Ride to Centre Island then Hanlan's point nude beach From Hanlan's point, catch 6 PM ferry back to the mainland Route Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2962923492

Yorkville is known as a swank shopping sector for socialites, but did you know there is a lush valley trail behind it? It's the first branch (or last depending on your perspective) of the Don valley system. This hike will bring you down to the Don river and up Rosedale ravine. Yorkville is also an attraction in itself. It's steeped in history, with Victorian-era houses and a handsome library and fire hall. There are also hidden murals to be found, making it pleasant to explore. The old houses attracted artists in the 1960s for their low rent. Today, they attract luxury boutiques with high property prices. Of course, the restaurants here cater to the big spenders. Most are overpriced but there are some gems and wallet-friendly food to be found. We'll end just outside of Yorkville, at a Korean BBQ buffet. Reservations are required in a [separate event](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/events/314503608). If you're not in the mood to eat all you can, there are affordable options in the same block for Afghan, Chinese, Japanese, and Syrian food. **Highlights** 1. Sherbourne subway station (depart 6:30pm) 2. Wan2 Food Mart 3. St. James Cemetery 4. Rosedale valley 5. Toronto Reference Library (depart 7:30pm) 6. POPpadum 7. Yorkville library / Toronto Fire Station 312 / Buca 8. Yorkville murals 9. Historic houses like the Former Mt Sinai Hospital (now Chanel) 10. Alobar / MSSM 11. Eataly 12. Oklahoma Burgers / Jongro Korean BBQ Buffet (arrive 8:25pm) **Neighbourhoods** St. James Town > Yorkville **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1mEcYzIdMt01R7VyG_X3TZyIsi9PuDqY&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1mEcYzIdMt01R7VyG_X3TZyIsi9PuDqY&usp=sharing) **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. See the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch at 17 Arrows Kitchen and Bar! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and ease into the weekend with great conversation. Whether you’re new to the group or it’s your first event, you’ll feel right at home.

**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.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.