Wilderness Hiking

Drunk driving is not cool, but drunk writing is! This is a community event for writers, with drinks! Work on your own projects or use the creative writing prompts provided. Join us at Das Gift, where we will have focused 20 minute writing sprints, with breaks in between. Das Gift is at Donaustraße 119, 12043, Berlin.

Come join a small group for hatha yoga in my home studio in Prenzlauer berg. I am a certified yoga teacher, having trained in Bali and India. After the class you will feel relaxed, yet energised. Mats are included and sanitised, altogether 15 euros. Your muscles will be lengthened and back stiffness reduced more and more each time✨

Join us for a powerful outdoor Wim Hof–inspired experience at Schlachtensee. INSTAGRAM **(@holostar33)** We combine conscious breathing, cold-water immersion and guided rewarming to help you boost your energy, mental resilience and inner strength. This session is guided by **Javi de Lacour (@javidelacour)** — the main facilitator of the event, with **over 200 ice baths completed** and **more than 80 guided immersions**. Together with **Paula García**, we create a safe, motivating and transformative experience. *** ## **Session Structure** ### **1\. Wim Hof Breathwork \(10 min\)** Before entering the cold water, we prepare the body and mind through guided breathing: * Immediate mental control through deep, conscious cycles * Strong oxygenation and energy activation * Emotional grounding and focused awareness * Calm confidence to face the cold **Your benefit:** calmer mind, stronger lungs, better stress response and mental focus. *** ### **2\. Guided Cold Water Immersion \(5 min\)** A supervised immersion in the lake’s cold water: * Intense circulation boost * Reduced inflammation and muscle tension * Activation of your resilience and inner strength * Support and guidance throughout the entire immersion **Your benefit:** increased vitality, mental toughness and rapid physical recovery. *** ### **3\. Rewarming & Inner Heat Activation \(15 min\)** After leaving the water, we guide you through specific exercises to: * Restore your body temperature safely * Activate your muscles * Integrate the emotional and physical benefits **Your benefit:** full-body renewal, clarity, and long-lasting energy. *** ## **What to Bring** * Warm clothes * Towel * Swimwear * Dry socks * Water bottle * Optional: gloves, hat, warm tea *** ## **Contraindications** Not suitable for: * Severe cardiovascular disease * Uncontrolled hypertension * Pregnancy * Epilepsy If unsure, send us a message. *** ## **Who We Are (@holostar33)** **Javi de Lacour (@javidelacour)** – Main facilitator ✔ 200+ ice baths completed ✔ 80+ guided immersions ✔ Breathwork & cold exposure specialist **Paula García** ✔ Breathwork facilitator ✔ Holostar33 co-founder ✔ Community & somatic support We guide safe, grounded and empowering outdoor experiences in Berlin.

**Queer Bridges Language Café // Sprachcafé** with ***Michal*** for **LGBTQIA+** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/language-cafe/w03-2026)** 🔵 Join us at our Language Café, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It’s a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! **What languages are represented?** We will have tables for English and German. Beyond that, it will be up to you! We hope to eventually host a wide range of languages and are excited to see this café grow with your support. **What if I don’t feel confident in my language skills?** Our language café is open to everyone, regardless of their language abilities. From beginners to native speakers – we will ensure it is a fun and safe space for everyone. Registration is required as it gives us an idea of how many people to expect and which languages you speak/look forward to practice. However, if you have not registered please feel free to stop by! Join us at our **Language Café**, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It's a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! *** This meeting is part of our **Queer Bridges** project, aimed at forging connections and providing resources for LGBTQIA+ people with migration experience. *** **General information** * **Language**: This event will be in German and English. * **Registration**: Register on our website by selecting the event, adding it to your cart, and completing checkout. If you have any difficulties registering for the event, you're still welcome to join us, and we will find a solution. * **Cost**: This event is free of charge. 🔵 *Kostenlos mit Anmeldung über unsere Webseite* Kommt zu unserem **Sprachcafé**, wo ihr euch mit anderen austauschen und an lebhaften Gesprächen teilnehmen könnt. Es ist eine großartige Gelegenheit, eure Sprech- und Hörfähigkeiten zu verbessern und neue Wörter zu lernen, während ihr in lockerer Umgebung neue Bekanntschaften knüpft. Egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt, alle sind eingeladen mitzumachen und zusammen zu lernen. Kommt wegen der Gespräche, bleibt wegen der Gemeinschaft! **Welche Sprachen sind vertreten?** Wir werden Tische für Englisch und Deutsch haben. Darüber hinaus liegt es an euch! Wir hoffen, bald viele verschiedene Sprachen anbieten zu können und freuen uns darauf, dieses Café mit eurer Hilfe wachsen zu sehen. **Was, wenn ich mir in meinen Sprachkenntnissen nicht sicher bin?** Unser Sprachcafé ist für alle offen, egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt. Von Anfänger\*innen bis zu Muttersprachler\*innen – wir sorgen dafür, dass es für alle eine lockere und sichere Umgebung ist. *** Dieses Meeting gehört zu unserem **Queer Bridges** Projekt, das darauf abzielt, Verbindungen zu schaffen und Ressourcen für LGBTQIA+ Menschen mit Migrationserfahrung bereitzustellen. *** **Hinweise** * **Sprache**: Dieses Event wird auf Deutsch und Englisch sein. * **Anmeldung**: Melde dich auf unserer Website (für das Event) an, indem du die Veranstaltung auswählst, sie in den Warenkorb legst und dann den Kauf abschließt. Das gilt auch für kostenlose Events. Wenn du irgendwelche Schwierigkeiten hast, dich für eine Veranstaltung anzumelden, kannst du gerne zu uns kommen und wir werden eine Lösung finden. * **Kosten**: Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos.

# Aquarellkurs für Erwachsene – Winterlandschaften bei UAK Im Januar laden wir euch ein, die stille Pracht winterlicher Landschaften mit Pinsel und Farbe neu zu entdecken. Jede Session steht unter einem besonderen Thema – von schneebedeckten Wäldern und sanften Hügeln bis zu glitzernden Eiskristallen und dem sanften Licht des Winterhimmels, das die Natur in eine zauberhafte Stimmung taucht. Mit einfachen, spielerischen Übungen führen wir euch Schritt für Schritt in die Aquarelltechnik ein. Ihr lernt, wie ihr die besondere Atmosphäre des Winters aufs Papier bringt – ob mit zarten Lasuren, lebendigen Farbverläufen oder dem Spiel von Licht und Schatten. Unsere Kurse sind mehr als nur Malstunden: Sie sind eine kreative Auszeit vom Alltag – ein Ort, an dem ihr entspannen, neue Energie tanken, eure Fantasie entfalten und in einer inspirierenden Gemeinschaft Gleichgesinnter aufblühen könnt. Die Kurse werden auf **Deutsch und Englisch** gehalten. **Nächste Termine:** 15\. und 29\. Januar 2026\, jeweils 18:00–19:30 Uhr Ihr könnt jederzeit einsteigen\! Anfänger:innen sind immer willkommen, und jeder Kurs ist individuell gestaltet. #### **Kosten:** * Einzelkurs: ab 35 € * 4er-Kombi-Ticket: 119 € (gültig innerhalb von 3 Monaten nach dem ersten Kurs) * Weitere Termine werden noch bekannt gegeben. **Inklusive:** Standard-Materialien (Aquarellfarben, hochwertiges Papier, Pinsel) und Getränke (Mineralwasser, Kaffee, Tee). **Materialien:** Wir stellen euch eine Grundausstattung zur Verfügung. Gerne könnt ihr aber auch euer eigenes Set, eure Lieblingspinsel oder ein Aquarellbuch mitbringen. **Booking über Urban Art Kids: https://urbanartkids.com/events/winterlandschaften-aquarell-erwachsene/** Wir freuen uns auf euch!! Lu + UAK

🌟 Join us for **"Don't Eat Alone"** – an event designed to transform your lunch break into a social feast! **Tired of solitary meals in front of the computer?** **Thriving to meet some new people and curious what it may bring to your life?** Just come, check and enjoy a delicious meal with friendly faces. Connect with like-minded individuals, engage in conversations, and make your lunchtime a memorable social experience. Mark your calendar, bring your appetite, and let's build connections, one meal at a time! 🍽️🤝✨ PAYMENTS: the meetup is free, but everyone pays for their meals. Here you can pay by card easily.

„Die haben das doch vorher geübt!“ Wer sich schon einmal Impro-Shows angesehen hat, kann es oft nicht glauben, dass die Geschichten, die Verwicklungen, die Pointen oder auch die Lieder tatsächlich im Moment des Spielens entstanden sind. Sind sie aber! Wir spielen seit über einem Jahr zusammen, sind darüber eine Gruppe geworden - die Spontansen - und treten ab und zu auf. bitte vorher anmelden unter [Fabianherrmann1979@proton.me](mailto:Fabianherrmann1979@proton.me) Teilnahme auf Spendenbasis. Wir entdecken spielerisch, achtsam und mit viel Spaß die Welt des Impro-Theaters.

Sunday will be a partially sunny day. We meet at 10 am at the U-Bahn station Mendelssohn-Bartholdy-Park at the corner Reichpietschufer/Köthener Straße and walk the following route - https://www.komoot.com/tour/2660606976 - passing by some monuments and the like. After three quarters of the hike, we visit FHXB Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg Museum for approximately an hour (free entrance) and/or have a coffee. If you need to contact other participants during the hike (for example, to find out where to meet us if you are running late), please use the Signal group link that I will send to all participants via private message three hours before the hike. This timing is intended to prevent non-participants from misusing the link for unwanted advertising, which has happened in the past. Signal also allows us to share our locations during the hike without involuntarily forwarding this information to the intelligence services of authoritarian or non-authoritarian states. For all other purposes, especially socialising and posting photos, please use the Telegram subgroup 'Event Chat & Photos': https://t.me/addlist/KAOk2PA4BDE0ZTY8 . The hike will take place if at least 6 people sign up. As long as there are more than 6 people, you can sign up and cancel as many times as you like. If there are 6 or less people, please avoid cancelling, as this might make the other participants feel insecure about whether the hike will take place (or whether there is something wrong with the hike and they should cancel as well --> [Matthew effect - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_effect)). If there are less than 6 participants, the hike will also take place unless the majority of the participants are in favor of canceling the hike.

1 EURO DONATION FEE PER PERSON IS REQUIRED (on site, in cash), to pay back the Meetup subscription fees and support my Events. READ THE DESCRIPTION WITH THE INFO (IMPORTANT). We take a walk in Berlin to meet new people or people we already know 😁 It's a way to spend a few hours together on a Saturday afternoon. **How it works?** The concept is very simple: * We meet at Sonnenallee Station at 14,15 o'clock (we use the Whatsapp Chat to find each other: I will post there my exact location outside the station) * I wait for people for 10 minutes, till 14,25, then we start to walk direction Treptower Park, crossing the entire park 🌳🌳🌳 and going along the Spree river, to then go further * We go on along the Landwehrkanal, exploring Kreuzberg 🏠 * The total length of the walk is about 8kms * We land finally here to take coffee, a drink, or some food, and spend more time together (https://maps.app.goo.gl/RsUCxwDKK6yVtiF48) I consider that the event will last in overall around 4 hours (2 hours of walk and 2 hours at the Cafe/Restaurant), but people are free to stay together longer, if they want 🙂 What I provide is leading the walk and the people at the Cafe, but I do not force anyone to stay shorter or longer. I do not provide a "personal support" for people who arrive after 14,25 (do not write to me expecting "private support"). You are responsible to check for the weather and decide if come or not. Thanks for understanding. If you have to contact me, make it via Whatsapp, not here on Meetup. WHATSAPP GROUP 💬 to find each other (join it, we use this group to find and synchronize us) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/)

::: please scroll down for English ::: Wir brechen auf zu einer achtsamen Gehmeditation im Grunewald und nehmen uns einen Moment Zeit für uns. Wir erkunden das Hier und Jetzt in der Natur, werden uns unserer Emotionen, unseres Körpers und unseres Denkens bewusst. Wir wenden uns nach innen und entdecken die Kraft des jetzigen Augenblicks. Wir üben, uns selbst genug zu sein und finden vielleicht unsere innere Kraft zurück, um mit mehr Wahlmöglichkeiten, Freiheit und Frieden in die Welt hinauszugehen! Für die Teilnahme sind keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich. Es empfiehlt sich, vor dem Treffen etwas zu trinken und je nach Bedarf eine kleine Flasche Wasser mitzubringen. Bitte tragen Sie warme und angepasste Kleidung sowie festes Schuhwerk. Es ist beabsichtigt, bei jedem Wetter zu gehen, die Veranstaltung wird nur im Extremfall abgesagt. Die Veranstaltung ist auf Spendenbasis ::: English version::: We go for a mindful walking meditation in Grunewald and take a moment for ourselves. We explore the here and now in nature, becoming aware of our emotions, our bodies and our thoughts. We turn inwards and discover the power of the present moment. We practice being enough for ourselves and perhaps find our inner strength to go out into the world with more choice, freedom and peace! No previous experience is necessary. It is recommended that you bring something to drink before the meeting and a small bottle of water if needed. Please wear warm, comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear. The intention is to walk in all weathers and the event will only be cancelled in extreme circumstances. This is a fundraising event.

**Route-link:** [Hike](https://www.komoot.com/tour/1615332612?ref=aso&share_token=a0FDI63s09DoG2RoSka7AZqVno6QjjiO4GDz9BpWGSh1vWiz5x) **Walking Speed:** ~4.5 km/hr **Targeted Trains:** From Ostkreuz: RE7 at 10:02 am. From Bestensee: RE7 at 03:31 pm. **General Notes:** We will take brief breaks for refreshments, but don't plan for coffee stops. Please bring your water, snacks, mosquito repellent, and dress suitably for the day's weather. Please make every effort to be on time. I'm not a professional guide and according to Meetup rules not liable for anyone's safety. If you can't make it, please be respectful enough to update your confirmation of participation in a timely manner to give those in waiting list a fair chance to prepare. Participants with past no-shows or unexplained cancellations on the event day will be deprioritized, and only confirmed RSVP may join the hike.

Have you always wanted to learn bouldering but never had the right company? Or are you an experienced boulderer who just wants to find boulder-buddies? If yes, this is the right event for you. We are going to meet inside "urban apes Basement Boulderstudio", close to S Anhalter Bahnhof, also not far from Potsdamer Platz. If you have never been there, you will need to sign up with them, which will take a bit of time. After that, **you can find us on the couches near the lockers (not in front of the reception), next to a red smiley**. When you enter the actual gym, enter the hall by turning left immediately - you are walking towards them. We will start warming up around 11:10, so everyone has enough time to arrive and get changed before that. ***\*\*\**** *Spots are limited, so please update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance if you won't be joining. **NO-SHOWs ARE NOT COOL \*\*\**** We enter the gym at 11:00, if you are late, you will need to look for us inside. IMPORTANT: they only accept cards as a payment method. No cash. One day ticket will cost you 13,90 EUR (10,90 EUR if you are a student, free if Urban Sports Club). **What to bring: well, first of all, a good mood.** But you could also bring * climbing shoes if you have any. If not, you can rent them there, no worries. They cost 3,50 EUR. * a lock (for the locker). * chalk. You won't need that if you are a beginner. Renting is possible. * water. * extra clothes. It's quite chalky there and humans sweat, not the best mix, don't you think? :D Please, note: the organizer is not responsible for anything, including injuries. A basic introduction will be provided.

Um Harmonie zu erlangen arbeiten Sie mit Ihrem Herzen, anstatt mit Ihrem Gehirn. Hallo hoch geschätzte Wanderlustige und Freunde der deutschen und englischen Sprachen, haben Sie ein frohes Weihnachten gehabt? ZEIT (SPAZIERGANG) \~2 Stunden, (Mit Pausen), wenn wir mit einer Geschwindigkeit von etwa 2,5 Meilen pro Stunde laufen. ZEIT (VERANSTALTUNG) \~2,5 - 3 Stunden. Wir begrüßen uns um 14 Uhr bei Oslo Kaffebar, Eichendorffstraße 13, 10115. Wir unterhalten uns auf Deutsch und Englisch für eine halbe Stunde bis eine Stunde damit jedes Mitglied ohne Hetze ankommen dürfte. Männer, bitte kaufen Sie Kuchen oder Ähnliches damit die Gruppe wie keine geizige Gruppe zu sein anscheint. Heute beschreibe ich nur den Begrüßungsplatz, seit man immer sehr fleißig sein muss, über einen ganzen Wanderweg jedes Mal zu schreiben. Also, wir begrüßen uns, und den Wanderweg empfehle ich, und es kann sein, dass wir den Weg gleich zusammen bestimmen. Poetry & Puls setzt sich den Zweck den Armut betroffenen Personen durch die kalte Jahreszeiten zu helfen. Sozialhilfe in Verbindung mit Sprachtraining ist unser Zweck. Wir sind begeistert Leuten, die wenig platt gewesen sind, bei Spaziergängen zu begleiten. Leute, die aus unbelebten Dörfer stammen, oder neben der Eisenbahn wohnen, können sich manchmal fühlen wie die Großstadt sehr lärmig sein kann, und wie durch den Lärm und Kälte des Winters den Atem eventuell erstickt werden könnte. Durch die kälteste Zeiten ist es am Wichtigsten, dass wir für unsere Beweglichkeit sorgen. Wenn wir wenig platt gewesen sind, sollen wir eine Ruhepause von zu viel Spaß bei YouTube oder soziale Medien haben um Schwung zu erhalten. Um Harmonie zu erlangen arbeiten Sie mit Ihrem Herzen, anstatt mit Ihrem Gehirn. Wir sollen erst unsere Wohnungen für wenige Stunden einfach verräumen um unsere Körper zu betätigen. Dann kommen wir durch die kalten Zeiten. Spaziergänge sind immer schön, und etwas in der Natur der Stadt und in den Parks wirkt, also keiner Spaziergang ist gleich zu einem Anderen. Wir sollen denn die Bäume der Stadt schätzen. Es gibt immer etwas neues zu bewundern, egal ob den Pfad gleich ist. Die Stadt kann lärmig sein, jedoch gibt es sonnige Tage den ganzen Winter durch. Wir müssen nur Dankbarkeit für die gute Tage haben Auftakt zu erhalten. Wenn Sie auch so eine soziale Sorgfalt für Armut betroffene Leute haben, bitten wir Sie unsere Gruppe zu fördern. Uns zu fördern müssen Sie nur Mitglied bei einem Spaziergang sein, und gleich zusammen Fröhlichkeit mit uns haben. „Fröhlichkeit ist nur echt, wenn wir sie gleich anwesend zusammen haben.“ - Christopher McCandless (Into The Wild) Bitte nehmen Sie Kommunikation mit uns durch die Signal Gruppe auf: [https://signal.group/#CjQKIBTrh2sYFm3OGDi4r40tkgKiUyVPfvcwu31zIEsEScSxEhAI7mF8oDKHqZwLobqmW73_](https://signal.group/#CjQKIBTrh2sYFm3OGDi4r40tkgKiUyVPfvcwu31zIEsEScSxEhAI7mF8oDKHqZwLobqmW73_) Auf die Gesellschaft, das Gespräch auf Deutsch und Englisch, und den Spaziergang!!! Versäumen Sie nichts! Übrigens: kleine Gruppen sind besser, denn wir die andere Mitglieder besser kennenlernen können und eine größere Möglichkeit echte Freundschaften aufzubauen haben.

***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails** [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space. In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration. The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours. Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks. Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city. ***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day** The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD. The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era. Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection. ***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park** Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). ***(She loves me not.)* Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way. ***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going. ***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains** There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails. ***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.