Wilderness Medicine

he Virginia/Maryland/DC wildflowers are essentially at their peak NOW! We will hike the Windy Run Trail in north Arlington down to the Potomac Heritage Trail along the Potomac River. Upstream for a bit and downstream for a bit will show us many of the currently blooming wildflowers. This is timed for later in day so that you can take care of your other responsibilities and still get outside. There will be plenty of light for good pictures. Also, the birds get more active and noisier towards dusk. Bluebells, spring beauty, wild phlox, snowbells (even though it is done snowing) , May apples (even though it is April). These are a few of the flowers blooming now that you will see. The Spring ephmeral wildflowers take advantage of the light and bloom quickly before the trees leaf out and put them in shade. When the trees leaf out, the spring wildflowers begin to go to bed until the next year. Wear shoes with tread that will grip. There are a handful of stream crossings and a set of steep stairs (with a handrail part of the way down). If you have treking poles, consider bringing them. No dogs. I will also show you I-Naturalist. Load the App before you come if you wish. The Appalachian Mountain Club uses this as a citizen science project that can track blooming dates and locations. Meet at 2433 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA

Summer is starting with a bang next week, and only 3 weeks into spring. Looks like 84° on Monday is as cool as we'll get, so let's take a jaunt around the northern end of Fairland Regional Park! We will meet by the bathrooms off of Greencastle Road. At 6:00 sharp we'll do a very brief introduction and then head off on a combination out-and-back with a loop in the middle. The terrain is gently rolling throughout most of the hike, with perhaps four short but fairly steep climbs. [Follow on Alltrails here](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/fairland-rec-holly-loop) With sunset at 7:43, I expect to be off the trail by 7:25, though probably earlier. If everyone feels they've sufficiently burned a few spare calories, we could possibly grab a pizza at Bella Indian Italian Cuisine, a short drive away.

Loop around Lake Accotink. **Meet at Lake Accotink Park carousel parking area.** Trail is fairly flat, paved and gravel, easy, brisk walking. A few steep sections Views of Lake Accotink About 4 miles. We will leave promptly at **600 pm**, please arrive early so you are ready. We walk briskly, not this is not an evening stroll. The rest rooms at the meeting spot are closed for renovation. Make sure to bring water. We will meet at the traffic circle near the carousel. Goggle maps calls it Lake Accotink Park. You can park at the Hemming Ave lot, or under the railway bridge. the lot at the carousel is small and usually full.

This is introductory meditation for people who wants to learn basics of meditation. It's a free event held every week and everyone is welcome to join.

## Details Hello everyone! We climb at Crystal City Movement every Monday. Please read rest of the description carefully. We mostly do tope rope climbing but we can arrange bouldering sessions as well. If you prefer lead climbing please post on the comments to find your belay partner. \#\# Requirements * If you are not a Movement member, you'll get a daily pass. If you don't have the equipments you can rent them in the gym. * Please sign the waiver through: [https://movementgyms.com/waiver/](https://movementgyms.com/waiver/) * You can get a discounted day pass and free rental gear if you say you are here for my meetup All skill levels are welcome! If you are totally new to climbing and want to do top rope, then you have to have a belay certificate. In order to do that; * You can check Movement gym Intro to Rope Climbing class : [https://movementgyms.com/crystal-city/climbing/classes/](https://movementgyms.com/crystal-city/climbing/classes/) * After the course, you should do the 'Belay Check' which can be done as soon as 24 hours after you take the class. The test takes around 15 mins so it can be done before the climbing session. Before your first visit you may want to check the related webpage: [https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/) \#\# Where to meet To find us go down the stairs in front of the front desk. We will meet around the benches next to climbing walls.

Do you find yourself showing up in meditation sessions wondering why your mind won’t settle down?Are you trying to figure out why your body seems to become so uncomfortable in meditation sessions? Join Marsha, non-conventional meditator, certified yoga therapist, trauma sensitive yoga facilitator, and energy and sound healing facilitator, as we show up and unpack ways of meditating that uniquely resonate with you. Whether you find comfort in standing, sitting in a chair or on a yoga mat, or lying on the floor, eyes open or closed, you are welcome to show up just as you are, as we seek peace through movement and compassionate sharing experiences, while embodying the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual benefits of meditation, energy + sound healing, and yoga therapy. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St. Discount is available to seniors, teachers, students, emergency responders, and military. All can save by purchasing class packs.

**Please note new time: we are now starting at 6pm!** Climbers of all skill levels are welcome! To join us: 1. Complete the [participant agreement](https://movementgyms.com/participant-agreement/). 2. Pass the belay check, which can be done the same day. See [FAQs](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/#faqs) for more info. 3. Pay for [gym membership or day pass](https://movementgyms.com/memberships-passes/). The event itself is run by volunteer organizers free of charge. If you are interested but have never belayed before, please take the [Introduction to Rope Climbing](https://movementgyms.com/rockville/calendar/#activity=climbing&location=rockville&class-type=intro-series&area-of-focus=safety-and-belaying) class first. We'd love to climb with you as soon as you know how to belay safely using a GriGri. To find us, go past the front desk and turn left. We'll gather by the fitness room entrance. If you need a refresher on knot tying and/or belaying, please post in comments or message the host and we'll be happy to help. We normally top rope in groups of 2-3 people, but some are also happy to lead. Post in comments or ask on the spot if you are interested in leading.

Yes, it's already approaching that special time of year... time for the Massanutten Death March! After consulting Jen and a few others, I'm putting up this placeholder with dates, and more details can be added or amended later. To quote Michael: "DCUL's annual spring lap around Massanutten... is always a good test of your backpacking chops and your fitness coming out of the winter." To quote me, "You might cry. You might develop the largest blisters you ever had! Aaaaand... you might come back next year for more torture..." I'm sticking with the classic version. So, we'll do the trip clockwise, Elizabeth Furnace to Veach Gap on Thursday (roughly 10m), Veach Gap to Waterfall Mountain on Friday (24m). Waterfall to Edinburgh Gap on Saturday (21m), and then back to the Signal Knob Parking lot (15m). NOTE: These splits are copied from last year's event and they do not match the Caltopo below, partly because the Sat/Sun splits show camping at Mudhole Gap but I'm going with Edinburgh Gap. We can make an updated Caltopo later. And, I know not everyone likes the Edinburgh campsite, but I don't want to add an extra 5 miles to Mudhole Gap on Saturday. We'll tag a few volunteers to reserve spaces. If anyone would like to post a complementary Half-a-nutten (is that canonical language?) or LM trip for the same weekend, feel free! I'll start group size at 10 plus myself, as Michael did last year. But we may add more spots later. You should be a veteran member to undertake this! It's always a memorable weekend! Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/HNED

**Sahaja Yoga teaches a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge.** We follow a format of continuous integration of topics in our classes so that no two classes are same and so we are able to accommodate new meditators along with experienced ones. **Through Sahaja Yoga, you can achieve a state of meditation known as thoughtless awareness. In this state, you experience and enjoy the present moment without any distractions from the past or future. Your consciousness works in flow with your inner energy ([Kundalini](https://us.sahajayoga.org/the-kundalini/)).** Some of the things we go over with in our programs are how to awaken your dormant Mother energy called Kundalini. Meditation with Mantras using power of very basic mantra to bring peace within! Meditation with music, what are Chakras, how to take affirmations, what is Thoughtless Awareness and how to find the state of your Chakras. *Meditation sessions led by an experienced fellow meditator.* **Please join us to awaken the dormant energy within you and re-balance your emotional, physical and mental state of being!** **Sahaja Yoga was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji**. She envisioned a world where people would be transformed, and lead more balanced lives. She has worked tirelessly to help people meditate and achieve greater spiritual heights through this meditation. **Cost**: Free **Parking**: Paid parking in garages and on street. Garage-40 Cordell-St.Elmo Garage, Saint Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD is 2 mins walking distance from meditation center. **How to reach us?** We are at **Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center** on **4901 Saint Elmo Avenue** **Bethesda, MD 20814**, *walking distance from Bethesda Metro Center* **You can learn more about this meditation** from [us.sahajayoga.org](https://us.sahajayoga.org)

Sit back and relax as Tibetan & crystal bowls (and other instruments) help bring you back into alignment thru sacred sound therapy. This is a great way to clear yourself and recharge for the week ahead. For those interested, it can also assist in achieving deeper stages of meditation. Space is limited so a RSVP is required. Once you have joined us for an event, you are welcome to text to confirm your spot. FIRST TIMERS: All are welcome as long as you come with an open/positive mind and respectful heart. No prior experience necessary. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (5 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it's important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. COST: To help make this affordable to all, we have an offering range of $15-$25. If you would like to contribute in another way, please let us know. With Love and Gratitude

**Backpacking 101** is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry. Get ready to hit the trail with confidence—let’s make adventure happen! **Requirements** · Participants must 18 or older & a PATC Member · **Fee:** $100 · **Class Size:** Limited to 8 students. · **Waiver:** A signed waiver is required by PATC. **Topics Covered** * Dressing for Success – Clothing, layering, and footwear essentials * Gear Up! – Choosing the right pack, shelter, and sleep system * Backcountry Basics – Water purification & cooking on the trail * Home Sweet Campsite – Selecting and setting up your ideal spot * Leave No Trace – How to protect nature while enjoying it * Trail Hygiene – Sanitation and staying fresh in the wild * Plan & Navigate – Trip planning, maps, and finding your way **Class Structure** * Pre-Class Prep – Watch assigned YouTube videos for a head start * 2 Gear Demos & Discussions – Hands-on learning and Q&A sessions * Overnight Adventure – Put your skills to the test on a backpacking trip! **Classroom Sessions** Location: PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VA Online: There will not be an online option as this has not worked well previously. Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm * Tuesday, April 7 * Tuesday, April 14 **Weekend Option #1:** This trip will be in Northern Virginia and includes a **6.5 miles hike (each way)** with 2,000 foot elevation. I’d rate this as “moderate" * Weekend Option #2: April 18-19 * Rain Date for Option #2: May 9-10

Everyone is welcome to join these classes on meditation and modern Buddhism. These classes include both meditations and teachings based on Buddha’s wisdom that can help us to stay peaceful, even in the most challenging times. Topics include the following: * Freeing Ourself from Stress * Understanding the Mind * Learning to Let Go of Negativity * The Keys to Stable & Lasting Change * Staying Positive No Matter What Happens * Freedom from Anger * Why This Day Matters * Forces for Positive Change **To Register:** Visit our class listings page at [MeditationMD.org](https://www.meditationmd.org/classes-retreats). You can also register at the door, arriving 15 min early. **This is an in-person class.** **Cost:** $12 ($8 students, seniors 62+, and unemployed). Free for Monthly Members. **Location:** Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045 **With Teacher Rick Ratigan** A long-time member of KMC Maryland, Rick has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism since 1999, and has been teaching for about 15 years. He is retired from the State of Maryland with a background in Social Services. He is a sincere meditator and Dharma practitioner and is well liked for his compassion and a good sense of humor. Rick’s classes are down-to-earth and practical. Visit our website: [www.MeditationMd.org](https://www.meditationmd.org/classes-retreats)

Registration and more info available at: [HERB WALK DC REGISTRATION](https://yew360.com/products/so-fresh-so-clean-detox-into-the-new-year-workshop?_pos=3&_psq=HER&_ss=e&_v=1.0)

**IMPORTANT - READ** Monongahela National Forest limits groups to 10 people, so that is a hard limit for this trip. If you are not 100% committed please do ***NOT RSVP*** ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Moderate** * **Length:** 16 Miles * **Duration:** 2 Days * **Elevation Gain:** 2,216 Feet * **Bear Canisters:** Not Required * **Permits:** Not Required * **Parking:** Red Creek Trailhead * **Coordinates:** 38.972729, -79.397824 * **AllTrails Map**: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/dolly-sods-backpack-16-mi-24357dd](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/dolly-sods-backpack-16-mi-24357dd) The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) and one of the most desirable trekking areas in the US. Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and flora and fauna normally found much further north in Canada. A backpacking trip in this area will expose you to a very diverse and unique landscape with sphagnum bogs, grassy meadows lined by spruce trees, wind-carved boulders, and beautiful mountain vistas. Note - this area can have very unpredictable weather. I've had everything from sunshine, to heavy rain, to even snow and hail as late as May. Pack accordingly. **Trail Details:** We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 8am and drive to the Red Creek Trailhead at the southern end of the Dolly Sods wilderness. The drive is about 3 hours - I will drive and am happy to have up to 3 others carpool with me. When we arrive at the trailhead, we will hike about 6.3 miles to our campsite, stopping once to check out the the iconic Lion's Head on Breathed Mountain (pictured in the post). Should be an early day, so feel free to bring cards, adult beverages, or other items to pass the time. The second day, we will explore the rest of the park, which includes the rugged Dunkenbarger trail. The second day is about 9.4 miles back to the car. There are a ton of stream crossings on this trip - so expect to get wet and pack accordingly. **Essential Items**: * Tent * Sleeping pad​ * Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​ * Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​ * Backpacking stove with fuel​ * Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​ * Dehydrated meals​ and snacks * Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)​ * Water filter or purification tablets​ * Headlamp with extra batteries​ * Rain gear * Dry bags or pack cover​ * Warm clothing layers (non-cotton) * Trowel for and toiletries for Leave No Trace compliance **Optional Items**: * Personal first aid kit​ * Map and compass or GPS device * Power bank or external battery * Trekking poles​ * Camp shoes * Electrolyte supplements​ * Alcohol​ * Books, games, or other enterainment * Gaiters​ * Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​ **General meetup location:** Vienna Metro Station - 8:00am Time driving: 3 hr. each way Google driving direction from Vienna metro: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLA) **CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). ​ See you on the trail!

**IMPORTANT:** This event is weather relate, if rain is forecast for the event date it will be reschedule for the next Saturday **Play to Play event** \- $25 x spot Venmo or Zelle to Darwin Castillo - 202-848-2436 You will be add to the RSVP list when event fee is send. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have ever wondered what outdoor rock climbing is all about this is a great opportunity for you to give it a try...You will be hooked on a new activity and I will be your personal coach, we both will make this happen. The DC Wild Outdoor Adventurers members will be there to help, we fit you in a harness, get you a pair of climbing shoes, and give you all the intel you need to know to get you started in this trilling sport. The clinic itself will show novice climbers the basic skills necessary to safely rock climb and scale rock walls with confidence. Specific items covered in the class: knot craft, harness wear and adjustment, belaying, climbing techniques, and climbing safety. Participants will spend the remainder of the class practicing the skills and climbing. **Clinic hours**: 9:00AM-2:00PM. **Meet at** Great Falls \* This location has a entry fee x car or America the Beautiful passes Be on time, you may wont find us as soon we move from the parking lot, cellphone signal is very week or nonexistent. The clinic will start promptly at 9:00am and last until about 2:00pm. **Important:** If weather is adverse to our purposes (rain) event will be reschedule. **What to bring:** We are climbing through lunch time, so make sure you bring plenty of water, snacks, and lunch to keep you going, bug spray maybe necessary **What to wear:** Look at the weather conditions the day prior to the event and wear accordingly. **Equipment**:: All equipment (Helmets, harness, climbing shoes, ropes, etc.) will be provided. **Where to meet**: Rock climbers parking **GPS coordinates**: 38.993328, -77.254035 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Climbing** is a dangerous sport and serious injury may and can happen You are solely and completely responsible for choosing outings and activities that are within your physical and medical ability level, for taking proper clothing, provisions, and equipment along on outings to provide for your personal comfort and for making appropriate decisions to ensure your very own safety. By reserving and or participating in any of our activities you have agree to all the term stated on our Liability waiver: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hgXQ3bWkQqli5zQuYWmluK8I_pQ9IE2q/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hgXQ3bWkQqli5zQuYWmluK8I_pQ9IE2q/view?usp=sharing)

**Backpacking 101** is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry. Get ready to hit the trail with confidence—let’s make adventure happen! **Requirements** · Participants must 18 or older & a PATC Member · **Fee:** $100 · **Class Size:** Limited to 8 students. · **Waiver:** A signed waiver is required by PATC. **Topics Covered** * Dressing for Success – Clothing, layering, and footwear essentials * Gear Up! – Choosing the right pack, shelter, and sleep system * Backcountry Basics – Water purification & cooking on the trail * Home Sweet Campsite – Selecting and setting up your ideal spot * Leave No Trace – How to protect nature while enjoying it * Trail Hygiene – Sanitation and staying fresh in the wild * Plan & Navigate – Trip planning, maps, and finding your way **Class Structure** * Pre-Class Prep – Watch assigned YouTube videos for a head start * 2 Gear Demos & Discussions – Hands-on learning and Q&A sessions * Overnight Adventure – Put your skills to the test on a backpacking trip! **Classroom Sessions** Location: PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VA Online: There will not be an online option as this has not worked well previously. Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm * Tuesday, April 7 * Tuesday, April 14 **Weekend Option #2:** This trip will be in GWNF and includes a **3.2 miles hike (each way)** with 1,200 foot elevation. I’d rate this as “easy" * Weekend Option #2: April 25-26 * Rain Date for Option #2: May 2-3

Experience a deeply restorative session that combines **chakra cleansing meditation** with **gentle stretching yoga** to help you reset your body, calm your mind, and rebalance your energy. We will begin with grounding breathwork to help you settle into the present moment. From there, you'll be guided through a **chakra cleansing meditation**, focusing on the body's seven main energy centers to release blockages and invite a smoother flow of energy throughout the body. Following meditation, we will move into **slow, gentle yoga stretches** designed to ease tension, improve mobility, and support the energetic balance of each chakra. The movements are simple, mindful, and accessible to beginners as well as experienced practitioners who want a calming and nurturing practice. This session is ideal if you are looking to: * Reduce stress and mental fatigue * Reconnect with your body and breath * Balance your energy centers (chakras) * Release physical tension through gentle movement * Cultivate a sense of inner calm and clarity No prior meditation or yoga experience is required. All are welcome. Come as you are, breathe deeply, stretch gently, and leave feeling lighter, centered, and renewed.

Here's another adventure inspired by my attempts to nibble off a few more miles for my SNP 500. This adventure takes us to the very end of the southern district. The plan: Depart Vienna and head to Rockfish Gap. We'll station a few cars there, and then make our way north to Jarman Gap to start our adventure. We'll head north along the AT to Turk Branch Trail, and then take that down to the South Moormans River Road. We'll follow that trail south and eventually rejoin the AT, taking that down to the Calf Mountain Hut. We'll camp there for the evening. Sunday is all AT back to Rockfish Gap and our cars. Reverse the shuttle and then make our way home. This should be a nice outing to explore some of Shenandoah's southern-most trails. I'll hold five spots for applicants and will prioritize them on the wait list. Applicants, you'll need to send me a gear list to be approved for the trip. **DCULers have maps!** PATC's Map 11 (South District) is the one to have. Questions? Send them my way. Group size is limited to 10. The Fine Print \- Total round\-trip distance is roughly 140 miles\. Per DC UL recommended guidelines of about $0\.10 per mile\, expect to chip in about $14 to your driver if you're catching a ride\. \- Members and above\, don't forget to pay your annual dues\. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile\. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip\. To pay your dues via PayPal\, use this link: https://www\.paypal\.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15 \($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project\.\) \- By RSVPing for this trip\, you acknowledge that you’ve read our COVID\-19 guidelines \(https://dculbackpacking\.com/about/covid\-19\-guidelines/\) and that you agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms\. \(https://dculbackpacking\.com/about/liability\-waiver\)

Classic Half Massanutten to run on the same weekend as the full. We'll setup a car shuttle on Friday night and camp near Waterfall mountain. Then Waterfall to Little Fort Campground near Woodstock Gap on Saturday (21m), and then back to the Signal Knob Parking lot (15m). All mileages are -ish. We'll need some cars to make the shuttle work. We'll meet on Friday at 7:30 PM at Vienna for carpooling since I want to avoid driving the beltway at rush hour. Probably 8:45 PM or so at Signal Knob Parking lot for the car shuttle. The trailhead on the south side is labeled "Massanutten Trailhead" in Google maps and it's located near Waterfall mountain. The parking lot on the south side is small vs the Signal Knob parking lot is pretty large. It's TBD if Chrisman Hollow Rd will be open. If not, we'll park just of US-211 again like last year. Due to the mileage, you should have already be at the member rank for the club. E.g., have done a LM trip with the club in good style. If you're new to the club, there might or might not be a mini-Massanutten the same weekend. By RSVPing to this trip or any other DCUL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DCUL's waiver liability terms (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)