Wilderness

We will be hiking along the historic Alexandria waterfront down and through scenic Old Town to the Wilson bridge and back. Lovely views of the river, as well as of Old Town. Part of the walk is on the Mount Vernon Trail bike path. Hike is mostly flat, and on paved surfaces or board walk. Please note the hike leaves at 600PM sharp. There are bathrooms at the halfway point. **Meet at the small parking area closest to the bike path. First left on Marina Drive. Not the large marina parking area that is further along.** We walk pretty briskly around 3.-3.5 miles an hour. I assume if you can’t keep up, you can always find your way back to the starting point. Hope you can join our group of stalwart regulars and cheery newcomers. Happy hiking. Most of the walk has street lights, but not all so, but bring a light.

**Turkey Run: A Challenging-Moderate 4 or 6.3 Mile Hike with Rock Scrambles** SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES." This is a great hike to step up your hiking to a more challenging level due to the terrain. There are two loops in this hike: one for 4 miles and a second for 2.3 miles. Work on building your hiking strength while challenging yourself to a rock scramble. This hike would be rated a moderate hike other than the rock scramble over a stream and other stream crossings using ropes, which earns it a “challenging moderate”. Please be aware, that the stream crossings and scrambles are challenging, and that good footwear is a must. Turkey Run Park has a number of wooded and riverside trails. Turkey Run Park preserves a vertical slice of the Potomac Gorge ecosystem. A unique combination of flora and fauna makes a home in the park's riverbanks, flood terraces, upland forest, streams, and underground seeps. There is also a variety of fauna that lives along and in the river. You may see cormorants and a variety of water birds. Trails in Turkey Run Park cross through several of the distinct habitats that make up the Potomac Gorge ecosystem. The Potomac Heritage Trail (http://www.nps.gov/pohe/planyourvisit/index.htm) also runs through the park. Along our route is a fun rock scramble and six stream crossings that you cross using rocks, and of course, a helping hand is always offered. The extra 2.3 miles is challenging in its own way. While we hike mostly along the river and its beautiful views, we will need to navigate several downed trees including one that is quite a challenge. The 4 mile hike should end around noon and the second around 1:30 PM. A leashed, well-trained Fido is allowed on this hike. Bring a lunch to enjoy between the two hikes. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed. **Directions to Trailhead**: It is best to use the GPS coordinates. They will take you directly to the parking lot. The GPS Coordinates are [38.964346, -77.153034](https://www.google.com/search?q=38.964346%2C+-77.153034&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1207US1207&oq=38.964346%2C+-77.153034&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTM0NTRqMGoxNagCCLACAfEF4ILw8-9EEOc&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) Turkey Run Park in Virginia is located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in McLean, VA 22101. It is accessed via the GW Parkway (Exit 43). We will meet in the main parking, C-1 lot near the parkway exit when coming from the North; when coming from the South the exit is almost immediately. **Rating**: Challenging-Moderate **Distance**: 6 miles total (Loop 1: 4 miles and Loop 2: 2.3 miles) **Elevation Gain**: Approximately 500 feet **Pace**: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour **Facilities**: There are no restrooms near the trailhead. **Fees**: no fees **Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found[ here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/c4025fdf0177c872b7fc2e0d09e7c523995ef49e21145e2d2438fe08649ca9e8). **Notes**: \- RSVP TO ATTEND THIS HIKE\. IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE\, UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE SO THERE IS TIME TO BACKFILL YOUR SPOT\. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL RESULT IN A "NO SHOW\." REPEATED NO SHOWS WILL RESULT IN BARRING YOU FROM FUTURE HIKES WITH THIS LEADER\. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST\, CHECK YOUR STATUS SOON AFTER 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE TO SEE IF YOU ARE ON THE "GOING" LIST\. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here.](https://www.patc.net/) -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership).

Founder Institute together with our partner, Health2Tech is hosting a great startup event in Washington DC. At this event, we will discuss health tech topics and entrepreneurship and hear ​Gil Bashe, FINN Partners Chair Global Health and Purpose, Editor in Chief of Medika Life, and author of the Amazon #1 new release in health policy Healing the Sick Care System: Why People Matter. He collaborates with leaders who are shaping the future of health and guides their ideas through the challenges that stand between progress and the people it serves. **❯❯ RSVP here: [https://luma.com/hjf6r9ad](https://luma.com/hjf6r9ad)** Join us on April 15th for an exclusive gathering that brings together the brightest minds in the digital health space. Hosted by [Alex Koshykov](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-koshykov/?utm_source=luma) & [Guc Ozenci](https://www.linkedin.com/in/guc/?utm_source=luma) this evening promises to be a confluence of innovation, inspiration, and invaluable networking. **❯ Event Schedule:** * ​​5:30 PM - 6:00 Doors Open. Begin the evening with a warm welcome and a chance to settle in. * ​​6:00 - 6:30 Fire-side chat with [Gil Bashe](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbashe/?utm_source=luma) and his book presentation: “Healing the Sick Care System: Why People Matter”. 6:30 - 8:30 Networking. Connect, converse, and collaborate with peers driven by a common passion for advancing healthcare through technology. **❯ Why Attend?** * ​​Meet like-minded individuals who are actively shaping the health tech landscape. * ​​Share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore potential solutions with fellow founders. * ​​Learn from the journeys of other entrepreneurs, discover something new, seek advice, and perhaps find the mentor or partner you've been looking for. **❯❯ RSVP here: [https://luma.com/hjf6r9ad ](https://luma.com/hjf6r9ad)**

♠️😲♠️ W.O.W. Spades Night ♠️😲♠️ Washington on Wednesday (W.O.W.) - 3rd Wednesday Spades in DC 🌟Spades in DC! 😀 Hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! ✅️ No partner needed! Find one onsite. All skill levels are welcome. 📌 Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken - Navy Yard 300 Tingey St SE #150, Washington, DC 20003 ❤️ **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚌 One block from Navy Yard Metro Station 🚗 Street and Garage Parking available. 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! 🍗 Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. 🌟 The fun starts at 5:30pm! RSVP today.

This will be an opportunity to dive deeper into your Soul’s path as ancient Tibetan Bowls and Gongs help you to connect to your deep/subtle self. Join us for an immersive and powerful sound healing experience that takes you on a journey into deep relaxation meeting the silence of your soul. During this session, you'll be gently guided into a meditative state as waves of sound from gongs, bowls and other healing instruments wash over you. The rich tones and vibrations help shift brainwaves, release tension and promote deep inner peace. This will begin with a brief guided grounding meditation to help relax the body and set intentions. The gong bath will last for approximately 45 minutes. Following the sound bath will be a few minutes for quiet reflection and gentle integration and then an optional opportunity to open hearts and share. Space is limited so a RSVP is required. This also helps us to notify you in case of any changes or updates. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. This will be held inside our large great room You are welcome to bring a mat, blanket or pillow, but we also have everything needed. FIRST TIMERS: All are welcome as long as you come with an open/positive mind and respectful heart. No prior experience necessary. 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 mile driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 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: $20 With Love and Gratitude

Please join Robert Brandau, our Founding Director, for coffee, conversation, job search assistance and just the ability to get out of the house and be with others as we look for **QUALITY** Employment. Bring your laptop, (if you need a new one, please let [Career-Confidence.org](http://career-confidence.org/) know.) there will be plenty of time for us to work seperately. Occassionally we have "on the spot" interviews with others at Fairfax Coffee. Often times some of us will go out to lunch or a simple dinner afterwards.

During the month of April Juanatán will guide you on a short but beautiful hike at Riverbend Park. This journey of just under 4 miles will take you through varied habitat types with a chance of seeing bluebells in bloom. We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 30 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends! ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Easy * **Length:** 4 Miles * **Duration:** 3 hrs (Including plenty of time for taking pictures.) * **Elevation Gain:** 324 Feet * **Permits:** None. * **Parking:** Vienna South Metro Station (Search for ¨NOVA Trailblazers Carpooling Location¨ on Google Maps.) (Parking is free on weekends.) * **Dogs:** Allowed on a leash at the park. (But not inside the restaurant.) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 39.01872734604616, -77.24625717031695 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-91328d0?u=m&sh=kucj8c **Trail Details:** After using the restrooms we will follow the Potomac Heritage Trail along the river and enjoy the views, potentially seeing Virginia bluebells along the way. We will then pass by Carper's Pond and start following the Bootlegger Trail, which will take us through some wetlands and then a meadow. We will then start making our way back down to the river by following Madison's Escape Trail, Follow the Hollows Trail, and then the Bootlegger Trail once again. After that we will take the Potomac Heritage Trail along the river until we return to the Visitor Center. Afterwards I am planning to stop by Deli Italiano in Great Falls, VA. The address is 9911 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. **Itinerary:** 8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station. 8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead. 9:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike. 12:00 PM: Finish the hike, drive to Deli Italiano, and eat. 1:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location. 2:00 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station. *(Setting the end time to 3:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)* **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! **[Featured Image Source](https://www.funinfairfaxva.com/potomac-hike-bluebells-and-sycamores-at-riverbend-park/)**

Come out and enjoy hiking amongst the spring flowers blooming along the Potomac this time of the year. We will hike about 6 miles on the Billy Goat Trail section B & section C. Billy Goat Trail section B re-opened this spring after being closes since after a flood in 2018 We will do an 8 loop alternating hiking on the Billy Goat trails and on the towpath, we will be on natural terrain trails, Billy goat trail is pretty rocky with some rock scrambling and stream crossing, C is easier with a 2d stream crossing, the towpath is flat and graveled. Meet: [Carderock North parking lot](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPXMBmBAx7mTQ7366) At 8:45 am for registration, we will start hiking at 9 am. Bring: Snacks/Lunch, water, hiking shoes for a good grip on the rocks. Hiking poles for the stream crossing if needed. Weather-appropriate clothing. There is a portable toilet on the Carderock north parking lot. For carpooling, the closest metro stations are the ones on the Red line: Friendship Heights, Bethesda, Medical Center, Grosvenor-Strathmore. Arrange for carpool in Meetup Comments, on your own. To participate in this event, you must: 1: Read the liability waiver (officially, the Sierra Club Participation Agreement) http://bit.ly/3Qd4F1B 2: Tap ATTEND at the bottom of this event 3: When prompted, type ’I accept’ to the liability waiver, your first and last name, your contact cell number, and an emergency contact number – Example: I accept, Jane Doe, (703) 555-5555, (301) 666-6666”

There will be **two concurrent hikes** (see below for meeting places & times) along the C&O Canal towpath with multiple options for **distances of 14 to 36 miles**. Whatever distance you do, the hike will afford you some of the most beautiful views of the Potomac River (the approach to Harpers Ferry), let you observe wildlife and wildflowers, and let you explore (a little bit) historic Harpers Ferry. Here are some **[photo albums](https://sites.google.com/view/wandering-soles/one-day-hike/training-hikes/co-canal-to-harpers-ferry)** of previous versions of this hike. **Long hikers** will start at Point of Rocks and hike to Harpers Ferry and back (28 miles; 5.8 blisters), with the option of going up to 4 miles past the start before returning (for up to 36 miles total; 7.4 blisters). **Short hikers** will start at Brunswick and hike to Harpers Ferry and back (14 miles; 3 blisters), with the option of going to Point of Rocks (21 miles total; 4.4 blisters). You may want to download **[hike notes and map](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Sm4ZcloI-maPCmfVEx14BGosNJiMQOq6?usp=sharing)** or use the photos below for the hike. **LEADER:** Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) **WHAT TO BRING:** Bring food and drink, or $$ to buy at Harpers Ferry. You’ll proceed at your own pace and you may stop (or not) anytime to eat. This hike occurs rain or shine, cold or warm, so dress appropriately. However, in case of hazardous weather, please check here for last-minute changes before leaving for the hike. **WHEN & WHERE:** **Long hikers** will meet in the **[parking lot](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Parking+lot,+3703+Canal+Rd,+Point+of+Rocks,+MD+21777/@39.2695791,-77.5443587,15.37z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b62035b96f6345:0x32e2304103d3634d!8m2!3d39.2729566!4d-77.5408937!16s%2Fg%2F11c603wnzf?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** along the towpath at Point of Rocks by 8:15am (cross the tracks and the wooden canal bridge). **Short hikers** will meet in the **[parking lot](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chesapeake+%26+Ohio+Canal+-+Brunswick+Parking+Lot/@39.3107067,-77.6310708,16.5z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b61e22a0046603:0x418b7f01f30acf28!8m2!3d39.311137!4d-77.630671!16s%2Fg%2F11fyxc8lx0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** near the towpath under the MD 17 bridge in Brunswick by 10 am (from S Maple Av, cross the train station's parking lot and the tracks, then turn right and go to the end). If you need a ride, post a comment. **SIERRA CLUB**
 You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s **[homepage](https://www.sierraclub.org/virginia)**. Membership is not required for participation. **ONE DAY HIKE** Although open to all, this training hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the **[One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467688/)** (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s **[Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/)** for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see **[volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/)** and/or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io

Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in! We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind. If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.

Join us for our Sunday Meditation Service - !' Or join us on Facebook Live! Our Facebook Page is Golden Lotus Yoga for Spiritual Awareness

All levels of Meditators or welcome. In person or on Facebook Live! There will be instructions and inspiration for new inexperienced meditators. The hosts, meditators and Kriya Yoga initiates for over 50 years, are direct disciples of Yogacharya J. Oliver Black one of Paramahansa Yogananda's most advanced male disciples. He is the founder of Golden Lotus, Inc., which owns & operates 'Song of the Morning' an 800 acre Yoga Retreat Northest of Gaylord, MI on the Pigeon River. Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self Realization Fellowship, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA and is the author of the Spritual Classic, 'Autobiography of a Yogi.'

Join WQC on April 25th from 11am-1pm at Inniswood Metro Park for a Nature Photo Walk. All types of cameras welcome! Let's enjoy spring to the fullest... 🌻🌼🌷🐤