Horses

Walk among the largest stand of large-flowered trillium in Virginia at GR Thompson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Linden, VA. These iconic woodland wildflowers are identified by three large petals, which start white and deepen to rose as they age. A great many other spring ephemerals growing in this area promise to delight both expert and beginner naturalists. On this 5.5 mile hike we will gain about 1000 ft of elevation, and we will hike about 2.0 mph when moving. Photos encouraged! **Hike Route:** Trillium 5.5/1000 (UpperTedLake) on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/trillium-5-5-1000-uppertedlake-92262bf **Time to Meet:** Please meet 15-20 min prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in. **RSVP:** RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, please edit your RSVP 24-48 hours before the hike to open a spot for another hiker. This request also applies to hikers on the Waitlist. RSVPs close at 6 PM the evening before the hike. **Meeting Location/Parking:** 3750 Freezeland Road, Linden, VA. Room for 10-12 cars. **Carpooling strongly recommended.** If we should fill available parking, we will shuttle hikers from a small park (a minute or two away). **GPS 38.93950, -78.03943** **Group Size:** 20 hikers **Facilities:** Privy at Manassas Gap shelter, a mile or so into the hike. **Access Fee:** Hike leader will secure WMA group access permit and pay daily access fee for hikers. **For this reason, NO SHOWS and last minite RSVP updates are discouraged.** **Contact Information:** Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Lisa P. **Cancellation:** In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates before leaving for the hike. **What to Bring:** Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, medications, snacks/meal, insect repellent, sunscreen/protection from weather, and personal first aid kit. Trekking poles if you use them, sturdy hiking footwear. Please leave pets at home. Thanks! **PATC:** * 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) Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.

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

Games night is back! With our favorite local game store opening back up, Games night will come back starting Monday June 7th! We are an lgbt+ games group that’s been going for nearly 3 years now! We welcome anyone in the lgbt+ community to come play board games every Monday with our fun and chaotic crew! If you’re brand new to board gaming and looking to make some friends or if you love playing 4 hour space operas and are looking to make some rivals, we’re the group for you! We are an lgbt+ group that focuses on creating a safe lgbt+ community. Non-lgbt+ individuals are welcome when attending with an lgbt+ friend, family member, or partner. Huzzah hobbies currently follows cdc guidelines, where customers who are vaccinated are allowed to not wear masks indoors. With their current hours on Mondays, they are open until 9pm; if they change hours and remain open later, games night will continue until close. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to message us here!

GRASP started on April 27, 2022 - exactly 4 years to the day and at this very location! (formerly Mod Pizza) Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate our community and see friends old and new while enjoying pizza that has become quite a hit in the DMV area! Andy's serves pizza by the slice and also wine by the glass or bottle. Two slices of pizza and a coke cost about $12. It all started with a ball of Trader Joe’s pizza dough. Over nearly a decade, Andy Brown has refined his recipe from semihomemade to a from-scratch crust that ferments for 72 hours before it’s baked in a hot stone oven. This location, in Kentlands, is the newest but Andy’s is quickly mushrooming around DC and NoVA. With its pliable crust, tangy tomatoes, and high-quality cheese, this is one of the most awarded pizzas in the DMV.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, **[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)** and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I Accept"** to be permitted on the hike. **8.00 mile circuit hike with 500 feet of elevation gain.** **Description:** Our Hike will begin at **Pennyfield Lock 22** along the **C&O Canal** in the **[Pennyfield Lock Parking Lot](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Montgomery-Parks-Blockhouse-Point-Trail-Map-letter-2024_a11y.pdf)** , and heads over to the **[C&O Canal Towpath.](https://www.canaltrust.org/plan/co-canal-towpath/)** While walking along the water’s edge, keep an eye out for sunbathing **[turtles](https://www.canaltrust.org/2020/10/top-5-photographed-turtle-species-on-the-co-canal/)**, elegant **[Blue Herons](https://potomac.org/blog/2022/7/11/5-large-birds-you-can-easily-spot-along-the-potomac-river)** and yes, **[snakes](https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/nature/reptiles-amphibians.htm)** too, all the while soaking in sweeping views of the **Potomac River.** From there the hike heads up into the **[BlockHouse Point](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/block-house-point-conservation-park/)**[ ](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/block-house-point-conservation-park/)**[Conservation Park](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/block-house-point-conservation-park/)** offering spectacular views of the **[Potomac River](https://www.americanrivers.org/river/potomac-river/).** **Facilities:** Portable bathrooms at the trailhead **Hike Pace**: Pace will be about **2.0 – 2.5 mph** while moving. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, insect repellant and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots, stream crossing. Hiking poles if you normally use them. **Fee:** None **Dogs:** dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)**. Please be sure your dog is able to hike the distance, **Where to Meet:** **GPS Coordinates**: **39°03'14.7"N 77°17'20.4"W** **[LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1eeDTXwpeV94x4cC8)** **Address:** Pennyfield Lock Road Parking Lot, **12400 Pennyfield Lock Rd · Potomac, MD** Pennyfield Lock Road is about 5.5 miles northwest of Potomac Village on River Road. Turn left onto Pennyfield Lock Road, take it to the very end, then turn left, and continue a few hundred feet to the Porta-Johns where we will park. **CONTACT INFO:** Any questions, please message me here or text me at 703 533 9231 Dawn K. Hike Leader **MAPS:** **[BlockHouse Point Conservation Park](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Montgomery-Parks-Blockhouse-Point-Trail-Map-letter-2024_a11y.pdf)** **[AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/blockhouse-point-loop-trail)**

We're celebrating Spring with our Annual Kentucky Derby Gala. We'll be celebrating in style. We're inviting all ladies to come out and join us to celebrate Spring and the Kentucky Derby. Find your favorite Spring attire and if you have a special Derby hat/fascinator please wear it and show us your special Derby style. We've been doing our Gala's for over 7 years. We're holding our Gala at Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub in Shirlington. We start with our Happy Hour, at 5pm, in the back room area many of us are familiar with. Becketts has a large menu of options and there are 3 TVs for race watching if you can pull yours eyes off your other fabulous party goers. There is a large patio area for anyone wishing to sit outside. Parking is right next door at the Randolph Square Parking Garage - 2850 S Randolph St, Arlington, VA 22206. If you plan to spend the night, the Hilton Garden Inn Shirlington (4271 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206) is a mere 500 feet away. Be advised there is a Hilton Garden Inn \*Arlington\* but that is a different hotel. Be sure to use the address above and/or include "Shirlington" in your search. Our Galas don't have any set schedule. We want you to arrive whenever you are ready. We'll have ladies arriving though the night, so you can arrive whenever you are ready and want to make you special entrance. **But wait there's more.** There will be a hat contest. We'll be doing a contest for those wearing Derby hats. We'll be giving out prizes for the the best derby hat and the most original hat. We want to see big hats, colorful hats, fancy hats! Add your own design and attitude in your hat. Hat Contest will be at 9pm, during our announcements and group photo (optional). This will be our last Gala, until the Fall. If you care to attend a Gala, this is the one you want to attend. Your spouse or date are more than welcome to join us, this evening and all our Gala's and any of our events.

***Colvin Run's Thursday Night Country Dance with Tim Bowker*** Come early and enjoy the warmup music at 7:15 p.m. **Tim Bowker's Country Nightclub Two-Step lesson** is at **7:30 p.m**, and then stay for **DJ Tim's dance party 8:30-10:30 p.m.** Cold water, snacks and lots of friendly people included. No partner, experience, or reservations needed. Plenty of free, safe parking. $15 entry fee (cash/check only); Includes lesson, dance and light refreshments. ***First Timer? No Problem!! Come learn a great lesson from Timothy Bowker! We welcome everyone!*** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Mark your calendars for **West Coast Swing Sundays** Every 2nd & 4th Sunday at 4:00 p.m. The next WCS Sunday is January 11, 2026 ***Find your happy place at Colvin Run Dance Hall*** ***Where everybody knows your name, and everyone's glad you came!*** *Find Colvin Run at: http://www.colvinrun.org* *or contact Kathy.Milks@ColvinRun.org*

Come play and learn with the best Warmachine and Hordes players in the world!

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34720279](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34720279) 23 miles. Toilets in the beginning, middle and the end of the trail. From Sycamore Landing, we e-bike on the C&O towpath to White's Ferry, where the group stops at the Potomac River for a picnic. The ferry has a restaurant known for its pickle burger. From the ferry, we return via River Road in Montgomery county's rustic farmland. The scenery is particularly fine everywhere along this 23-mile round trip. We will be biking in hilly terrain at the end of the trail. Most of the trail is flat. See also: https://ebikelovers.com/2021/01/17/trail-4-maryland-e-biking-from-sycamore-landing-to-whites-ferry/ This event will be a combined towpath and farmland ride to Whites Ferry, originally designed by David Winer, former chair of the Friday biking group. Whites Ferry is out of commission, but this doesn't affect the ride as we will not cross the Potomac. We meet at 10:00 a.m. at Sycamore Landing. We leave at 10:15 AM. See the map above for the ride route and directions to reach the parking lot at Sycamore landing. The Meetup map guides you to the Sycamore Landing parking lot as well. **Nota Bene: By car, the turn from River Road is 16 miles from the I 495 Beltway, and the parking lot is all the way down this dirt road next to the canal towpath.** The scenery is particularly fine everywhere along this 23-mile round trip. The riding surface beside the C&O canal is typically packed clay/gravel except near Whites Ferry, where it has been reworked into a smoother path. The route through the Montgomery Agricultural Preserve is a seldom-traveled road of packed gravel similar to the towpath's surfaces. Lunch: Brown bag at picnic tables overlooking the Jubal Early car ferry. Snacks and sandwiches are available at the adjacent store. The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be some 22 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. **Please remember to charge your bike, check your tires and brakes, and consider packing an extra tube.** **We recommend downloading the Ride with GPS route map to enhance your independence.** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34720279](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34720279) **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as www.ebikelovers.com generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) **More information about using GPS files:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/](https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/) **More information about e-bike ranges:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/) As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. About the C&O Canal: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal operated from 1831 until 1924 along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal's principal cargo was coal from the Allegheny Mountains. The canal’s roots begin with George Washington’s dream of a waterway trade route. 74 locks were built. About White's Ferry: Historic White's Ferry is the last of 100 ferries that used to operate on the Potomac River. This ferry, named after the confederate Civil War General Jubal A. Early, connects Whites Ferry Road in Montgomery County, Maryland with a road by the same name in Loudoun County, Virginia. The cars line up on what looks like a boat ramp and drive down onto the ferry. Once loaded, the ferry follows a wire cable to the other side of the Potomac. DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

Let’s get together and fellowship at this open mic night! It’s a chill event and a great place to meet new people. Feel free to share your talent or even a testimony if you’re moved to 🤗. After the event ends, we’ll head over to the Wegmans in Reston for games! Wegmans- 11950 Hopper St, Reston, VA 20191

We're going to try revisit this venue with a patio. Parrando's Ashburn. One week after Cinco de Mayo, its still Taco Tuesday and time for Happy Hour with BOLD Parrando's opened in December 2016 and has since become known for it's signature craft margaritas and fajitas. They use premium-quality ingredients to create a perfect fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine with a North American flair. Parrando’s is always committed to serving premium, authentic Tex-Mex favorites.

PET EXPO HAS CHANGED LOCATION TO MANASSAS SO I NEED TO FIND ANOTHER DATE FOR THIS. Please note park charges admission but meetup itself is free. I highly recommend folks invest in a NPS annual pass as it will pay for itself quickly. We will be exploring the Virginia side of the Great Falls National Park. Please meet at the visitor's center promptly at 9 am. Dogs must follow NPS rules (be kept on a leash and be 4 months/fully vaccinated). We will depart after the group picture along the ramp to the visitor center. This will be a gentle slow walk to take in views.

Come join us at [Loudoun Brewery Co.](https://loudounbrewing.com/) in Leesburg, VA, on Wednesday, May 6th. Former board member and long-time friend of HSLC, Melissa Hughes, will be calling Charity Bingo. Your $20 donation will benefit at-risk cats and dogs in our community and make you eligible to win fabulous prizes! HSLC volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about our life-saving mission. Hope to see you there!

Join NVBA and come prepared to test your knowledge and quick thinking at a bird-themed trivia night, hosted by NextGen Birders for Conservation at the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance HQ! Even if you think you know a lot about birds, nature, and wildlife, we hope that you will learn something new and have fun doing it. There will also be small prizes for the top-scoring participants! Given that this is the first event of this nature being hosted by NextGen, we will be informal in our approach to how you participate. Once you arrive, feel free to form small groups - you don't need to form groups ahead of time. The trivia will begin at 7:15PM sharp, after everyone has had a chance to settle in, and we will wrap things up by 8:45PM to allow for final score tallying, tiebreakers, and prizes. Even if you do not want to participate in the trivia, this could be a good opportunity to socialize and network with like-minded individuals who appreciate nature and knowledge. We will have snacks and beverages available - feel free to bring your own snacks as well. At the end of the event, we will announce upcoming NextGen and NVBA events - we encourage everybody who comes out to continue being involved with our bird walks and other events! Please come to the front door of the building and follow instructions posted on the door to contact somebody who will let you into the building and direct you to the location of the event. Any updates to this event will be sent as an email/notification to people who have RSVP'd "Yes."

**Ed and Gail's Second Saturday Hustle/West Coast Swing Night** NEW!!! Ed and Gail's Second Saturday Dance will now feature hustle and west coast swing music, by popular demand. Lessons will be taught by guest instructors. Note: We will continue our long-running Fourth Saturday Hustle/West Coast Swing Night with Joyce Szili - So you'll have TWO opportunities per month for hustle and west coast swing dancing! Saturday, March 28 Guest Instructor Shawn Brennan 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm Beginner Hustle 7:45 pm - 8:30 pm Intermediate Hustle 8:30-11:00 pm Dance (Variety) $15 cash, check, or Venmo