Travel

Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams) Some people see first class and assume it starts there. The seat. The lounge. The upgrade. The luxury hotel. You get the idea. The mistake is thinking those experiences begin with money, luck, or status. They don’t. In this special session, JGOOT Founder Joel McDonald shares the many early steps, smart moves, mindset shifts, and lessons that helped create the first-class way of travel he enjoys today. Because the truth is: Premium travel is often built long before the trip ever happens. It’s time for: **Before First Class: The “Firsts” That Paved the Way** Joel will walk through the key moments that shaped his travel journey, the decisions that compounded over time, and the strategies everyday travelers can learn and apply for themselves. Inside this session, you’ll learn: • The early moves that matter more than flashy redemptions • How small decisions can compound into premium travel experiences • What most travelers misunderstand about how luxury travel is built • The mindset shifts that create long-term leverage • How to begin building your own version now This isn’t about copying someone else’s lifestyle. It’s not about chasing a lucky one-time trip. It’s about understanding the steps that create repeatable results. And when you learn those steps, first class stops feeling far away. Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams)

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.

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.

LIFT (Learn, Inspire, Fuel, Transform) Session Ever wanted to start lifting weights but weren't sure where to begin? LIFT is a welcoming, beginner-friendly group designed to help women build strength, confidence, and consistency together. Join this session for a structured strength workout and the accountability that comes from showing up alongside other women towards similar goals. **Agenda** * Brief welcome and introductions * Review of the day's workout plan * Guided group strength workout using free weights and machines * Cool down and check-in **What to Bring & Wear** * Water bottle * Comfortable workout clothes * Athletic shoes **Location Details** Meet by the cubbies at the front of the facility inside Pump24. First attendee to sign up will attend for free.

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.

Join us to drum for rain! The drum circle will be at the Guru Rinpoche statue at the entrance to the Peace Park, across the street from the temple. We will be chanting sacred mantras as we drum, praying for abundant rain to ease the drought. All are welcome! Please bring any percussion instruments you have - the more the merrier! If you don't have any drums, there may be extra available. Either way, you can chant along with everyone. Seating is limited so we recommend bringing a chair or blanket to sit on. In the event of inclement weather, we usually drum as long as we can before the storm starts, or wait it out and start a little late. We hold out until the last minute to cancel so if the weather seems iffy, keep an eye on our Facebook page for announcements. The DC region is currently experiencing moderate to severe drought. Many other regions of the world are also experiencing drought conditions. We will dedicate our prayers to bringing life-giving rain to all who need it!

Four years ago, I did the 50km ODH as part of my 8 month training program for "Founder's Kili Climb for Veterans" on Mount Kilimamjaro, Tanzania. I successfully summited Uhuru Peak, elevation 19,341 ft in Aug 2022 :)! Last year, 5 walkers from our Walking group joined me. I warmly invite you to join us on 50km/32 mile walk on the C&O canal from White Ferry, VA to Harper's Ferry, WV on Saturday, May 2, 2026 REGISTERING: Registration is online at ([https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=96406605](https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=96406605)) on Feb 11, 5pm and will be "Sold Out" within a few hours, when it reaches maximum 350 walkers. During your registration period, there will a “Register Now” button to click; until then, “Oops!” Event is "SOLD OUT" Plan to register as soon as regular registration opens. FEE: The cost for both 100K or 50K is approx $95 per registrant. It covers food, drinks, medical support, and hike support. Here's official Sierra Club's ODH website: https://www.onedayhike.org/ ROUTE: For almost the entire hike, you will be going upstream on C&O Canal National Historical Park. The 50k route starts at Whites Ferry, MD and ends at Harper's Ferry, W. VA. At canal mile 60.6, there is a railroad bridge with an adjacent footbridge that crosses the Potomac River to Harper's Ferry, WV. We made it to this point by sunset. The final 1.5 miles is uphill to **High Street** (which becomes Washington Street) to the endpoint at the Bolivar Community Center on Panama Street.

Join us for a relaxing and fun-filled day visiting wineries along the Virginia wine trail. Our Hike and Wine Tours feature: \- A short 2\-mile easy level hike along the trails at Conway Robinson State Park \- Lunch with beverages Call for details at 301-352-5272. Lee Hwy and University Blvd, Gainesville, VA Visit online at www.winexcursions.com (http://www.winexcursions.com/)

Here's a wonderful opportunity to visit the Galapagos Islands and see those huge tortoises, blue-footed boobies (birds) and the great frigate birds whose red pouches from the males get inflated like a balloon when they court! #### Independent Package Includes: * Round trip flights Miami-Quito, Quito-Miami * All intra-flights: Quito-Baltra & Baltra-Quito * 6 nights accommodations * 3 nights Quito * 3 nights Galapagos Islands * Hotel taxes, fees & service charges * All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates† * 9 meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches * Services of English-speaking local guides * Services of English-speaking naturalist guides in the Galapagos * Shore excursions * Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services * Galapagos National Park fee of $200 * Galapagos Transit Control Card fee of $20 **Special Features** * Embark on a journey to the beginning of time in the Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands * Tour the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn about their preservation goals * View the iconic Pinnacle Rock, a towering lava structure on Bartolomé Island * Explore areas with blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates if pre/post accommodations are booked with the tour company. **Not Included:** Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified). #### Is This Trip Right for You? #### **Uniqueness of Destination:** The Galapagos Islands' power grid is supplied by a mix of diesel generators and renewable sources, which can lead to inconsistent air conditioning during periods of high heat and humidity. #### **Things to Consider:** There are multiple early mornings. Getting to the Galapagos requires a flight from Quito to the Island of Baltra, where you will transfer to the Baltra Seaport and travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island. In the Galapagos, it takes approximately two hours on foot to get to and from the areas populated with wildlife. Small boats require agility to embark and disembark. This tour includes animal-related activities which carry inherent risks, as animal behavior can be unpredictable. You may choose not to participate. This tour visits areas of high elevations in Quito (9,300 feet), which may be a consideration for those who have heart conditions or are otherwise affected by height. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare provider. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. #### **Transportation:** Modes of travel will include a boat and a panga (dinghy). #### **Pace:** Expect 3-4 hours of walking on included sightseeing days, as well as considerable time standing. #### **Terrain:** On this tour, you may need to walk on rough, rocky trails and challenging terrain, navigate steep steps or slopes, and encounter cobblestone streets. You will experience wet landings in water, on sand, rocks, and dry landings on wooden docks. #### **Travel Style:** **This is an independent program and does not include the services of a tour manager.** **CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS**: www.cibtvisas.com (You are under no obligation to use this vendor; do your own research; this is just to check to see if a visa is needed) COST: From $2399/pp Land & Air fr. Miami: From $3009/pp; Airfare out of all Washington DC airports are the same price as of today 1/19/26. Single Supplement $450 Non-Refundable Deposit: $300/pp Final Payment Date: 2/8/26 **HOW TO GET BOOKED AS PART OF OUR GROUP:** Email me the following information for each passenger to [Supra1214@aol.com:](http://Supra1214@aol.com/) 1. Your full name as it appears in your passport 2. Your mailing address 3. Your telephone number 4. Your email address 5. Your date of birth 6. Your passport number & expiration dates 7. Your emergency contact info (Name and phone number) 8. Type of cabin needed (single or double; interior, oceanview or balcony). If double, provide the same information for your roommate. 9. Signed credit card authorization (will email upon receipt of items 1-8) **PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT** Participants in this event should note the Liability Waiver in the PAGES section of this Meetup group. Please read it carefully. Members of this group are expected to conduct themselves in a way that is mindful and considerate of the health, safety, and welfare of themselves and other participants in any Active Friends Travel With Friends of the World Meetup activity. It is understood that you have voluntarily chosen to participate in this activity of your own free will. By joining this group and this activity, you agree to the Liability Waiver in the Pages section of this Meetup group.

***Registration required - https://loudounwildlife.org/event/writing-in-nature-may/*** Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this monthly workshop, presented by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. Each session is a stand-alone event – come when you are able. ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org).*

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. YOU MUST BOOK VIA LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** **You must book your spot through our website: [[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/la-prensa-cooking-class)]** Good food has a way of bringing people together and we're leaning all the way into that. Lesbifriends Travel invites you to Pa' La Cocina, a private hands-on cooking class hosted at La Prensa Tacos & Tapas. This one is personal. We stumbled into La Prensa after a spa day, fell completely in love with the food, and knew right away we had to bring our community here. So, we made it happen. This is two hours of real cooking, real connection, and a full meal waiting for you at the end of it all. No experience needed, no pressure, just good energy, bold flavors, and a room full of people who feel like yours. **Event Details You Should Know:** 📅 **Date:** Sunday, May 17, 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 📍 **Location:** La Prensa Tacos & Tapas, 21305 Windmill Parc Drive, Unit 140, Sterling, VA 20166 💸 **Cost:** Early Bird Tickets are $95 (until April 30th). Regular Tickets are $110. (Starting May 1st) 📋 **Registration Deadline:** May 14, 2026 **What to Expect:** * Make tortillas from scratch with La Prensa's culinary team guiding every step * Prepare your own salsa to take home * Sit down together and enjoy tacos and a cocktail * Two full hours of cooking, laughing, and eating with your community Your ticket covers hands-on cooking instruction, a full taco meal, a cocktail, your take-home salsa, and gratuity. Everything is taken care of, you just show up and enjoy. **Spots are capped at 30** to keep things intimate. Don't wait on this one. **Who This Event Is For:** Black queer women and non-binary people who are interested in learning bout Mexican cuisine, cooking from scratch, and enjoying bold flavors with new friends. ✨ Lesbifriends Travel invites you to roll up your sleeves, get into it, and leave with a full plate and a few new Lesbifriends. **Claim your spot here: [Pa' La Cocina](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/la-prensa-cooking-class)!** **Note:** By attending this event, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the event to photographer and host.