What we’re about
A sometime squirrely group of folks in the Greater Washington DC area bound by the belief that life is best taken one step at a time. Events are primarily day hikes (from easy to difficult), but include other outdoor activities, including multi-day adventure trips, and occasional social ones.
We use the "It's quite a feet" hike rating system:
- Easy, less than 2 blisters
- Moderate, 2 to 3.5 blisters
- Difficult, greater than 3.5 blisters
where 1 blister = about 5 mi., or about 2500' up or down.
CPRO).
For members used to Meetup groups: There are no stupid Meetup reminders (unless I forget to check the box); instead, you'll get one or two notices per month from me about upcoming events. I've been told this is much more annoying. There aren't that many events anyway because this is a Meetup for people who have better things to do.
Finally, RSVP'ing on Wandering Soles for events is nice, but does not imply a commitment. That is, it doesn't matter if you RSVP or not, only if you show up or not. Come to think of it, that doesn't matter much either. If an event is limited in participation or requires a registration, you'll be asked to email directly a (hopefully) live human being.
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COVID: To help reduce the odds of others getting sick, we prefer that you be fully vaccinated against COVID when you come, and that you bring a mask and mask up when you’re in a group or close to someone you don’t know.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia with Angkor Wat. Ancient Kingdoms of Southeast Asia!!Dulles International Airport (IAD), Sterling, VA
We are off on another event. This time to Angkor Wat.
Along the way visiting to Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia.Our meetup event is full.
AND . . .
. . . If you are reading this now . . . it's too late to join.
IF you still wish to see the itinerary . . Click Here and send me a message with "send me the Angkor Wat itinerary." Do include your email as it's a larger file.We will repeat this trip in Dec 2026 (for those that plan ahead). Here is the link (for those that plan ahead) https://4142298.xyz/moretoexplore/events/299959770/
Speaking of planning . . .
. . . . Travel takes planning in advance.
Here are our other upcoming more elaborate/complex meetup events so you can plan to join us.
May 15, 2025 Meetup on Orient Express.
Jun 28, 2025 Spain and Portugal with Running of the Bulls!
Aug 10, 2025 EPIC MACHU PICCHU! vis Short Inca Trail or Train!!
Oct 19, 2025 Petra to the Pyramids. Dead Sea, Sphinx & Nile CruiseFeb 10, 2026 Northern Lights. A Scandinavian Odyssey!
Feb 28, 2026 India's Golden Triangle with HOLI & Dubai Extension
Mar 29, 2026 Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Jun 17, 2026 Serengeti Photo Safari!
And here are our more adventurous or rugged/remote trips & Treks
Mar 7, 2025 Galapagos Islands Expedition
Apr 25, 2025 Everest Base Camp Yoga Trek.
Aug 10, 2025 The Salkantay Trek to MACHU PICCHU!
Oct 12, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with bonus of Wadi Rum
Jun 7, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits.
We do a monthly Q & A Zoom on all our overseas events.
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees.OR
Click Here to Message Direct to Anna with any questions.
We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective of total attendees. In this case the trip is full.
We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events.
Click Here to see and join in on all our other fun events
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
SOT 2000318-10
- Featured International Meetup Trips for 2025 & 2026Link visible for attendees
This group has some great local outdoorsy/adventure events.
As the main group leads for the group we do have some more involved adventures that take more planning than your average weekend hike or camping trip.
These are trek's to epic places. Bucket List Treks if you will.
Essentially there are 5 of them at the moment.
- Apr 25, 2025 Everest Base Camp Yoga Trek
- Aug 10, 2025 EPIC MACHU PICCHU via The Salkantay Trek
- Oct 12, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with bonus of Wadi Rum
- Jun 7, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits.
- Nov 2026 Patagonia (in progress).
Our plan is to repeat in two year. For example EBC again in 2027
This means you can chose one for 2025 and then a different for 2026, and in 2027 . . . do what you missed.
We have two other "trek adjacent" events. While not actual treks . . . this are active and rugged mostly outdoors adventure events with snorkeling and water activities.
Dec 6, 2024 Angkor Wat: Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam
Mar 7, 2025 Galapagos Islands ExpeditionDo you have questions on ANY of the above?
What to do next?
How to attend?
What to pack?
What's included and not included?
Or any question you might have!!!The most simple thing is to send a meetup message to https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
In your message say which one and we can get the ball rolling from there and get you info.
The other easy way is to fill out our form. You can check-box several events that way.
https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8ALSO . . .
We have a monthly Q & A video conference call to answer it all!
Rsvp on this event and join us on the listed date at 6pm Pacific time.
Here is the link to join https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgbRSVP here and we will send you a reminder too!!
What's that? You want to see what the events look like?
pix Pix PIX . . . everybody lives pix!! Here are some galleries of past Treks
EBC Trek Photo Album https://photos.app.goo.gl/jtHi3tTjVhYGjtc19
Salkantay Trek Photo Album https://photos.app.goo.gl/1cveVTS54VkziKba6
Kilimanjaro Trek Photo Album https://photos.app.goo.gl/xxemRMegDqTHHi4UA
Galapagos https://photos.app.goo.gl/chQ3swWt4jGiAabx5Take a look at the pix. Send us a note. Fill out the event form. RSVP here . . . whatever!! Get the ball rolling on your next adventure. Come and join us!!
The posted date and time of this event is a zoom call.
The NEXT group zoom call will be Thurs Oct 17th at 9PM EST
Here is the video call link https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgb - Galapagos Islands Small Group Expedition!! Untouched Nature in all its Splendor.Washington DULLES International Airport (IAD), Sterling , VA
It's a Meetup . . . in the Galápagos!!
This Meetup Event is for the nature lovers, for the curious explorers and the adventurers who want to experience nature in all its splendor & diversity.
The Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. It's a place where lizards swim, birds walk, and humans — for once — don't take center stage. In 1835 a 26-year-old Charles Darwin introduced the Galápagos Islands to the world with his theory of evolution.
As amazing as you think the Galápagos Islands would be, they exceed all expectations of our group in 2023! That sea lion above in our group photo is not a prop! It was very real, ready to play and pose for a picture. You can see sea lions, giant lizards and many other exotic and friendly creatures, waddling on the streets, playing in the sand or just chilling (sun bathing) on a bench!
We will explore and experience:
- The famous Galapagos penguin and blue footed boobies. Swim with sea turtles and sea lions.
- Tortuga Bay Beach for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing with unique marine life.
- Get close and personal with the giant tortoises roaming in their natural habitat
- Explore the Tintoreras islet, home of the white tip sharks and its shark tunnel.
- Visit the Charles Darwin Station, to observe giant tortoises and their babies and learn about this majestic animal.
- Snorkeling around the shore of the Tijeretas Bay
- Boat ride to Kicker Rock with snorkeling
- Sailing to Santa Cruz Island.
- Sail to Isabela Island, the largest of the archipelago.
- Boat tour to Tuneles De Cabo Rosa, a formation of series of above ocean arches, creating an unique snorkeling experience.
- Explore cavernous underground Lava Tunnels.
- Tour the Galapagos rainforest habitat
- San Cristobal Island with visit to the Interpretation Center
- Visit to Los Gemelos, a haven for bird watchers!
- Visit Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano. A 10-mile challenging hike (for those who are interested)
- El Trapiche to see the old methods of extracting cane juice, roasting coffee beans and techniques of distillery.
- Quito with a full day tour and visit to the Equator line
- Visit to the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Land Tour cost $4565 per person, double occupancy
(we match roommates for those wishing to share)
Solo occupancy additional $990
***Airfare not included***The only way to guarantee your spot for this meetup is a $350 deposit.
CLICK HERE for secure deposit link
Upon submitting the deposit please fill out this formGroup Airfare from Los Angeles $1425 including tax and 1 checked bag.
Click here for a NONREFUNDABLE deposit of $200 to book the airfare
For airfare from another city, click here to message AnnaWHAT IS INCLUDED:
· 10 Nights Accommodations – Quito & Galapagos
· 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 Dinners
· Naturalist Guide (during activities)
· All activities listed
· Galapagos National Park entrance fee
· Isabela island entrance fee
· All transportation during the tour
· 24/7 assistance in the islands
· Airport Transfers to hotel. (in – out)
· Transit control cardWHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare to Galapagos (unless booking the group fare from LA)
- Meals not described in the tour (approx. $15 per person, per day)
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Wet suits
RSVP with your email to receive additional info.
RSVP DOES NOT RESERVE YOUR SPOT.Deposit is the only way to hold your spot. Your deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before the departure.
Click Here to fill out our google info request form to receive detailed itinerary
Click Here for the main location of this eventStill have questions? We do a monthly Q&A Travel Zoom on all our events
https://4142298.xyz/moretoexplore/events/296044209/
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees.Click here for General Policies and useful info about our international trips.
We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see all our other fun events
SOT 2000318-10