About us
This group is about getting out with other people and being social while doing it.
This group is about real life. So online messaging of people you have not met in real life is not allowed.
For the rest of any rules of conduct . . . they pretty much run along the lines of your average cabin group for a sleep-away Summer Camp.
Think of this group as . . . Summer Camp For Adults.
With that . . .
. . . Here are the basics of group rules.
- Do NOT contact members who you have not met in real life. (see above)
- Avoid Put Downs.
- Speak For Yourself.
- Listen To Others.
- You Have The Option To Pass.
- Expect Unfinished Business.
Attendance rules: Try to always update your RSVP.
Photo and Name: You are allowed to join with whatever name and whatever photo. HOWEVER the main organizers may request you change either name or photo a their discretion.
Names that are products, promotional, advertisements are red flags that will be requested to change or be removed.
If you are using a photo that is not your face, a current face photo may be requested.
Here is the rule of thumb.
Fake name and fake photo will be requested to change to a real photo and a real name or face removal.
Real photo and fake name is usually fine. Fake photo and real name is usually fine.
IF you need to maintain privacy of both then contact the main organizers and just ask. That's all it takes usually.
Can't stress this enough . . . As a guideline do not message people you have not met in person. This is not an online dating place.
Ladies: If a guy messages you please contact me. There have been problems with that happening over meetup in general.
It's just not cool.
Meetup is about real life and not virtual.
Guys, . . . get off your computer and come to an event. Say hello in person. Smile, . . . be personable and decent.
And just be there to get to know people and make friends of whatever gender.
You can always use new good friends.
And this is one way to make/meet them.
Wingman tactics and and Pickup artist tactics are similarly not allowed in this group.
Organizers of another group that are not an organizer or host here are also not allowed to solicit members.
The rest of the rule are just good ways to live and be.
All organizers on the group do have different set of rules.
The (organizer) rules simplified.
- No Emailing (do not use the bulk email feature in any way)
- Do NOT use the "discussions box" on the main page of the group (it's spammy).
- No outside links
- Great Copy
- Great Pix
- 4 weeks notice is best.
- List any money costs in the first 2 or 3 lines.
Not too many rules.
Not too complicated.
They all have to do with respect for the membership.
Featured event
Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits ~ A bucket list adventure.
Our Meetup is off to another hiking adventure! Mt Kilimanjaro, as the tallest mountain in Africa, is included in the 7 Summits of the world.
It is a bucket-list item for all hard-core hikers and mountain lovers.
We did this trek with Meetup in the summer of 2024 and it was a true experience of a lifetime (see photos below)
Let's get to some numbers. It is 5,895m/19,340ft
BUT . . . our starting elevation for the trek is 3795m/12541ft
As such elevation gain is 2100m/6799ft
To compare Everest Base Camp trek, is about 2754m/9035ft elevation change. And Mt Whitney is about 1828m/6000ft elevation change.
The key to being able to succeed in this endeavor lays in the route and the support system.
We are taking the Lemosho Route via the Northern Circuit. The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It's one of the best routes because it has the best acclimatization profile. This results in one of the highest summit success rates. Add to that stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It is also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes.
As far as our support system: We will be accompanied by experienced guides, porters and cooks. They are certified, ensuring our safety and comfort. Porters will carry our gear.
We will have a high ratio of guides to hikers. Our guides will go our pace and support each and everyone of us, regardless of fitness level and pace. In other words...you go your own speed and we all get there safe.
More about our trek/trip.
As with all our international trips, we picked the best season/time of year to go for weather and wildlife. Lemosho and Northern Circuit is a scenically spectacular and varied route. At the lower elevations it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season.
Each of our trips is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.
But I don't have the needed gear?!
You don't need much more than the standard trekker's equipment. We will provide you with a list of what is already included and what can be rented there.
Does this include food?
All meals on the trek potion are included and a cook travels with us!
What is lodging like?
We are sleeping in new and comfortable tents (carried during the day by porters)
I am new at this.
That's OK. We do plenty of prep Zooms before we depart. And in California we have a number of local outdoor day or weekend outings you can test out with us.
How dangerous is this? What if I get sick or hurt?
We will be walking on an established, well used trail the entire time. Our trip INCLUDES emergency insurance. We are also Certified Wilderness First Responders and our guides are members of (AMREF) Flying Doctor.
Plain and simple, safety is our primary goal.
How much does this cost?
Kilimanjaro Mountain Trek $3950 per person, double occupancy. Land only (airfare not included). Solo supplement $600
Trip Cost includes:
- 9 nights accommodation
- 3 meals everyday on the trek
- All Fees & Entrances and Taxes
- Camping equipment such as tents, tables, chairs.
- Lead Guide, Assistant Guides, Porters and Cook
RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.
The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $300 deposit:
CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).
IF you need an airfare quote, Click here to message Anna
For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST
To see pictures from our Kilimanjaro adventure in 2024 CLICK HERE
We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.
Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom
The MAIN location where this event is posted:
https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/
(RSVP there for any conversation and comments)
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 for our other events:
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
SOT 200318-10
Upcoming events
132
Deer Ridge Trail
Greenlake Park and Ride, 6601 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, USLet's hike the stunning Deer Ridge Trail in Olympic National Park! This trail climbs steadily through shaded forest and open meadows to Deer Ridge and Deer Park Campground, with sweeping alpine views of the surrounding Olympics. A classic PNW gem that earns every bit of its reputation.
📍 Hike Details- Trail: Deer Ridge Trail (Olympic National Park)
- Distance: 9.8 miles out & back
- Elevation Gain: ~2,962 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route Type: Out & back to Deer Ridge / Deer Park Campground
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass or Olympic National Park Pass (fee required if parking at top; free if starting from Slab Camp trailhead at the bottom)
🚗 Schedule & Meeting
- 6:30 AM – Meet at Green Lake P&R (NE 65th St & I-5, Seattle)
- Carpool and depart promptly
- 7:10 AM – Edmonds Ferry departure (Edmonds → Kingston)
- Drive south from Kingston toward Sequim/Port Angeles area
- ~10:00 AM – Arrive at Slab Camp trailhead
- 10:15 AM – Begin hiking
- ~3:30 PM – Return to trailhead
- ~6:30 PM – Back at Green Lake P&R
🎒 Required Gear
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots – trail can be muddy in sections
- Hiking poles – highly recommended, steep sustained climb
- Standard day hike essentials: 2–3L water, lunch, snacks
- Layers – temperature varies significantly between forest and exposed ridge
- Bug spray – horseflies reported above treeline in warmer months
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat for exposed sections near the ridge
⚠️ Trail & Access Note The access road (NF-2875 from Slab Camp) has significant potholes — go slow and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Recent hikers have made it in a Prius but it requires very careful navigation. The trail itself is steep and relentless — the bulk of the 2,900+ ft gain is packed in before you reach the ridge. We'll hike at a comfortable group pace and turn around when ready.
For an optional extension, the nearby Blue Mountain summit offers absolutely phenomenal 360° views and is worth the extra push if conditions and energy allow.
💰 Cost Sharing- $40 per person to cover gas, ferry, and vehicle wear. Cash or Venmo.
⚠️ Disclaimer This is a group-organized hike, NOT a guided tour. The host is not a professional guide, trip leader, or outdoor expert. They are simply organizing a gathering of fellow hikers and are participating in the hike themselves.
You are solely responsible for your own safety, preparedness, and well-being throughout the entire event. Please honestly assess your fitness and experience level before joining — this is a genuine hard-rated trail with nearly 3,000 ft of gain.14 attendees📬 Mailbox Peak Loop – Old Trail Up, New Trail Down
Greenlake Park and Ride, 6601 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, USLet's tackle Mailbox Peak this weekend as a fun challenge and training for any upcoming major climbs. We'll take the old trail up (steep and relentless) and cruise down the new trail. The summit views are breathtaking — Mount Rainier looming to the south, and the deep, wild Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley sprawled out below you.
📍 Hike Details (from AllTrails)
- Trail: Mailbox Peak Trail Loop
- Distance: ~7.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~3,992 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route Type: Loop (old trail up / new trail down)
- Pass Required: Discover Pass
🚗 Schedule & Meeting
- 7:00 AM – Meet at Green Lake Park & Ride (NE 65th St & I-5, Seattle)
Carpool and depart promptly - 7:45 AM – Quick stop at North Bend Safeway (bathrooms/snacks/coffee)
- 8:30 AM – Arrive at trailhead
- 12:30 PM – Summit lunch & mailbox photo op 📬
- 3:00 PM – Back to cars
- 4:00 PM – Estimated return to Green Lake P&R (later if we stop for a well-earned snack along the way or grab early dinner)
> Eastside folks: Feel free to self-arrange carpools from a convenient Park & Ride (Issaquah, Eastgate, etc.) and meet us at the North Bend Safeway or at the trailhead.
🎒 What to Bring
- Hiking boots (sturdy – it's steep and rocky)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- 2-3 liters of water
- Lunch + snacks
- Sunscreen, hat, layers (windy at the top)
- Change of shoes, clothes, etc. for post-hike comfort
💰 Cost Sharing
$15 per person for gas + wear & tear. Cash or Venmo.⚠️ Disclaimer
This is a group-organized hike, NOT a guided tour. The host is not a professional guide, trip leader, or outdoor expert. They are simply organizing a gathering of fellow hikers and are participating in the hike themselves.
You are solely responsible for your own safety, preparedness, and well-being throughout the entire event.19 attendees
Past events
3028
