Sunday 12/20 🌧️ hike.🎧Nia.🥾hike @ Marquam Nature Park to Council Crest

* We will start our hike at the Marquam Nature Park shelter just off the parking area where there is a port-a-potty.
* This Pacific Northwest woodland hike starts through a dense canopy of Douglas firs, big leaf maples, and native ferns.
* We will enjoy a quiet trek along the shaded **Shadyside Trail** as it winds up through the floor of Marquam Gulch.
* We will pass through woodland ridges on a steady, graded climb connecting onto the **Sunnyside Trail** and the upper **Marquam Trail** corridor.
* This will take us to the **Council Crest Park Summit**, a stop at Portland's highest geographic point (1,073 feet) to take in expansive views of the city layout and the Cascade Range. (if the sky is clear enough for us to do so)
* We will dance our ***Nia*** @ the summit if the rain is not too much. (otherwise we dance under the Marquam Nature Park shelter near the cars)
* Our descending return loop brings us via the **Basalt Trail**, passing by exposed **volcanic rock formation** features before heading back to the trailhead shelter and our parking lot.
* **Distance & Duration:** Approximately **3.5 miles total** hiking considered moderate with **750 to 800 feet elevation gain**.
* Please wear your hiking shoes with some terrain grip and bring your poles if you are a pole hiker. The rain season can make these trails muddy/slippery.
* ***Nia*** *Somatic movement* is gentle, fun, inclusive, healing, move-at-YOUR-own-pace & in YOUR body's way. It is about what it **FEELS** like, not so much what it looks like, y'all. No prior experience needed.
* We use **headphones (provided)**, handsfree mic, radio transmitter & iPod technology!
* Please wear clothing you like to move in and **hooded rain gear** (when needed) to protect our headphones.
* Be sure to have a healthy **breakfast** that includes protein & pack a snack perhaps.
* Bring your full **water** bottle.
* If your **intention to attend changes**, pretty **please change your RSVP** status on MeetUp to "Not Going" as soon as your plans change. I have limited sets of headphones and would love to avoid "no-shows" from excluding others who wish to join. Also, I prefer to know whom I am and am not expecting at the trailhead.
* Please avoid asking others on a date during this event. My intention is to foster **safe space** to meet new people, hike, dance and FEEL the music. Please respect your fellow attendees. I remove members who aim to "pick-up". Please let me know if you are ever made uncomfortable by another during an event.

We would LOVE to have you join us …

🔥 this is a **community event** and there is no charge. FREE! 🎈

To **learn** more about my other offerings in community or to **donate** to the ongoing MeetUp subscription and tech equipment costs please **visit**:
[TudiePoppins.com](https://tudiepoppins.com/gratitude-donations)