HTO events

I picked up the Events and Classes handout at Hudson Trail Outfitters and there are some interesting events coming soon.

Thursday 14 April, Fairfax - Climbing (class)
Thursday 2 June, Fairfax and Pentagon Row - Orienteering (class)
Sunday 5 June, Fairfax - Group Trail Ride (event)

Classes are from 7:00 - 8:30pm. The group trail (bike) ride starts at 8:30am and the trail is 10 to 12 miles.

I first heard of orienteering at the Health and Fitness Expo a few months back, but it sounds pretty cool. Here's the description that Hudson Trail Outfitters gives on their handout, but not on their website:
If you love maps, exploring, and the great outdoors try orienteering.

You'll be hooked for life. HTO invites you to learn the sport of navigation with a map and a compass. Orienteering is a competitive form of land navigation by walking, running, skiing, or mountain biking to a series of points shown on the map. If you have ever wanted to go on a treasure hunt or just and adventure this is the sport for you. We'll answer your questions; we'll discuss safety, equipment, and how to get started.

I've always wanted to learn how to navigate with just a map and a compass.. or heck even using a handheld GPS, so I figure this might be a great chance to learn.

I've been thinking about this for about a week or so, but I think one of my new personal goals is to hike/climb a "significant" mountain by the time I turn 30. Significant enough where it's a well-known mountain that's challenging to tackle, but not so significant that I couldn't climb it without crazy equipment and guides. So climbing Everest with the Sherpas is probably out of the picture for the moment. However, I've been told that Kilimanjaro is pretty cool and that there are plans for a small group trip out there within the next couple of years.