The big Rothenburg ob der Tauber walk is next weekend. If you have made your plans, that’s great. If you haven’t, it’s not too late. There will be more details next week, but here’s the basic information so you can be ahead of the game.

• Start times: On Saturday, the six-, 11- and 21-kilometer trails start between 7 a.m. and noon. From noon until 4 p.m., you can start the 11k old-city route. Sunday, start the six- and 11-kilometer trails between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. and the 21k route between 7 a.m. and noon.

The start hall is a five-minute walk from the train station, so if transportation is a problem, the train might be your answer.

• In the start hall: Expect a crowd; people will be coming by the busload to this very popular event. There will be music, vendors and lots of food and drink.

If you get there early, buy your food coupons before you walk. That way you can go directly into the food line when you get back without having to queue for the coupons first.

• On the trail: Be ready for anything from mud to ice and maybe even snow. Outside the city can be hilly, and inside the city there are cobblestone streets. Sturdy shoes are highly recommended. Strollers might have some difficult spots. If you have done the regular club walk before, try walking the permanent trail this time. If the weather is clear, you can see a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

• In the city: There are many stores, museums and other attractions. We will write more next week about those. You might want to use this walk as a reconnaissance opportunity to plan for a longer visit. You have to see Rothenburg in the summer, too. Make sure you have your camera, extra batteries and film or space on your memory cards for all the beautiful pictures you’ll be taking.

Ramona Kechelen reminds us that the town of Nördlingen, about 90 kilometers south of Rothenburg and not too far off A7, is a nice place to visit, too.

E-mail volksmarch information to two.walkers@yahoo.com. Mail brochures to Bob and Lorraine Huffaker, CMR 460, Box 278, APO, AE, 09752.

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