We have received a few reports about walking adventures over the holidays. “Pat” and Cheryl Patterson spent their holidays in the Pacific Northwest, where they completed at least 10 walks in the United States and Canada. Rob and Cath Floyd went to the U.K., where they did at least one walk. On their way to the U.K., they stopped for a walk in Belgium and on their way back they did one in the Netherlands.
Closer to home, Bob Gambert from the Stuttgart German American Wandering Club reports his club had a great walk in Mühlacker, Germany, on Dec. 26. He says it was cold, but the good food and Glühwein at the controls kept them warm. For some beautiful pictures, visit www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2066646&id=1335720529&l=049f6683a0 and see what the folks from Stuttgart saw as they walked the trails at Mühlacker.
Bob Gambert also says he did nine permanent walks in December, all in Baden-Württemberg. Permanent trails are a good option, especially when the walks list is short.
“What’s going on this weekend?” you ask. Well, if you are still looking for a torch walk, Gräfinau-Angstedt, Germany, is hosting a “Winter, Fackel and Glühwein” walk Saturday. The day portion of the walk starts at 10 a.m., and the torch walk starts at 3 p.m. You must be finished by 7:30 p.m.
The walk in Limburg on der Lahn should be an exceptional volksmarch. This is a beautiful city surrounded by very pretty countryside. There are hills on the routes and they might be slippery, so be careful.
Sunday’s walk in Riederich, Germany, is a “Stammtisch” walk for the Stuttgart German-American Wandering Club. Look for its blue flag at the start hall and go up and say, “Hi!”
In the Tri-Border area, Sunday’s walk in Gulpen, Netherlands, should be fun. We often joke that “Gulpen” is the Dutch word for hills, so let’s hope the trails won’t be too slippery.
• Our last walk of 2010 was the Oliebollentocht in Simpelveld, Netherlands, on Dec. 30. We met some friends from the Tri-Border Walking Club and tackled the hills of south Limburg. It had been five days since the last snowfall, but the sidewalks, streets and trails were still very slick. We had our Nordic walking sticks with us, but used them for balance more that proper Nordic walking. The oliebollen — a traditional Dutch pastry — and hot chocolate at the control point were very good.
• Our first walk of the New Year was in the nearby town of Nuth, Netherlands, on Jan. 2. The streets, sidewalks and trails were very slippery and our Nordic walking poles were used mostly for balance and extra support. We noticed that even when the bicycle lanes and crosswalks were free from snow, their painted surfaces were very slippery compared with regular roadways. We just slowed the pace and trudged along. So, we’ve got our first walk of 2011 crossed off our list … how about you?
• A lot of familiar names again this week have mailed fliers to us and we appreciate their efforts. Thanks to: William Castro and Maureen McHugh-Castro; Cath and Rob Floyd; Richard and Donna Glenn; John, Mary and Tess Laub; Tim and Luchi Lynch; “Pat” and Cheryl Patterson; and Bob Gambert, Wayne Henry and Rick Sciascia.
E-mail volksmarch information to two.walkers@yahoo.com. Mail brochures to Bob and Lorraine Huffaker, CMR 460, Box 278, APO, AE, 09752.
