We are back from our cruise, and we had a wonderful time. We were able to get Sweden’s IVV stamp in our Europa Cup booklet by doing a guided walk in Stockholm. Viggo Oterhals, president of Sweden’s IVV organization, put us in contact with Anita Lindstrom, who lives near Stockholm. Anita and her friend Gunilla met us as we got off the ship and took us on a beautiful walking tour of Stockholm.
The weather was perfect, and tourists like us were out in force. There was a lot of vehicular traffic, so we made sure we crossed with the lights at crosswalks. One of our first stops was on a hillside above the port where we could get a panoramic view of the ships and the city. Then it was off to the old town and then the royal palace. We were impressed with the beautiful architecture and charm of the city.
After our stop at the Hard Rock Cafe for a guitar pin and T-shirt, we stopped for a traditional lunch of Swedish meatballs with a dark gravy, lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes. We tried a Swedish beer, but the iced lingonberry juice was exceptionally refreshing. After lunch, Anita stamped our IVV booklets with the distinctive “S” for Sweden. Then it was time to start the walk back to the port. Along the way we stopped for a bag of Swedish coffee to take home with us
All in all, it was a tremendous day in Stockholm.We saw a beautiful city on a perfect weather day; we met two new walking friends; got our Hard Rock Café goodies and got our Sweden IVV stamps. We could not have asked for more.
So, we have added another country added to our Europa Cup booklet. We also have leads on permanent trails in Helsinki, Finland, and Zurich, Switzerland. Lorraine has a furlough-related four-day weekend coming up in a few weeks, so maybe we can plan on a short trip to one of these cities.
• If you’re looking for a history-related walk this weekend, head to Ettelbruck, Luxembourg, on Sunday. Doors open at the Centre Sportif at 7 a.m., and you can start the shorter trails until 2 p.m. You must start the 20-km trail before noon.
After this walk, head to the National Military Museum in Diekirch. Bob always says that if you can visit only one Battle of the Bulge museum while in Europe, it should be this one.
• Not far from the Kaiserslautern Military Community is the walk in Hottenbach, Germany. The prize is a stone mounted for display. Early birds can hit the trails at 6:30 a.m.
• There will be a lot of walking this weekend in Ebernhahn, just off the A3, north of Limburg. Routes will range from five to 50 kilometers. The prize is a multi-colored umbrella for the shorter routes and a colorful patch for the marathon distances. Kids under 16 can walk for free.
Email volksmarch information to two.walkers@yahoo.com. Mail brochures to Bob and Lorraine Huffaker, CMR 460, Box 278, APO AE 09752.
