We hope 2012 is off to a good start for you. So far, the massive amounts of snow have not arrived — at least not in our area — and we plan to make the most of it. Christmas was overcast and warm at 50 degrees for us, but we know that won’t last. When the snow does arrive, we might lie low for a while. If you brave the ice and snow, be careful both on the trails and on the roads to get to the events.• Here’s something new for 2012. While the cost for the basic start card and IVV credit remains the same at 1.50 euros, clubs in Germany are no longer limited to a maximum price of 3.80 euros for the prize; they can charge whatever they want. I have not found an example of a club increasing its prices yet, but it’s early in the year and I’m sure we’ll see it soon. • Saturday’s event in Oberrotweil is also a torch walk. Start between 1 and 6 p.m. at the Turn und Festhalle at Eisentalstrasse 12. Torches will be available at the start, but take a flashlight too. You must be finished by 8 p.m. • After more than 11 years of walking in Europe, we decided to try earning our Europa Cup I award. Based on a tip from “Pat” Patterson, we sent an email to the DVV (Deutscher Volks-sportverband) office in Germany requesting the books. Within a week, we received the Europa Cup I booklets along with the payment information. We were quite pleased with the rapid response. Now the challenge is to earn the IVV stamps in 14 European countries. If you are interested in earning the Europa Cup I, or the more difficult Europa Cup II (for 16 European countries) send an email requesting the books to headoffice@ivv-web.org. Make sure you include your European mailing address. You will be sent the booklets as well as an invoice with the bank information for you to make your payment. Then all you have to do is start making your travel plans! Good luck to all of us trying for this award. • Thanks to the following devoted walkers who have stuffed our mailbox again with fliers: William Castro and Maureen McHugh-Castro, Bob Gambert, Richard and Donna Glenn, Wayne Henry, Tim and Luchi Lynch, “Pat” and Cheryl Patterson and Rick and Wanda Sciascia.Keep those fliers coming and we’ll keep getting the word out!E-mail volksmarch information to two.walkers@yahoo.com. Mail brochures to Bob and Lorraine Huffaker, CMR 460, Box 278, APO AE 09752.