Click here for this week’s European Volksmarch schedule.
This Sunday is Mother’s Day and we hope you have a volksmarch in mind for Mom. After treating her to breakfast in bed, why not take her on a volksmarch where the whole family can spend time together, get some exercise and see a bit of Europe that you might not otherwise see? Then you can enjoy some traditional German bratwurst or other delights that are traditionally served at volksmarches. There are also plenty of walks in neighboring countries if you want to make a day of it and try one of those. Whether you find a walk close to home or in another country, make this a special day for Mom by taking her out for a volksmarch.
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The walks this weekend that we had you mark on your calendars a few weeks back are in Beaufort, Luxembourg, and Gladbach bei Wittlich, Germany. Beaufort is described as being in Luxembourg’s “Little Switzerland” area. We have walked here and it is beautiful ... and hilly! We enjoyed castle ruins, streams and rocky terrain. This is a split walk, in that it is held Saturday and Monday. The 6- and 12-kilometer routes can be started between 6:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. both days; you can start the 20k trail between 6:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Gladbach is a convenient walk for folks in the Bitburg, Spangdahlem and Baumholder areas. Start times for the 5-, 10- and 20-kilometer walks are 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday.
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We received a call from Mike Medolo telling us that he will be giving the Volksmarching 101 class again this year. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 19 at the Ramstein Air Base library. Mike is an enthusiastic Volksmarcher who recently reached a milestone of 2,100 walks. He is also an engaging speaker who loves to share his love of the sport. So, if you have any questions about Volksmarching, here’s your introductory class. For more information, call the library at DSN 480-6667.
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Last November, we had a problem with the permanent Volksmarch in Niederheimbach, Germany, when the start hall was closed when it was supposed to be open. Chuck Kotyrba of Wanderclub Bingen has informed us that the problem has been solved. The start is still at the Gasthaus Die Rheinkrone in Niederheimbach, which is now under new management. Chuck also informed us that organizers are in the process of getting the walk instructions printed in English.
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With the walks list getting longer, there is less room for our commentary. As a result, one of the first areas to be edited out is the “thanks” section. We really appreciate the effort put forth by those of you who send us fliers.It is from these that we get the information for the walks list. The “thanks” section will continue to be available at the Stars and Stripes online version at legacy.stripes.com.
Volksmarchers who sent in literally stacks of event brochures in date order: William Castro and Maureen McHugh-Castro, Manfred Dahl, Theresia Fontaine, John and Evelyn Golembe, Lew Harrison, Wayne Henry, Ramona and Horst Kechelen, Doug LeVien, Tim and Luchi Lynch, John and Patty Marsh, Pat Patterson, Dawn St. John, and Nancy Shawley.
Doug LeVien is the newest person to send fliers. He even included a tin of New York maple syrup. Thanks, Doug, …French toast coming up soon!
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Miscellaneous notes about this week’s events:
Sunday’s walk in Hoensbroek and Monday’s walk in Kerkrade are convenient for people in Brunssum and Geilenkirchen,Netherlands.The German towns of Lütjensee, Trittau and Grönwohld have staggered their start times so that you can complete three IVV walks in one day.The walk in Burggen, Germany, is not too far from Füssen and the Neuschwanstein castle. A volksmarch and a trip to a beautiful castle … what more could moms ask for?The Wanderfreunde Wiesbachtal ofGermany holds its annual volksmarch in Kriegsfeld at the Turn- und Festhalle. Dogs are not allowed in the start hall.Clark Soeldner has this note about a walk in Italy:
The start for the Castions di Strada walk is Presso la corte festeggiamenti dal Maggio Castionese.E-mail volksmarch schedule information to two.walkers@yahoo.com. Mail brochures to Bob and Lorraine Huffaker, CMR 460, Box 278, APO, AE, 09703-0278.
