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Now that November is here, we have a shorter list of weekly walks. While the quantity might go down, the quality of walks actually increases, especially with Christmas markets opening soon.

And remember, there can be plenty of walking at Christmas markets, too. There is a wide variation in the markets’ opening dates, some open as early as Nov. 23. Be careful to note the markets’ dates, too, because some of the smaller holiday markets occur for only one weekend, so it’s best to take a look at a schedule of the numerous markets and plan your travels accordingly. We drove to Koblenz a few years ago only to find that the Christmas market was closed that Sunday. Look for Stars and Stripes’ European Christmas Market Guide, which comes out Nov. 21 in the daily newspaper. Also, Stars and Stripes’ website and the Thursday weekend pages will have extensive coverage and listing of the various markets around Europe.

France also has Christmas markets, and the Ramstein Roadrunners plan to visit Strasbourg for its volksmarch and Christmas market Dec. 9. Sign up and pay before the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot to get a discount. Contact Gene Behrends at parrotdad@hotmail.com for reservations.

• Today is All Saints Day, and that means there are several walks available if you are on holiday. It’s a regular work day for Lorraine, but Bob might head to Kanne, Belgium, for the walk there. Kanne is close to the fortress at Eben-Emael, and that is always a fun place to walk.

• If you get to today’s walk in Langenzenn, the prize is a Christmas tablecloth. You can start the 5-, 10- or 20-kilometer trails between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.

• This weekend’s “hot” walk is the torchwalk, or Fackelwanderung, in Volkach, Germany. It starts Saturday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and is just a part of a weekend of walking. Daytime walks start Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for the 6- and 11- kilometer trails. Sunday, the start time is between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. These events are for IVV credit only. Torches will be on sale for two euros, but take along a flashlight to be on the safe side.

Volkach/Main is located east of Würzburg and south of Schweinfurt. The start hall is at the Mainschleifen-Halle on Obervolkacher Strasse.

• The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot in Ramstein is only three weeks away! Make plans now to add a little German culture to your American holiday. There is nothing like a volksmarch and a bratwurst in the morning to get you ready for turkey and trimmings in the afternoon. You can start the 5- or 10-kilometer trails between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

If you cannot break loose from other commitments to participate in the walk, at least try to drop off some baked goods at the start hall in the morning. Homemade goodies are always in big demand, but store-bought items will be greatly appreciated as well. For information, email ramsteinroadrunners@yahoo.com.

• The 2013 book of walks in Belgium is available. We picked a couple up at the walk in Warsage a couple weeks ago. Now that was an unusual walk! It was foggy all the way as we drove to the start hall. It remained foggy as we started walking the route. Then we hit three strenuous uphill sections of the trail.

Once on top of the hill, it was bright and sunny and we enjoyed the autumn colors as we walked. The trail eventually started downhill and we headed back into the fog. It remained foggy all the way back to the finish. The sun finally came out as we were driving home.

Email 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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