Keri SoVery…

Hi Ho! Hi Ho!  A Marching we will go!  Volksmarching that is.  Here in Germany they have what they call Volksmarches.  Apparently this was started back in the 1960’s and there are a few other European countries that participate as well.  What is a Volksmarch? It’s a non competitive fitness walk on a predetermined and marked path.  We heard about them and thought it would be a fun way to get outside with the family. While I did read up some in advance, still we were a little unsure of what to expect.   The one we participated in was hosted by the Stuttgart German American Wandering Club.

The pamphlet said we could get started any time between 7am and 2pm.  We were very thankful we didn’t have to drag kids and quite honestly ourselves out of bed at the crack of dawn.  We arrived around 11:30 to get started. There were three distances we could choose from: 6K, 10K, 20K.  Seeing as how this was our first one and we had 3 kids and 1 small dog along for the walk; we chose the 10K. Upon signing up you decide if you want to just walk or if you want to receive a prize for completing the walk.  We of course chose to collect ourselves a prize at the end. Each person was given a stamp card and a booklet and then we started on our way. In the booklet you get stamps for each walk you complete.  Pins are given once you’ve completed so many.

The path was marked with three different colors of tape depending on the distance.  We could walk at whatever pace we wanted.   It was beautiful and we kept stopping to take pictures of everything.  We even found a little zip line beside the path. Our kids decided to walk up ahead.

The kids were waiting for us when we arrived at the first control point.  At the control point there were people to stamp our cards.  They offered tea free of charge and water for our pup dog.  They had other beverages there for purchase.  We received our stamps for the first leg of our journey, some tea for us, some water for Abby and were on to the next leg.

The kids walked even further ahead of us.  They were no where in sight for the majority of this leg.  Abby was clearly getting tired, so I picked her up and carried her for a bit. We approached one point on the path where it appeared as if we were supposed to turn left and head up a hill (it was a pretty steep hill).  Once we turned to head up the hill there was only the yellow flag (which was for the 20k distance).  We walked back down and looked around for the orange marker (which was for the 10K).  We didn’t see one and made the decision to head up the hill.  Further up the hill we found the orange flag.  Brad said, “I hope the kids caught that.”  This portion of the walk was SoVery Steep and SoVery Pretty.

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When we checked in at the second control point we asked about the kids.  We had their cards and they stamped them for us.  They couldn’t be sure if they had seen our children, but thought maybe they had.  We continued on and before long our children came running up from behind us. They had in fact NOT made the right choice at the turning point. Fortunately they were not the only participants that didn’t make the right choice and had found their way back on course.   When they asked the control point about us, they knew exactly who we were.  To hear the kids tell it, they walked an additional mile that took them through a wood factory.  Who knows what really happened, but they do tell a great story.

We finished the beautifully scenic walk and collected our stamps and hat pins for doing so.  We then sat and had lunch with other participants.  They had plates of food available for 2€ (euro).  It just so happens 2 of the ladies are teachers at the high school our kids attend.  This was a wonderful experience and we are planning to participate in many more.

I love that this is not competitive. I love that it is flexible: You can start when you want, You can choose your distance, you can often choose how you want to travel run/walk/bike and more. It’s such a wonderful way to meet people and see the beautiful place we get to call home for a while.  It was also very affordable.  Signing up was 2€ or 3€ depending on whether or not you wanted a prize at the end.  Lunch was 2€ a person. Drinks were around 1.50€ each depending on what you purchased. This makes it very easy for the whole family to come along! Rain or shine the walk goes on. While the weather was beautiful for this walk, we learned that German’s don’t believe in bad weather.  They simply believe in improper clothing.  I like this. I think it shows determination.

We learned a few things on the trail:

1.Next time, the kids get their own back pack complete with a phone just in case we get separated again.

2. Abby’s back pack will also be coming along with us so that when her little legs get tired we can carry her easily.

3. There will probably be a few extra Euro along with us next time as well since the tall skinny one has such a big appetite.

We did some things right too:

1. We packed a bag with snacks and waters.

2. We prepared for various types of weather by dressing in layers (most of us).

3. We really took in the beauty.

4. We had fun.

5. We spent time together.

6. We learned something new.

In conclusion, it’s a great way to spend a few hours.  Its great exercise, family time, and connection with nature.  We plan to do it again.  Maybe we will see you on the path!

For a list of Volksmarches here in the Stuttgart area or other IVV events, visit www.sgawc.org.

For a list of wandering clubs near you if you are in the US please visit the American Volkssport Association website.  While I was not able to utilize the search feature for events.  I was able to search for clubs by state and then the various clubs have events listed on their websites.

Thanks so much to the Stuttgart German American Wandering Club and the IVV for making the event possible.

SoVery Adventurous SoVery Active