Volksmarching and the American Volkssport Association (AVA)

A Volksmarch was something we used to do while stationed in Germany years ago.  It was a cheap day out for our family of four. It was fun to get out in the German countryside and get some fresh air. Translated from German Volksmarch means Peoples Walk.  We would look at the Stars and Stripes for a march nearby.  Then drive to it on Saturday mornings.  There were usually 6 or 7 to choose from in the Ashbach and Stuttgart areas.

Our favorites were in small German towns that would have an event; their prize was important. For example, you could go walk a 5k, 10K, or a 20K course.  After the walk, you would get a prize, most of the time a beer mug. In addition, you could get lunch, usually German sandwiches, and a beer at the town community center after the march.  I was a young American Soldier walking through Germany during the 1990s; life was pretty good.

Fast forward to 2018.  Now that the boys are gone, we were looking for something to do, especially when we get an RV and travel around the USA. Unfortunately, volksmarching in America never seemed to live up to my German expectations until I got a different perspective.   The American Volkssport Association seemed like a good way to keep track of kilometers walked and see some good sights.
Most of the American clubs sponsor year-round events, where at any time, you can go walk the route and get a stamp at a walking box left at an establishment along the route.

So we joined the American Volksmarch Association (AVA).  Click on the preceding link for more information.  They also have special themed programs that are interesting. For example, we are enrolled in the  Appalachian Trail Special Program.  We must walk a portion of the Appalachian trail in all 14 states that the trail passes through.  We have until 2028 to get this done,  plenty of time to complete.

So this is the new adventure in our lives.  Traveling through the USA and walking.  It reminds me of that line in one of my favorite movies.  The Shawshank Redemption,  "You better Get busy living or get busy dying."