Volksmarch to Mt. Vernon at Christmastime

THIS EVENT IS CANCELD DUE TO WEATHER AND TRAIL CONDITIONS. A NEW OLD TOWN ADVENTURE EVENT WILL HAPPEN INSTEAD. SIGN UP IF YOU WANT TO JOIN US.

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The Christmas and New Year's season is a good time for us to hit the trail once again for a relaxing Volksmarch that gets us outdoors walking and enjoying some social fun and refreshments al fresco.

Volksmarch to Mt. Vernon

Volksmarching (from the German Volksmarsch meaning "peoples' march") is a form of non-competitive group fitness walking that developed in Europe and has since spread to the United States.

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Participants typically walk 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) on an outdoor path to a favorite destination, while sharing the company of fellow walkers who enjoy getting out for some exercise and fresh air in a natural environment. Stopping for refreshments on the journey is part of the adventure.

A Volksmarch is not a race, although Volksmarching associations usually offer incentive awards such as pins to record their achievments. People walk at a pace that works to make the event fun for everyone.

Meet at Ft. Hunt Park

Ft. Hunt Park has lots of room, good facilities, and free parking. For this event, we'll try to gather at Picnic Area D near the park entrance. You won't have any trouble finding our group at the outdoor picnic area on the first Saturday of January 2014.

Our walk from Ft. Hunt Park to Mt. Vernon and back is about three miles each way, which makes it the ideal distance for a Volksmarch. Our route will follow the Mt. Vernon Trail that meanders between the George Washington Parkway and the Potomac River among scenic woods and pretty views of the water.

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The half-way point is Mt. Vernon estate where there is a nice food court, gift shops, the Mt. Vernon Inn, and the entrance to the estate itself. Anyone having a ticket ($17) can go inside to see George Washington's home decorated for Christmas and the holiday season. There are also many excellent historical exhibits in the visitors center.

After a mid-march break at Mt. Vernon, our group will return to Ft. Hunt Park using the same route. Once there, we can celebrate our journey with a beverage or snack to help us stay warm. Afterward, those who are interested can easily drive back to Old Town Alexandria for some warmer food and drinks inside one of the good pubs. We'll figure that part out when we get there.

This event depends upon good walking weather. A little rain won't stop us, but it's no fun to walk six miles in miserable conditions. I'll send out an email and post a notice here on Saturday morning before 9:00 am if we need to change plans or cancel. You can reach Jake at 703-798-8435 with questions or to find us. I don't always hear my phone at outdoor events, but you can try...

I look forward to see you there!

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