Torch Walk

I am reverting back to September. Here in Germany every weekend there are volksmarches that one can participate in. The word volksmarch translates into 'people march'. It is a form of non-competitive fitness walking that developed in Europe in which participants typically walk 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) on an outdoor path. Usually there are various distances offered that you can choose from to walk - 5K, 10K or 20K. When Aaron and I were in Germany 5 or so years ago we did these marches all the time. You go to the start point and pay a few Euros and then they give you a start card which you get stamped along the route of the walk. After completing the walk you turn in your stamped start card and in turn get the 'prize' that is offered. I have to say, the 'prizes' these days are not like they were 5 years ago. Most marches now do not even offer prizes whereas 5 years ago we would get steins and pewter cups and things. Maybe it's the recession.

Anyway, back in September there was a volksmarch at night which is called a torch walk. This one took place in nearby Kutzberg where Josef goes to Kindergarten, so we couldn't resist going! I have never done a torch walk before so I was excited to go.

This is the start/finish point.

The kids got torches for free and there was a fire going outside where you could light them up.

Josef wanted to get right in there and lite his up, but Katriana was more timid.

The kids with their torches ablaze.

Josef thought the torch was pretty neat. Don't worry, we watched him very closely.

The walk has begun! We walked 5K's on this one. There were no injuries and no hair got burned (we were a bit worried about the hair with Josef).

As the night grew darker the torches lit the way!

Yea!! We completed the march and made it back to the finish where there was an oompah bank playing lively music to welcome all of the walkers back.

We enjoyed an after walk bratwurst and the kids got a free hat from some company handing them out.

The prize for this walk was a toy volkswagon car. It is pretty cool. You pull it back and it zooms across the room and plays music when you open the doors.

The ending song for the night was congo tune. Katriana joined the train and had a great time.

Volksmarching is fun, a good way to see the country and great exercise. We hope to do many more!