FRIENDSHIP-A CORNERSTONE OF VOLKSMARCHING

Friendship has long been a cornerstone upon which Volksmarching is built. This proved to be true once again when Mary Allen Clark of the Olympic Peninsula Explorers and Kay Messing of the Kitsap Volksporters discovered a common bond from nearly fifty years ago.



Imagine their suprise at the end of the day during a great walk, the two them found the beginning of an amazing friendship. As a conversation began, hearing a familiar accent, Mary Allen asked the origin of Kay's accent. It didn't take long to discover that both attended Madison College (now James Madison University) in Virginia. They also lived in the same dorm (Gifford) for three years at the same time. Although they knew many of the same people, they did not meet each other until the last miles of that Kitsap walk!



Since the fatefull meeting, the pair have walked together frequently as far away as Alabama and Florida. They wonder if there are other alums of Madison College (JMU) who are Volkssporters? Perhaps a chance meeting on the trail will bring new friendships as we discover common bonds. Should you find your travels bringing you to the Northwest, Mary Allen and Kay would be delighted to join you as you explore our trails and pathways.

Kay

Mary Allen

MORE CANADIAN VISIT PICTURES

Frances Johnson's Black Bean Salad

1/4 c Red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Lemon juice
1 clove Garlic (minced)
2 tsp Sugar
1 can (15 oz) Black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 c White corn niblets
1 c Chopped red bell pepper
1/4 c Chopped parsley

1. Whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and sugar.
2. Combine the beans, corn bell pepper and parsley and toss with dressing
3. Add vinegar and salt to taste
Serves 9 (87 calories per 1/2 cup)

CANADIAN FRIENDSHIP VISIT AUGUST 8, 2010

One by one we gathered at the Port Angeles at the Coho Ferry dock for the 8:20 AM departure to Victoria, B. C. We had a beautiful day for the crossing and walks. We received a very warm welcome and a lovely Saanach pin from the Garden City Wanderers after clearing Customs. Following photo ops, we traveled to the Saanach area/Glendale Trails to gather maps, register and begin our walks.The 10 Km option followed a beautiful trail along wooded paths, through wildlife reserves and offered colorful views of Glendale Gardens. Following a well marked route, perhaps the names best describe the setting: Beaver Lake Road; Quale Road; Glendale Fardens' Preferred Equestrian Route; Birder's Loop; and Nature Sanctuary.




Completing our walks, we met at a lovely picnic area for a really delicious lunch. Two of our members chose to do the afternoon walk around the lake. The remainder of our group, about fifteen of us, elected to return to the downtown Victoria area.











We never "dreamed" we would have such a wonderful day!

RECIPES FROM TWILIGHT WALK

Rhubarb Dream Bars – Janet Lenfant

Crust:

2 cups flour

¾ cup confectioners’ sugar

1 cup butter or margarine

Filling:

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

½ cup flour

½ tsp salt

4 cups thinly sliced or chopped up fresh rhubarb

Mix crust ingredients together; press into 15-in x 10-in pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes (crust will be very light-colored). Combine eggs, sugar, flour and salt; beat together. Fold in rhubarb. Spread filling mixture on hot crust; return to oven to bake 40 to 45 minutes longer. Cool; cut into bars.

Yield: 36 bars

NOTE: my pan was a little shallow, so I did ¾ of the recipe, but used 4 cups rhubarb.

VEGGIE CRESCENT BARS - Billie Moore of OPE Volkssport Club

2 pkg. crescent rolls

• Roll out –pinch pastry together to form a sheet on a large cookie sheet (keep corners the same thickness so they won’t burn)

• Bake 350 – 375 deg for about 10 min until light brown

1 package Hidden valley powdered Ranch dressing

12 ounces softened cream cheese (if you have two 8 oz packages, you can use some of the extra cream cheese to mix with veggies to make them stick better)

1 cup of mayonnaise

• Mix dressing, cream cheese and mayonnaise together so of spreading consistency(can moisten further by adding yogurt, buttermilk or sour cream)

• Spread over cooled pastry

• Top with 4 cups of the following all cut in ¼ inch pieces:

• Yellow, orange, red, green peppers

• Broccoli finely cut

• Green onion

• Carrots

• Radishes or anything else that you like

Refrigerate.

Best if made the day before.

Can make as a sweet square by using fruit etc

Can be halved easily also

TWILIGHT WALK IN FORKS JULY 31, 2010

The Forks Vampire Inspired Club Walk
July 31, 2010

There were 12 brave walkers venturing to Forks for the “Vampire” club walk. As we drove along the edge of Lake Crescent, we marveled at the beauty surrounding us on the peninsula. Sue Pechina

did have a camera along so stops were made as we walked for “Twilight” photo ops. While walking we also discussed the highlights of the Twilight Series for those not familiar with the story. The older section of Forks High School has been demolished but the Forks High School sign was saved and still stands to the side – another photo op. Following the walk, we made a quick trip to the Forks Visitors Center for a last shot standing by Bella’s truck. Forks was very busy with people of all ages, cameras in hand, making similar stops!

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We traveled to Rialto Beach for a late picnic lunch. Frances brought a delicious salad and dessert as she was thinking potluckWe were all happy that Frances hadn’t read the memo about lunch

as her salad was very very good. Requests were made for her to post recipes. Janet and Richard had the OPE drinks/snacks plus a neat table cloth – nice touch! We finished by sharing a watermelon.

As you approach Rialto Beach, the Quillayute River is seen on your left with James Island standing tall guarding the mouth of the river. The island protected the Quileute people from northern invaders. Hole-in-the-wall, a sea arch, can be seen at the beach’s northern boundary. It is a 2 mile hike to this sea arch but you can only walk through the arch on low tide. Surf battered logs line the beach attesting to the power of water/winds/tides.

OPE's CANADIAN FRIENDSHIP WALK JULY 18, 2010

OPE members gathered in the morning fog in Port Angeles to greet 23 Canadian walkers arriving on the ferry from Victoria. As we arranged transport with walk leaders/guests,many First Nations/Native American canoes were being brought ashore to be trailered to their next destiniation.....the fog being the problem.

The 21K group left from Port Angeles walking along the Discovery Trail with George and Frances leading.

Sue and Marty lead the 10K walk which began at Robin Hill Park ending in Sequim at Janet and Richard's..

Jean Tyson lead the 12K group - our John Wayne Marina Walk but starting from Janet and Richard's.

Many thanks to Janet and Richard for hosting our lunch gathering.What a beautiful setting for lunch and visiting.. Following lunch walkers visited the Lavender Festival activities/farms and the Quilt Show. The morning fog gave us great walking weather then sun appeared in the afternoon bringing warmer temperatures. All returned in a timely manner after a day of fun, friendship and fitness!
NOTE: Requests have been made for Billie to post her recipe for that appetizer. Janet - your delicious Rhubarb Crumble!!!!



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AVA AWARDS FROM THE AMERICAN WANDERER

Here's a list of AVA Distance and Event Awards earned by our Explorers the past two months. Ingrid Forcier and Kay Peters both earned the 750 Event award, and Bob Forcier earned the 1150 Event Award. Though not actually members of our club, but in our hearts, Curt Myron earned the 1250 Event Award and Fred and Sharon Fisher each earned their 1350 Event Award. Many of you know Pat ("Mr. IVV") Patterson, he earned an incredible 6800 Event Award.

Glenda Cable earned her 4500 Kilometer Award, and Pat Patterson earned his 105,000 Kilometer Award, eat your hearts out! They have to keep initiating new achievement levels for our pal Pat! I have done several walks with Pat and his wife Cheryl in Germany. His name is quite common in our registration books.

It is always encouraging and fun to see our friends and fellow walkers in the "TAW."

Mary Allen's Report on the Port Angeles Walk on July 10th

The morning began with light fog and cooler temperatures as fourteen walkers gathered to do the Historic Walk. The morning cleared as we walked toward the college and the Fine Arts Center. This gave us a beautiful view of the Olympic Mountains as we walked along. In Webster's Woods Art Park we discovered new works of art at every turn. We met Jake Seniuk, Director of the Fine Arts Center, as we eyed the trail near the Center's headquarters. Talking with Jake we learned that guided tours through the outdoor park are available the first Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM (the next tour is August 7th) and the third Thursday at @2:00 PM (next is July 21st). The tours are excellent! Since the year 2000, more that 175 artistic works have been displayed, and they are ever-changing; something new all the time! Our walk then led us downhill to the Francis Street Park and then onto the Waterfront Trail to finish up at the Re Lion. Many thanks to Kay Peters, Billie Moore and Bob and Ingrid Forcier for their help with sign-in and stamping. The pictures on the next blog also were provided by the courtest and expertise of Ingrid and Bob Forcier.

On Saturday, July 10, a group of Explorers gathered to do the Port Angeles Historical Event. This interesting walk was pioneered by none other than yours truly! The walkers enjoyed viewing some fascinating highlights of Port Angeles' past. We had, as usual, "Peninsula Weather" perfect for a walking event.

Greetings to the Indomitable Explorers from sunny, muggy and hot Omaha! Mary Allen says I should post something about my health. I am doing very well and feel great. I went to a cardiologist from UNMC (University Of Nebraska Medical Center). The reason I came back here was to get a second opinion about the heart cathetrization (angiogram) and to see what someone here thought about any invasive stuff. The doctor reviewed all the info from WA (and there was a lot of it) and decided to hold off for awhile and do another nuclear stress test in November. He then would make a decision about further work. I am happy with that. I thank all of you Explorers for keeping me in your prayers and thoughts.

DUNGENESS SPIT CLUB WALK

On Saturday June 26th, an enjoyable walk was had by all as we bid Victor farewell for another year. The weather was cool but soon warmed up and most everyone was down to short sleeve shirts The walk along the beach was a bit rocky but everyone had fun dodging rocks.

Barbara and Allen Tyson, new walkers and hopefully new Club members, joined us today.

Thanks to Ingrid and Bob Forcier for submitting this post and for the excellent pictures!

MARYMERE FALLS WALK

On Saturday morning June 12 2010, about twenty hardy Explorers met at the new Walkbox location at the Fairmount Restaurant, about a mile west of Albertsons on US 101. We moved the Walkbox from Albertsons where it had been for a number of years. We happily greeted several new walkers Barb Ervin, Dena Walker and Lori Jacobs, a new member who with her husband Jon joined our club at the “Triangle of Fire” walk at Fort Worden on Memorial Day weekend. They all bought New Walker Packets and we explained the ins and outs of walking for credit. After registration we car pooled to the Lake Crescent Lodge and began the walk. It was a beautiful day with glorious “Peninsula Weather!” Just right for walking. Climbing up the stairs to the Falls we were heartened to see that the Falls were in full, roaring flow, unlike some other, drier years when sometimes the Falls are reduced to a mere (Marymere?) trickle (sorry about that!). Walking through the forest always reminds me of the beautiful Hoh Rainforest, further west on US 101, past Forks, with the moss and vines hanging from a wide variety of west coast trees. Our thanks to Bob Forcier and George Christensen who in turn led the walk and kept us “on track!” The walk was a lot of fun, the various vistas of the mountains, forests and extraordinary Lake Crescent contributed into making this a memorable walk for everyone.

TRIANGLE OF FIRE

On Memorial Day Weekend three northwestern Washington clubs, the Olympic Peninsula Explorers, the NWTulip Trekkers and the Kitsap Volkssporters conducted walks at Fort Worden, Fort Casey and Fort Flagler. These three forts combined in guarding the entrance to Puget Sound, prohibiting enemy warships from entering in the days before airplanes became dominant. The walks were very well attended and walkers had many encouraging comments, even suggesting that we put these walks on every two or three years in commemoration of our brave armed forces.