The Northwest Tulip Trekkers are sponsoring two different volkswalks in conjunction with the 22^nd Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival. 

The walks will be held on Saturday, January 24 only.  Registration for both walks will be at the Concrete High School.  Walkers may begin any time between 9:00a.m. and 1:00p.m. on Saturday.  All walkers are expected to be off the trails by 4:00p.m. Saturday.  Both walks include both 5 and 10km options.  Volkswalk trails are rated for difficulty, from 1 (easy) to 5 (very difficult).  See the individual walk descriptions for specific trail ratings.

Historic Downtown.  Rated 3+/4 (3C).  5/11km:  Walk through Concrete and on trails and country roads to a great eagle viewpoint at Lower Baker Dam.  A few sections are steep and may be slippery/muddy, if warm enough and slippery with ice if colder.  This walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Winery Walk.  Rated 2 (1C).  5/10 km:  Walk along the Cascade Trail and country roads to the Challenger Ridge Winery.  Wine tasting is available at the winery.  This is an easy route, rated a 2 due to the gravel trail and a hill to get back to the start/finish.  Be sure to look for eagles across the Skagit River while you walk.  This route is suitable for large wheeled strollers unless there is snow.

Friendship Walk:  Would you like to walk with others?  Be registered and ready to walk at 9:30a.m., Saturday to walk Historic Concrete as a group.

If you are an avid volksmarcher and would like credit for this walk, there will be a $3.00 fee.  You may also participate for free, but are required to register, carry a start card, and check in and out when completing the walk.  Specific walk information is available at email John & Gail Boggs.

What is a volkswalk?  A volkswalk is a non-competitive walk, usually at least 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).  It is not a pledgewalk or a race.  It’s a fun activity you do with friends, family, your pet, or by yourself.  It’s a great family activity where you can spend time talking with each other.  Today there are thousands of volksport clubs and activities around the world.

The Northwest Tulip Trekkers will also be hosting the Evergreen State Volksport Association (ESVA) (state-level volks-sport association) for an annual meeting.  The meeting will be held in the Concrete Pilot’s Lounge on Saturday.

For more information about the Northwest Tulip Trekkers, call Curt or Martha Myron at 360-679-3638, or email at Curt & Martha Myron. You may also check the Trekker website at Northwest Trekkers.