UPCOMING WALK!

Saturday, May 21, 2022

The Fredericksburg Walking Club will be joining the Northern VA Volksmarchers’ sponsored walk at:

Vint Hill, Warrenton, VA

Start Point: Old Bust Head Brewing Co.

7134 Farm Station Rd., Vint Hill/Warrenton, VA

Start Time: Register and start walking anytime between 9:00 a.m. and noon. Finish by 3:00 p.m.

The Fredericksburg Walking Club will have some members starting to walk at 9:00 a.m., and others will start at 10:00 a.m. Join us on the trail!

Distance: 5K or 10K

Originally rural farmland where cattle and sheep were raised, Vint Hill’s purpose changed dramatically in 1942. Farmers noticed that they were intercepting German messages on their radios and contacted the U.S. Army. It turned out that the land sits on a rare geological formation that serves as a long-range antenna, and the messages were from Berlin. The Army purchased the land and the country’s newest listening post was born. After World War II, Vint Hill Farms Station served as a training outpost for cryptanalysts and radio operators. It closed in the 1990s and today is known for great food, local beer, and entertainment.

The walks are fairly flat and almost entirely on asphalt or pavement. Everyone is welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The trails are stroller and wheelchair accessible. Dogs must be leashed. There is no charge to participate. The fee for AVA/IVV* credit is $3.00. The walks are also eligible for AVA Special Programs: Walking the United States (50 states), Walking the USA (A-Z), and Virginia Counties: Fauquier.

AFTERWARDS: Relax and enjoy food at the next-door Farm Station Cafe and/or a beer at the Old Bust Head Brewery. You may also enjoy a tasting at the nearby Vint Hill Craft Winery or spend an hour at the Cold War Museum. There are many other things to enjoy at Vint Hill!

For more information about the Vint Hill walk, directions, and contact information: https://www.northernvirginiavolksmarchers.club/events/VintHillBrochure-2022-05-21.pdf

* For more information about the American Volkssport Association (AVA): https://ava.org/

OTHER NEWS:

Our Dalgren Rails to Trails walk on May 1st was a success!

Over forty people joined us for a self-guided or group walk on the Dalgren Heritage Trail in King George, VA, walking 5K, 13K, or any distance they preferred. The trail is through 240 acres of preserved land and is clear because the historic railroad ties have been removed. The natural surface is even and good for walking, hiking, biking, and running. The first four miles are particularly well-used, maintained, and are suitable for strollers and children. We offered brats and hot dogs that could be topped with member Kay Shoemaker’s delicious sauerkraut, plus chips, cookies, and water. AVA/IVV credit was available for $3.00.

For more information about the Dahlgren Heritage Trail – https://www.dahlgrentrail.org/

We celebrated National Walking Week on Sunday, April 3rd by walking The First Day of Chancellorsville Trail in Spotsylvania, VA – soon to be our new Year-Round Event.

Start Point: The Spotsylvania County Museum, 6159 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA (across from the Battlefield Country Store)

We had a great turnout on a beautiful morning! Walkers had a choice of a 3-, 5-, or 6-mile trail. The trail is mostly grass or gravel with a few hills, plus a short distance (paved) through a housing development. Carrying water was recommended. Photos will be coming!

For more information about The First Day of Chancellorsville Trail: https://www.battlefields.org/visit/battlefields/chancellorsville-battlefield