New Ambler Walks for 2016

President’s Corner

December/January In this column a year ago, Volume 19, Issue 6 I commented on some ma- 2015/16 jor changes in our club ending one year and going into this one. That was Malory's first newsletter as our new editor, and with her work and your help NEW AMBLER WALKS FOR 2016 providing news and photos, we have been treated to a year of an outstanding The Ravenel Bridge in Charleston SC is the site of our new year round walk (YRE). Starting product that we share with on the Mt. Pleasant side of the Cooper River you ascend 250 ft in elevation on a dedicated pe- pride. destrian/bike lane for views of Patriots Point, Fort Sumter, historic Charleston and the very ac- That was also the time tive Charleston Harbor. With no worries about cars, you meander at your own pace. Occasional when Jon Whiteside took push outs allow for further enjoyment and provide the history of bridges across the Cooper. over membership duties in The 6 Km route turns around at the midpoint, while the 12 Km route descends over marshland addition to his work with before it turns around at the other side. After returning to the Mt. Pleasant side, the walks pass our database, and Jan through a Waterfront Park and go to the end of a fishing pier so that you can see the catch of Weeks took over website maintenance as well as the the day. A café and gift shop provide for more leisurely endeavors. Starting January 1 and avail- job of POC coordina- able daily, this walk starts with registration at the Hampton Inn, then a 3 mile drive to the wa- tor. These have done a terfront park with a Visitor Center and plentiful free parking. It will be part of our Charleston wonderful job for us. After weekend April 9/10 if you want company. just a year, we face change again. Jan and Derrik will be leaving us for his job April 23, the Amblers will be hosting a traditional walk event at Tallulah Gorge Save the Dates: relocation to the Raleigh in north Georgia – 30 mins south of Franklin NC. Walk the rim of the deepest gorge east of the area. We will miss them Missisippi or take optional routes descending 310 steps to the suspension bridge offering a spec- greatly. Suzie Whiteside tacular view of Hurricane Falls, then 346 steps up to the other side or descend 221 more steps has agreed to take over as down to the floor and return. We plan to sell brat/hot dog plates and platters to round out the POC coordinator, and Di- experience. ana Walton has volun- teered to do website If you still want more walking, we are offering Seasonal Walks in Franklin(Macon County) and maintenance. In addition, Cherokee NC (Swain and Jackson Counties). These walks will be available April 1 through June 30. Cathy Crosby has offered The Little Tennessee Greenway, the Franklin Gem museum, the Cherokee Museum and even the to set up Facebook commu- Casino: a lot to see and enjoy. nication for us. We are richly blessed to have these folks step up to fill these Reserve October 29/30 for the FENCE (Foothills Equestrian Nature Center) traditional walk needs. Warm thanks to event near Tryon (Polk County). Gardens, pond, marsh, the Steeplechase track and historic build- those who have served so ings. Top it off with another Brat/Hot Dog lunch. To round out the weekend, slip over to Cowpens well, and to those entering Battlefield near Chesnee, SC. We did this walk as a traditional event in 2014. In 2016, we are new services. offering it as a seasonal October 1 through December 31. Learn a little Revolutionary War history I look forward to ending and enjoy the scenery. our year together in the walk at Lake Lure, and at Lastly, in November we will have a Weekend Adventure, visiting two non-Ambler walks 2 to the following Holiday 4 hours away from Asheville. We will carpool/caravan leaving Saturday morning and do a walk; luncheon. We can then stay overnight and do a second walk on Sunday before returning home. We will select walks in welcome a new year together with Kathi Rice places that have other activities available to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the leading us in our New area; and make it an adventure. Mark your calendars! Year's Day afternoon kick-

off walk. Judy Michele, Traditional Event Coordinator Best wishes for happy holi- days and a happy,healthy new year. Perry Asheville Amblers Welcome Walking New Members Club Ambler Achievements A big Ambler Welcome goes Harold and Marie Weber 325 events The Asheville Amblers to Terry Reiling 800 events Walking Club exists to Marylou Joyce Holly Reiling 1350 events provide people of av- Dennis Michele 2000 events We’re glad to have you! Duncan Brantley 2300 events erage athletic ability Robert Cooper 500 KM opportunities for lei- Pictures by: Robert Cooper, Jan Weeks, Christina Gately 4000 KM surely, non- Jon and Suzie Whiteside, Keung Hui, Pat Graeber 7500 KM competitive walks in Terry Reiling 11000 KM Perry Rawson, Teresa Buckner and Sue Holly Rilling 21000 KM scenic and historic Baumann. areas. President Perry Rawson Car Pool Fees 828-698-6760 Vice-President When car pooling—the cost per person will depend on price of gas at the time of the trip. Please Jim Walters use the following guide lines: 828-625-9456 $2.01 -$2.50 per gallon the cost $1.00 per 30 miles Secretary $2.51 -$3.00 per gallon the cost $1.00 per 25 miles Michelle O’Brien Treasurer Amblers to Party at Lake Lure Allen Michele POC Coordinator The Amblers 2015 Christmas Holiday Celebration celebrating the Christmas - New Year Holiday Suzie Whiteside will be a luncheon buffet at 1PM on Saturday, 5 Season at the cost of $25. Diners who choose to Traditional Events December at LaStrada Italian Grill, 2693 Memori- enjoy wine or beer with their meals are personal- Coordinator al Highway in Lake Lure. The telephone number ly responsible for the cost of those drinks. The Judy Michele for the restaurant is (828) 625-1118. The meal luncheon will be held in lieu of the regularly Membership will follow the Amblers December volksmarch in scheduled evening dinner meeting for Decem- Jon Whiteside the Town of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village, ber. Reservations are essential, and must be Webmasters which will begin at 10AM. Diners do not have to made with Jim Walters, the Amblers' Vice Presi- Derrick and Jan Weeks participate in the walk to join the Holiday Cele- dent, absolutely no later than Wednesday, 2 Editor bration Festivities. The cost of the meal is $25, December 2015. Contact Jim via e-mail Malory Presley which includes a selection of entrées; salad; gar- at [email protected]; or by telephone at Circulation lic rolls; dessert; soft drinks, tea, coffee and wa- (828) 625-9456. Advance payment may be made Flo Byron ter; tax; and gratuity. The Amblers will subsidize by check payable to the "Asheville Amblers" and Trail Master $10 of the cost of the meal for participating club mailed to Jim at 418 Chapel Point Road, Lake Dennis Michele members. Family members and guests of partici- Lure, North Carolina 28746-5513. Cash or check 828-628-4343 pating Amblers are welcome to join the club in payment may also be made to Jim at Lake Lure.

Dues are $10/yr. for Amblers Upcoming Events single and $15 for couple or family. These EVENTS TIME WALK LEADERS dues are good until Jan 11/21/15 Montreat 10 AM Sharon Stenner 1 of the following year. The Asheville 12/5/15 Lake Lure 10 AM Jim Walters Amblers Holiday Party (See above) 85 Tunnel Rd. Ste. 1/1/16 Asheville City 1 PM Kathi Rice 12A-262 1/23/16 Biltmore Estate 10 AM Jon Whiteside Asheville, NC 28805 2/6/15 Spartanburg, SC 1 PM Margaret Suits ashevilleamblers.com 2/20/15 Greenville, SC 1 PM Perry Rawson

Asheville Amblers Travel!

Bentonville Battlefield Triangle Trailblazers By Keung Hui

Two dozen walkers from across North Carolina and from as far away as Florida attended the Triangle Trailblazers' Nov. 7 traditional walk of the Bentonville Battlefield site.

Forecasts of inclement weather kept some walkers away, but those who made the trip to Bentonville saw nothing but clear skies. Walkers trod the same ground that was the site of North Carolina's largest Civil War battle. For three days in March 1865, 80,000 men fought on the hallowed land and 4,000 soldiers became casualties.

The 10K route took volksmarchers through the Federal earthworks to where 360 soldiers are buried in the Confederate Cemetery. Walkers went on the property of Civil War buff Larry Laboda, who has erected monuments to Confederate Gen. Joseph E. John- ston and to Union regiments who fought at the battle. Walkers passed by multiple state historic markers as well as tour stops for the furthest Confederate advance, the spot where Union soldiers held off a desperate Rebel charge and the location where 17-year-old Southerners courageously fought veteran Federal troops.

Eastern State Penitentiary in New York Penitentiary in Philadelphia.

Our intrepid correspondent with Rocky

Wet Walkers in Beaufort SC

Starting Point Cover by Jan Weeks

Sue Baumann Took a Hike in the Desert in Bend, Oregon

Virginia Creeper Bike Trail Bikers POSTCARDS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA!

AVA Celebrates 40 Years Other Events in the Carolinas & AVA 40th Anniversary/National Patch Contest - Next summer we will celebrate this historic event Susan Medlin, National Events Chair with multiple walks, a bike event, and a swim. Tennessee You'll enjoy the scenic countryside, the Wine Road 290 (featuring 15 wineries just minutes In the spin up to the 40th Anniversary of Volks- marching in America, we are looking for human apart), a world-class WWII Museum and our 11/21 Mt. Airy 10AM WW interest stories, humorous antidotes, lessons many fine restaurants. Join us on the Saturday 11/27 (F) Triad Park 1PM WW learned, and other interesting events that would morning Founders Day Walk. We also offer 6 encourage folks to become volksmarchers. Year Round Walks, with new routes updated in !2/5 Raleigh—Oakwood 10AM 2014, and 2 County walks (Mason & Llano) that Raleigh—Wolfpack 2PM TT you can enjoy. 12/12 Charlotte 10AM MW Please forward your memories to John McClel- 12/19 Kannapolis 10AM RR lan, President of the Happy Wanderers, [email protected] by January 31, 2016. We AVA HQ is sponsoring a national contest to de- 1/1/16 Old Salem 10AM WW hope to include your memories in articles for sign the 40th Anniversary Patch. Send your 4" x 1/9 Triad Park 10AM WW 4" or 5" x3" patch to [email protected] as a 1/16 Salisbury City 10AM RR Reader's Digest, AARP magazine, TAW and 1/23 Hillsborough 10am TT other publications. PDF. Original drawings can be mailed to Susan 1/30 Burlington 10AM WW Medlin, 12527Fern Creek, San Antonio, TX 78253. All entries must include the AVA/IVV Come to Fredericksburg, Texas on June 10 -12, symbol, our slogan "Celebrating 40 Years" and 2016 and join in the celebration of the AVA's 40th Anniversary. The very first walking event the words "American Volkssport Association". The deadline for patch submissions is December For More Information: was held in Fredericksburg on June 12- 13, 1976. 1, 2015 Metrolina Walkers 704-564-1013 Amblers New Year’s Tradition [email protected]

Join us on January 1 for our traditional ment, Art Deco architecture, Grove Ar- Triangle Trailblazers Asheville City Walk. Both the 5k and the cade, and the Basilica of St. Lawrence; to 919-876-3714 or [email protected] 11k will take us through beauti- name a few. ful Riverside Cemetery and a good chunk The walk will start at 1PM and Winston Wanderers 276-403-0608 or of charming and historic Montford. The registration will start at 12:30 at the Vis- [email protected] 11k includes the Botanical Garden at UN- itors Center on Montford Ave. The cen- Rowan Roamers CA and then proceeds to the down- ter will not be open at that time for use 704-857-9657 town attractions via the Reed Creek of the restrooms. [email protected] Greenway. The 5k also does a stretch of Join us as we welcome the new year with a Ready, Set, Walk! the greenway on it's way back to the fun and interesting exploration of Ashe- 252-747-5683 start point at the Visitors Center. ville. Enjoy the city and check out the [email protected]

interesting shops and try out one of the Downtown attractions on the 11k include many and varied lunch spots. Editor’s Note: the Thomas Wolfe House, Vance Monu- Club/Group Walks are usually Kathi Rice held at YRE locations and are open to all. Basking in Biltmore For directions call or e-mail On Saturday Jan 23rd, 2016 we will be doing the guest pass, let me (Jon Whiteside) know and I'll the club contact person or Biltmore Estate walk. Both 5 and 10 Km dis- try to arrange for one. So please join us for a see your From The tances will be offered. great walk in a most beautiful setting. Mountains To The Sea guide. We will meet at the Visitor Reception and Tick- eting Center at 9:15 AM to sign in. The walk itself will began at 10:00 AM in front of the house. For planning purposes the 10K takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours and is rated 3C. You must have an annual pass or purchase a tick- et to participate. If the Estate continues their past practice of providing a couple of visitor passes to each annual passholder, then we may have some to share with non-passholders. If you need a

Wandering Through Waynesville in the Fall

NEWS FROM OTHER CLUBS

Triangle Trailblazers On. Dec. 5, the Triangle Trailblazers will hold two downtown Raleigh group walks. The Oakwood walk will be at 10 a.m. Winston Wanderers The morning walk (please meet at 9:45 a.m. to allow time for registration) is the Oakwood Walk: Rated 1A Mostly flat and suitable for Mount Airy on 11/21: The group walk will start at 10am at strollers but may be difficult for wheelchairs on un-even pavement. the Visitor Center located at 200 N Main St. Directions: From Trail takes you through historic neighborhoods as well as the Capitol Building, the Executive Building and past the Museums of Natural US-52, follow US-52 Bypass and exit right on NC-89 (Mt Airy/ Science and Natural History, and around the Peace College Campus. Galax). At traffic light continue straight on NC-89 East There are several public buildings and restaurants along the way for (Independence Blvd) through 5 more traffic lights to Renfro St. restrooms and water. Dogs are not allowed through Oakwood Ceme- Turn right onto Renfro St, drive to Moore St and turn right, tery. then into parking lot. The Visitor center will be at the corner of Special programs include: Alternative Capitals, Animal Safari, Cities Main and Moore Sts. (At the clock, 1½ blocks up Moore.) in Song, Civil War Battlefields, Food For Thought, Honoring Our Flag, National Register of Historic Places, State Capital, Trekking Triad Park on Friday, 11/27: The group walk/Turkey With the Trees, You'll Never Walk Alone. Trot will start at 1pm at Triad Park located at 9652 W Mar- The afternoon walk (please meet at 1:45 p.m. to allow time for regis- ket St in Kernersville. Enter the park and drive a short tration) is the Wolfpack walk: Rated 2B Suitable for strollers, but difficult for wheelchairs through the greenway section. Trail is pre- distance to Shelter 1 parking lot. The registration material dominantly along city sidewalks, residential streets, asphalt trails and will be brought to the park, so there is no need to go to natural greenway paths. Walk through downtown Raleigh, into the the 421 Market & Grill. Capitol Building, through historic Pullen Park and the Raleigh Rose Directions: From I-40, take Exit 208 (Sandy Ridge Rd). Garden, onto the NC State University campus along quiet streets, and Turn right if coming from east and left if coming from the Cameron Village Shopping District. You can also register for the west.. Follow Sandy Ridge Rd for 0.6 of a mile. At “ T” Wolfpack walk at the same time that registration occurs for the intersection (W Market St), turn left and follow for 2.2 Oakwood walk in case you want to start earlier than 2 p.m. miles. Entrance to park on right. Special programs include: Alternative Capitals, Animal Safari, Cities in Song, Honoring Our Flag, National Register of Historic Places, Kannapolis, 12/19: The group walk will start at 10am State Capital, You'll Never Walk Alone. HOW TO GET THERE: The Capital Area Visitor Center is located at at the On the Run Exxon Express located at 921 Dale the NC Museum of History at 5 E. Edenton St. The VC is at the far Earnhardt Blvd. end of the 1st floor, down the hall from the information desk and Gift Directions: From I-85, take Exit 60 (Dale Earnhardt Blvd). Shop. From the west, exit onto Wade Ave. from I-40. Follow Wade Turn west towards downtown Kannapolis. Drive 2.9 miles to as it merges into Capital Blvd., exit to the right for Peace St., then turn start point on your right. left on Peace to Blount St. Turn right on Blount to Edenton, turn right on Edenton, and cross Wilmington. The museum will be on the right. From the east, exit onto New Bern Ave. (exit 13-A) from I-440 (Raleigh Beltline). New Bern eventually becomes Edenton. Stay on Edenton. After crossing Wilmington, museum will be on the right. Parking is available in the government complex visitor lot be- hind the museum (entrance on Edenton). On weekends, state government lots are open to the public and free parking is permitted on streets.

ASHEVILLE AMBLERS MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Membership Renewal for 2016 To paraphrase a line from that wonderful Christmas Carol VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE PREFERRED "Deck the Halls" Tis the season to pay Perry WORK EVENTS______TELEPHONE______Tra la la la la ... Okay, we're not actually paying Perry, but Tis the season for ROUTES/TRAILS______paying our 2016 Ambler dues. As always, they are $15 per LIST WINTER ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM SUMMER family or $10 for an individual. Please include the form below when you pay so we can make sure we have your current infor- ADDRESS mation in our database. Thanks in advance for your assistance. MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DUES ARE DUE BY JAN. 1 ______

If there are no changes to address, email or phone just enter STATE______ZIP______your name(s) and check here 

MEMBER NAME (S) SEND FORM AND CHECK TO: Asheville Amblers, Membership, 85 Tunnel Rd, ______Ste. 12A-262, Asheville, NC 28805 ADDRESS

______

TELEPHONE______

E-MAIL______

ANNUAL DUES ($15 per yr. family or $10 for singles )

ASHEVILLE AMBLERS Editor - Malory Presley 85 Tunnel Road, Ste. 12A-262 Asheville, NC 28805