Volkswalking in Barrow, Alaska

What is Volkswalking?  Volkswalks (pronounced "Folks walks") are non-competitive walks for individuals and the entire family- even the dog.  The American Volkssport Association (or AVA) is the national organization in the USA.  The International Federation of Popular Sports (or IVV) is the international umbrella organization.

Walks are set up around the country complete with directions and maps.  You simply go to the designated starting point and ask for "the walk box."  The walk box has the registration book, your start card, directions and maps for the walk.  The only time constraints are the business hours of the location where the walk box is kept.  Once you finish the walk you return your start card to the box.  If you want to receive AVA credit there is a $3 fee and you can stamp your AVA books. 

Volkswalking in Barrow?  Yes!  There are two seasonal walks in Barrow, Alaska.  The City or "Top of the World" walk is a 10 km walk that begins at Pepe's North of the Border Mexican Restaurant (the starting point) and takes you through Browerville and Barrow returning you to Pepe's.  The Freshwater Lake walk takes you from Pepe's (the starting point) on an 11 km walk out to Freshwater Lake and back again.

"Seasonal walk" means that the walk is available during only part of the year.  In Barrow that means from the end of May until the end of September.  (If you are wondering why the Barrow walks are "seasonal" note the snow and ice in the May 2005 photo taken by Chris Finkler at Freshwater Lake)

Over the years that the Barrow volkswalks have been available a number of local people have completed the walks along with volkswalkers from Alaska and all over the lower 48.

In fact, on September 11, 2010 I had the pleasure of walking with four women from the Seattle/ Tacoma area, a man from Dallas and a man from Chicago.  The four women came up specifically for the volkswalk.  The two men had never heard of volkswalking when they headed to Barrow but by the time the Alaska Airlines jet landed in Barrow they had been convinced by their new friends to walk 10 km around Barrow! 

Fran Tate, owner of Pepe's North of the Border Mexican Restaurant, has been a huge supporter of volkswalking.  Pepe's has been the designated  

starting point from the very beginning and Fran has walked both of the Barrow volkswalks a number of times.  And, she rewards all volkswalkers with free hot chocolate, tea or coffee when they complete their walk.  Here's Fran at Freshwater Lake with fellow walkers Dan Endres and Ralph Davis.

Although I won't be in Barrow during the summer of 2011 fellow volkswalker Dorothy Savok has agreed to be the Barrow contact person.  So, if you missed the walks this year be sure and do them next summer.  And remember, there will be a cup of hot chocolate waiting for you at Pepe's when you are done!