the sherwood merrywalkers  the great easter egg hunt in sherwood, march 31st

We had 64 people that walked the walk today, but so far, there have been 76 walkers since the walk started this week.  What a turnout.  We were able to celebrate Starr's birthday, visit with her husband Jim and finally get some of those very missed photo shots that Starr is noted for taking.  
We weren't planning on having lunch, but you know us, we headed over to a favorite of Starr's, Los Dorados, and everyone loved it.  Lou Ann did her first 5k in a long long time and was so excited that she celebrated by treating us to two big plates of sopitos.  The Koonce's came along for lunch so we were able to find out that all of the rooms at the Best Western are booked (we have our rooms) for the Gorge.  It was great seeing people we hadn't seen out there in a long time, Elmer even brought his wife along this time.  But the highlight was seeing Starr back out there walking and seeing Jim out there visiting with everyone.  Can it possibly get much better than that?A new walk for a New Year and a very different outlook on how walking effects our lives.  I was able to join the walkers today and my life begin to feel normal.It was a day made special by all the friendships, support, kindness, smiles & camaraderie of this group of walkers. It touched my heart deeply to be a part of a group of individuals who care about fellow walkers and I truly  experienced that today.  A "Special Thank you" to Jane Leider for being my spokes person and keeping everyone up to date on my situation. This walk would have not gotten finished if it weren't for Sandra,  finishing the map & Jane for getting the walk organized and all of us together.  I can say with certainty that "all of you" have helped me through the most difficult time of my life and I will always be forever grateful.  --Starr*       

Twelve of us showed up to be the first ones to initiate the new Canby walk.  I really enjoyed the walk today, the last time I walked it was in the summer and there really is no shade on this walk, so it makes for a nice walk on a cool or rainy day.  The day was rain free, but when that sun came out, it really got warm.  I walked with Donna from Corvallis and I so enjoyed hearing her input and Starr, she really enjoyed it.  
After we dropped Donna off at Cutsforths we  headed over to El Chilito, one of my favorite Mexican places to eat.  Andrea kept saying she hadn't had good Mexican since she left California, but I think she is now looking forward to doing Canby on Saturday.  The place is small, but it definitely deserves the Merrywalker Bump..

Boy, I really feel we are going to get hit soon, but this has been a great winter so far.  The rain drops didn't come until we reached the garage so it made for a wonderful walk.  We had over 50 walkers today and most of them were on the 10k, but there were a few of us in the slow and slower group, but we all managed to see different things and have a great time.  Today was even more special because we had a chance to meet Theresa from Portland who was doing her very first volkswalk in 19 years and it looks like she might even come back.  After we headed over to Gustav's and that definitely has to receive the bump, where someone shared a piece of bread with fondue, but I really enjoyed my half of pork sandwich with that wonderful German potato salad.  That food really does remind me of sitting in a German restaurant along the Moselle Valley. We had so many people for lunch we used up three different seating areas.  I was able to meet even another new walker from Lake O, Winnie, so welcome to both of you and we hope we see you on the trails soon.
History of the Belmont Dairy click here.

Today we were able to welcome our newest Snail and "retiree" Mary.  Bonnie and Carol were also there today and we found out that Bonnie will also be retiring at the end of April.  It was pretty quiet out there today but we had to high tail it back to the BBC so we could have our monthly meeting.  Mary will get the minutes out eventually and then we will post them so you can have a look to see what's new (nothing much), but our group is still alive and kicking.  

No sooner than we get done with the holidays and our walking schedules start filling up.  The Thursday group is coming in to do our new Canby walk, so if anyone would like to go with me for the 5k, let me know.  Saturday the Weekend Walking group will also be heading to Canby and hopefully Starr will be able to join us, at least for the 5k walk.  You can't imagine how much we miss her and her wonderful pictures.

You really needed sunglasses out there today, especially driving up there.  What a gorgeous day, but will we have to pay for it this spring, like last spring????
Let me begin by saying, there were 268 walkers at the walk on New Year's Eve, and today they had over a 100 (157 to be exact) but I'm not sure of the total yet, when Dick let's me know, I'll put it up there.  I think the group walks are really helping, it's fun seeing the same people and making those friends.
Today the Merrywalker Dogs and their day in the sun.  We had 5 dogs with us today and we headed over to the dog park before the walk and then during the walk.  That place is dog heaven.  We didn't even realize that that dog park was dedicated to the police dog that died in the line of duty in Clark County.  We figured out the dog park had to be at least a 1/2 mile around with a good path, so we did that a few times and then walked in their beautiful park.  We did get a chance to see the 10k walkers as they were doing the last leg of their walk and we did run into quite a few walkers, but what a beautiful day to be out in the sun.  From what I understand, we might even get a car wash in tomorrow!

When I left around 1230P, there were still walkers signing in and so far they had 230 walkers.  I guess that's a lot of New Year's resolutions, huh?
We packed up with 3 dogs and 3 walkers in my car, Andrea and Laurel went in her car, than Nan and Max took the bus, Nancy drove in from Lake Oswego, Joann was there and walked with Jane, and we even saw Sharon along the way with her 2 dogs.  We saw Larry and Rita when they drove up, and we walked slow, but we never did see them again.  Karen Kelly said she felt a lot better and it's just always nice seeing everyone.  Tomorrow we start off the New Year at 1030 a.m. in Vancouver.  We go past that really nice dog park, so we are going, letting the dogs run for awhile, then finish the walk and that will pretty much finish the dogs off for the rest of the day.  
Good walk, everyone loves looking at those old houses, seeing where the swift birds gather in the fall, it's such a beautiful area.  We walked with Barb from Eugene for awhile and she said she loves getting her "city fix in" when she comes to Portland.  I knew exactly what she meant.

Almost 30 people showed up today, and that's incredible, considering the weather.  It was a nice steady rain, but it was warm.  We had 10 walkers on the 5k.  By the middle of the walk, we started unbuttoning our coats and wishing we had dressed lighter, so we will be prepared for this weekend.  Nan and Max, who are new Merrywalkers, came along, and it was seeing Summerfield through "new eyes".  I was dog sitting this week, so after the walk I headed back with Macie and Milo, lunch was at Pacific Breeze, which is always a treat.  We decided not to wreck our cameras by taking pictures outside, so we took a few inside Albertson's. And we missed seeing Karen Kelly today who is down with the flu - hope we see you this weekend.
Don't forget - 2 great walks this weekend.  The groups will start both walks at 
10:30 a.m.
Saturday: Dick Baker will be leading the 5 and 10k route on Saturday, click here for the directions and details.
Sunday: Dick will lead the 10k and Joe will lead the 5k in Vancouver (again this will be a new route).  Click here for directions and details.

Sorry this is so late, but we did have a good turnout at the Refuge on Monday, but the group picture didn't turn out at all.  I think I'm going to have to break down and get a new camera, soon!  
Tomorrow we are doing our group walk through Summerfield at 10 a.m. so if you would like to join us, meet us there and be signed in by 9:45 so we can start on time (hopefully Dick will have his camera.)  Lunch will be at Pacific Breeze. 
We will also be walking on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.  Saturday will be in Portland and Sunday we will be walking in Vancouver at 10:30 a.m.  I'll send out the information by Friday.

What a December!  We actually stopped to try Stephen Colbert's ice cream at Ben and Jerry's.  There was the fast 5k group and then there were the slow ones.  Mike and Larry led us on some quiet little streets where we were able to see all of the houses decorated for Christmas and then we found these beautiful red berry trees. I took 3 pictures, and only 2 turned out, but at least we got two.
We had over 35 people that showed up today, can you believe that, 3 days left of shopping, but we did pick up some things along the route.  Mary Ann got a cook book for her daughter, I got some dog toys, Andrea found a great cookbook holder and Mike looked, but found nothing.  Lunch was at the Bread and Ink Cafe (that was for the 5k walkers) and the 10k walkers went for Tai Food.  We were able to catch up on the news with Laurie, who hasn't been around for a year and just came back to spend the holidays with her children.  
And here's a special gift for you, just click here.
Merry Christmas!