It's August and time for picnics! We're headed out to historical Cape Blanco State Park for a picnic and a volkswalk. Won't you join us?
Go away kittie! Bobcats are not invited to our picnic!
The Cape Blanco Volkswalk will opened for its fifth season on the 1st of April. This 10K, circular route has won several awards, including being named the “Best Off Road Event” by The Northwest Regional Directors of the American Volkswalking Association. Join us and find out for yourself what makes it so special!
Ray’s Food Place in Port Orford is the registration point. Simply complete the official form located at the far right checkstand, secure a route map, and then drive out to the Hughes House where the walk starts. Wear sturdy shoes and allow a couple of hours to complete the circular route – there is no hurry, volkswalks are not a timed event, but you may want to eat the picnic pie before starting the walk! The first part of the walk follows a grassy path as well as parts of the Coast Trail, revealing spectacular views of Gull Rock, Castle Rock and the Sixes River. This section is followed by a trek out to the Lighthouse then an excursion to the picnic spot at the end of the Horse Trail. The return segment of the walk passes by the Horse Camp and includes a brief stop at the Pioneer Cemetery and former site of the church, Mary, Star of the Sea, before arriving back at the Hughes House.
Never heard of volkswalking? Literally, the word means “popular” or “folk” sports. You can think of volkswalks as family-oriented, amateur athletic events held in 28 countries throughout the world. It’s an exciting way to walk for exercise while enjoying other people and the scenery. The goal is to have fun, non-competitive aerobic exercise in a relaxed setting.
Volkswalks are always over a planned and measured route, usually 10 kilometers (approximately 6 miles) in length as is the Cape Blanco volkswalk, although there are also walks of 5, 20 and 25 K. Typically, the routes start and end at the same point and are laid out to not only provide good exercise, but to include especially scenic, historic, or otherwise interesting surroundings. This year there are volkswalks being held throughout Oregon in such diverse places as in daffodil fields during their blooming season and as part of festivals such as the Grants Pass “Back to the 50’s” celebration. Most routes are stroller and wheelchair friendly, and pets on leases are often welcome.
All volkswalking events are free. Many dedicated walkers, however, build a record of the walks they’ve taken and the distance they’ve accumulated with the national association. Certificates are earned upon completion of 10 events, 30, and so on. Some walkers in Oregon have completed over 2,600 events while still others have amassed over 25,000 K in distance. Those participating in these programs usually pay a $3 registration fee and complete the preset course to receive credit towards their achievement awards.
Trails are rated 1 through 5 according to their difficulty. A number 1 walk is an easy walk on pavement or well-maintained trail. A number 5 walk is all in rough fields or woods, often at high altitude or very rough, uneven terrain or unstable inclines, unsuitable for any person who is not in excellent physical health. The Cape Blanco volkswalk is rated a 2+ due to the uneven surfaces, hills and sometimes challenging weather.
The Cape Blanco walk is classified as a seasonal volkswalk, meaning that it can be completed from April through October during daylight hours. Many other volkswalks are designated as year-around walks (also known as map-guided walks) and can be enjoyed 365 days a year during daylight hours. Oregon boasts over a hundred year-round walks in locations ranging from Seaside to The Dalles and Sisters. Still other volkswalks are known as event walks and are usually held over the course of a weekend with walkers welcome to participate generally between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Umpqua Valley Walkers of Roseburg sponsors the Cape Blanco volkswalk. Steven and I administer the walk on a day to day basis. Umpqua Valley Walkers is a small club and we're proud that the club’s walks have received numerous awards over the years including “Best Year Round Event”, “Best Photo Opportunity Event”, and "Best Rural Event.”
Have we peaked your interest in volkswalking? For more information, check out the Oregon Trail State Volkssport Association’s website, www.walkoregon.org.
Pan Fried Chicken Dumplings with Dried Tomatoes and Wild Mushrooms
Lemon-Garlic Dipping Sauce
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
3 cloves garlic, crushed
pinch dried red pepper flakes
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoons olive oil
Dumplings
8 ounce jar marinated dried tomatoes, drained
2 boneless, skinless chick breast halves, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 cup dried mushrooms, reconstituted and well-drained
3 green onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
20 fresh basil leaves, chopped
pinch dried red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 ounce package gyoza wrapped, round style
water
vegetable oil for frying
Dipping Sauce: In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Set aside at room temperature for flavors to blend while preparing the dumplings.
Dumplings: In a food processor, combine tomatoes, chicken, mushrooms, green onions, garlic, basil, pepper flakes and salt, using a pulse motion, chop until paste forms.
Onto each wrapper, spoon 1 teaspoon tomato mixture. Fold wrapper over mixture to form a half moon shape. With water, dampen edges. Seal, pleating to fit wrapper snugly around filling. Keep filled dumplings covered with plastic wrap or towel to prevent them from drying out while preparing remaining dumplings.
In a large, nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil until hot but not smoking. Add enough dumplings to make a single layer. Fry 4 minutes or until dumplings are golden brown and slightly blistered on the underside. Add about 1/4 cup water. Cover tightly. Steam 5 minutes. Dumplings are done when filling feels firm like a meatball. Repeat with remaining dumplings. Serve with dipping sauce.
What a great way to start or finish a volkswalk!
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