Vancouver Discovery Walk Festival 1998
Saturday Lewis and Clark Walk
Walkers on Saturday and Sunday are able to choose their distance: 5K, 10K, 21K, 32K, or 42K (marathon). Those wishing to earn International Marching League credit must complete at least 20K on both Saturday and Sunday. The Discovery Walk Festival is a partner with March of Dimes WalkAmerica on Saturday, providing the trail and cooperative checkpoints.
Walkers enjoyed a perfect spring day, partly cloudy and with flowers in full bloom. My assignment for the day was to pick up a radio operator and rove around providing assistance as needed. My radio man from the Clark County Amateur Radio Club was great company and we were impressed by the other radio operators on bicycle and at the checkpoints who ensured the event ran smoothly. Vancouver Fire Department Paramedics on bike and the new Vancouver mounted police patrol also monitored the walkers.
The Lewis and Clark Walk took in many greenways and parks, along streams and the mighty Columbia River as it circled Vancouver east of I-5 and west of I-205. Over 140 walkers elected to try the marathon, with a total of over 600 walkers on all distances. 
Walkers from dozens of states and eight foreign countries joined hundreds of local walkers on the trails. Dr. Shinshiro Ebashi, International Marching League representative and president of the Japanese Walking Association is pictured on the Renaissance Trail along the Columbia River.
Boy Scouts assisted at the checkpoints and road crossings, impressing the local volkssport club volunteers with their attention to their duties. Over 100 local volunteers provided the main labor force to host the walk, wearing their distinctive red Vancouver Discovery Walk Festival t-shirts.
The most distinctive groups on the trail were the Germans from the Federal University in Munich, officer candidates who marched in formation in their camoflage fatigues, boots, and full packs. This is the traditional way for military units to participate in International Marching League events in Europe. I caught them as they emerged through the woods, singing their marching songs.
The Germans approached the checkpoint at the Water Resources Center and came to a precisely drilled halt, parade rest, and then were allowed to break and drink some water. Following behind the Germans were a unit of American Marine Reserves, marching in military gym shorts, t-shirts and running shoes, supported by a van stocked with water and other essentials. In between the two units I greeted Ken Wilson, American Volkssport Association Historian.
The Marines pulled out of the "pit stop" ahead of the Germans and headed on down the Renaissance Trail. The Germans were followed by two teenage girls, veteran Discovery Walk marathoners. At the start/finish at the Centennial Center at the DoubleTree Hotel at the Quay the finishers enjoyed music provided by local groups and the talents of a dance troupe.
The final serenade came as the German and American units finished and sang their traditional songs to each other and the audience. Over 50 walkers and volunteers remained to enjoy an Italian buffet and spectacular desserts, preparing for the final day of walking.
Friday: Mayor's Friendship Walk
Sunday: Lt. Broughton Walk and Closing Ceremonies
1997 Vancouver Discovery Walk Report
Net Links of Interest
Vancouver Discovery Walk Information and Registration FormInternational Marching League
International Volkssport Federation
Photos © Wendy Bumgardner, 1998.
Full Disclosure: Wendy Bumgardner was an officer of the American Volkssport Association, the non-profit association that hosted the event.
