“The Phoenix rises from the Blossom Walks”

The Volkssport Clubs of South Vancouver Island are excited to announce:

“The Phoenix rises from the Blossom Walks”

The popular Victoria International Walking Festival ran for ten years and was a major success.

Over a thousand people attended from all over the world and enjoyed the famous Blossom Walks.

Now, the three Volkssport clubs of Victoria are staging a brand new Volkssport event based upon the beautiful Blossom Walks.

We invite you to enjoy the same walks in a simpler, more intimate Volkssport setting.

Where? Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

When? April 17, 18 &19, 2009

What? 5K, 10K, 21K, 32K and 42K walks

How much? Only $2 per walk

Mark your calendars now for this reincarnation of the famous Victoria Blossom Walks

The Garden City Wanderers Volkssport Club, the Victoria ‘Y’ Volkssport Club and the Juan de Fuca Pathfinders Volkssport Club will jointly host this exciting Festival in the spring of 2009

Highlights will include:

· 5 and 10km walks on Friday afternoon followed by an informal meet and greet party – nibblies and cash bar

· 5, 10, 10, 32 and 42km walks on Saturday followed by a casual get-together in downtown Victoria

· 5, 10 and 21km walks on Sunday followed by a no host lunch and bar

We hope you will join us in Victoria next spring and explore the beautiful city of Victoria when its blossom trees and spring flowers are in full bloom.

We’ll announce further details as soon as they are ready.

Email vvpf@telus.net or phone 250 598 4316 for more information

David Cattrall, Chair, Victoria Volkssport Phoenix Festival Society

MEETING FOR THE CAPE BRETON COUNTY TRAILS ASSOCIATION

The CBCTA meeting, originally scheduled in March, will be held on Thursday, May 22, 6:30 p.m., in the Community Room, Civic Centre.  For more information, contact Jamie Whitters at 563-5071 or me at 563-5512.

Thanks!

Heather

There is much exciting news on the trail front, and we invite you to be part of it. You are invited to attend a meeting of the Cape Breton County Trails Association on Thursday, May 22, 6:30 p.m., in the Community Room on the lower floor of the Civic Centre, 320 Esplanade, Sydney.

The purpose of the meeting is to re-group this Association. With a decreasing membership base, the Association hasn’t had an election for a number of years, and has been diminishing in organizational activities. Our existing executive members look forward to “new blood” to continue with trail development in this region.

The purpose of the Cape Breton County Trails Association is to

1) develop, promote and maintain area trails;

2) further the communication, understanding and co-operation among trail users and user groups in this area;

3) work towards the wise development, high standard maintenance, and responsible use of trails in this County, which may include: monitoring and reporting the state of trails in this county; Initiate and coordinate trail maintenance and development work projects; encourage coordination of trail development, management and promotion efforts throughout the County; and contribute to public education on trails and trail related topics.

Over the past few years, several changes have taken place in trail development throughout the province. The K-class road issues are finally being addressed, with many trail groups successful with their applications to use these roads as part of their trails. The OHV Advisory Fund is now available for groups building and/or maintaining motorized multi-use trails. Other agencies are also providing funds for other types of trails.

The Cape Breton County Trails Association is an organization inclusive of all types of trails. Various trail development organizations have made presentations to us over the years, and we’ve tried to assist these groups with some support. Some groups are developing pedestrian trails, some are developing cycling/pedestrian trails, others are doing off-highway vehicle trails. Our region is big enough to accommodate various types of trails, and if we pool our creative and leadership resources, we can help each other create the trails we want.

We look forward to seeing you on May 22.  If you plan to attend this meeting, or if you have any questions, please contact Jamie at 563-5071 or Heather at 563-5512.

cc Rod MacArthur, Treasurer

Heather MacDougall, Program Coordinator
CBRM Recreation Department
320 Esplanade
Sydney, N.S.  B1P 7B9
1-902-563-5512
hgmacdougall@cbrm.ns.ca

WALKING

Walking:
"Walking is the first thing an infant wants to do and the last thing an old person wants to give up. Walking is the exercise that does not need a gym. It is the prescription without medicine, the weight control without diet, and the cosmetic that can’t be found in a chemist. It is the tranquilizer without a pill, the therapy without a psychoanalyst, and the holiday that does not cost a penny. What’s more, it does not pollute, consumes few natural resources and is highly efficient. Walking is convenient, it needs no special equipment, is self-regulating and inherently safe. Walking is as natural as breathing."

 
John Butcher, Founder Walk21, 1999   More info on walking at:

WALK21

CBRM ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN, MEETING

You are invited to attend an Open House on CBRM Active Transportation this Monday, April 21 between 4:00 and 9:00 p.m. or Tuesday, April 22, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room, CBRM Civic Centre, Sydney.  The public is invited to attend the Open House at any time during the sessions, and review the AT Plan.

Active Transportation is about walking, cycling, wheeling, in-line skating, skateboarding, rowing or any other form of human-powered transportation. In the fall of 2007 the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s Active Transportation Committee started work on a plan to help improve conditions for active transportation within its communities. During November and December the Committee carried out an extensive public consultation process including information sessions, focus groups and an on-line survey.

When complete, the Active Transportation Plan will help to improve the health of the citizens of CBRM by developing opportunities to connect this “community of communities” through walking and cycling in a manner that will create social, economic and environmental benefits.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: check out our website www.cbrm-atplan.ca., or contact any of the following:

CBRM Councillor Ray Paruch

Chairman of the Active Transportation Committee

578-7079 or:

       Rick McCready RGMcCready@cbrm.ns.ca

                         (902) 563-5072

       Brian Hollingworth bhollingworth@ibigroup.com

                       (416) 596-1930 EXT 414

       Heather MacDougall   hgmacdougall@cbrm.ns.ca 

                            (902) 563-5512

Happy Birthday Nip Hillier

 

 

All members of the Cape Breton Island Hoppers and Friends:

From the Family of Howard "Nip Hillier"

You are all invited to attend Nips 80th birthday party.

2-4 pm, Saturday 5 April 2008

St Giles Presbyterian Church

49 Campbell Ext., North Sydney, NS

Nip is involved in several organizations and it maybe appropriate for his walking friends to wear a club t-shirt, sweater, jacket anything you want to distinguish us from his many other friends.

For our newest members who may not be aware, Nip is one of our founding members.

It is a rare occasion that Nip has missed any of our guided walks throughout the years.

Special Note: NIP lead the walk in North Sydney today Sunday 30 March 2008. 30 members of the Island Hoppers came out to walk on this cloudy cool day for a 10k walk around the community.

Nip was one of the original walkers in our first event 1997 and was one of 16 walkers who showed up for our first event of 2008.

Shhh!!! This is a surprise party.

Rollie Coombes
Canadian Volkssport Federation
Director Atlantic Region
www.walks.ca

"Walking Near The Sea We Forget To Count The Days"
rajcoombes@ns.sympatico.ca

REMINDERS FOR 2008

Reminders For 2008

• Central Nova Volksport Club (Truro) will host the 5th Annual Atlantic Directors Meeting and Walks on 18-19-20 April, 2008.

The Atlantic Directors Meeting is open to All Atlantic Club Presidents and the Trails Coordinator and or a Rep from each volkssport club in Atlantic Canada.

Rollie Coombes Director Atlantic Region.

The Central Nova Club will also provide Guided Walks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and these walk events are open to all volkssporters and guests. In addition all participants are encouraged to attend dinner at a local restaurant after the meeting on Saturday 19 April.

• VALLEY TREKKERS VOLKSSPORT CLUB

Host Club for the 2008 CVF/FCV Convention and Annual General Meeting

The Convention will take place at Acadia University, Wolfville, NS

May 23-25, 2008

Walk in the Land of Orchards and Tides

Contact Information:
Lynda Kanne
Convention Coordinator
902-847-1772
ricklynda.kanne@ns.sympatico.ca

Online information:
http://www.valleytrekkers.com/index.html

There will be a six day POST CONVENTION BUS TOUR sponsored by the Valley Trekkers Volkssport Club. Contact Lynda Kanne for further information as per the contact info above.
The theme for this trip is Lighthouse Tour and will be offered from May 27 - June 1, 2008.

Venue and Accommodations for the convention:
ACADIA UNIVERSITY
15 University Avenue
Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6
1-800-542-8425
ask.acadiau@acadiau.ca
http://www.acadiau.ca/

• PUBLICATION AVAILABLE:

Discover

Atlantic Canada

Through

VOLKSSPORTS

The Atlantic Region's Guide to Year Rounds/Seasonal Events & Guided Walks 2008. (the blue book) is now available by contacting the club president or the Ways and Means committee.

• FIRST WALK 2008:

The First Guided Walk of 2008 for The Island Hoppers will take place on Sunday, 09 March using our Year Round Event in Sydney.

Meeting Point or Start Point is the Cambridge Suites parking lot 380 Esplanade.

This years first walk event will be led by Doug and Kathy Grant.

• YEAR ROUND EVENTS (YRE's)

Sydney, 380 Esplanade, Cambridge Suites

North Sydney, 9 Baird Street, Clansmen Motel

Both walk events are now open for 2008 and can be walked by any individuals or groups when you have the inclination to do so. A great way to get back in shape after the holiday festivities, it is also a good way to support your club and to introduce a friend to volkssporting.

A Walking Experience:

• CB Island Hoppers Vice President Elsie Buck attended a Nordic Walking course in Baddeck on 14 December 2007. Elsie is now qualified to teach Nordic Walking techniques to all those who are interested in this unique walking experience. Contact Elsie for more information about Nordic Walking.

NEW PRESIDENT OF CBIH

Above Photo: December 8th 2007 Rollie Coombes (L) presents the CBIH club presidents pin to Joe MacKinnon (R). Joe has become the 4th president of the (CBIH) Cape Breton Island Hoppers in the clubs 10th year as a member of the Canadian Volkssport Federation (CVF).

Above Photo: The Island Hoppers 2nd Past-President Phil Irons takes this opportunity too present Rollie Coombes with a Past Presidents pin. Rollie becomes the third past president of the CBIH and has also taken over the position of Director Atlantic Region for the Canadian Volkssport Federation (CVF).

NEW EXECUTIVE

I am very pleased to announce that CBIH has completed its Annual General Meeting with an overwhelming support of a new and full slate of Executive members and all committees are filled. The club is in excellent hands and I wish you all the best of luck and good healthy walking. Rollie

YOUR NEW EXECUTIVE MEMBERS:

President: Joe MacKinnon

Vice President: Elsie Buck

Treasurer: Lucy Nardini

Secretary: Judy Lorway

Ways & Means: Barb Thistle, Cal Thistle

Membership: Carmel Coffin

Public Relations: Doug Grant

Trails Committee Coordinators: Joe MacKinnon, Elsie Buck
Trails Committee Members: Shirley Pettigrew, Carol Hiscock, Doug Grant, Cathy Grant, Rollie Coombes, Ann Coombes

Past President: Rollie Coombes

Joe MacKinnon has been elected to the Board of Directors of "PATHWAYS CAPE BRETON".

Rollie Coombes is the Canadian Volkssport Federation's Atlantic Region Director elect.

Please note that I will continue to look after the website and I am looking for new photos and stories about walking in Cape Breton with the Island Hoppers. Rollie

PATHWAYS CAPE BRETON

Presents a guided walk on Saturday 8 Nov @ 10:00am

St Ann's Gaelic College

Walk Leader, Bethsheila Kent of Pathways Cape Breton

This is not an IVV sanctioned walk, however a fun thing to do and a good opportunity to check out the trails at St Anns.

Also there is a flea market, baked goods, The college gift shop has an end of the season sale!!

AFTER THE WALK DON'T FORGET THE ANNUAL CLUB PARTY! PARTY! PARTY!

"Last Party For the season with your walking friends"!

Ann and Rollie Coombes will host the "end of the year Pot-luck".

Come out for the FUN of it!

WHERE: 364 York Street, Glace Bay

DATE: Saturday, 8 December, 7:00pm

more info required: bretonhoppers@hotmail.com

LAST WALK, LAST PARTY, ANNUAL MEETING

WALK AND BIKE FOR LIFE

Active Transportation Presentation with Gil Penalosa

http://www.walkandbikeforlife.org/

Nov. 28, 2007 @ 4:30pm

Cape Breton University (Royal Bank Theatre)

Nov. 28, 2007

BayPlex, Glace Bay @ 7:00pm

Nov. 29, 2007

Centre 200, Sydney @ 2:00pm & 7:00pm

Active Transportation Coalition (AcTrac)

c/o NS Health Promotion & Protection * Mxxham Centre Suite 2 * 380 Kings Rd. * Sydney, NS B1S 1A8

Tel: (902) 563-2380 * Fax: (902) 563-2565 chishoco@gov.ns.ca

LAST GROUP/GUIDED WALK FOR
2007

The Island Hoppers will be in Sydney on Sunday 18 Nov.
This is a Guided Walk using our Year Round Walk Event.
Meet at the Parking Lot Cambridge Suites @ 1:30 for registration.
We will Start Walking at 2:00pm sharp!
This is a 10k walk event with an optional 5k for those who prefer a shorter route.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

"focus on membership"

The clubs annual general meeting (AGM) will take place at the Atlantic SuperValue Store in Sydney River.

SATURDAY, NOV. 24th @ 2:00pm, please register by 1:45pm

This is a very important meeting and the only meeting that we have throughout the year.
Approval for a new club executive, annual club membership fees, annual fees to CVF.
Walk committees and scheduling for future walk events.
We are in need of a publicity coordinator/public relations.
Lets keep this club going, help keep our walking program active!

A more specific agenda to be published soon.

LAST CHANCE TO PARTY!

"For the season with your walking friends"!

Ann and Rollie Coombes will host this years "end of the year party/pot-luck".

Come out for the FUN of it!

WHERE: 364 York Street, Glace Bay

DATE: Saturday, 8 December, 7:00pm

2008 Walk Schedule

A copy of our schedule for 2008 is now available, ask for a copy at the next walk or contact the CBIH executive for information.

bretonhoppers@hotmail.com

The schedule is also available online at:

http://www.capebretonislandhoppers.com/

and is found in the link "Events". (maybe under construction and may not be completed at this time)

WALK RESCHEDULED DUE TO NOEL

WHAT NOEL OFF THE COAST OF LOUISBOURG WOULD LOOK LIKE IF I HAD DARED TO GO OUT FOR A PICTURE!

As most of you are aware we were forced to cancel the Guided Walk Event on Sunday, 4 Nov due to the Tropical Storm NOEL.

The GW will be rescheduled for Sunday, 11 Nov. 2007

Registration 1:30pm Walk Start Time 2:00pm

Colliery Lands Park, Ellsworth Ave., New Waterford.

Due to weather and trail conditions we may have to use an alternate route other then the Davis Trail that was planned for this event.

PLEASE NOTE:

November 11 is also Remembrance Day, all ceremonial activities traditionally end on the 11th hour of the 11th day,The Poppy is then placed on memorials or gravesites at this time, therefore we will not be breaking any protocols for this special day of Remembrance for our veterans.

Lest We Forget!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

A SHORT MEETING!!!:

MEETING:

The clubs AGM for this year will be held on Saturday, November 24th @ 2pm.

The Community Room, SuperValue, Sydney River.

An agenda for this years meeting will be published shortly.
Members are asked to email or call in and make suggestions for discussion at this meeting.
Candidates for club positions are also required.

Margaree Valley

Marsh Brook Trail

The weather cooperated for this very lovely walk along the Marsh Brook Trail/Road in East Margaree.
Fantastic fall colours greeted the 24 walkers who ventured out from different parts of the island on a cloudy and what look to be a rainy day. We were not disappointed the valley proved to be a wonderful place to walk, the trail is very compact and even with all the rain the previous night there were few puddles along the route. The walk leader Phil Rice showed the group a small waterfall and rapids and an unofficial picnic area hidden off the trail. This was a delightful area to take another break and enjoy the beauty of the Margaree Valley
Kathi Rice headed back home early to warm up the soups and hot meal that she prepared for the club members after this great walk into the heart of the Margaree Valley. Kathi out did herself on this occassion providing a great lunch and wonderful hospitality. This writer especially enjoyed the Chili, the soup, the pasta and the neighbours biscuits and a good hot cup of tea.
Thanks you Kathi and Phil we enjoyed the day and evening.

A special place along the River to sit and enjoy the natural beauty of the Margaree Valley. see more pictures in Photo Gallery!

Letter from Graham Fawcett

Message From Graham Fawcett, CVF President

Hello all,

Blessed by incredible weather, good spirits, excellent walks and a lot of friendship, the combined group of walkers from the Club Volkssport-Nord Sud and the Dartmouth Volkssport Club have returned to the mainland from a week of walking on the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Congratulations to Lionel and Lisette, plus all the others who pitched in to help make this a most memorable Volkssport event.

Imagine more than 150Volkssporters on five tiny islands - that's visibility!

I have begun to receive some pictures taken last week and will put up the best that I receive, if people want to send them to me by email attachment at gfwcettt@rogers.com.

The web site address to see the pictures already posted is:

http://web.mac.com/grahamfawcett/iWeb/Site/Magdalen%20Islands.html

Bookmark it for future reference and visit often to see the most recent additions.

Again, congratulations to all involved. Your hard work over the past year to make this possible had paid off.

I know the participants will be talking about this past week for years to come.

Graham

WALK SUNDAY 09 SEPT

FIRST MEMORIAL WALK EVENT

On Sunday Sept 9th the CBIH will hold its first annual memorial walk in honour of Shirley Boutillier.

The Walk Event Start Point is the junction of Trout Brook Rd and Ben-George Road Marion Bridge off Hwy 327.

Registration begins at 1:30pm. Walk Time 2:00pm

In accordance with the wishes of Shirley's family there will only be a very short dedication and we will step off as per the posted time, this was one of Shirley's reminders to the walk leaders--- "its 2 o'clock time to get walking".

Bill and Family have invited the group to their home at 35 Sherwood Dr Marion Bridge, this is a very short distance from the Walk Start Point located off the Ben-George Road.

There will be a pot luck dinner immediately after the walk event, please bring any type of food item that you may specialize in.

The Ways and Means committee (Barb & Cal) will also supply a bbq of hamburgers/hotdogs & soft drinks.

CBIH TEMP CLUB EXECUTIVE CHANGES

Island Hoppers,

After ten years of walking with you as a member of the club, the original trails coordinator and being a founding member of The CBIH and the president of the club for approx. 5- 6 years it is now time to take a leave from club duties.

Today (Sunday 05 August 20007) was my last official day as the club president. Joe MacKinnon and Elsie Buck will look after the duties of the club president or as care takers until 24 November 2007.

Nominations for a new club president, vice president, treasurer, membership will have to be filled in the upcoming club annual general meeting. Elections for these posts must be completed on Saturdy 24 November.

I will be working with Elsie and Joe to help maintain a smooth transition of a new executive for the upcoming year and in fact we have just completed a new 2008 schedule, the new schedule will be available for distribution in late October.

The President of The Canadian Volkssport Federation (CVF) Graham Foster and the CVF Board of Directors have invited or elected me to be the Director of Atlantic Region to replace Lynda Kanne who has held that position for the past four years.

The CVF constitution does not allow for a third consecutive 2 year term for this position. I have accepted the Boards decision and will become the Director Atlantic Region effective 06 August 2007 and will complete this term during the Annual General Convention to be held in Wolfville NS during the weekend 23-25 May 2008 with a possible extension until 2009.

I do not want to hold the position of CBIH President and Director Atlantic Region at the same time due to a possible conflict of interest and the work load that will be thrust upon me as a new director within the CVF.

However I can and will remain as an ordinary member and Past President of CBIH.

The Island Hoppers will and must continue as Cape Bretons only island wide club I ask all of you to please help Joe and Elsie to continue this club.

A club president is not the club; the club is its members and more importantly it is the active membership that will continue to walk for fun, fitness and friendship that make up this wonderful organization.

With deep affection for all of you,

Rollie Coombes
Director Atlantic Region & Past President CBIH

WALKING ADVENTURES INTERNATIONAL, BUS TOUR

UISGE BAN FALLS 2nd Walk for 2007 Upadated Information on The Walk as of 12 July 2007 plus a short video as compiled by "Hike The Highlands".

http://hikethehighlandsfestival.wordpress.com/2007/07/06/uisge-ban-falls-video/

Location:
BADDECK FORKS

Date:
Aug 13, 2007 Time:1:15pm

Contact:
Rollie Coombes

Phone:
902-849-0747 or cell: 565-6256

Email: bretonhoppers@hotmail.com

Web: http://www.capebretonislandhoppers.com/


All participants are requested to meet at the Telegraph House, 479 Chebucto Street, Village of Baddeck before 1:15pm (13:15hrs). If all goes well we should be walking on or about 1:30pm.

We will convoy or motorcade to the Start Point with the tour bus "Walking Adventures International" and their tour guide Debbie Zimel.

We will leave our cars along the gravel road 3k from the provincial park.near the small, recently reconstructed, wooden bridge.

After the walk we will hitch a ride back to our cars with the tour group.

Please note "for those walkers who want to do 5k only", they may continue to drive to the provincial park and wait for the 10k main group to arrive who will be walking to the Provincial Park. from the bridge area.

LOUISBOURG DINNER SATURDAY 21 JULY

CB Island Hoppers, friends:

The 8th of July 2007 was the cut off date for registration to the dinner at Fortress Louisbourg.

The dinner coordinator required time, numbers of diners and the monies to submit to the restaurant and Parks Canada.

We cannot extend this cut off date for registration, please note we (I) have been advertising this dinner since Sept 2006 at almost every walk and by e-mail and brochures etc.

Anyone who contacted Phil on or before 08 July and indicated their cheques was in the mail, will be assured a place or seat at the dinner.

Please confirm with Phil if you are unsure if you have sent in your registration.

NS AND CAPE BRETON MAPS

MAPS OF CAPE BRETON & NOVA SCOTIA



New club members, visitors and anyone wanting a map of Cape Breton/Nova Scotia can do so by ordering online at http://www.novascotia.com/ , these are free!

When you get on this site follow the links for maps or travel guides and fill out the required information.

You can request the Doers and Dreamers Guide as well, this is a great reference book for summer activities, hotels, B&Bs, museums and overall general information about NS & CB.

You may also send them to friends and relatives who are considering visiting the area.

CANADA DAY WALK/POT LUCK LUNCH

The potluck on 1 July will be held at Lucy Nardini's home, 106 Carmichael Drive, Sydney River.
This is a change from our 2007 Schedule of Events.
Please pass this information onto all club members.

July 1st Walk begins at St. Josephs RC Church parking lot.
40 Cabot Street, Sydney B1P 4C8
This is a 10k walk only rated 2A
Walk Start Time: 2pm and registration begins at 1:30pm.

Our walk event on Canada Day will follow most of the route that Ann Irons used to do before our club was formed. That particuliar walk was a non-sanctioned event to introduce to the general public what a 10k route would be like and it would ensure what we were getting ourselves into. The success of this walk event lead to the formation of the Cape breton Island Hoppers Volkssport Club.
July 1st is also the last event for those who have been able to accumulate the required stamps (4 out of 6 walk events) for the certificate and pins that celebrate the 20th Anniversary of The Canadian Volkssport Federation (CVF) entry into the International Volkssport Federation or IVV.




WHAT A KEEPER!

The trail at Mabou starting near the "Pioneer Shrine" is a very unique walking trails that wanders along the Mull River and was once part of the railroad that stretched from Inverness to Port Hawkesbury.
A flat dry trail with several bridges crossing over the Mull River. The trail is well maintained by the local Mabou Trails Society. Along the trail is a marsh with plenty of birds and other wild life. In 2006 our group walked in a southerly direction and found the trail to be soft and boggy in places however this year going in the opposite direction (N) we were pleasently surprised to find the trail to be well compacted even after a rain the night before.
This is an excellent route to keep in mind for a future outing to Mabou.
On this walk there were 28 participants, Carol Obianwu from Texas joined us for the second time this year and hopes to join us again before leaving the island.
Phylis Wilton completed her first five free events and is now the proud owner of a Distance and Event Books and has become a full fledged member of the CBIH. WELCOME!
We would also like to welcome another new walker with us and we hope to see more of her is Julie Dzaich from Sydney. Great to see new faces along the trail.

After 1 July we get into our 10th Anniversary Walk Events. There's still time to register for the dinner at Fortress Louisbourg. Come out and have Fun, Food and Friendship with the Island Hoppers.

Mabou Rail Trail Event

The Mabou walk will take place at Mother Of Sorrows Shrine, 45 South West Ridge Rd., Mabou.

Here is a google map of the Start Point:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?ll=46.068244,-61.397299&spn=0.004995,0.008669&t=h&z=17&om=1&msa=0&msid=105129794935099277215.00000113184a637842081



After the walk event we are suggesting the Mull Restaurant for dinner before you head home.

Go to the Mull restaurant web site for a look at the menu plus information if you want to reserve a table!

http://www.duncreigan.ca/

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

Early Bird Special

Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada
Annual Park Entry Passes
(Family, Adult, Senior, Youth)

50% off until June 30th, 2007

Telephone orders accepted: 224-2306 or 285-2691

Elaine Wallace Manager, Heritage Presentation & Visitor Services
Cape Breton Highlands National Parke
laine.wallace@pc.gc.ca
(902) 285-2270 or 285-3006FAX: (902) 285-2866

Two New Walks Added To The Schedule

A New Festival Partner

This year the Island Hoppers will participate in the Johnny Miles Festival, Sydney Mines. Sunday, 05 August. More details to follow in our Events Schedule at www.capebretonislandhoppers.com

(article in Cape Breton Post, 05 June 07, pg A10, "Festival partners with walking club to promote active lifestyle.")

The Johnny Miles Festival has been developing this road race and other healthy activities for the past five years and they hope to include our volksmarch event on an annual basis.

If you want to know more about the Boston Marathon and the story of the Sydney Mines marathon runner Johnny Miles go to:

http://www.davidblaikie.com/david_blaikie/boston/baa_1926.htm

A quote from the author David Blaikie:

'Our feet may leave home but not our hearts'

Back to the waterfalls:

Another new walk ( a new IVV stamp will be issued) to our schedule for 2007 but one of our most favourite trails will be at Uisge Ban Falls on Monday, 13 August. We will host one of our favourite travelling walking groups, WAI - Walking Adventures International-

Anyone wanting to join me for this adventure should be prepared for an early morning start. We will meet the bus at The Telegraph House on Chebucto Street in Baddeck and then motorcade to the Start Point along the dirt road leading to the Provincial Park. In fact we will start 3kms from the park in order to get our full 10ks, After the walk when we arrive at the picnic area club members will hitch a ride back to our cars with the tour group. more details to follow.

St Peters Rail Trail

The Walk on Sunday June 2nd, International Trails Day, in St. Peters and the St. Peters Rail Trail had 18 members participating in this event.

The weather was great, sunny with a mild breeze but very suitable for a walk along the coastline of St Peters. Besides our new members we were joined by Rilla And Jim McLean, Port Hawkesbury and joining us for the first time this year were Phil and Kathi Rice who are summer/fall residents in Margaree. Welcome back folks we look forward to many more walk events with all of you.

INTERNATIONAL TRAILS DAY

SATURDAY, 02 JUNE 2007

International Trails Day walk event will begin at Battery Point in St Peters.

REGISTRATION begins at 1:30pm

Walk Start Time: 2:00pm.

This event is rated 1B & 2B

Distances: 5 & 10k

Bring your lunch and have a small picnic at the park before the walk begins.

After the event we suggest "Inn On The Lake" for dinner.
Located near the St. Peters Canal bridge.

World Walking Day, Glace Bay 12 May 2007

The third walk event for 2007 had 32 walkers in attendance and with 4 new participants should deem this a very successful walk event.
fourteen members attended dinner at the Miners Village restaurant and the hotmeal and drinks were very much appreciated after the high winds we experienced along the shoreline of South Street Beach.
A photo of the group is available in the photo gallery of our new website format.

BADDECK WALKS

On Sunday May 20th we provided 2 walk events.
The morning walk started at the tourist info centre on Chebucto St. in the Village of Baddeck with 17 participants, 3 new participants showed up for this Year Round Event.

Lynda & Rick Kanne from the Valley Trekkers Volkssport Club and their Friend Allyson Hayman from the Truro Club (Central Nova) arrived for a day of walking on Cape Breton Island.

These great friends and enthusiastic walkers showed up again for our afternoon walk to Uisge Ban Falls, where once again we signed in 17 walkers for the National Walking Weekend Events.

New particpants with the club included Dianne Clarke, Phyllis Wilton, Marie , Donald & Maureen MacKenzie.

A drizzle! of rain made the trail a little slippery in places and with one of the bridges out we had to change plans as to how the walk was to proceed.
The falls and the North Baddeck River were a spectaculiar site at this time of the year . This was a worthwhile hike to the falls that will not soon be forgotten.

Check out the photo gallery in our new website format.

VOLKSSPORT CANADA SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscription fees for VOLKSSPORT CANADA has been increased to $15.00 annually. Still a good bargain for the CVF national magazine.
Go to www.walks.ca for further information on how to order.

Our club newsletter Heel n Toe is free and is published as we have information to pass on, usually bi-annually.

The Island Hoppers next event is in Baddeck on Sunday May 20th, 2007
The first walk begins at 10:00am at the Tourist Info Centre on Chebucto St.
The second walk of the day begins at 2:00pm at Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park.
Check calendar of events on the website: www.capebretonislandhoppers.com

Shirley Pettigrew leads the CBIH on Sunday April 22 at Mira Provincial Park.

What a great day for a walk in the park, 26 regular members showed up for this 10k event plus four new walkers to our organization.

Hope to see more of you out at our next walk in Glace Bay on Saturday May 12 at 2pm for our World Walkind Day Event.

The walk begins at the Miners Museum on Birkley Street, located off South Street.

World Walking Day is one of four walks in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the (CVF) Canadian Volkssport Federation.

A special stamp will be placed in your BOOKS plus an additional booklet will be provided that you must have stamped as well at the National Walking Weekend Event on Sunday May 20th (afternoon walk) at Uisge Ban Falls, International Trails Day on June 2nd in St Peters on the St Peters Rail Trail and July 1st in Sydney for our clubs original walk event.

RECAP OF WALKS YOU MUST QUALIFY FOR THE CVF SPECIAL AWARD:

GLACE BAY - WORLD WALKING DAY - SUNDAY MAY 12th

UISGE BAN FALLS - NATIONAL WALKING WEEKEND - SUNDAY MAY 20th

ST. PETERS - INTERNATIONAL TRAILS DAY - JUNE 2nd

SYDNEY - CANADA DAY & ORIGINAL WALK EVENT - SUNDAY JULY 1st

All four walks will be eligible for a CVF special certificate, a pin is available for $5.00 by registering with the CVF and will be sent out to you upon registering.

TALL SHIPS AT LOUISBOURG

The Cape Breton Ports of Louisbourg, Sydney and Port Hawkesbury will be hosting "The Tall Ships" on the same weekend as our 10th Anniversary walk program in Louisbourg.

Four ships will be in Louisbourg harbour July 20-21 and nine ships will be in Sydney harbour July 22-23.

This will be an added enhancement to our walk program. What a fantastic opportunity to watch these great sailing ships as we proceed along the shoreline at Little Lorraine on Saturday morning or you can glimpse these great ships while on our sunset walk to the fortress.

The "early bird walkers" can catch the ships at Louisbourg (20 July) Friday AM and then head to Catalone in the afternoon for our walk along the "Devils Hill Trail".

From the information I have at the present time (Cape Breton Post, Saturday, April 7, 20007) the ships will be in Sydney harbour on Sunday and Monday so anyone wanting to visit the ships or just get the chance to see them under full sail will be able to enjoy our weekend of walking and have plenty of time to see these magnificient sailing ships as well.

Your support is needed to make this a successful weekend for our/your
club. The Island Hoppers executive are working hard to make this an
unforgettable birthday celebration, please help by registering early for our dinner and walk at Fortress Louisbourg.

We must have confirmation of number of persons attending as quickly as possible. The official cutoff date is 8 July 2007 however a decision to cancel may have to be made sooner. If we do not have a sufficient number of walkers and diners we may have to forfeit the restaurants to a larger function.

The $40 cost includes the IVV fee for the "Louisbourg Then Walk", National Historic Site Fees, the Dinner all Taxes and Tips in addition we will be holding 3 walks on National Historic properties and a complimentary (free) picnic/luncheon this same weekend.

An online registration form is available on our website on LINKS >CBIH to the right of this page:

or: http://users.syd.eastlink.ca/~cbih/



A brochure and registration is also available at any of our walk events.

THE SECOND WALK EVENT FOR 2007:

Mira Provincial Park, Brickyard Road off Rte 22 (Louisbourg Hwy)

Sunday, 22 April, 1:30pm is Registration, Start Time 2:00pm

This is a very easy 5/10k event; enjoy the walk through the park
before the sunbathers and tourist show up; the walk is rated at
1B.

COMING SOON AND STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

http://www.capebretonislandhoppers.com/

In the near future I will take all of the present sites and combine them under one umbrella known as Cape Breton Island Hoppers.

OUR FIRST 2007 WALK EVENT

A FRIEND, WHO WILL NOT SOON BE FORGOTTEN!

The Island Hoppers 10th year has begun with the sad and devasting news of the passing of one of our most devoted members.

On Monday March 5th Shirley Boutilier surrounded by her loving family passed away at her beloved home in Marion Bridge.

Shirley is an original founding member of our club, she was a member of our first walk committees, assisted with ways and means. Shirley was ever present at all walk events, volunteered tirelessly to work on our many picnics, bbq's.

On several or many occassions she welcomed the entire club to her home in Marion Bridge to potluck suppers and bbq's.

She and Bill travlled throughout Canada in their RV and made it appoint to walk in all the Canadian Provinces. Shirley and Bill are both recepients of the Ron Colpitts Award for outstanding volunteers on a (CVF) volkssport club committee for 5 years or more.

Shirley was the first one to go out and look for new trails and prewalk as many as she could. She encouraged the walk committee to plan as many events as possible for the year and she introduced us to at least one challenge walk each year such as Money Point and North River Falls.

Shirley's smile and the bright twinkle in her eyes will not be forgotten, she made new comers to the club feel welcomed as old friends. She made old friends feel at home at all times in her presence.

With a little mischief in her smile she reminded me that it was 2 o'clock and it was time to get these people walking. "Come On Let's Get Going There a Trail Waiting For Us"!

THE CB ISLAND HOPPERS WILL CONTINUE TO WALK FOR FUN, FITNESS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY FOR FRIENDSHIP!

The CB Island Hoppers are once again ready for another exciting year of walking for fun, fitness and friendship.

(The Island Hoppers on The Clyburn Trail, Highland National Park)

The First Walk Event for 2007 will be held:

- Sun Mar 25

- Registration 1:30pm

- Start Time 2pm

- Walk Distance 5/10k

- North Sydney, Clansman Motel, 9 Baird St.

Time to shake off the winter blues and get ready for spring.

This year we will be celebrating our 10th year as a walking club within the Canadian Volkssport Federation (CVF).

The CVF is celebrating a birthday as well. This is the offical 20th Anniversary of this organization and there will be a special walk program throughout the year.

A special certificate will be issued to all members upon completion of at least 4 out of 6 designated walk events that will take place in 2007 only.

This program commenced 01 Feb. 2007 and closes 01 July. Only the designated walks completed within these dates are acceptable for submission.

A special one page booklet has been prepared and can be picked up at the next walk event; on/or before 8-12 May 2007. Ensure that the booklet is stamped at each of the four walk events noted below.

A list of qualifying walks is available on the CVF website at www.walks.ca

Due to scheduling we (CBIH) have not been able to participate in the Feb. and April Events. My apologies for this inconvenience.

The Island Hoppers qualifying Walk Events are clearly marked on the Annual Schedule as (CVF's 20th Anniversary Program). A recap of the dates:

Sat 12 May in Glace Bay, World Walking Day, your book will be stamped WWD 2007. The CVF has desiginated this walk event as a Time for fitness.

Sun 20 May the afternoon walk at Uisge Ban Falls, National Walking Weekend, your books will be stamped NWW 2007. Desiginated as a Time For Fun

Sat Jun 02 in St. Peters, The Rail Trail& Battery Park, International Trails Day.

Desiginated as a Time for Friendship.

Sun July 1, Sydney,

40 Cabot Street, St Josephs RC Church, this our original first walk with some variations and is desiginated as Festive Air.

All dates were set by the CVF and in order to get the special certificates we
had to abide by the rules. All clubs had to walk their original
event on 01 July of this year. My apologies to Ways And Means Committee, Barb
& Cal Thistle who have organized our July 1st walks over the past few years.
Hopefully Barb and Cal will once again lead our Canada Day Walk in 2008.

The Annual Walk Schedule and our 10th Anniversary schedule, Celtic Colours Walks, all the walk events for the CVF are online, check the right hand side of this web page for the respected links.

NORTH RIVER FALLS

NIP HILLIER AT THE BASE OF THE NORTH RIVER FALLS

Achievement Awards & Old Photos

Hold On! I thought I had given up on this type of walking adevnture when I retired from the infantry. So, here I am again, the only things missing is a rifle and a 60lb rucksack and a Sgt pushing me on! However my walking partner, Nip Hillier who is holding the camera seems to have filled the role of a bootcamp Sergeant, spurring us on to the mighty North River Falls......

The above picture is that of Nip Hillier crossing over one of the four rope and ladder bridges that we encountered on our very first pre-walk to the North River Falls Sept 29th 1998.

Due to the many crossings of the river at that time we decided that this was more of a hiking adventure then a volkswalk and we delayed a group walk to the North River Falls for another three or more years. In the ensuing years the area was closed to hikers and campers due to an extreme fire index and for two years access was delayed as the new bridges (replacing the rope bridges) were washed away during the spring breakup.

The clubs first trip to the North River Falls was led by Bill Boutilier using an alternate route along the Oregeon Trail. A cross country walk that was not soon forgotten as we encountered some very steep climbing down into the gorge at the base of the falls.

My father considered a walk among the mountains as the equivalent of churchgoing.
-Edward P. Weston

The club eventually made it to the falls along the river trail once a new route was opened up along one side of the river (the east side) by NS Natural Resources Dept. and The St Ann's Bay Trail Association.

I am looking for more pictures and small antedotes to help celebrate
our 10th anniversary celebrations.

Send me a photo with a caption or a story about your exploits with the
club on a group guided or pre-walk.

Of all excercises walking is the best.

-Thomas Jefferson

In the Fall & Winter issues of VOLKSSPORT CANADA I came across the following information:

Event Achievement Awards:

10 Events Edward (Ed) Hopkins Port Morien

75 Events William (Bill) Hopkins Sydney River

100 Events William (Bill) Hopkins

100 Events Shirley Pettigrew from Mira Bay

250 Events Carmel Coffin Sydney

400 Events Barbara Thistle Sydney

400 Events Cal Thistle

Distance Achievement Awards:

1000 km Shirley Pettigrew Mira Bay

1000 km William (Bill) Hopkins Sydney River

1500 km Ann Coombes Glace Bay

1500 km Judith Lorway Sydney

1500 km Lucy Nardini Sydney

3000 km Carmel Coffin Sydney

3000 km Roland Coombes Glace Bay

4000 km Isabel Grant North Sydney

4000 km Robin Grant

4500 km Cal Thistle

Congratulations to all!

A reason to Volkssport! 1 of 14.

• Invest in your own health by adopting a safe, inexpensive, low-impact exercise regime

CHANGES TO YEAR ROUND & MID-SEASONAL EVENTS 2007

Regretfully I must inform all members that I have not been able to place the new 2007 slugs at each designated location as of this time due to personal health problems.

I will get the slugs setup as soon as I am able to travel once again.

We have been forced to make some changes to our Year Round Events in order to continue with these Self-Guided Walk Events.

Low turn out and financial considerations had to be taken into account, a second review will be made during the 2007 season and a final decision will be made to cancel at least one YRE before the start of 2008!

The following statement will be placed in all five (5) log books (sign in books) at each location before the end of January.

BEFORE STARTING THE WALK PLEASE NOTE:

The Walk Events in Glace Bay, Louisbourg and Baddeck have had some changes for the 2007 season.

These walk events have been discontinued as Year Round Events for 2007, they have been changed to Mid-Seasonal Event status as per the Rules And Regulations as outlined by The Canadian Volkssport Federation (CVF) and by approval of the CBIH club executive who recognized that these events needed to be changed due to the low turn out of walkers each year. The overhead cost have become another concern for the club, we will review this decision at the end of 2007.

“A Mid-Seasonal Event [up to 6 months less a day]”

These self-guided walk event will continue from 5 May 2007 to 28 Oct 2007.

All members of the IVV and CBIH who participate in the awards program may continue to stamp their Event Books twice in the same calendar year.
(a.) Only one stamp maybe placed in your Event Books from 05 May to 30 June (2007+).
(b.) A second stamp with the “+” sign removed maybe placed in your Event Book from 1 July to 28 Oct (2007).
(c.) Distance Books maybe stamped as many times as you desire to walk these Events

Louisbourg and Baddeck will remain on the “National Lighthouse Award Program” and those persons who are participating in this “special event” can still have their Lighthouse Event Books stamped as per the programs rules.

Sydney & North Sydney:

The Year Round Events in Sydney and North Sydney will continue as YRE’s with the CVF rules applied for the “+” sign.
(a.) Only one stamp maybe placed in your Event Books, from 1 January to 30 June (2007 +).
(b.) A second stamp with the “+” sign removed maybe placed in your Event Book from 1 July to 31 Dec 2007.
(c.) Distance Books maybe stamped as many times as you desire to walk these Events.


DISTANCES:

The rules pertaining to distances on the Year Round, Seasonal & Mid-Seasonal Events have recently been changed. We are now authorized to offer shorter 5-9k walk events including the 10k or more distances that we currently offer on our routes. Therefore in the next few months the walk committee will prepare 5k routes for all of our Events.

OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR 2006

Club Members And Friends:

Regretfully I must inform you that our Christmas Party will not take place as planned on the 10 Dec.

Our new host(s) have asked for a change of DATE & TIME and the General Meeting Held on Saturday, 25 November agreed to this change:

The Christmas Party will now take place Saturday, 16 Dec @ 6PM.

My sincere Thank You to Kathy & Doug Grant who will be our host for this party.

Their home is located on 20 Hemlock Street (Hemlock extends across Kimberley Dr. and #20 is on the right), Sydney, B1S 1S4.

Kimberley Drive & Hemlock are located off Kings Road between Jaspers Restaurant and Price Choppers Grocery Store (a short distance on the right handside, when entering Sydney from the #4 Hwy on Kings Road and just after The Super Value Store).

I will do my best to inform all members however I ask that you pass this message onto anyone you know not to have e-mail.

This will be a pot luck style party

Thank You for your support in this matter.

The 10 anniversary t-shirts that Barb & Cal designed will be available at $15.00 each.

They (Cal& Barb) are now taking orders e-mail cbthistle@yahoo.com

The brochure and registration form for our 10th Anniversary celebration in Louisbourg is now available for distribution.

All of the information about the walk events and the dinner will be included in the brochure and for those attending the party I will have sufficient copies on hand to pass out.

Get your order for t-shirts and fill out the registration for our candlelight dinner ASAP as there is limited seating at Fortress Louisbourgs Restaurant.

NEW T-SHIRT FOR OUR 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

HERE IT IS THE NEW T- SHIRT, AVAILABLE ONLY THROUGHOUT 2007.

THANK YOU WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT ON THIS PROJECT

2006 LAST WALK, ANNUAL MEETING, PARTY TIME

[1] The Last Guided Walk For 2006

When: The walk will take place on Sunday, Nov. 12th

Registration: Starts at 12:30 PM

Walk Begins: 1:00 PM

Directions to the Start Point for this Guided Walk Event:
From Hwy 125 Exit 3, follow Rte.223 past Leitches Creek for approx. 7kms to the base of the Barrachois Mountain.

The walk will begin at the gravel pit located on the left (west) side of the road.

This is a guided walk event of 10k Rated at 3C, those walkers wanting to do 5 k are welcomed to do so.

[2] 9th Annual Club Meeting:

Place: 106 Carmichael Drive, Sydney River

When: Saturday, November 25th, 2006

Time: 2:00 PM (opening remarks by the chairperson will begin promptly at 2:05 PM)

The meeting is open to all club members and anyone interested or joining The Cape Breton Island Hoppers Volkssport Club.

We will be discussing the plans for the clubs 10th Anniversary celebrations for 2007 and we will have the brochure for these events available as well.

There will be a discussion as well on our 4th Celtic Colours Walk Program.

If you do not have our 2007 Guided Walk schedule you can pick it up at the annual meeting.

The club executive committee’s is open to any member who would like to volunteer for a position.

We will try to make this meeting as informal as possible but as informative as we can.

[3] IT's PARTY TIME, Annual End Of Season or Christmas Party:

This potluck dinner party will take place: TO BE CONFIRMED
Come out and enjoy the company of your fellow walkers; after this party we are taking an unprecedented extended break until March 2007.

Place: TO BE CONFIRMED AT A NEW LOCATION

When: Sunday, 10 December 2006

Time: 4:00 PM

The North River Trek

The trek along the North River Trail proved to be a little wetter under foot then we had anticipated.
Earlier in the morning before our walk there had been high winds and a heavy rainfall, particuliarly in the Glace Bay and Sydney areas where some power interuptions had been reported.
Undaunted by the weather a number of volkssporters from the Island Hoppers made their way to the North River Trail head.
Before starting off there was a light shower and wind. Then as we made our way up the trail entrance the sun broke out of the clouds and though the temp was a little cool we had a very comfortable walk.
Parts of the trail had turned into streams but we were able to walk on the high sides of the trail with little or no problems. We did not have to deviate from the trail as we have with some of the trails after a rain storm. The trail is well packed and rocky, not muddy, making it easier to walk during inclement weather.
The trail is also lined with a heavy foilage of fallen leaves with a distinctive smell in the air that you only get in the fall of the year when travelling through the forest. The vibrant colours of the fall were still visible but will soon disappear if we continue to have such wet weather this fall season.
Along the trail we passed over two bridges and the streams had turned into malstorms, the once tranquil small waterfalls along these brooks could be heard in the distance as we were approaching and then departing the bridges that crossed over these now new rivers flowing into and feeding the larger North River.
At the 4.5 k mark we turned left towards the North River; if we had continued to the right along the main trail we would have gone onto the North River Falls. Today was not the day for that particuliar trip.
At the rivers edge, the planned turn around point, we noted that the river had swollen over its banks. Where we had stood 3 days ago on the prewalk was now part of the river and after a short break we opted to head back as the weather was once again changing, thick black clouds engulfed the mountains around us and the temperture quickly and amazingly dropped in a few moments.
On the way back I noted fresh moose tracks coming up from the river heading for higher ground, apparently the moose was not interested in crossing the river today.
We were a fortunate group of walkers as we made it make to the Start/Finish Point without getting wet and in fact most if not all the walkers heeded the advice of the prewalkers to wear good hiking boots and we arrived back without even getting our feet wet.
A successful and wonderful walk along the North River.

In the coming years we will again consider this walk event for our Celtic Colours Program as there is potential for three seperate walks in this area; this Includes a much more comfortable start point to the North River Trail other then the SP that is located in the North River Park picnic area.

MESSAGE FROM SUZANNE & LEE LAZARO

ON THE CANOE LAKE TRAIL,CELTIC COLOURS WALKS, 2006




A VIEW OF CANOE LAKE, CELTIC COLOURS WALKS, 2006



The following message was sent by Lee and Suzanne Lazaro, California USA

Rollie - please share this short message with the Island Hoppers.
Thanks, Lee.

" Hello and greetings to the Island Hoppers ! Suzanne and I, as well as Suzanne's mom, Janet, wanted to share with you how pleased we were to join the Island Hoppers volksporting group this summer, and how much we enjoyed walking and talking with many of you. Due to the arrival of friends at our home in Cape Breton last week, we were unable to make the final walk in Louisburg, but we enjoyed the other Celtic Colours walks with you. The Island Hoppers are a fun group and we look forward to joining you next Spring/Summer on some new walks !

PS - some of you may have read in the Post last week that Suzanne had accidentally lost her camera during the visit of the Premier of Nova Scotia to Dominion Bay Beach, where we had (of course) been taking a walk ! The great news is, we recovered the camera with pictures intact, thanks to a typically honest Cape Bretoner, Mr. Joseph Elsworth of Dominion Bay, to whom we are very grateful (he of course received the obligatory bag of turnips as a reward! :-) Therefore, we will be sending Rollie the group photo's from our Canoe Lake walk.

Best Regards for a wonderful Fall and Winter !

Lee and Suzanne Lazaro"

Christmas Party, A Visitor to Louisbourg, Last Two Walks for October!

Our 3rd Annual Celtic Colours Walks will end this coming Saturday, 14th October with one of our most favourite walks going to the lighthouse in Louisbourg. After this walk I will be prepared to give the statistics of the numbers of walkers and where they are from for those who are interested.

We will start this event at Han Beck Sea Products parking lot located off Main Street Louisbourg.

Registration begins at 1:30 PM and we step off at 2:00 PM.

Special Note to Club members: If you have completed this event since 01 July of this year you may walk for distance only and the stamp for your DISTANCE BOOK is only $1.00; all other club members who have not walked in Louisbourg at anytime this year or who have walked prior to 31 June,you may stamp both Event & Distance Books at a cost of $2.00. PLEASE CHECK YOUR BOOKS PRIOR TO THE EVENT for a + sign and the last three numbers for Louisbourg are 243 with a stamp image of a lighthouse.

On Wednesday, Oct 11, five of our club members met Sylvia Fisher, a member of The St. Alberts Trekkers, Alberta. Sylvia is travelling by cruise ship from Montreal to Norfork, Virginia. It is Sylvia's goal to do all the capital city walks and lighthouse walks across Canada. The Island Hoppers have helped her with this goal by escorting her out to Louisbourg one of the two designated lighthouse walks here in Cape Breton and a part of the National Lighthouse Program.
Sylvia will try to return to CB in the near future to try and complete our other lighthouse walk in Baddeck. She may try to accomplish this during our 10th Anniversary celebrations in 2007.

Thank You to Carmel Coffin, Elsie Buck, Lucy Nardini and Bill Hopkins for joining Sylvia and myself for a great day of walking. The weather was perfect, unusual for Louisbourg,the comradiere on the trail was equally perfect.

SUNDAY, OCT 29th we are in North River Bridge at the Provincial Park, picnic area for a 10k walk along the North River. PLEASE NOTE: We will not be going to the falls.
Start Time 1:00PM, please register at 12:30

The Annual End Of Season and Christmas Party!

This year Marion Hopkins will be our host for this Pot Luck Event.

185 Fatima Drive, Sydney River

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10th, 2006

Later in November we will coordinate what type of prepared dish that you would like to bring.

I though I should share one of the photos that I came cross while going through my files of photos that were sent to me recently. This smiling couple is Kathy and Doug Grant on top of Broad Cove Mountain in the Highland National Park. A fantastic view of Cape Smokey in the back ground.

Glasgow and Pacquette Lakes Walk

Glasgow Lake in The Cape Breton Highlands National Park



The view from the turn around point of our walk from Paquette Lake to Glasgow Lake.
From this point it is a complete 360' panoramic view of the highlands that few tourist and native Capers will ever see.
This is the scene that awaited the Island Hoppers on our latest trip to the National Park on Sunday, 24 Sept. 2006.

Thank You to Terry Crawley for the latest pictures.

More photos can be found on our Photo web site. Click on the site to the right of this page.

With the Glasgow Lake Walk Event under his belt, Terry has now completed his first 10 events with the club. Good Show Terry!

On this Walk Event Nancy and Jerry Haley from Sydney joined us for the first time and from all indications they will be joining us again in the near future. Welcome aboard folks, I'm sure you will find us a friendly group of walkers.

My Thank you to all who participated in the prewalk on Tuesday Sept 26th at St Alphonse Church In New Victoria in preparation for the Celtic Colours Festival coming up on 7,8 and 9 Oct 2006.

TWO WALK EVENTS -- HIGHLAND NATIONAL PARK

We have two Walk Events remaining for the month of September:

[1]

DATE & TIME: Sunday Sept. 17th, Registration at 1:30 PM and the Walk begins at 2:00 PM

WHERE: Warren Lake Picnic Area in The Highlands National Park

The Guided Walk around Warren Lake is Approx 5k and the remaining portion of the walk continues to Broad Cove Mtn via Warren Lake Road and return to the picnic area is a total distance of 11k.

Joe MacKinnon will lead the walk around the lake and Rollie Coombes will continue with the Broad Cove Mtn portion.

Broad Cove Mtn is quite steep and I advise all participants to take their time ascending this Mountain, excellent views of the highlands, Cape Smokey, here you are above the the eagles who soar along the shoreline and forest below you! Don't forget to take your camera and binoculars.

[2]

DATE & TIME: Sunday Sept. 24th, Registration begins 1:30 PM and the Walk begins at 2:00 PM

WHERE: Glasgow Lakes/Paquette Lake in The Highlands National Park

-- From Neil's Harbour continue for 9k along the Cabot Trail towards Cape North
-- Watch for Highland National Park Road Signs indicating Glasgow and Paquette Lake Trail on the left side of the Highway. The road to our start Point is approx 2ks in land from the main highway.

This is not a steep mountain trail though it mostly follows a dried up river bed and is rocky in some places; however once we reach the turn around point you will realize that you have been walking in the Highlands of Cape Breton as the panoramic view before you unfolds the secrets of this fantastic National Park.

This is our last adventure into the Highland National Park as a club for this season and we will not be here for 2007 as well. This is the last chance to walk the highlands as a group for at least another year or so.

If you are interested in walking or hiking the highlands the annual " Hike The Highlands Festival" takes place in the second or third week of Sept. Unfortunately this group out of Ingonish and the Northeast Highlands Association are not affiliated with the IVV and I repeat myself by saying unfortunately their walk/hikes are not sanctioned by the Canadian Volkssport Federation, they are a separate group.

We (The Island Hoppers) are holding the only 2 IVV sanctioned events in The Highland National Park as indicated above for this year; one event on Sun. the 17th and the other on the 24thl Regretfully we are not a part of the "Hike The Highlands" festival.

SPECIAL EVENT ON THE MIRA

OUT ON THE MIRA!

We invite club members and friends to join us for a scenic 2 hour boat tour on the Mira River.

Please note there is limited space for 23 passangers and bookings will be on a first come first served basis at a cost of $15.00/person. RESERVE A SEAT NOW.

Mira Boat Tour will be held on:

SATURDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER 2006

TIME: 2:00PM (please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time)

START POINT: Mira Boat Tour Dock on The Brickyard Road, from Sydney take Rte 22 the Louisbourg Hwy and continue to Albert Bridge, cross the bridge and turn left (East)on to The Brickyard Road and continue for approx. 1.5
Km and watch for the sign "Mra Boat Tours" located on the left and just before the Mira Provincial Park.

For more info please contact Elsie Buck at 562-3117 to RESERVE A SEAT NOW or

Cape Breton Island Hoppers



Due to scheduling difficulties our Mira Boat Tour that was to be held in October during The Celtic Colours Festival has been cancelled!

TOWER ROAD WALK

We had a very good turn out for this walk even though six of our members had signed up for the walk events in Cape Chignecto with the Central Nova Volkssport Club.
Participating with other volkssport clubs can be a good thing for our club as well as the host club; I encourage all members to visit other clubs when they are holding special walk events as this encourages their members to come and visit Cape Breton as well. All of us can be ambassadors for our club and the island.

The Tower Road Trail proved to be an easy walking trail along a portion of the "old Sydney & Louisbourg Railway" the Marconi Towers Road and Sand Lake Road with an excursion across a footbridge at MacAskill Brook. There was even a stopover at the former "Marconi House" now owned by Doug Cunningham who was gracious enough to give the group a breviated tour of this "designated Nova Scotia Heritage property", unfortunately the home is not open to the public and if anyone requires more information on Marconi and his work here in Cape Breton please check out the Marconi Museum at Table Head in Glace Bay.
Doug is the brother of Shirley Pettigrew our walk leader for this delightful event and on behalf of you the club members my sincere thank you to Shirley and Doug for allowing us to view this home and for a great day of walking.
This walk will be highly considered for another year on our schedule.

Prior to the walk I had the privilege of introducing Karen and Bernard Lalanne from Coxheath, Sydney. Bernard and Karen walk each day for 40-50 minutes and decided to make this a challenge walk for themselves as they had never walked 10k before. They completed the event with a lot of enthusasim and ready to go on the excursion with us in the highlands on 17 September at Warren Lake and Broad Cove Mountain. Welcome to the club folks we are pleased to have you join us at any of our walk events! My thanks also to Doug and Kathy Grant for introducing the Lalannes to volkssporting.

The Walk Group on the first bridge along The Mabou trail, 20 August 2006

COMING EVENT FOR THE LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

FIRST WALK IN SEPTEMBER

We will be in the Glace Bay and Tower Rd area on Sunday, 03 Sept @1:30 pm for registration, the Guided Walk Event begins 2:00 pm.

The original Start Point has been changed from "The Old Pumping Station Road" to the intersection of Marconi Road and Tower Road about 200 m from the original SP, this should not cause any real problems as both points are visible from each other.

We will have Volkssport & CBIH> road signs along the route. I intend to have ROAD SIGNS beginning in Reserve Mines pointing the way to Tower Rd., keep an eye out for the BIG BOLD VOLKSSPORT SIGNS.

This Guided Walk Event will feature a trail along a portion of the old S&L Railroad, old forest, a former popular swimming and picnic area that was reached by the former train system that stopped here along the route to Louisbourg, a glimpse of The Marconi House that was built by the inventor when he lived and worked on his famous overseas wireless projects in the Glace Bay area, Sand Lake and a nice quite ideallic country road. Again the original 2C was for this trail was overstated, it is a very easy walk and should be enjoyed by all participants.

Come join the Island Hoppers as we explore this great Island.

NEW CVF AWARDS COORDINATOR

The new CVF Awards Coordinator is:

Lea Tocher

Please send your Distance And Event Books to the following address:

Lea Tocher
450 Rouge Road
Winnipeg, MB
R3K 1K4
Canada

MABOU WALK, 2007 SCHEDULE, TOWER ROAD WALK

Our NEXT SCHEDULED WALK EVENT is:

Mabou Rail Trail, 45 South West Ridge Road, Mabou, this is the parking lot at "Mother of Sorrows Pioneer Shrine"

Sunday August 20th, Registration begins at 1:30 and the walk Starts promptly at 2:00 PM.

The walk will be a 5 & 10K event lead by Elsie Buck and Joe MacKinnon and is rated 2B.

Joe and Elsie have done another pre-walk of this event and have reported back that 2B may have been to much of a high rating for this trail as it is a well groomed trail, easy walking; they have also scouted out the trail in the opposite direction. They were very impressed by this newer route that they have asked the walk committee to include this portion of the trail for the 2007 schedule. This is now on our 2007 schedule.

Your walk committee have been working on the 07 schedule and it has been sent to CVF for approval and insertion in the IVV's 'World Book Of Walking' program.
Club members will begin receiving the 2007 schedule by the end of Sept of this year, one month earlier then previous years.

We are now compiling trails for our 2008 schedule and are looking forward to suggestions from other club members, as you can see we are very optimistic that we will continue this club well beyond our 10th year celebrations in 2007.

GREAT THINGS ARE PLANNED FOR 2007 BUT WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO KEEP THIS GREAT CLUB GOING.WE NEED ACTIVE CLUB MEMBERS WHO LIKE TO WALK FOR FUN, FITNESS AND FRIENDSHIP AND WHO ARE WILLING TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE AS WALK LEADERS, SWEEPS OR TO WORK ON A COMMITTEE.

FIRST WALK IN SEPTEMBER

We will be in the Glace Bay and Tower Rd area on Sunday, 03 Sept @1:30 pm for registration and the Guided Walk Event begins 2:00 pm.

The original Start Point has been changed from "The Old Pumping Station Road" to the intersection of Marconi Road and Tower Road about 200 m from the original SP, this should not cause any real problems as both points are visible from each other.

We will have CBIH> road signs along the route. I intend to have ROAD SIGNS beginning in Reserve Mines pointing the way to Tower Rd., keep an eye out for the BIG BOLD VOLKSSPORT SIGNS.

This Guided Walk Event will feature a trail along a portion of the old S&L Railroad, old forest, a former popular swimming and picnic area that was reached by the former train system that stopped here along the route to Louisbourg, a glimpse of The Marconi House that was built by the inventor when he lived and worked on his famous overseas wireless projects in the Glace Bay area, Sand Lake and a nice quite ideallic country road. Again the original 2C was for this trail was overstated, it is a very easy walk and should be enjoyed by all participants.


Come join your club members for some great walking, exercise and friendship.

LIGHTHOUSE DAYS & SCHEDULED WALK IN MABOU

There will be a special 10k walk event in Louisbourg on Saturday, 12 August.

Iris Stevens from the National Lighthouse Society and the local chapter "Louisbourg Lighthouse Society" have invited us to lead a walk to the "site of the oldest lighthouse in Canada and the second oldest in North America"; your executive on behalf of the CBIH have accepted this invitation to participate in "National Lighthouse Day".

Registration begins at 1:30 PM and the walk Starts @ 2:00 PM.

The Start Point is The S&L Museum on Main Street Louisbourg.

The walk leader for this event is Shirley Pettigrew with assistance from Elsie Buck.

We will use our Louisbourg YRE stamp for this event. For our club we usually begin at "Pecks Store" on Wolfe Street , however we have accepted the kind invitation of the "Lighthouse Society" to lead their special walk event from the museum for this occasion only.

The walk will proceed up Havenside Drive and to the lighthouse and return to the museum; our members and those with the lighthouse society who want to complete the 10k circuit will continue on our regular route around the town in order to get the 10k stamp in their distance books plus the event book if you haven't done this walk for 2006.

please pass this message on to other club members, bring a friend on a nice leisurely walk, sorry I do not have time to phone all club members, I am having an unplanned busy summer.

Our NEXT OFFICIAL SCHEDULED WALK EVENT is: Mabou Rail Trail, 45 South West Ridge Road, Mabou, this is the parking lot at "Mother of Sorrows Pioneer Shrine"
Sunday August 20th, Registration begins at 1:30 and the walk Starts at 2:00 PM.

The walk will be a 5 & 10K event lead by Elsie Buck and Joe MacKinnon and id rated 2B.

Volksmarchers walk for the health of it!