The Cheyenne High Plains Wanderers have the honor of being the host walking club for the 2003 AVA Convention kick-off walk, in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, on Saturday June 21, 2003. Pine Bluffs is located approximately 42 miles east of Cheyenne, Wyoming on Interstate 80, about two miles west of the Nebraska State line. Pine Bluffs, established around 1868 became the “Frontier Crossroads,” in the southeastern corner of Wyoming. Native Americans, the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Lakota were first to occupy the “Frontier Crossroads.” The Texas Trail ran through Pine Bluffs, making the town an important watering place for cattle herds, as well as the largest cattle-shipping center on the Union Pacific transcontinental railway. Pine Bluffs is a small place with a big heart and gentle hometown spirit that is steeped in history. While in town, be sure to view the 5-story sculpture of "Our Lady of Peace" by sculptor, Robert Fida. The sculpture is a magnificent work of art with a message of safety, love and protection portrayed by the open arm embrace of the statue and the serene face. It is the largest sculpture in Wyoming and the largest Marian Memorial in the United States.

The starting point for the 5-km and 10-km walks is the Community Center, located at the corner of 7th and Parsons Streets. As you begin your walk, notice the extra wide streets in town (designed so that a four-horse team and wagon, could turn around without backing up).Both trails are on sidewalks, pavement, and dirt/grass trails. Loose rock terrain, plus one significant hill make the 5-km walk a 2 rating. The added steepness encountered on parts of the 10-km trail, make for a 2+ rating.

Your walk will take you past the Texas Trail Museum, filled with artifacts from the early days of pioneers, settlers and Indians. The free museum will open early that day for volkssporters. Both walks continue to the University of Wyoming Archaeological Museum and Archaeological Dig Site, where Indian artifacts dating back nearly 10,000 years have been recovered. The main site area is still being excavated, and will be open to volkswalkers during this event. From this point, 5-km walkers will return to the start/finish point, while 10-km walkers continue to the top of the bluffs.

Leaving the archaeological site, the trail winds amongst pine trees, rock outcroppings, and through dry creek beds. Atop the buffs, you will find a golf course (closed for play during the volksmarch) and a monument to early day Indians, which has been replicated as the award for this walk. Views are spectacular from the flat-topped pine covered bluffs. You will see distant mountains to the west, and the vast expanse of the plains to the east.

The altitude is 5,047 feet, the daytime temperatures can become quite warm in mid-June, and it is always wise to layer your clothing for high altitude walks. Tennis shoes will suffice, but hiking boots would be a better choice. Sunscreen, hats and water are a must. A hiking stick would be good for extra balance and support going up and down steep slopes.

Pine Bluffs, the Cheyenne High Plains Wanderers, and Rambling the Rockies await your arrival and hope to see you at the convention.