West Texas Trail Walkers

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AVA 60, TX 19

An incorporated non-profit sports organization dedicated to promoting outdoor recreation and good health in West Texas.

The West Texas Trail Walkers club was the brainchild of Beverly Spencer.  She and her husband Tom had enjoyed Volksmarching in Germany and other parts of Europe during the five years they lived in Germany while he served in the U.S. Army. They enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the fellowship afforded by the "people's walk" experience. After retiring from the military, Bev and Tom settled in Texas.  She was determined to form a walking club dedicated to the enjoyment of the rugged terrain of several state and national parks in West Texas.

After preliminary reconnaissance, planning and coordination by the Spencers, the club’s first event was held at historic Fort Davis in 1981.  Trailmarking was begun by Bev and Tom early Friday morning after an all night drive, then in the afternoon Gene and Ruth Busic arrived in time to help finish the marking and became the first club workers. Start cards, etc.; were prepared that evening by Jean Dewald and Kitty Moore and Jean was drafted to serve as secretary. The club now had three officers as Bev took over the duties of treasurer. The walk, which attracted 132 walkers, started with 6 workers with more volunteers falling in as the walk proceeded.  When people inquired about club membership, Tom arbitrarily decided on a lifetime family membership fee of $25. He says he chose that amount to discourage people from joining just to receive the club patch; other clubs were generally charging $6 or so for a yearly fee. Tom and Bev also, didn't want the hassle of renewal notices and the excessive bookkeeping caused by annual fees and he was not sure the club would be a viable entity anyway. With reluctance, the club was opened for membership at the walk and the year ended with seven members.

Charles Wortz, President, (512) 479-0741 cwortz@texas.net

West Texas Trail Walkers

1801 Lavaca St.

Austin, TX 78701