Bay Shore Outfitters Offers Wednesday Walking Groups

Evening walks with her dog, Frido, inspired Ashley Lusk of Bayshore Outfitters to begin Wednesday Walking Group. Photo by Len Villano.

Dusk has long passed on the Door Peninsula when Ashley Lusk and a dozen others convene at the storefront of Bay Shore Outfitters in Sturgeon Bay. Once tennis shoes are laced tight, hats are pulled over ears, and dogs are securely leashed, the group sets off and walks.

The walkers journey down the sidewalks of Sturgeon Bay every Wednesday for an hour. They engage in conversation, enjoy some laughter, and take in the sights of the city – all while exercising.

“Mentally and physically, a walk is so good for you,” says Lusk. “I’m so happy after Walking Group.”

Lusk began the Walking Group in December of 2011 as a means to share her evening routine with others and stave off cabin fever. “After work I would put Frido, my dog, in his little boots [which are available at Bay Shore Outfitters] and we would go for walks around town. This might sound creepy,” Lusk laughs, “but I would see people through their windows sitting and watching TV at like 5:30 pm. Why not go for a walk? In winter, it’s so easy to get depressed.”

The Wednesday Walking Group strolls down the sidewalks of Sturgeon Bay. Photo by Len Villano.

Over time the weekly offering caught on and a regular group of walkers now participate. “We have walkers of all ages – from Lily [Fellner] who is 7 years old to Gary [Sowle] who is in his late 60s. Gary is a wealth of knowledge – I learn something new every walk.”

Lusk leads walkers down a different route each week. “We carol during the holidays and sometimes take field trips to Land Trust properties,” says Lusk, who also encourages participants to bring along their leashed dogs.

“It’s a great social activity,” she smiles, noting the friendships she’s made simply by taking a weekly walk.

Wednesday Walking Groups continue through May and depart at 6 pm from Bay Shore Outfitters in Sturgeon Bay (27 South Madison Avenue) and 9 am from Bay Shore Outfitters in Sister Bay (2457 South Bay Shore Drive).

For more information call the Sturgeon Bay store at 920.818.0431, the Sister Bay store at 9200.854.7598, or visit http://www.kayakdoorcounty.com.