Point Loma-based social networking walking group welcoming new members Stanley Follis was ready to go. His camera was in hand as he wore his favorite beret, a heavyweight shirt, shorts and sturdy walking shoes. As he waited outside the Dance Building at Liberty Station, a chatty friendly group of folks gathered around. Many were meeting each other for the first time and getting acquainted. They, too, were eager to go. Once the invited guest speaker arrived, the group began its guided walk around Liberty Station. The recent weekend walk was one of thousands organized throughout the year by Walkabout International, a nonprofit social network walking group. Headquartered at Liberty Station, Walkabout International is poised to celebrate its 35th birthday on March 17. Annually, the group offers more than 1,000 free walks in San Diego neighborhoods, as well as day trips in California, the U.S. and abroad. Follis, 79, is a two-time Walkabout International president and a Point Loma resident who has been pounding the pavement and leading walks since he first got involved in 1980. “It’s a nice way to meet people, stay active and see interesting things,” he said. “There’s a great social aspect. It becomes a community, a support group where people get to know each other. You bond with people and feel like coming back. It’s not like the gym where people don’t know who you are.” Follis has two favorite walks he does regularly. On Friday evenings, he can be found on a Mission Hills walk. He also joins the Saturday Night Live walkabout that starts at the County Administration Building on North Harbor Drive and winds its way along San Diego’s bayside. On March 19, Follis will lead a 35th anniversary walk along Sunset Cliffs. Walkers will meet at Point Loma Avenue and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard at 3 p.m. Newcomers are welcome to all walks, he said. The daily walk schedule is available on the Walkabout International website at www.walkabout-int.org. When participants find a convenient date and time, they just show up at the assigned meeting place. The walks are free and no reservation is needed. For those who become truly involved walkers, a newsletter is available for $20 a year.
