Hiked 3 hours in the woods, barefoot, in a thunderstorm, on purpose, with Zeph

[darxus]

Wanted to build up my ability to walk barefoot for Firefly. Thought hiking at the Fells would work well. Noticed it was likely to thunderstorm, thought that would be even more fun, due to being plenty warm. I had basically nothing but my shorts and my Ka-Bar, because I've been feeling unpleasantly encumbered by unnecessary things that I never had when I did this as a kid. Zeph brought more sensible things, and I was very happy to get to use her bug spray.

My feet are sore like they have never been before. Standing on a smooth floor hurts. They feel very warm. I think that would not be the case if it weren't for all the rocks that have been added to the trails to counter erosion. No problems at all from glass. No punctures.

We got lost, because we didn't really try not to, and didn't care. It wasn't a problem.

We both spent most of the time soaked all the way through, and entirely comfortable with it. Zeph is awesome.

Got to show her ghost flowers. Still freaky looking.

While I never felt cold, I did lose a noticeable amount of manual dexterity, which took a while to recover, and really surprised me.

I planned to get back thirsty, hungry, and wet. Didn't turn out thirsty, due to sipping water as it ran down my face :)

It is very nice to have such warm, dry shelter to come back to.

Got exactly what I wanted. Highly recommended.

Comments

Glad you got what you wanted

[drwex]

YKIOK. Also YKINMK.

[inseriatim.livejournal.com]

My friends and I must have been in the Fells at the same time as you, but we were a lot less okay with it. We made a bolt for the exit when the hail started and the trails turned into little rivers. I feel distinctly unhardcore. :)

Glad it was exactly what you wanted, though! As a Vibram runner now struggling to go short distances barefoot, I'm impressed with your unshod-ness.

[darxus.livejournal.com]

Hah, thanks.

Just take your time, your feet will adapt. I've been playing outside barefoot since I was a kid, just haven't done enough of it in recent years.

It's kind of amazing those trails remain intact without a lot of maintenance, with the amount of water flowing along them when it rains.