Into the Unknown, with Sturdy Footwear

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My first thought was, “Well, phooey. There’s a waste of $200.” I gazed forlornly at my new Salomons: crampon capable clodstoppers, still putting forth the odor of vulcanization, bought only hours before my discovery of lightweight backpacking. I could sense their vestigial hobnails. They would go the distance, I had thought; I would be tramping through some pretty rough country, to be sure. I was going to hike a thousand miles, I had argued to myself, all of it unknown.

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# WORDS: 2210
# PHOTOS: 11

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Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

Author

Posts
Apr 27, 2010 at 4:23 pm #1258253

Addie Bedford
BPL Member

@addiebedford
Locale: Montana

Companion forum thread to:

Into the Unknown, with Sturdy Footwear

Apr 28, 2010 at 11:37 am #1603178

Michael Slusser
BPL Member

@virraddon

A great read and a lot of fun. Somewhat shoe-obsessed, but overall quite engaging.

Apr 28, 2010 at 6:24 pm #1603329

Denis Walsh
Spectator

@kd7kgc
Locale: Northern Rockies

A history buff's fascination is realized by this article.
I still find I am more comfortable in the woods with sturdy boots. Thank you, Andrew for a great read!

Apr 29, 2010 at 11:26 am #1603586

Nicholas Miller
BPL Member

@nmiller08
Locale: Montana

Exceptional reading, I would love to see more of this on BPL…thank you for posting this submission!

Apr 30, 2010 at 10:31 pm #1604456

Pete Clarke
Member

@calapidder
Locale: Pacific NW

I've been on BPL for a long time, and this is the first time I've left a comment on an article. I really appreciate the old time info, and to see how things have changed. I totally agree with your last paragraph-I still love the romance and adventure ofbeing in the woods. I often stop to wonder about the other hikers who have stood in the same place I'm standing. Regardless of the years between us, there is a shared spirit among all wilderness explorers.

Jun 11, 2010 at 11:08 pm #1619244

Michael Sagehorn
Member

@msagehorn

I like my old and well taken care of Lowa Alpspitz and Vasque Sundowners when I hike.

I've tried the sneaker thing.The feet hurt and turning an ankle scares me

May 11, 2012 at 11:31 pm #1876879

Richard Scruggs
BPL Member

@jrscruggs
Locale: Oregon

Edited — old thread.

Nov 8, 2012 at 8:54 am #1927070

Derrick White
BPL Member

@miku
Locale: Labrador

I realize my comment is a couple of years late but I love the last line of this piece. Great article for many reasons.

Nov 8, 2012 at 11:00 pm #1927227

A Wilson
BPL Member

@alwilson
Locale: Earth

Thanks, Derrick. Always glad when people keep reading my stuff. Andrew
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