[pct-l] Barefooting

Sat Dec 12 10:41:39 CST 2009

The biggest benefit I have ever gotten from barefoot hiking is the change it
demands of hiking "attitude". I feel a definite difference from stomping my
way across the terrain to traveling gracefully across it and my mental
experience changes because of that. I feel more serene and contemplative,
more focused on the experience and less apt to mentally wander into petty
thoughts about my societal life. I intend to barefoot hike at least a couple
of hours a day whenever possible (meaning probably not in the snow or
scorching sand... )... No I won't be able to trod along at the same pace and
without attention, but it can be safely done.. and it really adds a
dimension to the experience...

~ Kimberlie

On Sat, Dec 12, 2009 at 9:25 AM, <pct-l-request at backcountry.net> wrote:

> Send Pct-l mailing list submissions to
>        pct-l at backcountry.net
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>        http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>        pct-l-request at backcountry.net
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
>        pct-l-owner at backcountry.net
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Pct-l digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
>   1. Re: Blisters and more. (Eric Lee)
>   2. Re: PCT Barefoot (Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com)
>   3. Re: PCT Barefoot (Paul Mitchell)
>   4. Re: Post Fire Recons (Paul Cronshaw)
>   5. Re: PCT Barefoot (Stephen Adams)
>   6. Five fingers (canoeman at qnet.com)
>   7. Barefoot (frank martin)
>   8. Halfmiles maps and other recourses (Ryan S. Bozzell)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:05:06 -0800
> From: "Eric Lee" <saintgimp at hotmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Blisters and more.
> To: "'Sean Carey'" <seanpct at gmail.com>, <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <BAY124-DS1029F3B516F070D615701BD8B0 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Sean wrote:
> >
> I am wondering how in the world can I better prepare or treat blisters
> before hand or while on the trail???
> >
>
> I'll probably just repeat the excellent advice that people have already
> given but here's my version.
>
> Everyone's feet are different.  What works great for one person is murder
> for another person.  The only way for you to figure out what works for you
> is to try a bunch of different things, walk a lot, and see what works.
>  Yes,
> that can get kind of expensive if your feet are finicky.
>
> For me, I found a particular model of lightweight boots (I need ankle
> support) that my feet get along with and I use only that model.  I also use
> Kinesio Tex tape to tape the balls of my feet before I even start walking
> because I know that I sometimes blister there.  That particular brand of
> tape is expensive but works excellently.  It stays for multiple days
> exactly
> where I put it and does a great job of preventing the kind of blisters I
> tend to get.  The key is to get the tape on there before I even start to
> have a problem.
>
> With my preferred boots and some preventative taping, I can go from a desk
> job to a 130 mile, 5 day section hike and not get any blisters.  Granted,
> so
> far I've only section-hiked Washington and Oregon where it may get warm but
> not scorching hot.
>
> Eric
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:28:04 -0800
> From: Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com
>        <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Barefoot
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID:
>        <DC0EC2F6-AFFA-41A9-ADE0-7005D7ADDFB5 at santabarbarahikes.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
> No no no! Don't let the turkeys get you down! You can do some of it
> barefoot, I'm sure. I would love to hear how it goes. I am trying to
> learn how to do barefoot running.
> On Dec 11, 2009, at 8:50 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
> > I see the PCT-L is as respectful and constructive as ever.  ;-)
> >
> > The PCT features hot ground, hard frozen snow, sharp rocks, and
> > it's very,
> > very long - obvious significant challenges to unshod feet, and the
> > reasons
> > I'm seeking advice from those who may have tried it.  I doubt it's
> > realistic
> > for me to be able to take it on barefoot next year, I have the added
> > challenge of poor vision to make navigating sharp obstacles more
> > challenging, but the arguments for barefoot travel are compelling
> > and it's
> > certainly an idea that is worth investigating.
> >
> > - P178
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:33:22 -0800
> From: "Paul Mitchell" <bluebrain at bluebrain.ca>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Barefoot
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <005a01ca7aec$9ee02280$dca06780$@ca>
> Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="us-ascii"
>
> Thanks Diane.  The turkeys won't stop me!  The 110 degree desert floor
> might!  ;-)  I'll keep doing my homework and some barefoot training and
> will
> see if it seems at all doable come kick-off time.  If my feet can be tough
> enough to withstand sharp stuff (which apparently does happen after enough
> training) then maybe at the very least I can try one full PCT barefoot day
> just the for experience.  :-)
>
> Cheers,
> P178
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> On Behalf Of Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com
> Sent: Friday, December 11, 2009 9:28 PM
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Barefoot
>
> No no no! Don't let the turkeys get you down! You can do some of it
> barefoot, I'm sure. I would love to hear how it goes. I am trying to
> learn how to do barefoot running.
> On Dec 11, 2009, at 8:50 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
> > I see the PCT-L is as respectful and constructive as ever.  ;-)
> >
> > The PCT features hot ground, hard frozen snow, sharp rocks, and
> > it's very,
> > very long - obvious significant challenges to unshod feet, and the
> > reasons
> > I'm seeking advice from those who may have tried it.  I doubt it's
> > realistic
> > for me to be able to take it on barefoot next year, I have the added
> > challenge of poor vision to make navigating sharp obstacles more
> > challenging, but the arguments for barefoot travel are compelling
> > and it's
> > certainly an idea that is worth investigating.
> >
> > - P178
>
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-l mailing list
> Pct-l at backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 8.5.427 / Virus Database: 270.14.103/2558 - Release Date: 12/11/09
> 19:37:00
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:37:48 -0800
> From: Paul Cronshaw <beemancron at hotmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Post Fire Recons
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <COL114-W27DB0DCC537710E427B9FADF8B0 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> L-Rod's reaction is a good reminder to others. Best to stay out of the burn
> areas and let nature take its course. Forest closures post fire are an
> important part of the restoration process.
>
> Jody Noiron's letter outlines the same protocol I experienced after the
> Zaca Fire. I witnessed the damage from one season's rain storms and it was
> not pretty.  However,  a good CCC trail crew worked some nice engineering
> trail restoration magic and the trail is now open to stock and hikers.
>  Click on this picture for before and after views.
>
>
> http://picasaweb.google.com/beemancron/2009SantaCruzStation#5399356412060238738
>
> We are hoping this year's storms will not take out these structures.
>
> The Beeman
>
>
>
> > From: dsaufley at sprynet.com
> > To: beemancron at hotmail.com; pct-l at backcountry.net
> > Subject: RE: [pct-l] Post Fire Recons
> > Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:23:42 -0800
> >
> > In response to Beeman and BigToe, I suspect that if this fellow were part
> of
> > a recon team or trail crew out on any kind of project, he would have said
> so
> > and represented his official status being in the closure. Instead of any
> > shred of substantiation for a reason to be there, he used the "evil twin
> > Jake who wanted to take a longish hike" line, a thinly veiled reference
> to
> > the fact that he knew he wasn't supposed to be there. I also checked to
> see
> > if "NHPS" was related to trails, trail crews, volunteers, etc., but could
> > make no connection. Don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for
> those
> > who work in, on, and for our wilderness and trails. But that's not what
> > "Elwood" claimed in any way, and thus my reaction.
> >
> > You may find of interest a letter from the Angeles Forest Supervisor,
> Jody
> > Noiron, dated October of this year www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/ In it she
> > writes, "We have completed our assessment of the natural resources and
> > infrastructure damage resulting from the fire. We are not immediately
> > initiating repair and recovery projects at this time, for two reasons.
> One
> > reason is public safety, due to the extreme danger within the burned
> areas.
> > A second reason is that we anticipate further damages will occur in the
> > burned area from storms in the coming winter. From a practical
> standpoint,
> > it is premature to begin projects now that may be damaged or destroyed
> > during the storm season. For these reasons, it will likely be next spring
> > before we can really implement restoration projects."
> >
> > L-Rod
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:
> pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> > On Behalf Of Paul Cronshaw
> > Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 6:00 PM
> > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] Post Fire Recons
> >
> >
> > When the Zaca Fire burned 3/4 of our favorite Los Padres Forest in 2007,
> the
> > forest was closed for a year. As a Wilderness Volunteer Rangers (VWR) I
> > formed a special group of LW hikers, dubbed the "Litehikers". We were
> given
> > permission to hike many of the trails in the burn area, take photos and
> > document trail conditions. With the information we sent to the respective
> > USFS districts, rehab money was obtained and many preservation projects
> were
> > completed.
> >
> > I hope there are others out there who, with the proper permission, will
> > volunteer to do recons so rehab projects can take place in a timely
> manner.
> > These recons are VERY important for the USFS and other organizations (eg
> > PCTA). Supporting the PCTA with donations and dues is important: to help
> > PCT volunteers restore the PCT through the fire damaged areas.
> >
> > My recon trips can be viewed at:
> >
> > http://picasaweb.google.com/beemancron
> >
> > Hope these upcoming rains stay gentle to help mother nature continue
> plant
> > succession and minimize erosion.
> >
> > The Beeman
> > VWR Santa Barbara Ranger District
> >
> > >--Forwarded Message Attachment--
> > >From: david at xpletive.com
> > >To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > >Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:45:25 -0600
> > >Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT - Mt Gleason to Soledad Canyon
> >
> > >That was my first impression too Donna but there is a possibility that
> he
> > is part of the >recovery team from some of the language in his captions.
> > Maybe a biologist?
> >
> > >BigToe
> >
> > >-----Original Message-----
> > >From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:
> pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> > On >Behalf Of dsaufley
> > >Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 1:36 PM
> > >To: 'AsABat'; pct-l at backcountry.net
> > >Cc: 'Anitra Kass'
> > >Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT - Mt Gleason to Soledad Canyon
> >
> > >It's extremely upsetting to see pictures taken from a CLOSED area. I
> guess
> > >this guy thinks he's above the law.
> >
> > >L-Rod
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:31:37 -0800
> From: Stephen Adams <reddirt2 at earthlink.net>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Barefoot
> To: "Paul Mitchell" <bluebrain at bluebrain.ca>
> Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID: <0793C898-6776-4259-A171-182B652B8861 at earthlink.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> No one said they wanted to stop you from achieving your goals.  I haven't
> heard anything about you shouldn't try yet either.  Have you been along any
> of the trail in question?  Most of it's hum-de-dum, but there are more
> challenging aspects and rough sections along the way.  Have you ever been
> out in the sun cups when they are knee deep?  We don't know yet, nor will we
> for some time, what the snow pack will be, nor will we know how whatever
> snow pack there is will melt off.  Could be a mild easy year, and then again
> it might be a late season.  All you can do is get your feet strengthened and
> toughened up as best you can and you should be able to do much of the trail,
> but I doubt all of it.  But I'd like to see you get it if you can.  You'll
> not be knowing unless you try.  But the red flag went up, and thus my
> comments because it sounds like you haven't even had a season or a chance to
> try this much, if at all.  And that brings up the point that there seems to
> be a lot of folk
>  s who seem to think they should be able to hike the PCT just because it's
> there.  Even the JMT is effected by this and I meet people bailing out all
> the time and it's only a day over two hundred miles.  My favorite, and not
> so much the rangers, are the folks who were going out adventure running
> trying to complete some of the popular fifty mile loop hikes in the Sierra
> with a light lunch and a couple power bars totally unprepared for what
> looked to be pretty flat on a map.  What are those squigly lines anyway?  I
> been reading stories and talking to folks for years.  I even met a guy
> hiking bare footed in Evolution Valley once, but he was carrying his new
> Macalu Boots and his heals were bloodied.  So think what you want, but the
> turkeys want you to have an enjoyable summer in our beloved backcountry and
> have a good time, the trip of your life, and not have it turn into a
> negative experience, which if you ask Diane, is entirely possible.  And your
> well being in mind and body wi
>  ll undoubtedly relate proportionately to how well your feet are holding
> up, especially during the first couple weeks of the journey which is when
> most reports of problems seem to arise.  But me, I'd say screw those
> turkeys. I'll show them, and I wont have to wash socks !
> On Dec 11, 2009, at 9:33 PM, Paul Mitchell wrote:
>
> > Thanks Diane.  The turkeys won't stop me!  The 110 degree desert floor
> > might!  ;-)  I'll keep doing my homework and some barefoot training and
> will
> > see if it seems at all doable come kick-off time.  If my feet can be
> tough
> > enough to withstand sharp stuff (which apparently does happen after
> enough
> > training) then maybe at the very least I can try one full PCT barefoot
> day
> > just the for experience.  :-)
> >
> > Cheers,
> > P178
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:
> pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> > On Behalf Of Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com
> > Sent: Friday, December 11, 2009 9:28 PM
> > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Barefoot
> >
> > No no no! Don't let the turkeys get you down! You can do some of it
> > barefoot, I'm sure. I would love to hear how it goes. I am trying to
> > learn how to do barefoot running.
> > On Dec 11, 2009, at 8:50 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
> >> I see the PCT-L is as respectful and constructive as ever.  ;-)
> >>
> >> The PCT features hot ground, hard frozen snow, sharp rocks, and
> >> it's very,
> >> very long - obvious significant challenges to unshod feet, and the
> >> reasons
> >> I'm seeking advice from those who may have tried it.  I doubt it's
> >> realistic
> >> for me to be able to take it on barefoot next year, I have the added
> >> challenge of poor vision to make navigating sharp obstacles more
> >> challenging, but the arguments for barefoot travel are compelling
> >> and it's
> >> certainly an idea that is worth investigating.
> >>
> >> - P178
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pct-l mailing list
> > Pct-l at backcountry.net
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> >
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> > Version: 8.5.427 / Virus Database: 270.14.103/2558 - Release Date:
> 12/11/09
> > 19:37:00
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pct-l mailing list
> > Pct-l at backcountry.net
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:57:02 -0800
> From: canoeman at qnet.com
> Subject: [pct-l] Five fingers
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID: <1260611822.4b2368ee29982 at webmail.qnet.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> wow, Ive never seen these before, but they appear to be interesting fit and
> feeling.
> They look like they would be very cool for paddling.
> anyone wear these on trail.
> very unusual concept in shoes.
> I think it would be neat to try these on.
> Where are they available in SOCAL.
>
>  canoeman
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Sat, 12 Dec 2009 06:07:41 -0800 (PST)
> From: frank martin <sriprank at yahoo.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Barefoot
> To: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <585332.15475.qm at web81301.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>
> Not to deter anyone but yes you can build up enough callous to withstand
> sharp objects.
> ?
> I lived most of the '70's in India and was barefoot most of that peroid.
> ?
> I built up thick callous.? So thick that it eventually would crack and then
> fissure.? These fissures were very painful and left the foot exposed to
> infection.? The only remedy was to seal them off.? We would use unprocessed
> cashew nuts which in the raw state are surrounded by an?acid.? The acid
> would form a tar like substance when applied to the callous.? Even then it
> was still painful walking.
> ?
> alamedafrank '08
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:25:45 -0700
> From: "Ryan S. Bozzell" <RBozzell at vailresorts.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Halfmiles maps and other recourses
> To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
>        <
> 7F884A6D1E48554090979B54CA60AB20369C661FC7 at EXCHANGECMS.vailresorts.com>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Hey,
>
> I just wanted to send out a thanks to Halfmile for getting us the PCT maps.
> I hiked last year and it seemed to me based on mine and other hikers
> experience, the best combination was the databook, halfmile's maps, yogi's
> town guide, and the water report. It was interesting to see how many people
> threw out the "official guide books" because they were pretty much useless.
> If you want a free set of these books you could just wait until the big
> group of hikers came through the first few town stops and check out the
> hiker boxes there. The people with the PCT Atlas seemed to be somewhat
> pleased, but much of the data didn't match the other recourses i.e. the
> water report and the data book. The price of the Atlas is a little rough as
> well. I think the three esientals for the hike are milage data, water data,
> and topo maps. The PCT Atlas dose put this together in one light weight
> expensive resource except for the current water conditions, and for some
> reason the data in the atlas and t
>  he water report milage don't match. The "official guides" just give way to
> much turn by turn detail and is confusing to most, not to mention the fact
> that the small black and white maps are difficult to see and use. Halfmiles
> maps are in color and can be referenced to the databook, water report,
> yogi's guide, and are 100% free except for printing cost of course.
>
> So thank you Halfmile for completing the maps.
>
> Any other takes on this subject I would be interested to hear.
>
> Happy Trails
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-l mailing list
> Pct-l at backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
>
> End of Pct-l Digest, Vol 24, Issue 67
> *************************************
>