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Monday, December 28, 2020

Maybe I've Grown Up?

  It has been one of our long-standing jokes. Over the years, as Marie and I have hiked together, she would always tease me. Before I switched to trail runners, the boots I bought had one hook on each side above the eyelets. She said, "Some day you'll grow up and you'll be big enough that your boots will have two hooks."

Well, lookie what happened today! My big Christmas gift arrived- a joint gift because these were not cheap. These are waterproof, winter hiking boots made by Oboz. The color name is even cute. It's called "Chipmunk." No, my pants aren't that short. I pulled them up so you can see the boots. And there are two hooks on each side! I'm finally grown up! Oboz boots

Buying shoes is always a trial for me. Narrow, small feet. Fussy feet. But I put these on, and my initial reaction was that they felt good. If my initial reaction is bad, there is no hope. So far, so good.

But, they had to be put to the test. Immediately! The boots meet their first snow. boots taking steps in snow

I figured I'd go for 3 miles, but if I felt good at the turn where I can choose to make the walk longer, I'd do that. I had hoped to do long miles today, but I really wanted to work on breaking these in.

Got to the turn, and decided to add to the 3 miles. Hey, there was sunshine! Vitamin D and shadows. shadow of hiker on snow

How could anyone be less than cheerful with a sky like this in a Michigan winter? blue sky

So, I did 5 miles, and the boots are great. One instep was a tiny bit sore, but no hot spots at all. No damp socks when I took them off. I am very happy. Time was 17.0 minutes/mile, and I wasn't even trying to walk fast!

And the sunset was pretty cool, too. The coloring around the clouds seems a little unusual. sunset

In other news: I worked on editing and did a bunch of small chores.

See I Couldn't Resist (first hiking boots ever)

6 comments:

Ann said...

Those are nice looking boots. Love the color name. Great that they passed their test first time out.

Lin said...

They are sharp!! It's so hard to find good "working" shoes. I am in the process of two new big toenails as a pair of expensive trainers apparently rubbed me in the wrong way, so to speak. Ugh. At least it is winter and nobody sees the ugly toes.

Happy New Shoes!!

Sharkbytes said...

Ann and Lin- thank you! Lin- Hiker toes are a badge of honor!

Unknown said...

I remember when I got my first official boots that looked similar for my odd-size feet! I am happy for you! Awesome & love the joke :) yt

The Oceanside Animals said...

Lulu: "🎵 These boots were made for walking, and that's just what they'll do! 🎵"

Sharkbytes said...

Elaine- boots are awesome

Lulu- they will, they will!