There is so much to know about hiking shoes!
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This week, much time was spent researching.
So many details: materials, waterproofing, weight, thickness, soles, inner soles, arch and ankle support, proper sizing on flat and inclines, light boots, heavy boots, light weight shoes or sandals.
Let alone advice on foot care: breaking in boots, lace knotting, taping, powdering, oiling, foot soaking, elevation of feet, cleaning, drying, trimming nails and treating blisters.
And I haven’t even started on socks, gaiters, trousers, backpacks and other equipment.
And that’s not the end of the list, just the beginning.
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It’s quite amazing to live in a world transformed by the internet, where there is so much information accessible for just about every topic.
But information and knowledge are different from wisdom huh?
That deeply felt wisdom of the soul.
In the wake of big transitions in my life, living through grief, my deep intuitive knowing is calling me to do something big, something honouring, something monumental.
Each night, during Dad’s final days, i’d tuck myself into bed to read Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild”. The story about Cheryl’s trek along the Pacific Crest Trail following her mother’s death. I’d often be so tired that i’d only get through a few pages.
Since my father’s death i’ve felt a fire energy rising within me. Times of fiery anger, burning me away, extinguishing my core in preparation for renewal. Cleansing me, healing me. The call to action, to do something big.
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We’re in the early planning stages of a walk from Southern France into Spain. A trek of about 780km over 50 days.
We’re not doing a sacred religious or spiritual pilgrimage, or for personal healing or transformation.
We’re not going hard or toughing it out in order to suffer or prove something. We’ll average about 15km per day, which for us, as first time hikers, feels manageable.
We’re seeking to create a ripple, an experience in our life, something big that marks the passing of our father and honours the grief of childlessness, in a way that embraces this creative fire of life.
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In addition to advice from friends, the guides and website research on the trek, the locations, equipment, hostels etc, we’ve also been reading books about the art, the history, landscapes, the people, food and wine in this part of the world.
We don’t have a big wad of cash saved up, we’re going into debt, and although this makes me anxious, i am thankful for this blessing.
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With death around me, i’ve looked it in the eye and have its measure, its finality for this life is certain. It’s a such a cliché, but to fully embrace death makes life searingly precious.
It’s time for me to stop putting life on hold and to prioritise people, experiences, dreams, and focus my energy on what really matters.
What is important to you? How do you hold it sacred and embrace it wholeheartedly? What is the spark that calls you to action? I’d love to hear your story.
Any trekking tips or advice for a novice would be greatly appreciated as well.
Big love
sarah
thespiritualhomemaker 
Oh Sarah, I wept reading your post. It is right, isn’t it. This journey to sate the burning fire? It will be an amazing experience.
I think you are very practical and sensible in realising your limits and walking 15 kms a day. That way you can really enjoy each day. You’ll build hiking fitness as you go and you might find you’ll walk further toward the end of your trek. Advice? Gosh, each walk is different and everyone’s experience is different. Light weight, quick dry clothing. A light weight rain jacket and walking poles perhaps. Knowing you, you’ll probably want a diary of some sort, be it paper or digital. Take what advice and tips work for you and leave the rest. As far as hiking boots go, gee I’ve been lucky. I’ve never had to wear a pair of boots in and I’ve never had blisters from boots. Always best to be prepared though.
All my love.
S xxx
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Thank you so much shannyn, adding to the preparation list. chat soon.sx
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What a lovely journey to undertake and all the researching I’m sure is
a big part of the fun. FWIW comfy running shoes outperform on all but the most unforgiving of terrains and maybe try a few multiday itineraries locally to make sure the reality of the experience is matches the dream.
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Thanks for the encouragement! Was looking at running shoes, but was wondering about lateral ankle support. Great suggestion on breaks. We’ve scheduled about 9 rest days throughout the trek. 2 days in Pamplona and 2 days in Leon. Still working with a draft schedule so will revisit. big thank you. sx
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I read this and smiled and cried. What wisdom, this walking business. I know it shall burn away the old and leave you transformed. I have no advice on walking, only on being in the moment and allowing yourself to feel all the feelings as they ebb and flow.
Oh, one more thing. Leave time when you are home again, for the pieces to come together and for everything to make sense on this new level you will move to. Hugs and love xx
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thanks sweet one! big love to you, one of my inspirations! sx
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What a wonderful way to move, literally, from the old shell to the new shell. A beautiful way to find where you are and to bring yourself home. No idea on the hiking thing (let alone shoes lol) but you’ll do it in the most awesome way you can. Big hug xo
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thanks darling – sarah and kev style – i love it! thanks for just being you, that’s the best gift! hugs sx
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Hi Sarah – the best advise I can give as an experienced hiker is pack light. Gather all the things that you think you need and then half this; do a trial packing and then eliminate again – even then you will find that there will be items that you never use. Oh & always carry a treat – be it chocolate or a small bottle of your favourite spirit – it can make all the difference especially on the really hard days. Imogen xxx
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such great suggestions! big thank you imogen! sx
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