I’d love to meet up with other barefooters and explore the amazing forests and such we have so close. I haven’t done a legit hike in probably 15 years, and never barefoot. I want to start easing back into hiking, and what better way than with people who will enjoy the ground beneath their feet with me?

A couple months back I hiked 6 hours on purely gravel trails. My soles hurt for days and my calves for over a week. I wish they wouldn't keep covering trails with crushed stone, dirt is much better.

I was hiking barefoot as normal in my local state park when I encountered a group of about 10 teenagers hiking. First, I was happy to see younger people out just having a grand time in nature. Second, two were hiking barefoot. I made the comment that I liked their shoes with thumbs up. They laughed and said they liked mine too. Only second time encountering fellow barefooters.

Excellent 6 mile hike today. Weather is definitely cooling down. But once the sun is up it is nice. Picture is off the main trail at an overlook across the inner bay.

https://preview.redd.it/erh61d0hrcwd1.jpg?width=2835&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2c8b9f2d5c72c2f4d9f814fd450c3cf01c33e24

I've been debating about whether I should post this story or not, but I went for my first barefoot walk today. It was only a very short one. I came across this muddy path and usually, I wouldn't even think about taking off my shoes and socks and going barefoot, but this time, I couldn't resist having some fun. Off came my shoes and socks and I had a little walk around in the mud.

I was surprised by how slippery it felt underfoot, but the cold wet soil was so stimulating and when I felt it ooze from between my toes, it sent shivers through my body. My body was overwhelmed with sensory overload! But, I was caught. I ended up getting arrested and questioned about...

No, that's not what happened at all. In fact, the person walked by just like every other time any other person did, while I was wearing shoes. It was a push over a personal barrier moment, when I realized, it wasn't as bad as it seemed and that my fears were a figment of my mind. I can't wait to try it again sometime soon.

I posted some pictures here of my experience. I don't know why, but there's something so satifying about seeing the mud curl up between the toes. The way the feet just melt into the grounds it's... just so natural and beautiful.

https://preview.redd.it/lb0xfd0hrcwd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3725e16eca965352aa52b985b5b7d7ce2a9b6f6e

https://preview.redd.it/ypg3ic0hrcwd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8f69de258120b564f14061dd5565bbbd224d09a6

Every thing needs a firm foundation. Something to support it with no assistance. That is how I view going barefoot. I am strengthening my foundation. I do not need shoes to help support my body. It is strong as it was born.