+BareFeat Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 did my first multi- of the season completely barefoot the other day. OW!! Very rocky old cartroad, and quite a bit of bushwacking involved too. I got into barefoot hiking some years back after jokingly saying i wanted to start a barefoot hikers club, and finding out there was one already in the north quabbin area i was living in. (full of crunchies!!) So anyone else geocache barefoot? And crazy stories about such? Check out this video- Mt. Whitney Summit-- BAREFOOT! double owwey!! No thats not me, just some other crazy hikers intune with nature. (~)}] Quote Link to comment
+BCandMsKitty Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Not a chance in ..... Quote Link to comment
+rabid-chihuahua Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 No way! The trip down the driveway to get to the mailbox is as far I go. Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 (edited) NudeCacher does, but I'm not gonna be the one to post his picture here. If you're curious, that is his cacher name and you can search for his profile. (actually, I don't think that he actually goes barefoot, come to think of it. Anyone care to peruse his gallery carefully enough to let us all know for sure? I think I'll pass on that job) Edited May 28, 2009 by knowschad Quote Link to comment
+Mikey-Likes-It Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Ever try these out? Vibram Five Fingers Quote Link to comment
+gof1 Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 NudeCacher does, but I'm not gonna be the one to post his picture here. If you're curious, that is his cacher name and you can search for his profile. (actually, I don't think that he actually goes barefoot, come to think of it. Anyone care to peruse his gallery carefully enough to let us all know for sure? I think I'll pass on that job) Um, no! Quote Link to comment
+Mredria Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I did once but it was because a mud hole stole a shoe. Quote Link to comment
+Steve&GeoCarolyn Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Ever try these out? Vibram Five Fingers I bought a pair of those a few weeks ago and have been geocaching in some areas with them. (Though I don't intend to use them when I cache in sloughs or swamps or snake-infested areas.) They work great and feel wonderful on the loamy, leaf-strewn ground and in grassy parks. I've discovered new muscles in my feet, which I assume will stop aching once they've built up a bit more. I'm honestly too frightened of thorns, broken glass, and sharp rocks to cache barefoot. The Vibram FiveFingers are a close approximation that are much safer for my delicate tootsies. Carolyn Quote Link to comment
+mdplayers Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I'm allergic to bees so I don't even go out in my backyard barefoot for fear of stepping on a honey bee. So no, barefoot caching is not something I'd be doing. Quote Link to comment
+usyoopers Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 NudeCacher does, but I'm not gonna be the one to post his picture here. If you're curious, that is his cacher name and you can search for his profile. (actually, I don't think that he actually goes barefoot, come to think of it. Anyone care to peruse his gallery carefully enough to let us all know for sure? I think I'll pass on that job) I have actually browsed through his gallery, I seem to remember seeing footwear....maybe I'll have to go back for another lookyloo Quote Link to comment
+usyoopers Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 NudeCacher does, but I'm not gonna be the one to post his picture here. If you're curious, that is his cacher name and you can search for his profile. (actually, I don't think that he actually goes barefoot, come to think of it. Anyone care to peruse his gallery carefully enough to let us all know for sure? I think I'll pass on that job) I have actually browsed through his gallery, I seem to remember seeing footwear....maybe I'll have to go back for another lookyloo Ok, I couldn't help myself. I went in for the research....sometimes barefoot, sometimes sandals and even.....sometimes shoes WITH socks! Quote Link to comment
+meralgia Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 (edited) HA HA HA... Barefoot!! I do everything else barefoot. Why should caching be any different? I did a couple that way with a friend (rather than ruin my flip flops on some steep terrain). I have noticed that, in the urban forests, there tends to be broken glass here and there so haven't thought it wise since. I've also barefoot cached in a dress, when tree climbing has been necessary and when fjording a river. BTW, I'd HATE to run into NudeCacher at an event... eek! Edited May 28, 2009 by meralgia Quote Link to comment
+mfamilee Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Never barefoot, but one time I climbed a fallen tree in just my socks. Does that count? Quote Link to comment
+solo63137 Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I can't walk across the lawn barefoot, I'm lucky to make it across the living room carpet... I have to have the tenderest feet in history... Funny/frustrating as I hate to wear shoes... Quote Link to comment
+Mule Ears Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I do some barefoot hiking/running, but the terrain here in southern AZ calls for some level of protection for even the toughest feet. If the Tarahumara wear sandals sometimes, I guess there's no disgrace in it. There's pretty much no hike or climb I can't do in minimal sandals, though I do like the Vibram Five Fingers for rock scrambling. The Hiking and Backpacking thread "Hiking in the Heat" evolved into a discussion of hiking in sandals, Vibrams and bare feet. You might want to check it out. Quote Link to comment
+Frank Broughton Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Ok, I couldn't help myself. I went in for the research....sometimes barefoot, sometimes sandals and even.....sometimes shoes WITH socks! The guy is sick..... and ugly GOF I'll try anything once - one look was enough - man, I am gonna have nightmares tonight. Quote Link to comment
+Col. Flagg Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 BTW, I'd HATE to run into NudeCacher at an event... eek! If you ever see NudeCacher running away from something, follow him. Quote Link to comment
+meralgia Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 BTW, I'd HATE to run into NudeCacher at an event... eek! If you ever see NudeCacher running away from something, follow him. What, and watch his a** flapping in the breeze?? No THANK you!! Quote Link to comment
+Castle Mischief Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 On the trail: poison oak/ivy, fire ants, glass, roots, snakes, and hookworms. No thanks. But as soon as I hit the front door the shoes fly off. Quote Link to comment
+KJcachers Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Ever try these out? Vibram Five Fingers I could never get those to fit me. my second (hammer) toe is so much longer than my big toe! Quote Link to comment
+Jeep4two Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I may give it a shot sometime while out on a very rural trail. I would imagine it would feel nice. However most places I've cached so far have all to high an instance of glass on or around the trails for me to want to be barefoot. Quote Link to comment
Nudecacher Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 (edited) ...BTW, I'd HATE to run into NudeCacher at an event... eek! I'm a pretty harmless, friendly enough guy, once you get to know me, and there are even some cachers that go caching with me. Nudecacher Edited May 28, 2009 by Nudecacher Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 NudeCacher does, but I'm not gonna be the one to post his picture here. If you're curious, that is his cacher name and you can search for his profile. (actually, I don't think that he actually goes barefoot, come to think of it. Anyone care to peruse his gallery carefully enough to let us all know for sure? I think I'll pass on that job) I have actually browsed through his gallery, I seem to remember seeing footwear....maybe I'll have to go back for another lookyloo Ok, I couldn't help myself. I went in for the research....sometimes barefoot, sometimes sandals and even.....sometimes shoes WITH socks! Oh oh... Nudecacher has been exposed! Oh... wait.... Quote Link to comment
Skippermark Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 (edited) I've never hiked in the woods barefoot, but I've heard there are health benefits to walking around barefoot and having the ground massage your feet. Here's an online book from the author's website with tons of great info about hiking barefoot: http://www.bhthom.org/hikertxt.htm Here area a couple other sites with info about hiking barefoot too: http://www.bhthom.org/rfrazine.htm http://www.unshod.org/ebbfhike/ Edited May 28, 2009 by Skippermark Quote Link to comment
+BareFeat Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 LOL alrighty then, didnt go exactly as i thought it might. Nudecacher hijacked my thread without trying! lol ... must fight the urge to view profile...... funny stuff thanks for the laughs. And of course i dont go barefoot to everycache, but you better believe if its a decent area, they are coming off! Quote Link to comment
Nudecacher Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 LOL alrighty then, didnt go exactly as i thought it might. Nudecacher hijacked my thread without trying! lol ... must fight the urge to view profile...... funny stuff thanks for the laughs. And of course i dont go barefoot to everycache, but you better believe if its a decent area, they are coming off! There are barefooters in the nudist community too. They are thought of as being somewhat strange, even there. I agree with you on the coming off part. I'm real fast. "Warning, clothes may fly off at any moment." Nudecacher Quote Link to comment
+Mule Ears Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Wonderful. They're nudists, and I'm the one who's weird. Story of my life. Quote Link to comment
+KJcachers Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 (edited) As Shang-Chi, The Master of Kung Fu from the comic book replied when asked why he does NOT wear shoes: "Why DO you wear shoes? Is not the concrete beneath your feet enough of a separation between you and the Earth?" Edited May 29, 2009 by KJcachers Quote Link to comment
AZcachemeister Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 On the trail: poison oak/ivy, fire ants, glass, roots, snakes, and hookworms. No thanks. But as soon as I hit the front door the shoes fly off. Cholla cactus (and other spiny plants), scorpions, Gila Monsters, Black Widows, Velvet Ants...I might take the clothes off, but I'm keeping SOMETHING on my feet! Quote Link to comment
+apetro Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 as a diabetic i would never be able to cache barefoot but i would love to! i went barefoot all during my younger years and now my feet look really bad because i have scars from ringworm, yuck. i do have many wonderful memories of the bottoms being purple from the mulberry trees that surround my house, lol. they used to be tough as nails but no longer. Quote Link to comment
+bafl01 Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Cholla cactus (and other spiny plants), scorpions, Gila Monsters, Black Widows, Velvet Ants...I might take the clothes off, but I'm keeping SOMETHING on my feet! ya here in phoenix with the for mentioned animals including one of the most poisonous breeds of arachnids in the world in our desert I would have to call shoeless hiking stupid. have you ever had a jumping cacti in your foot Quote Link to comment
+popokiiti Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Knowing what it feels like treading in a cold cat hairball in the middle of the night....and my luck....I think I will pass. I would probably tread in crapola (have done so in the hiking boots).....but that's another thread! Quote Link to comment
+apetro Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Knowing what it feels like treading in a cold cat hairball in the middle of the night....and my luck....I think I will pass. I would probably tread in crapola (have done so in the hiking boots).....but that's another thread! too funny! i usually get up before my husband and always do a quick scan....he's not as fond of the cat as i am Quote Link to comment
+Seamus McRowdy Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 I do all the time. Then again, I'm a hobbit so I don't know if my vote counts. Quote Link to comment
Shiraz-mataz Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Someone finally brought up one of my favorite topics - barefoot hiking! And what better way to get out there and tromp around the woods sans shoes than to combine it with geocaching. During the warmer months I typically toss my shoes the second I get home, and while on vacation I'll generally go barefoot 99.5% of the time. So many people dismiss the idea because it sounds too hard, or they've drank the Nike Kool-Aid and think you HAVE to wear shoes, or maybe it just never occured to them to give it a try. But of course there are questions: Why? At its core, barefoot hiking takes you back to the carefree days of youth, and it's that innocent fun I enjoy most. Once you allow the notion into your head that it might be fun, there are other reasons as well, foremost is that going barefoot is healthy for your feet. People may ask what you use for arch support - the answer is your ARCHES! Your feet will strengthen and toughen in no time and you can stop worrying about the ills that come with wearing shoes: odor, bunions, fallen arches, blisters... Where? You would be shocked at the terrain I've tackled barefoot. Well worn paths in the woods are easy but with a little patience you can navigate uncut growth in the middle of a forest. I've walked miles and miles of rocky portions of the Appalachian Trail, scrambled up rock faces, trudged through mud. And if you can ignore societal pressure to conform, urban areas are easy as well. How? Take your shoes off! (that was easy, right?) If you're a true tenderfoot start slow on grass, build up to well groomed paths, and then add difficult terrain as you become more comfortable. Your feet will likely be sore - work through the pain but don't overdo it. Know your limits though, you don't want to be in a situation where you need shoes and don't have them. Shoes are essentially tools in much the same way gloves are. I couldn't function if I had to wear gloves all the time but they come in handy when catching a baseball or pulling thorny weeds. Check out some of my profile pics and you will find several of me out there caching barefoot. Give it a try - you WON'T regret it! But please let me hear about your experience and your success! Quote Link to comment
+Steve&GeoCarolyn Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Someone finally brought up one of my favorite topics - barefoot hiking! And what better way to get out there and tromp around the woods sans shoes than to combine it with geocaching. During the warmer months I typically toss my shoes the second I get home, and while on vacation I'll generally go barefoot 99.5% of the time. So many people dismiss the idea because it sounds too hard, or they've drank the Nike Kool-Aid and think you HAVE to wear shoes, or maybe it just never occured to them to give it a try. But of course there are questions: What do you do about ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes? Do you use bug repellent on your feet? Just the tops of your feet? And what about snakes? I admit that is my greatest fear. I'm afraid that I'll be hiking and suddenly a snake (or swarm of snakes in my nightmares) will suddenly emerge and bite my feet. Carolyn Quote Link to comment
+BAMBOXES Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 I did! Just this sunday! It was amazing! And I saw Llamas! And contemplated putting the flip flops back on...but I saw no "Llamas bombas"...so I continued to bare my sole(s) to the path. I figured my feet had been in shoes far too long, and were getting 'tender'. Caching is a great time to toughen up! buttercup. Quote Link to comment
Shiraz-mataz Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 What do you do about ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes? Do you use bug repellent on your feet? Just the tops of your feet? And what about snakes? I admit that is my greatest fear. I'm afraid that I'll be hiking and suddenly a snake (or swarm of snakes in my nightmares) will suddenly emerge and bite my feet. Carolyn Mosquitos will bite any exposed skin so go ahead and spray repellent as required (spraying the bottoms of your feet is pretty pointless though). For chiggers, the spray should take care of them as well. Ticks are interesting... would you believe I "feel" them crawling on my feet way before they have a chance to bite so I have an early warning and will dispatch them to the afterlife post haste! Afraid of snakes, eh? Here's some comforting personal information... My son spent three days in the hospital after being bitten by a water moccasin in Florida. Where did it bite him, you may ask? About half way up his calf! Shoes would have made no difference. I can't help assuage your fear of snakes but you should always watch your step if you're wearing shoes or not. For those in the south there's another critter to think about... FIRE ANTS! I have stepped on their mounds while wearing shoes and while barefoot - shod is worse. Why? When barefoot I can usually feel the texture of the sandy mound underfoot and recognize it for what it is before they even have a chance to bite. If you're wearing shoes those little buggers will swarm all the way up your leg before you know it and then you're dancing around trying to pull off your shoes and socks but it will be too late. Hope that helps. Feel free to PM me if you would like more information or encouragement. Quote Link to comment
+craftinmomma Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 I am a barefoot cacher. As a matter of fact, I go barefoot anywhere I can. All my shoes are flip flops. I do own a pair of really cute rubber boots that go with us just in case. I have cached in swamps, woods, and streets and usually barefoot. I hate shoes! Everybody likes to get a picture of me barefoot. most of the pics I have posted on cache logs are of me barefoot. I walked around GW VII barefoot the whole day. And I guess that's how I ended up with a Geo Sasquatch coin that night at the event. I walked in with shoes on but as soon as I sat down they were off and stayed under the table till my hubby picked them up when we left! Quote Link to comment
Dinoprophet Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 I'm tempted to try this. Though my favorite place to hike around here is mostly equestrian trails...... Quote Link to comment
Zoptrop Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 I've had mesquite thorns go thru the bottom of my tennis shoes - not about to try caching barefoot in central Texas. Quote Link to comment
+chuckwagon101 Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 did my first multi- of the season completely barefoot the other day. OW!! Sounds great! I heard that playing Russian Roulette with a fully loaded six shooter was awesome also!! Quote Link to comment
+chuckwagon101 Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 I'm tempted to try this. Though my favorite place to hike around here is mostly equestrian trails...... Sounds like lots of excitement........dodging horse hockey! Quote Link to comment
+Bubbles&Bonkers Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 Ever try these out? Vibram Five Fingers Those are hysterical looking! Do they come in pink? Quote Link to comment
+Bubbles&Bonkers Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 Um, no! Ditto that. Quote Link to comment
+Mule Ears Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 Those are hysterical looking! Do they come in pink? Nope. But lilac: Quote Link to comment
+Bubbles&Bonkers Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 Those are hysterical looking! Do they come in pink? Nope. But lilac: Love it!!!!!! Quote Link to comment
+Mule Ears Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 They are cute, but they're practical footwear for certain uses, such as canyoneering and rock scrambling: Quote Link to comment
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