Waltzing Matilda

Marchers,
I changed up my work out, and hit the heavy pack yesterday. I took just under thirty five pounds, and forced marched in the grass near the bayou to get use to the un-even ground.

The nice things about getting use to these boots, using the grass and not the road for foot conditioning is good socks. Columbia, Thorlo, Fox River, and other manufacturers make some fine socks with merino wool to control friction, and made-made fibers to wick away moisture. Do not use cotton as is absorbs moisture which increases friction.

These training walks are a great way to get comfortable with your boots and socks, because, besides your pack, this will be the real cause of discomfort on our march. Though Wal-Mart may have a few socks to check out, go to a sports store, like Academy here in Texas, go into the shoe section, and find the hiking area. There will be a few boot selections, and many socks to choice form. Always buy socks that come up above thew top of your boot to control chaffing in that area.

For further reference, take a look at the web site listed below:
http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/hiking-socks.html

I changed boots for this walk, and put on my Corcoran desert boots. It was a nice change, and will harden my feet in different areas, while still conditioning them. As the old Aussies use to say, let's go Waltzing Matilda- hiking with the pack on- and get ready for our March.

Walk On, My Friend