My feets is nekkid

Barefooting is really working for me. I'm not going to make any wild pronouncements since so many people view the barefoot runners as nutters, but I will just say that my lower legs, ankles, and feet are much stronger than they ever have been and I'm enjoying running and hiking in a way I never did before. I'm following the guidance of the book Barefoot Running to make sure I learn the proper way to strengthen my feet and ankles, and build up my footpads. It's a slooooow process but I know that it's the safest route. Ack, already sounding too preachy!
 

Some of the most fun I've had is trekking in the woods with the dogs while barefoot. There are so many uneven areas and different textures it helps strengthen your feet, and it loads of fun. Well, it wasn't fun walking under the oak trees with their acorn-littered ground. But boy the leaf litter felt like a spongy mattress afterwards! And moss has to be the most awesome groundcover for barefeet ever. It's so densely spongy, cool and damp yet warm in the sun. I also loved standing on patches of smooth dirt to cool my feet while the dogs rustle in the underbrush. After coming out of the woods with all of its twigs and rocks and bits, walking on the asphalt street feels like a treat.

And for you worrying, yes I do bring shoes with me just in case I need them. And not just any shoes! Daven will be proud I bought some Vibram Five Fingers. I had a choice between white trimmed with green, or ghastly orange trimmed with hot pink (not much color choice in a women's 41 - hell, I'm lucky to have found any in person). You don't even get to guess which pair I ended up with. I figured the white ones would get really funky dirty fast. They conveniently clip onto a carabiner for easy carrying.

And I noticed something cool when I was stretching one day - a Baddha Konasana Dragonfly! Check it out!