We’re waiting.
Old, muddy and beaten
From walking,
And adventures.
From muddy puddles,
Streams and creeks.
In her dreams,
We jump like deer,
We run like the clappers.
We were always there.
Whatever the weather,
Whatever the day.
As faithful as dogs,
Ready for play.
Life at No. 22 
I love this…. I had two pair of Doc Martens – one replacing the other and I had both for over 10yrs and I adored them. They were so worn-in by the end I hated getting rid of them.
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Thanks Deborah, yes good shoes/boots are similar to a well fitted pair of jeans. I remember the Doc Martens, though never had the opportunity to own a pair.
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Whilst I am not a bush walker, I can imagine how it would be to have to give up such well-worn boots.
My footwear for my weird and troubled feet is Birkenstocks in summer and Brooks Addiction in winter. I have also had my right fibula removed to go in my mouth for cancer reconstruction so I know what footwear works for me too.
A charming and sweet post.
Denyse #mlstl
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Hi Denyse, yes I am a Brooks fan and can attest to how good they are to wear. Bush walking in Australia is completely different to N.Z. I enjoyed our short ones whilst over there and even the walkways are very enjoyable.
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and then the old shoe that epitomizes it all.. fantastic.. 😉
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Cheers Lisa, your comments always make me smile 🙂
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Thank YOU.. 😉
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This really appealed to me Suz, you are so clever and creative! #mlstl
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Thanks, Deb. It takes one to know one, and that’s creative souls 🙂
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Love this! There’s something wonderful about old worn out, muddy walking boots, they have many tales to tell 🙂
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Hi Suzanne – I don’t own hiking boots (only sneakers) but I know my husband’s boots are well worn, well loved, and well appreciated – much like yours.
#MLSTL
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Thanks Leanne, no matter what type of shoe it is, they are all appreciated by me.
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Haha! My favorite old boots find repose in my garden, too. I wonder if some future resident will create such a lovely poem as yours when they find one.
I hike either in Tevas or tennies. Most hiking boots are just too much for me to lug or never fit right.
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Hi Eilene, I have heard of Tevas though not the Tennies brand. I have larger than life feet 10 -11 [41 -42], so when I find comfy shoes I am ecstatic. When I brought my hiking books they were comfortable from the moment I first tried them on. Not one blister. Though they need to be worn more. Hopefully, in spring and summer!
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Oops, tennies is just short for tennis shoes (athletic shoes).
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I should’ve known that terminology.
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And I hope you do get some good hikes in next season.
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Wonderful words and image, Suszanne. Hope you get to do more tramping in the coming months. #MLSTL
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Thanks Natalie and I am hoping that will happen too.
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And the saddest day is when we must part ways for a newer model.
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I haven’t worn out hiking boots, YET, though have gone through quite a few pairs of running shoes!
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Such cool boots and a poem. Thanks for sharing both. #MLSTL
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Thanks very much for your comments and I sometimes manage to put together a few words that eventually make sense 🙂
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Great picture! My dad used to say ‘Run like the clappers’.
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Thanks for sharing the lovely memory. I think that saying was in the movie Forrest which is one I have enjoyed watching a few times.
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Loved the photo of the old boot. I wear Merrell hiking boots and they’ve started to tear and the suspension (if that’s the right word for it) is flattening. But like your fabulous words, a boot is so much more than a boot.
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Merrell is a good brand. Yes, Jo, I understand what you meant regarding the suspension 🙂
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Now I feel guilty for neglecting my own boots. They haven’t been out for some time.
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Time to get them on, April 🙂
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This is lovely. So atmospheric. Conjures up so many images.
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Thanks very much and I’ve had some memorable tramps around N.Z.
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So true. For years, I avoided hiking boots as they just did not work with my feet. I wore Teva sandals or New Balance trail shoes for all of our Caminos.
Recently, I borrowed my husand’s New Balance Boots. It was love at first sight. I’ve seldom been without them for my recent hikes!
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Hi Donna, I love my boots though when tired they do become heavy. Much prefer my trainers though not practical on tramps. New Balance is a good brand. I’ve found Brooks excellent for arch support. Whatever works. The Camino would’ve required shoe planning! You and your husband are doing really well with your hikes. It’s been fun reading about them.
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I was just thinking I need some hiking boots. Now I’m inspired!
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My new boots created a renewed spring in my step. Hope it does the same for you. Happy to inspire.
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Oh the stories those boots could tell – and you have done that well.
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Thanks Liana, yes and I hope to do more tramping [hiking] in the coming months.
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I’ve had some pretty beaten up hiking boats, but not like those!
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Me neither, you never know what gems you will find when mowing other people’s lawns and tidying up gardens! Sorting out old photos and I came across the photo of the old boot, which prompted the words.
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