Day off

[cowgrrl]

I took today as a vacation day -- very much needed! I spent the morning doing laundry and futzing around on Torchwood communities, posting the story I wrote on saturday (which was scary but the feedback's been really nice.) etc.

Then I took my hiking boots and drove up to Arlington Heights, and took a walk around the reservoir to start attempting to break them in. I'm cautiously optimistic. After my walk I went to Trader Joe's (still wearing the hiking boots) and forgot I had them on. Always a good sign.

And since I went for a nature walk, of course you get to see a little of what I saw today.


I couldn't get very close since they were on the water and I wasn't, but I think most of these may be Wood Ducks. They sure weren't the usual mallards. Edited to add: my mom thinks these are buffleheads. I think she's right. :-)


I'm pretty sure this is a black-capped chickadee.


Swan!


Great blue heron.

Comments

[cluelessinchi.livejournal.com]

I have never had any problems with hiking boots. I know others have but perhaps we are just the lucky ones. *grins* I love your pics! I am glad that you had a good day!

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

I have really difficult feet. They're wide in the front and narrow in the back. So I end up with boots that slip up and down in the heel and rub. Today I noticed a bit of abrasion on both my ankle bone and the back of the heel. No blisters yet, so at least I know I can go a mile in these boots without blistering. You are very lucky to not have problems getting footwear!

[cluelessinchi.livejournal.com]

We must have the same feet. Hiking boots are some of the most comfortable shoes for me. Most shoes just never fit like hiking boots do. I have terrible times with shoes. I have shoes with custom made orthopedics and they are still too narrow at the foot box. Good socks will help with any abrasions. I invent money in my socks. They are worth the investment. Good socks are the best! Have you had hiking boots in the past?

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

That's encouraging to hear! I haven't had hiking boots since childhood. I grew up with hiking parents. :-) My mom is very excited that I want to go hiking and keeps wanting progress reports on whether I'm breaking in my boots. :-)

I bought one pair of good hiking socks from REI and plan to buy more if the boots work out ok.

[cluelessinchi.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah. I love my hiking boots. Mine are actually the most comfortable foot wear that I have. Even the expensive shoes with the custom made orthopedics are not as comfortable. I had a pair years ago and I thought it was just that pair then last summer I got a pair. I wore them in the winter. I felt like I was mountain climbing. LOL I really think we have the same feet. I need the widest shoe box there are yet have tie up fronts so that the ankle does not slide. Hiking boots have all those features. I have a cheap pair of hiking boots from Target. The other pair were from Walmart. I have never had a good pair. I will invest in good pairs of socks though. I am getting used to spending $5 for a pair of socks though. There are many places to get good socks. Sock liners are a good thing too. I purchase socks whenever I see them.

[gingicat]

Okay, I need to go do hiking and photography with you, clearly. :)

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

That could be arranged! :-) March/April are actually really good times to get out and see wildlife because there are no leaves on the trees yet.

[gingicat]

Sunday afternoons are best because of high probability of mom-in-law taking care of kids. :) Next Sunday we'll be in NYC - first Sunday in April?

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure that will work. I'll pencil you in for April 6 and we can discuss closer to that date. Weather permitting, of course. :-)

[verucas-chaos.livejournal.com]

Beautiful photos. What did you get at Trader's??

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

The usual: too much junk food (dark chocolate covered cherries, yum!) and a few things I actually needed.

[alanhamilton.livejournal.com]

Beautiful pics! Thanks for sharing them.

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you liked them! :-)