These shoes are made for walking

Choosing shoes for an 800km hike is difficult. I've had great experience with Merrell shoes in the past, and my previous light hiker brands had pretty much all disappointed me. I was going to take my existing Raichles, but the sole started separating on my last hike (see hike below)!  My old Merrells had lasted so long that I really wanted them again, complete with the Vibram sole and Gore-tex lining so I got them again despite the price. Mom bought them for me! Thank you mom, you're my first sponsor!

Shoes to take...

Hiking 800kms with a backpack, meaning you carry it all on your back, means you can't take 5 pairs of shoes. I really like to take my Vibram Five Finger barefoot runners, and have heard people do hike with them. They are very light and small and I can probably carry them regardless. My experience with them is great, walking through the bush on fire-trails, up and down,... but not with a backpack! I know they aren't comfy when it is cold and wet. So if I am wearing them I would have to carry my light hikers in my backpack, meaning I can't have too heavy/bulky shoes. These Merrells above fit the bill!

For after walking I am pretty sure I'll take my imitation Crocs from Rivers or my thongs, we'll see. Probably the thongs. That would make three pairs of shoes... I also seriously thought about my Chaco sandals (with Vibram soles!) which were awesome, but totally worn after 5+ years of wearing, including riding 5000kms from Vietnam to Singapore last year. They are not cheap, and they are not light.

Training in Progress

The first training session! A few of us CF supporters strapped on backpacks, and for me that was the first time in years! The Walls of Jerusalem has to be one of my favourite spots for a hike! Just this weekend I went up with friends. The first day we left about lunchtime and walked past Trappers Hut to the comfortable tent platforms at Wild Dog Creek, just below King David's Peak. On the second day we took daypacks and hiked to Dixons Kingdom hut and some of us went towards Mount Jerusalem and the others went up Solomon's Throne on the way back to the tents. The third morning we hiked back to the cars.

And I am not sore, got some new ideas for the El Camino, and our training is going well!

Worldwide CF Day in September

Did you know that September 8 this year will be World CF Day? So starting our walk on September 14 is perhaps quite appropriate! In fact The Way of CF is listed as a world event: www.worldwidecfday.org.



Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide (CFW) has organised this day. CFW is a non-profit organisation located in the USA and Turkey and is dedicated to improving quality of life and life expectancy for people living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Since inception in 2002, CFW has used a variety of programs to aid the CF community in the US and throughout the world. With 67 member countries, CFW’s primary function is to spread information about the disease among scientists, medical professionals, caregivers, patients, and families and to act as a platform for the international exchange of information. CFW supports member countries by helping them develop CF Centers and lobbying for government support. To learn more about CF Worldwide please visit their website at www.cfww.org. Interestingly enough Terry Stewart, ex CEO of CF Australia is now CF Worldwide's Board President and CEO!