Talkin' Shoes (9.4.17)

I've enjoyed hiking over the past several months, as it is very therapeutic and peaceful.  I enjoy seeing all the families spending quality time with each other.   It's one of the few activities that is totally free and provides exercise, fresh air, social time, etc.

I had the pleasure of bringing some newbies with me when I returned to the Eno River State Park in Durham on Labor Day-Pam, Makayla, Kennadee, & Bentley.

Makayla is EXTREMELY terrified of dogs.  Bentley finally broke her down, and she was able to overcome her fears to hold him on a leash.

We decided to try to cross the river, but only made it halfway.

I'm determined to turn her into an outside girl.

I still suck at taking selfies.  Oh well...

Pam trying to cross into the river.  Here's where the fun really begins.

Since this was Pam's first hiking trip, I suggested that she wear some shoes with a good sole, but of course not her newest, bestest shoes.  

Well, she decided to wear some 12-13 year old Jordans that had already seen better days.  We're guessing the water was the final death blow to the shoes because this is what happened next....

A gentleman and his sons happened to walk by, and I asked if he had any duct tape.  Thank God that he did.  We attempted to patch up the shoes as such...

We still had about 1.5 miles to get to the end of the trail, and the duct tape just wasn't able to withstand the rocks and dirt.

Now for plan B: the extra shopping bags I had in my bag.

 The bags definitely couldn't withstand the terrain either.

All in all, we laughed and laughed so hard and had a great time.  Pam's shoes were talking and flapping and providing us with so much entertainment!!!

I think I convinced her not to give up on hiking, but to just invest in a better pair of shoes for the next time....