Spain To...? Barefoot Walk

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Post on Nov 27, 2024

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Spain to...? A Barefoot Walk Through History and My Epic Fail (and How You Can Avoid It!)

Hey everyone! So, I’ve always been a bit of a free spirit. Love nature, hate shoes – you get the picture. And I had this amazing idea: a barefoot pilgrimage across Spain. Sounds romantic, right? Picturesque landscapes, the feel of the earth beneath my feet... The reality? Let's just say it involved a LOT more blisters than I'd anticipated.

This wasn't some casual stroll, either. I was aiming for a proper Camino, inspired by the famous Camino de Santiago, but my own version. I envisioned myself, all zen and peaceful, walking from the sunny beaches of Barcelona towards... well, I hadn't quite figured out the destination. That's where things went a bit sideways.

The Planning (or Lack Thereof) Disaster

Lesson 1: Planning is Key (Duh!) This is where I spectacularly failed. I thought, "How hard can it be? It's just walking!" Wrong. So wrong. I didn't map out a proper route, didn't check the terrain, and – this is crucial – I completely ignored the potential dangers of going barefoot. Things like broken glass, thorns, and, you know, actual rocks. Ouch.

My initial route, a vague idea of heading towards Valencia, ended up taking me through some seriously rough patches. I ended up needing to deviate from the planned route which cost me more time. I should have looked up walking routes in Spain beforehand, checked the elevation and if there were any significant obstacles on the trail.

The Blister Bonanza (and Other Foot-Related Horrors)

Let’s just say my feet looked like something out of a horror movie after day three. Blisters upon blisters, some the size of small grapes. I'm talking agony. I had to improvise, which is why I bring you...

Lesson 2: Pack Smart (Even if You're Going Barefoot) I learned the hard way that "barefoot" doesn't mean "no gear." I needed things like:

• High-quality, breathable socks: Yeah, I know, sounds counterintuitive, but they protect your feet from friction. Cotton is terrible for this – opt for merino wool or synthetic blends.
• A good first-aid kit: Band-aids and blister plasters are your best friends. Antiseptic wipes and pain relievers are also a must. I wish I had thought to include some foot cream to prevent blisters and promote faster healing.
• Sunscreen: Your feet get sunburned too!
• Proper footwear (for emergencies): Flip-flops or light sandals are necessary for rough terrain. You're not a masochist.

Finding My Footing (and My Destination)

Eventually, I limped my way to Valencia, a much-needed rest stop. I spent a few days resting, treating my injuries, and actually planning the next leg of my journey. This was a painful experience, and I am now a firm believer in proper planning. I needed to find my actual footing.

Lesson 3: Set Realistic Goals I revised my plan, focusing on shorter daily distances and a more carefully selected route. I used online mapping tools to find footpaths and trails that were suitable for barefoot walking. I even consulted online forums dedicated to barefoot hiking to get tips and advice from other people. This should have been the first thing I did.

From Valencia, I took a different route toward Alicante, making sure the terrain was suitable, and my body healed properly before I continued.

My journey became less about covering vast distances and more about enjoying the experience at my own pace. I found a path and a pace that worked for me and I learned to appreciate the slower pace that I didn't previously take into account.

My “Spain to…?” barefoot walk didn’t exactly go as planned, but it taught me invaluable lessons about preparation, self-care, and the importance of realistic goals. Don't make my mistakes! Plan your route, pack appropriately, and be kind to your feet. And maybe, just maybe, you'll have a far more enjoyable experience than I did initially! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or stories of your own barefoot adventures!