a new pilgrim

The keen Newport sandals had been in my possession for 24 hours but already i felt transformed, their sole was a little ri stiff but i hoped that would ease will mileage, otherwise they felt great. Cool feeling, light and just right. After a very quick period my feet adjusted and i was happy to keep them on after a 6k stroll, and i did so to 22:00 after a rough wet night at the footy. Walking back to the car i noticed one weak spot, heavy groundwater caused your socks to get wet. Once the dampness warmed up it was fine, but i suspect from what of read, that dampness lead to soft swollen flesh, lead to blisters. So i would have to remain vigilant. 

The lightness of being brought on by the keens inspired me to take my sleeping bag out of my pack. I later thought about buying a small pack. As fate had it the following morning i found myself within 2k of a MacPac store. I eyed off the 20l day packs. Too small. Essentially i need to carry a puffer jacket in a dry bag, about 4l, a change of clothes, another 5l and a poncho. An ancillary bag with toiletries and small stuff could fit in the "lid " of the pack. A woman about my  age, with her k older husband were mastering away, about litreage, styles and colours. They didn't mention price at all. She's mentioned her "main pack" and potential for a smaller pack for day hiking between accommodations, in Japan. By coincidence an older Japanese shop assistant appeared, & was drawn to the couple with money and less ideas. I was happy that although i knew little, i was looking for a padded shoulder straps, a hefty wasteband, low weight, and minimal size. Or little helper listened well, knew the stock and after learning of the type of use we had in mind, kind of nailed it. Id seen a black 28l that fitted the bill, but it's price was above the others. Not the  most expensive, but more than bargain basement, which was my usual.  I looked at others but based on their lack of features, and clunkiness i knew they were not up to scratch. LH chose the same bag, whether matching my needs, by my eye movement or that it was s dearer bag. "Put it on" she bossed. As i fumbled for the wasteband she assumed i was going for the shoulder straps and began to bark "wasteband first" and here slight surprise as i whipped them out from behind. "Too high, come down, better with weight, 45° here. Good, for you". I vaccilated due to the cost, i tried it with weight bags and it felt like a sack. LH said "better you put weight on middle, feel better". I described my the main components; puffer jacket in a bag, change of clothes, poncho. LH bossed "good, puffer good in the in the bottom, cloth, poncho the to do you can get". Then i knew, she was not bossy, or trying to up well, her was a perceptive, knowledgeable hiker. I guess that's what this app charges for, and the quality of the year. I smiled, deal done. But the cost? I hover and read the label, missing, LH who had already moved on, returned to me as she grabbed a pack for another customer "what do you do?" I replied just reading the label, she stopped short of saying "you gonow" and exhaled a better harrumph. What a cracker! 

At home, I put my puffer dry bag down low, then my clothes pouch, my poncho was resting in the car, i slipped my sandals walker in the lid of the pack and tossed it on. Tadaa!  then i felt it, even weight bearing, snug size and fit. The great of living a heavy pack over step  coastal headlands, blisters threatening, heart screaming, were resolved. I felt confident i could have a good run at this.