From: Bill Kirkpatrick
Subject: Snow walking
Date: Sun, 09 Feb 1997 18:39:47 -0500

I got my first chance to go barefooting in some real snow this weekend
as we got about 7" here in central Maryland Saturday. The temps were in
the mid-30's so it was a heavy wet snow. It was wonderful! It was like
walking on cold cotton candy. I was surprised at how long I was able to
tolerate the cold. I was able to walk about 25 feet total from the front
door and back. As long as I didn't think my feet were cold, it didn't
bother me much. Once I got back inside and let my mind focus on my
temperature of my feet, they started hurting and felt numb. Mind over
matter, eh!

I went out again this afternoon into the yard to check out a snowman the
kids had made. I spent probably a full minute in the snow and didn't
notice the cold so much. I paid more attention to the feel of the snow,
which was in varying states of melting due to the sun being out all day.
It was indescribable. I highly recommend snow walking to everyone who
has the chance! I had read of others' experiences in snow and thought
that is was nuts to do it. Like they say, "Don't knock it till you've
tried it!"

After this, I'm kind of glad I don't live in a permanently warm climate.
I'd miss out on the chance to snow-walk. I'm also able to acclimatize
myself slowly as fall and winter approach. I now don't have any fears of
going out into the cold for any length of time unless it is far below
freezing enough to cause possible damage.

-----------------------------------------------------
Bill Kirkpatrick        0ooo.  Just say "NO" to shoes!
Columbia, MD    .ooo0   (   )  http://www.barefooters.org
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