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Listening to My BootsJune 02, 2009 After striding across dewy fields I'd have very damp socks but this didn't seem strange because my hiking boots never pretended to be waterproof. A few weeks ago, however, I noticed that my socks were soaking wet after I'd walked across a dewy field, and closer inspection revealed that on the left boot there were shoelace-size holes at big toe and little toe, and the corresponding points on the right boot were worn almost all the way through. When I set them side by side on the deck railing -- since early May Travvy and I regularly return from our morning walk quite literally crawling with ticks, so I've taken to leave boots and socks outside till I've picked them over and then given the ticks I've missed a chance to crawl away -- I couldn't help noticing that the left sole had taken leave of the upper from heel to instep. The right sole was still attached but it was loose enough to admit plenty of moisture. I'd been wearing these boots (New Balance H516s) regularly since at least 1993, so I sure can't complain about the quality, but it was definitely time for a new pair. Last week I skimmed the latest LLBean catalogues then hit the website. My basic requirements were sturdy, comfortable, ankle support, and not too expensive. For me the big challenge in shopping is admitting to myself that I really don't need state-of-the-art Gore-Tex boots suitable for trekking in the Himalayas -- they cost $175, but aren't they cool? The consumer economy suckers us over and over by selling us excess capacity -- well, yeah, now that you mention it, once a year I do have to drive six kids home from soccer, so I guess you're right, I do need a Chevy Suburban -- so I resisted temptation. Instead I sprang for the Trail Model Hikers, based on the looks, the reviews, and the $59 price tag. They arrived yesterday. This morning I wore them for my morning walk, probably about three miles. Great choice. They fit well, needed no breaking in, and have a sporty rose pink accents that weren't evident in the picture, one thin line down the tongue, another down the back, and a horizontal one above the heel. The color is sable/putty, the kind of nondescript gray/beige color I love because it never looks as filthy as it is. Also in the box was a big break with tradition. I missed the handbag stage and for most of my adult life have been packing my stuff in a backpack. On occasion I've carried a shoulder bag, but in my D.C. days I traveled mostly by bike or on foot, so backpacks were a natural. Since last fall both zippers on the small compartment of my current gray back have been shot. Since I carry my wallet and my checkbook in that compartment, I would have replaced it months ago if I lived anywhere people consider a broken zipper an invitation to reach in and swipe. I was thinking of not replacing this backpack with another backpack, but what to replace it with? It had to be sturdy, easy to carry (shoulder bags tend to slip off my shoulder), and big enough to hold manuscripts, yellow pads, spiral-bound notebooks, books, and the other crap I carry around. And (I admit it) it had to look cool. Over the winter I spotted a cool-looking messenger bag in the Levenger catalogue. Immediately I knew I wanted a messenger bag. I seriously considered buying that one, even though it cost 98 bucks. I considered it even more seriously when the price was reduced to $78 in a subsequent catalogue. The bag had nice leather straps, but the canvas body was a "natural" off-white. I had a pretty good idea that it wouldn't look so spiffy after I'd slung it in the back of the truck a few times, or set it down on a barn floor, or dirt, or grass . . . I did some poking around online but that turned into a time sink. I put messenger bags on the back burner and waited for a sign. After picking out my boots on the LLBean site, I clicked on Accessories. OMG, there it was. My Messenger Bag. Dark chocolate canvas with milk chocolate leather trim (I'm under the influence of McVities). Big, sturdy, and totally not frilly. It arrived with my boots, monogrammed to order. It's got more nooks and crannies than I realized. It's beautiful. All that remains is to remove the dragon pentacle patch from my old backpack and sew it onto my new messenger bag. I've lost count of how many backpacks that patch has guarded, but I do believe it's the reason I've never had anything stolen out of any pack I've carried. P.S. "Listening to My Boots" is a wonderful song by the wonderful Pete Morton. I can't find the lyrics on the Web, and my copy of Swarthmoor is in the truck. I'll quote you a few lines when I can do it accurately. Later: Well, I want to quote the whole song, but here's the first verse, from the CD liner notes.
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