Ian McManners

Wilderness Ranger Fellow

Selway-Bitterroot & Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Areas

*This is me in the stream enjoying the water and mud beneath my feet after a long day!*

I have read 14 books this summer on a variety of topics, but the ones that stick out the most relate to the wilderness and the wildlife within. I have read books on beavers and wolves as well as naturalist books. It has led to one conclusion: life outdoors is better barefoot. One cannot connect with nature on a level that is required to truly respect the beings within if we are so caught up in materialistic things. Clothes are mandatory (when around others), but shoes can easily be ditched. This summer I have taken into my own hands to feel what my ancestors felt and whenever not working on a hitch I ditch the shoes. I have since been on 3 hitches and here are my findings.

Hitch 1 S. Fork Lolo Creek:

I have never been one for eloquent words to describe my experiences but there is something truly special about being barefoot. Something we have lost with shoes. At our basecamp we were positioned next to a larger stream. First comes the sweet sweet release that following the untying of laces and slipping off of sweat-stained socks is unmatched. Then I was able to hop, skip, and jump into the stream for pure bliss. The first feeling of freezing cold against my bare feet was a feeling I will not forget.

Hitch 2 Bargamin Trail:

I took this hitch to another level— I did not bring creek crossers because we have feet. On this hitch I crossed streams every day, and instead of having to put on a different pair of shoes, I just crossed with my feet like people have been doing for years and years. I felt confident and in touch with the wilderness. Animals do not have shoes, why should I (well at least for a little bit)?

Hitch 3 Middle Fork Trail:

*Trail Flat Hot Springs- at our basecamp along the Middle Fork*

This was the most recent hitch and it was my first volunteer hitch. My first thought was, “How can I get Kasey, Steve, Lauren, and Tom to adopt my ways of the barefoot?” I would show them the benefits. Around camp I always walk around barefoot, no shoes. I will say sometimes and I mean not often at all, I do step on something and wince. However, most of the time I just get to feel the earth in ways you cannot with shoes. The different terrain as you walk, the rocks and sticks between your toes. By the end of the hitch, I think I may have swayed them, but only time will tell.

Final Thoughts:

I do not know if I conveyed my thoughts well but I so strongly urge you to ditch the shoes. I may sound like a hippy or too granola but literally nothing compares to it. You do not know till you try it. Yes there is a learning curve, but it is so very worth it. My feet have never been stronger, nor have I ever had a greater appreciation for wildlife and nature itself.

IAN MCMANNERS

Athens, GA

University of Georgia- Forestry

Ian grew up in northeast Georgia and has always been drawn to the wilderness. He has been backpacking all of his life and has spent many nights outside. He lives for nature and does not want to see it disappear. He wants his children and future generations to get to enjoy the beauty he has experienced outdoors.