Sunday, April 17, 2011 / 8:45 AM
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I was away in New Zealand in the beginning of April. One of the plans was to hike at the Tongariro National Park. Before my trip, I did not do any research in contrast to my sister who had read up and was well prepared for the trip. She invested in a pair of waterproof hiking boots that were comfortable and suitable for the terrain we were doing to explore.
On the other hand, I brought along my favourite pair of sneakers that have travelled far and wide with me. They have accompanied me on many paths less trodden and adventures that have left them very worn out. In other words, they were battered and unsuitable for anything more than a leisure walk around Lake Taupo, a lake with a size that is the same as my country, Singapore (as reminded by the Kiwis).
On the first day arrival, my sneakers AKA Happy Shoes have lost the first rubber sole. I continued with my trusty old shoes and lost the second rubber shoe within the next few days. Up till the morning of the hike at the Tongariro crossing where there were rubbly trails and snow-covered rocky land, I was still undecided if I should wear my comfortable Happy Shoes.
My sister urged me to rent a pair of hiking boots which were very affordable at $15. I relented for the sake of completing the 7 hour hike without any catastrophic event. The hiking boots were brand new and hugged my ankles tightly. This protected my ankles from any sprains more than a couple of times during the long tedious hike. The thick and non-slip soles also ensured that I could descend a very steep and sandy downslope safely. I was also protected from slipping or freezing my feet when I travelled through the icy ways.
However, it was a very tough start for me in the boots because they weighed like 2 kg on each side. I struggled to make it past the Devil's Staircase which was multiple flights of steps and was left heaving and panting when I completed that 1/3 of the journey. Wheezing and turning pale, my sister took up the burden of carrying our haversack which held our food and water supply for that day.
Valuable lessons I learned while I reflected in those hardy and uncomfortable hiking boots.
1. Do my research and learn about untrodden paths so that I don't suffer for my ignorance.
2. It is difficult to walk in others' shoes - if others are walking slowly in their shoes and struggling alot, don't assume they are weak but realise that there might be some reasons unknown to me.
3. Shoes that are most comfortable to me might not be the best shoes on some journeys. Leave behind what I love most to see new things in the safest possible manner.
4. Trust others (my sister in this case) to provide insights into an area I've unfamiliar with.
5. GOD is good, He protected and led us through this journey and more ahead.
I left my happy shoes in my fave spot in NZ @ Waitomo. Hope they enjoy the carefree life there and add more colours to their already colourful landscape and visitors!
Remember, to consider that others wear different shoes and have different feet!
Sharing my story and this journey, Mindy
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Girls' Brigade 9th Coy
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The Girls' Brigade 9th Company
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Captain: Mindy Yeo