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Many people would say it is not wise to be attached to objects. But I find they hold memories, just like looking at a photo album. So I am boo-hooing my beautiful dark blue paisley shawl that got left behind at a TSA screening in Dallas. And my fav backpacking towel from REI that got left behind in the darkened room at the fire station in a village in Portugal where they kindly let me stay when there were literally no rooms available because the village was celebrating its saint's feast day. I am even sadder about it because the people at the fire station said they would send it, and when I asked how much money I should send them to cover postage, they stopped responding.After 10 years of service, countless repairs, waterproofing etc my wonderful jacket is deceased. My wife reckons she can no longer repair it, the last barbed wire fence was sadly just too much for its aged existence. To say I loved that jacket deeply is perhaps, seen by many as silliness, but actually I suppose I did love it. I have been unable to get another, since they change styles yearly and none have fit my gawky body the way that one did.
Ah well, I do own others that I can use but none quite as comfortable or the cobearer of so many memories.
Do any of you have deceased bits of equipment/ clothing that you truly, deeply miss? Am I alone in mourning a piece of clothing as if it had real life.
After 10 years of service, countless repairs, waterproofing etc my wonderful jacket is deceased. My wife reckons she can no longer repair it, the last barbed wire fence was sadly just too much for its aged existence. To say I loved that jacket deeply is perhaps, seen by many as silliness, but actually I suppose I did love it. I have been unable to get another, since they change styles yearly and none have fit my gawky body the way that one did.
Ah well, I do own others that I can use but none quite as comfortable or the cobearer of so many memories.
Do any of you have deceased bits of equipment/ clothing that you truly, deeply miss? Am I alone in mourning a piece of clothing as if it had real life.
Yeah.Stupid torture-boots
Haha. You're probably right. In any event it's futile.They wouldn't want me to be sad.
Albertagirl, try Sole to Soul Footwear, not black but they have navy and some other standard colours. Online or stores in Calgary that will order in for youI spent most of the day today wandering around Calgary trying to find a pair of lightweight EVA Birkenstock sandals to replace those which I have worn in the evenings and in town days on my last several caminos. They are falling apart. Finally, I went to the Birkenstock website and discovered that getting sandals in the same material (very lightweight) style (comfortable and gives good support) and colour (black) is impossible. I may find some EVA sandals in the same style, or buy something inferior in comfort and support. I shall certainly have to choose one of the really hideous colours which have been introduced this year, if I can find anything in my less popular size. I will adjust, pioritize weight and fit, and be grateful that I can go.
Yes! And I had a small tantrum when I couldn't find a nice metallic grey pair as my recent ones showed signs of disintegrating. I wear them all the time at home as well so they are a must, but suddenly the Madrid model (one strap) were hard to find and had been reduced to only black or white - I worry that they are being phased out so will bulk buy.I enjoy changing to my lightweight, comfortable Birkenstock EVA sandals when unpacking in an albergue
Madrid is still available in Calgary and online. But Birkenstock is advertising that they have gone to new, narrower sizing for women. The new sizing is what is available in Calgary. I suggest that you buy instore, to be sure that they will fit you.Yes! And I had a small tantrum when I couldn't find a nice metallic grey pair as my recent ones showed signs of disintegrating. I wear them all the time at home as well so they are a must, but suddenly the Madrid model (one strap) were hard to find and had been reduced to only black or white - I worry that they are being phased out so will bulk buy.
If still available buy another pair, just because, well you never know. They (clothing and equipment designers) often change designs, not always to the benefit of the user.I don't miss them because I still have/use them, but I'm very fond of my Black Diamond trekking poles.
They've helped me reach the top of Africa and the summits of many mountains in the U.S., on ruck marches through the desert, on multiple Caminos, and have steadied me as I've relearned how to walk after multiple surgeries. The one piece of gear that I would truly miss if lost.
Thats exactly what i have done, now on my 5th pair of merrell boots, and they got cheaper as they got more out of date and i trawled the internet for them!I hear you. My trusty walking trousers that actually fit me and were long enough in the leg and light enough to wear in Spanish sunshine, were left for good in Santiago when the daily stitch-up job was no longer possible. On the last week of our last walk together I had to mend the same seam every morning before I left the albergue. I decided I could never hope to have (or find) another like it and have walked in tights ever since.
The moral of the story - when you find that thing that fits you perfectly, wait for the sales or trawl ebay and buy a spare. You're welcome.
Hi Albertagirl,I spent most of the day today wandering around Calgary trying to find a pair of lightweight EVA Birkenstock sandals to replace those which I have worn in the evenings and in town days on my last several caminos. They are falling apart. Finally, I went to the Birkenstock website and discovered that getting sandals in the same material (very lightweight) style (comfortable and gives good support) and colour (black) is impossible. I may find some EVA sandals in the same style, or buy something inferior in comfort and support. I shall certainly have to choose one of the really hideous colours which have been introduced this year, if I can find anything in my less popular size. I will adjust, pioritize weight and fit, and be grateful that I can go.
i understand exactly. i have jeans that have patches on the patches but they're great for gardening or decoratingI take pleasure in mending and revitalizing certain items of clothing, and other things. I have pants which were once everyday pants that are now patched so much that they are almost too stiff for gardening. But when they are done, I will put them in the rag bag with satisfaction. They have had a good life and have been well used and well loved. They wouldn't want me to be sad.
After 10 years of service, countless repairs, waterproofing etc my wonderful jacket is deceased. My wife reckons she can no longer repair it, the last barbed wire fence was sadly just too much for its aged existence. To say I loved that jacket deeply is perhaps, seen by many as silliness, but actually I suppose I did love it. I have been unable to get another, since they change styles yearly and none have fit my gawky body the way that one did.
Oooh, good idea. My wife may be persuaded with chocolate, getting the material is gonna be the problem, maybe.If you haven’t tossed it in the trash yet, consider taking it to a tailor and having them use it as the pattern to make you a new one. It’ll cost, but you may get what you want.
Jeez where did you work?!Yes, my beloved wind/rain jacket. Ohhhhh the agony.She protected me during my travels through 7 countries in 2008 and countless hikes around my home in America. She kept me warm against the mighty winds on the Camino and dry during those early morning Fall rain storms in 2013. Then again during the Spring wind and rain on the Frances in 2016. I loved her color and comfort. She met a horrible fate while hanging on a hook. One of her pockets was ripped wide open by a disgruntled coworker. I patched her up best I could for several years but alas I had to say goodbye. She was still young, a mere 10 years old. To this day I’ve yet to find a suitable replacement. Here we are pictured with two of my Camino Angels in Santiago, 2013.
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FYI, I toss my smaller backpacks into the washing machine all the time with no problemsMy Arcteryx 30L backpack stunk so bad by the time I got to Cordoba I think it had been dead for days. It went into the next garbage bin I saw and I’ve regret it ever since because they stopped making that particular bag.
Your post reminded me of how much I loved the EVA Birkenstocks I had several years ago, so I just went online and found them at a store near me. They have the black EVA in both the Arizona and the Gizeh.I spent most of the day today wandering around Calgary trying to find a pair of lightweight EVA Birkenstock sandals to replace those which I have worn in the evenings and in town days on my last several caminos. They are falling apart. Finally, I went to the Birkenstock website and discovered that getting sandals in the same material (very lightweight) style (comfortable and gives good support) and colour (black) is impossible. I may find some EVA sandals in the same style, or buy something inferior in comfort and support. I shall certainly have to choose one of the really hideous colours which have been introduced this year, if I can find anything in my less popular size. I will adjust, pioritize weight and fit, and be grateful that I can go.
Someone here connected me with my last pair of Mackenzies that way. I posted here that I was looking for them. She saw a pair in the EU, I sent her the money, and she mailed them to me in the states. It was magic. Where else can you turn to relative strangers to buy shoes?Your post reminded me of how much I loved the EVA Birkenstocks I had several years ago, so I just went online and found them at a store near me. They have the black EVA in both the Arizona and the Gizeh.
If you message me with the model and size you want and you're willing to send me your address (I'll send you my work info/stuff you can google before you share that), I will send you a pair and you can send me money when they get there. I realize this is a slightly weird offer from a stranger, but hey, it's for the camino...
Thank you so much for the generous offer. I have found the sandals that I want on an outdoor store website and put in an order. Almost at once, I received a reply that my order had been processed, and a little while ago another email said that the sandals had been shipped. If they arrive exactly as I ordered, I shall sign up for their email list and use the 10% discount on my first order to buy a second pair. The company is Atmosphere, an outdoor gear shop where I have bought much of my quality camino gear. Generally, I prefer to shop in person, particularly for clothes and footwear. But it can't do me any harm to be on their email list. Thanks again.Your post reminded me of how much I loved the EVA Birkenstocks I had several years ago, so I just went online and found them at a store near me. They have the black EVA in both the Arizona and the Gizeh.
If you message me with the model and size you want and you're willing to send me your address (I'll send you my work info/stuff you can google before you share that), I will send you a pair and you can send me money when they get there. I realize this is a slightly weird offer from a stranger, but hey, it's for the camino...
I'm glad you found them and hope they're all you need them to be. Buen Camino!Thank you so much for the generous offer. I have found the sandals that I want on an outdoor store website and put in an order. Almost at once, I received a reply that my order had been processed, and a little while ago another email said that the sandals had been shipped. If they arrive exactly as I ordered, I shall sign up for their email list and use the 10% discount on my first order to buy a second pair. The company is Atmosphere, an outdoor gear shop where I have bought much of my quality camino gear. Generally, I prefer to shop in person, particularly for clothes and footwear. But it can't do me any harm to be on their email list. Thanks again.
My family roots are most definitely Saxon!Give that jacket a Viking Funeral.
Try a brand called Keen. Mine crossed the Pyrenees when they were two years old, and that was four years ago. I still wear them most days although they are now showing some wear and tear. Most comfortable sandals I have ever owned.I spent most of the day today wandering around Calgary trying to find a pair of lightweight EVA Birkenstock sandals to replace those which I have worn in the evenings and in town days on my last several caminos. They are falling apart. Finally, I went to the Birkenstock website and discovered that getting sandals in the same material (very lightweight) style (comfortable and gives good support) and colour (black) is impossible. I may find some EVA sandals in the same style, or buy something inferior in comfort and support. I shall certainly have to choose one of the really hideous colours which have been introduced this year, if I can find anything in my less popular size. I will adjust, pioritize weight and fit, and be grateful that I can go.
Yes, it had been washed several times but at the end even washing did not help itFYI, I toss my smaller backpacks into the washing machine all the time with no problems
I worked at a hotel. People can be mean and jealous. It’s very unfortunate.Jeez where did you work?!
I have wide feet and cant wear them because if you are just a mm off centre, the sides are really sharp and crippling, the family called them my 'sharp shoes'.I have tried Birkenstocks. I am quite flat footed (unfortunatelty) and because they are firmly pre-formed in the shape of the bottom, they absolutely killed my feet...I can not wear them.
I had a FDNY cap like that, washed fine many times after many walks but at the end of my Camino it had clearly died and no amount of washing could revive itYes, it had been washed several times but at the end even washing did not help it
And after a couple of months wearing them they will wear and mold to your exact feet shape.I have wide feet and cant wear them because if you are just a mm off centre, the sides are really sharp and crippling, the family called them my 'sharp shoes'.
One of the specialty sport shoe shops tried to get me into these arch molded flip flips, with huge arch support that was completely in the wrong place. They hurt so much I couldn't even take a step in them.
Lucky cheap basic flip flops work just fine.
I certainly hope that you are right, as I have received the sandals which I ordered and they prove to be in the new "Narrow" fit, which is too small for me. I could wear my previous Birkenstock sandals with the straps in their widest positions, but these are too narrow to be comfortable. I don't want to replace them, as no other sandal provides all the other options available in these. What I can do is to wear them at home for the next two months, until I am preparing to leave. Hopefully, they will then have stretched to fit. If the front strap, over my toes, is still quite uncomfortable, I shall see whether I can put an additional, inconspicuous hole in the strap, without ruining it. The "Narrow" fit was not mentioned when I ordered them. I am sure that if the Romans had to order online they would have realized how pointless is the recommendation, "Caveat emptor."And after a couple of months wearing them they will wear and mold to your exact feet shape.
There was a bit of confusion here. My question about Birkenstocks had to do with EVA sandals only. EVA is a soft and plasticky material, which tends to stretch over time, very light-weight, but not distance walking sandals. I have had a hard time finding any in the fit and colour that I want. I have seen the cork sandals and I believe that they are a lot sturdier, and are suitable for long-distance walking, for those whom they fit, but not as flexible.The particular Birkenstocks I had purchased had a very stiff molded cork sole. I cannot see how they would have comformed to my feet. I am relatively flat footed and the high arches made it impossible for me to wear them.
Oh, thank you for clarifying. That makes total sense now.There was a bit of confusion here. My question about Birkenstocks had to do with EVA sandals only. EVA is a soft and plasticky material, which tends to stretch over time, very light-weight, but not distance walking sandals. I have had a hard time finding any in the fit and colour that I want. I have seen the cork sandals and I believe that they are a lot sturdier, and are suitable for long-distance walking, for those whom they fit, but not as flexible.
Yes'm! I left my Akubra hat on a bus many years ago and have never stopped moaning since! Neither has my love-dove who bought it for me in the first placeAfter 10 years of service, countless repairs, waterproofing etc my wonderful jacket is deceased. My wife reckons she can no longer repair it, the last barbed wire fence was sadly just too much for its aged existence. To say I loved that jacket deeply is perhaps, seen by many as silliness, but actually I suppose I did love it. I have been unable to get another, since they change styles yearly and none have fit my gawky body the way that one did.
Ah well, I do own others that I can use but none quite as comfortable or the cobearer of so many memories.
Do any of you have deceased bits of equipment/ clothing that you truly, deeply miss? Am I alone in mourning a piece of clothing as if it had real life.
My problem is my awareness of the essential nature of my footwear in order to walk a camino. I am not at all sentimental about clothing or gear, but very frustrated with the games that marketers play. My boots for my imminent camino are old, but in good condition. In them I have put made to measure, very expensive orthotics. I have not decided yet about socks, since the orthotics take up so much space that I shall have to adjust the socks. Yesterday, I bought waterproofing suitable for my boots. I shall wash the boots then apply it. So that's it for walking. But the light sandals that I wear in the evenings were not easy to find and fit a little tight. I hope that they will stretch a bit before I leave, for comfortable evening wear. Yesterday, I also bought a new sleeping bag for my camino, which I hope will prove comfortable and lighter. I shall try to get used to it over the summer, but lighter weight is critical. These are the old considerations of backpackers. What is practical, comfortable, lightweight and available? And an additional concern about spending my travel money on clothing and gear. And underneath, of course, the delightful excitement of an imminent camino.But did all you feet fetishists mourn the passing of your footwear?
Not exactly. Very often, when a particular item of clothing or equipment wears out, I am extremely frustrated by the impossibility of replacing it with the same or a very similar item. But my budget does not permit me to automatically say, "This works for me, so I shall buy a second." And of course, my body changes over the years: deteriorating feet, the need for new orthotics, etc. I develop less tolerance for carrying a heavy pack, so I cannot guarantee that the second of two identical items will be suitable in future. I am working very hard at paring down the weight of my pack for this fall's camino.So Albertagirl, In short your answer is no, you've never mourned the loss of any particular item of clothing or equipment.
I am now a convert to the "if I like it and it fits correctly I'll buy another now before they decide to improve it" group of caminantes. Will mean a lot less attachment and mourning in the future.
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