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Good Ol' Soggy Socks Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Sapience Trek: Looks like this may be on private/posted property. I am archiving this cache to prevent any problems with the property owner. If you have permission or can otherwise demonstrate this is public property, please let me know.

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Hidden : 3/30/2009
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Good ol' cache in the woods

Well... I wasn't really sure what to call this one until I got back to the car and was angry becasue of the squish with every step along the way.

Sooo... I thought I'd call it "Good Ol' Soggy Socks".

This cache is a plastic coffee container (hopefully waterproof) in the woods of of a dead end street. Please cache stealthy and don't cause a commotion. We don't want this little area that has huge potential going to the trash. It's full of goodies... so trade fair, or just don't trade. FTF gets their pick.

I would recommend boots unless it's been really dry out. It's only a 2 because of the soggy potential of the area.

Also here are a few tips to keeping your feet happy and in tip top shape while hiking:

1. Clean Feet

Clean feet are happy feet. Take at least two pairs of socks, wear one for a day and then at night wash them and dry them on your pack as you hike the next day. If it's too cold or rainy to dry your socks, put them in your sleeping bag with you at night. Your body heat will dry them; just make sure to wring them out as much as possible.

2. Camp Shoes

Open toed sandals such as Tevas or Chocos make excellent camp shoes. Not only are they more comfortable than wearing boots all day but it gives your feet and your boots a chance to dry out. These types of sandals also afford decent support for navigating the latrine at night.

3. Socks

Sock choice is very important. There are many companies that produce excellent wool hiking socks; my favorites are Smartwool and Thorlo. Socks come in a wide selection of thickness and padding. While they're not cheap ($15-20 a pair) they are well worth the money and last a long time.

4. Liner Socks

A pair of wicking, synthetic liner socks is the best defense against developing blisters. Blisters form when a section of your boot rubs repeatedly against a part of your foot. A liner sock will add a slippery extra layer, this way the outer sock rubs against the liner sock and not your skin. Liner socks also serve as a wicking agent to move sweat away from your feet.

5. Treat Hot-spots as Soon as they appear.

It's relatively easy to tell when a blister is developing. The tell-tale "hot-spot" develops. As soon as you notice a hot-spot forming stop, remove your boots and tape the hot-spot area with duct-tape. Duct Tape also works to cover already formed blisters.

6. Treating Blisters

Most importantly do not lance or attempt to drain a blister in the backcountry unless it is absolutely necessary. When a blister is popped it opens the skin and provides an avenue for infection. Many blisters will pop on there own however, these should be treated with anti-septic sprays whenever possible to prevent infection. At night be sure to let your feet dry out and apply fresh bandages daily.

7. Keep your feet as dry as possible

Take off your boots and socks when you stop for a break, they won't dry completely but every little bit helps. Gold Bond powder also helps to keep your feet dry during the day. If your hike involves stream crossings, take off your boots after crossing and drain the water from them before it soaks in. It also helps to remove your socks before crossing a stream in your boots. Do not attempt to cross anything but the most modest trickle of a stream bare foot!

8. Learn to lace your boots correctly

When hiking up hill you boots should be laced loosely but snuggly. However most blisters and foot fatigue comes from down hill hiking. Before starting your next long down-hill hike do two things; first loosen the laces along the top of your foot, second tighten the laces around your ankle. This way as your feet swell they have plenty of room in the toe box, but the tight laces around the ankle prevent your toes from jamming into the end of your boot.

9. Soak, Soothe and Massage

Camping next to a stream? Dunk your feet in and let the cool water soothe your aching feet. Rounded river rock makes an excellent massage bed. Stand on a bed of smaller rock and rub your feet on them, while it's not a professional job it sure feels good.

(Info from: David Barnard, Associated Content 2008)

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Uvag... pbzr ba... yrg'f or erny urer.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)