And just like that…we’re in Saskatchewan.

Although I realize my photo is from California, it’s because it doesn’t seem to matter if I’m walking a trail outside of Palm Springs or strolling in Saskatoon, I am just happy to be officially on the road.

This is the first days of a rather random trip that has slowly been stitching itself together; a combination of a family wedding in Regina, a walking trip in England with some BC friends, some days in London, as well as a week in Helsinki, Finland along with a sidetrip to Tallin, Estonia thrown in for good measure…just because.

This means that one needs props for every occasion. Dress (and the right shoes) for the family wedding. Hiking gear (and the right boots) for the 8-day trek in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. City clothes (and the right shoes, both for rainy and/or hot weather, as well as adaptable to the special-needs orthotic inserts) for strolling about London, Helsinki and Tallin. Casual lakeside wear (and the right sandals) for the few days out here at Wakaw Lake before the wedding.

In other words? As the required ensemble of footwear is too large and too embarrassing to fit into one little bag, I do NOT have a carry-on for this trip. Besides, my walking sticks could not be jammed into the carry-on and I’m pretty sure most airlines aren’t going to let me come onboard with two lethal-looking weapon-like pointy poles.

But really? In the end it was the footwear that did me in.,

I have been defeated by my feet…or would that be de-feeted by my feat(s)?

Either way, I know this.

If my feet ain’t happy. Ain’t nobody happy.