Dear Hiking Boots,

When people think of shoes they wear for "special occasions," what typically comes to mind is that one pair of high heels or leather loafers reserved for black tie cocktail parties and weddings. But how many memories can you make in shoes you take out of the box twice a year? The most special occasions, to me, occur when I wear you two, my trusty hiking boots. (I doubt anyone has ever summited a mountain or portaged a canoe wearing Louboutins.)

Every time I lace you up it's hard not to think about all the land we've left tracks on. From the snowy mountaintops of the West to the wilderness of the Northwoods, you have been more than just outdoor gear to me. You have been my gateway to all of the adventures Mother Nature has to offer. You have been witnesses of some of my biggest accomplishments and hardest struggles. I love that you still have mud caked on you from lakes and trails I have trampled through over the years. You remind me of what I am capable of doing, and you are constantly urging me to never lose touch with the untamed and the wild.

You've seen me become many things. With you, I've been a backpacker, a camp counselor, mountaineer, and a college kid. You and I have gone through three sets of bootlaces, spent around 40 days total camping in the backcountry, and played with a lot of danger. I'm going to be telling our stories for a lifetime.

So, hiking boots, thank you for keeping my footing steady and my heart thirsty for adventure.

Love,

Emily