New Tech For Toes & Space Mtn Jaunt In Lieu Of Blodgett 29Apr20.

1st, I've given back my 1# 10z Arcteryx Aerios FL mid hiking boots... they were unbelievably light, stoke green color, and reasonably stiff underfoot. However, after a couple of rough ones in the Gore, the man-made uppers were showing significant cuts through. That is - they were too light.

REI accepted and recently I acquired a couple of heavier, but with leather uppers, day hiking mid boots. Enter Scarpa and La Sportiva - two alternative reliable mountaineering brands. I settled on the Scarpa Mojito Gortex mid weighing in at 2# 4z, so 30% heavier, but hopefully much more industrial in strength. After multiple sping outings I conclude the footbed is stiffer and more rock repellent, the Vibram sole and lugs are stickier, and the upper is nearly indestructible. I know, I returned Arcteryx, but yea. The supplied insole wasn't perfect so I swapped in some old Superfeet, but they'd seen better days too I guess as they allowed my forefoot soreness. I highly recommend the final Superfeet Trail insoles which now adorn the Mojitos. I can barely feel these things as I float along trails now. The top-stiching isn't sweet lime so I have to don brookie colors to match, but else this system rocks.

Scant subscription to today's Blodgett ascent prompted me to call an audible and hike the 5+ miles up Spruce Mtn, with Kala - something which she's never enjoyed as I'm typically riding it. Awesome outing in the affirmed boots and hiking again with m'lady.  Yea, that's Pike's Pk and Long's Pk in the BGs. More wildflowers too - fab weather and friend.