Roger. I need “hiking shoes.” You mean butt ugly jesus type looking sandals that will keep me safe? I like the safety idea but I’m not too thrilled about spending money on ugly shoes.

Until today.

Courtney and I took a day trip to Rockport today and had planned on renting a kayaks and exploring the shoreline. When we finally got around to going to rent the kayak after spending the day at the beach and hiking on an island, we arrived at North Shore Kayak on the south side of main street which is hidden down a back alley. Though, as we had arrived the sky started to turn cloudy and grey but still had some promising spots to the south east. You can’t miss this place if you take a peak from the waterside because there are hundreds of kayaks lined up along a wall in the harbor there.

We dropped in and walked into what seemed like a sandal haven. I asked the kid at the desk if he recommended us going out on the water with the weather the way it looked. He claimed the he highly wouldn’t recommend it, but that the water looked smooth and we could still take a whirl at it if we wanted. We decided to wait a few minutes to see how the weather would develop.

To pass the time I began observing the walls of sandals. I came across a bunch of hiking/boating sandals. I first picked up a pair of Arenal Tevapro shoes in a light green color and thought to myself, “these aren’t bad looking.” Courtney notices what I’m looking at and of course mentions his previous post on the hiking hoes for Belize. So, “okay, maybe I should consider looking at a few shoes while I’m here.” After searching through the jesus type styled ones and almost puking, I came across a blue pair that I really liked- Rafters Gorge Women’s. I grab the box and notice a price tag of only $30. I can’t resist but to try them on. I grab a bench outside the little shop as the sky is darkening and try them on. It’s love at first sight and they fit great! Seems to be how it works for the most part for me. Pleasing to the eye at first and a great fit- then it’s a winner and I can’t let it go. Catch that double meaning there?

I wander over to the counter to purchase the shoes and Courtney is deeply engaged in a conversation with an employee, David. Apparently the topic of Belize had come up about our trip and David had recently been to Belize on a Scuba Diving trip! For Courtney I’m sure it was like being in a candy shop! Or maybe that fudge shop we had stopped in earlier that day. Courtney has a great convo with him (you should post what he recommended, hunny ☺) and I caught the very end of the convo but it was very enticing what I heard. At this same time it starts to pour down and David is called out to help put away supplies for the kayak rentals so the conversation is cut short.

Anywho, since it is raining cats and dogs, Courtney and I are now stuck in North Shore Kayaks and start browsing some more. Courtney comes across some water tight containers and some other goodies he will probably talk about for gear for the trip… I guess you can say the shopping has began. Probably Courtney’s favorite part ha. Cool toys, cool gear, you know. When and if we purchase kayaks I’m pretty sure this shop will be our go-to for supplies. The employees were so friendly and sociable and everything was priced right. Good Quality stuff there.

In conclusion, I am now equipped with size 8 blue Gorge Rafters. And they look hot.

Wouldn’t it be cool if we could purchase kayaks and easily transport them to Belize and easily lug them around with us to use for snorkeling and such?

All in a dream.