I’m actually quite proud of the fact I’ve made it through 4 months without any non essential purchases. It’s made me re-evaluate items bought on a whim. Whether it’s an impulse buy or whether it’s just a good bargain I can’t resist. The near instant gratification from the power of online shopping has fuelled my habits and is sometimes the only method where I can get certain items to where I live. The internet makes everything so accessible. I mean, I once even bought a vacuum cleaner on the train to a VCAT (court) hearing (representing, and certainly not the accused).
We live in a materialist world, and materialism appeals so strongly to humanity, no matter where.
Wole soyinka
I hate to confess that many items bought within the last year fall into the irresistible bargain category. The prices were so good I couldn’t pass them up but wasn’t necessarily thinking whether I really needed them and would get the use out of them.
Well that behaviour has shifted. I’m mulling longer and harder over items I want to purchase. Is it useful? Is it a gimmick? How does it better my life? Will it be an item I keep long term? Do I really need it? A small collection of items I had in mind to buy was suddenly no longer appealing and not at all useful. No purchases meant more money saved. Until last week.
There are certain things in life I would not hesitate to spend money on. A good mattress and comfortable shoes. You spend a lot of time sleeping and during the day a lot of time on your feet. Shouldn’t both those things be comfortable for your body?
Which brings to my new non essential item
I originally saw them over a year again in store when I was looking for some boot options. I put off purchasing them as they were full price and I didn’t have the regular need for them. Now that I’m trying to get out and about exploring and tramping, it made sense to forgo my runners for something more sturdy, supportive and up to the task. Not to mention my last pair of boots carked it midway through a storm in Arthur’s Pass, New Zealand. RIP. I don’t want to be the epitome of “all the gear and no idea”, but comfortable boots for tramping was a rational first step – no pun intended. It is all but certain that I’ll get the cost per wear out of them. I’m just more gutted I didn’t check my emails for the welcome $10 off voucher code before purchasing. Lesson learnt.
The boots in question are Merrell Moab 2 Mid Gore-Tex. I wisely chose the mid height version to support the ankles. Even more wisely sized up to account for my thick hiking socks and the inevitable feet swelling.
Werribee Gorge State Park
Today forecasted a sunny 17ºC which was perfect weather to put them to the test. The trail consisted of dirt and rocky track and I was glad they were on my feet instead of runners. Who would have thought this sizeable beauty of a national park would be a mere 5km out of Bacchus Marsh?
We didn’t anticipate that some minor rock face climbing was involved and it’s safe to say the boots fared well on the uneven terrain. While we were spared any river crossings, there was unfortunately no peep of wildlife except for bird calls. Overall it was a fairly easy track to walk with our efforts rewarded by sweeping panoramic views. Our eyes weren’t so keen in spotting the snowy mintbushes but there were no bad views or look outs that we saw. We even made it back to our starting point without fail which unfortunately could not be said for my friend’s previous attempt at the Gorge.
While I’ve broken my new purchase in, it has not yet been subjected to less than ideal conditions. That will happen soon enough. But first impressions alone, they were definitely worth purchasing. Werribee Gorge circuit trail is a great walk and will be back to do the other ones. Maybe it will warrant the need for a day pack next?
Do you have any favourite trails or must have useful hiking gear? Let me know in the comments below.
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