Bushwalk Australia

In the age old debate of boots v shoes, both sides would agree either is probably better than climbing Cradle in sub zero temperatures barefoot


https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-12/ ... /104465768

Dot Butler has left the chat

Wikipedia indicates Dot Butler (née English) was sensible in New Zealand tramps when in snow and ice:

"From 1939, English spent three summers in New Zealand. Her work as a guide in the Mt Cook National Park was an important influence on her post-war activities.[3][9] During this time, she met the young Edmund Hillary,[14][5] and climbed the Remarkables, only donning boots for the portion of the climb in snow and ice.[23]"

beardless wrote:Dot Butler ... climbed the Remarkables, only donning boots for the portion of the climb in snow and ice

I bushwalked with Dot in the 1980s, and have a very strong recollection of her claiming to have climbed ice barefoot - not habitually, but on one specific occasion triggered by something such as having left her boots behind. I wouldn't put it past her.

However, memory is a fickle thing, and if I can't find something to back up my flippant comment I'm prepared to discard my recollection.

ribuck wrote:

beardless wrote:Dot Butler ... climbed the Remarkables, only donning boots for the portion of the climb in snow and ice

I bushwalked with Dot in the 1980s, and have a very strong recollection of her claiming to have climbed ice barefoot - not habitually, but on one specific occasion triggered by something such as having left her boots behind. I wouldn't put it past her.

However, memory is a fickle thing, and if I can't find something to back up my flippant comment I'm prepared to discard my recollection.

That is one remarkable quote about one remarkable bushwalker and mountaineer