As a child and teen I had to be reminded to put on shoes. I never wore shoes. I think I was about 15 yrs old and living in Menlo Park, CA when we were visiting Floie and Papa (maternal grandparents who lived 2 miles from us). I did not wear shoes for the visit. It was late morning and my grandfather says .... " let's go to Big Basin for the day".
Alrighty! Woooo Hooooo. Big Basin is a huge Redwood tree stand on the coastal mountain range of Northern California.
Into the 1965 Lincoln Continental we piled, 4 kids, mom and grandpa. Me, barefoot.
We stopped at Winchester Mystery House before heading to the coast. I walked through it barefoot (I think it was long before the days of "patrons must wear shirt and shoes".
I was very hard on my feet.
When we got to Big Basin I jumped out of the car and walked on the very soft carpet of the cool forest floor. Damp, quiet, peaceful, and cool. It's meant to be walked upon barefoot.
Today, I ALWAYS wear something with soles. I NEVER go barefoot. Besides, in Arizona you never know if you're going to step on a snake or a scorpion. I wear protection!
