What do you do with your old hiking shoes that you can’t wear anymore?
Welcome, I’m Allie. I’ve been living full time on the road since 2020. These are my memories as I travel.
Finding a Place for My Worn Out Hiking Shoes
I came across the Rice Shoe Tree (click for location) by accident, I’m assuming this has happened to many people since this place is literally in the middle of nowhere California.
A few years back, while traveling in my RV from San Diego back to Arizona via highway 62, I saw a strange site in the distance. I’m cruisin’ along listening go an audio book or podcast, like I normally do traveling long distances, when when I saw it. At 65 mph I didn’t have to wait long to find out what it was.
It seemed to be an old gas station with SHOES hanging on the beat up, graffiti tagged rafters!
Should I Leave My Old Hiking Shoes Here?
“Whoa!” I thought to myself, “This is ugly and cool at the same time!” And I just happened to have some old hiking shoes I needed to get rid of in my RV.
I normally donate, toss in the garbage or wear my old hiking shoes for activities nobody will see me in them but I had the urge to leave them behind. My human brain was telling me that the old “soles” would be happier here with others like them and I could come visit anytime I was on this route.
Suggested : My Rice Shoe Tree Experience
That was that. My beat up, old, favorite pair of Brooks Trail Runners were going to hang here for life and I can come by to make sure they’re having a good time hanging out with the Nike, Vans and Tevas.
Was I Reunited with My Old Shoes?
I travelled that same route a couple of years later and decided to stop to see if the old “soles” were still there.
Watch what happens next below.
Thank You for Stopping By!
I’m Allie. At 48 I set out solo to live in my RV. That journey is on hold but my passions for hiking and living well in my 50s still live on! Join me below for more inspiration and adventures. We’re older but even stronger!
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