Paratroop Boots

Yup, another new pair of boots.  Had been looking at these paratroop boots by Bates for some time.  I finally had some time where I could order and take delivery of these boot.

Side zipper, 11" boots with a polishable toe.  Felt a little festive when I wore my red digital camo BDU pants.  I have an old pair of the boots that are very similar, but they are old and starting to degrade, enough that I do not wear them.

Two More Pair of Boots

Yup, 2 more pair of boots! Black, zip-side harness boots and light blue w/ brown/grey lower cowboy boots. 

The harness boots were purchased near Boot Barn at Cottonwood Mall.  Was looking at another pair, but could net get a clerk to help me (boot hooks, Etc).

Light blue uppers boots were bought at the Boot Barn on San Mateo.

Yes, you could say I have a boot fetish.

Jungle Boots

Bought the boots and BDUs some time ago.  For over a year in Vietnam I wore boots like these.  Happy I was able to pick up these boots, in my size, at a local surplus store.  The "Tiger Stripe" camo BDU pants at a good combination.

New Boots

After breakfast, I headed out for some shopping.  Stopped by Boot Barn, but they did not have the boots I was looking for (desert boots) nor any belts that L likes.  Ended up driving to Kaufmans, being sure they would have them.  Reebock desert boots, sans metal.

A couple days before, I have been to the Surplus City on Central and purchased 2 more pair of BDU pants (red digital camo and desert khaki camo).  While there, also bought a short "day pack). Here, I am wearing my new desert boots with the desert camp pants.

From there, I went to Cavenders Western Store.  Picked up a couple new belets (some of mine are getting too small - needed to buy some size 40 belts).

More Boots?

My new cowboy boots arrived from Boot Barn - a day early!  Usually, I do not order online things like boots.  But Boot Barn has a great return policy where I can return them if I do not want them.  There is a store just a few miles from me at Cottonwood Mall.

Anyway, these beautiful bootsa were on sale (close-out) and in my size.  When I slipped them on my feet, they fit like a glove.  I have learned that my feet fit either 12EE or 13D boots.  These are 13D.

The wife on one of my radio friends suggests I should were the boots tucked into (bloused) jeans.  It is a shame to hide the beautiful boots under jeans.  So - that's what you see, here.

Nothing special of the two shirts that also arrived.  One, each, short and long sleeve western shirts.

With my new boots, again it was time to line up my boots for a "family photo".  Gathered all of my boots on the living room floor. and took a couple photos.  While I was at it, took the time to photography each pair of my boots individually.  Here's the skinny on the collection - 1 pair of hiking boots, 2 pait of military boots (black leather, and jungle boots)  Work boots (new-buck 8" and 16" black loggers), and 14 pair of cowboy boots from several manufacturers. Most were purchased from the Boot Barn.

Another Pair of Boots

Has been a busy day. Ham Radio breakfast/coffee, INR check, Boot Barn, and Cavender's.

I have problems getting out of the western stores without at least shirts or boots. Today was no exception. Picked up some short-sleeve western shirts, a belt buckle, and a pair of boots at Boot Barn. Did not see anything I could not do without at Cavender's.

Here are the new boots and the appropriate buckle for me. Just in time to wear to dinner and a couple beers this evening.

Ruidoso Area

Had a quick breakfast of cereal and coffee, I was on the road to tour the area.  My goal was to check out the historic town of Lincoln, NM,  Fort Stanton Historic Site, and Smokey Bear State Park.

I did not spend much time in Lincoln.  It was a matter of shooting some photos of the old buildings.  The town of Lincoln plays major roll in the history of New Mexico. Notable names like Sheriff Pat Garrett and "Billy the Kid" were prominent players.

Most of the rest of the morning was spent at Fort Stanton.  The fort was built at a military fort.  It has also served at prison of war facility, military hospital, and tuberculous hospital.  It 2004 interesting parties started efforts to preserve the fort.  The state and federal government got involved in 2008.  Eventually, the fort became Fort Stanton History Site.

Fort Stanton is very much a work in progress.  When you enter the visitor's center, you are give some information of the fort history and information of what buildings are open.  The folks at Fort Stanton are working hard to open more buildings.

From Fort Stanton, it was on over to Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, NM.   This is a state facility, at the time, entrance fee is $2.00. There is a path showing the plants in the New Mexico climate zones.  Featured at a corner o =f the the park is Smokey Bear burial site.  The museum illustrated when happens to the land after a forest fire and the people that fight these fires.

Last night when heading out to dinner, I saw a interesting store - "Boots & Jeans" - my kind of store.  Ended up spending too much money - buying a pair of boots, jeans, a couple shirts, and a belt.

Dinner was at Rio Grande Grill & Tap Room.  Had a cheeseburger, fries, and a pint of Pecan Amber Ale.

Spent the rest of the evening packing back into the car and watching TV.

Geronimo

 Yesterday, I left Roswell late - heading to Hobbs.  Visit with my hosts and a late Thanksgiving dinner..

Spent a relaxing day in Hobbs, NM.  Was thinking of playing, instead did a quick tourist trip to Monument, NM and looked at the Geronimo monument.  The local citizenry needs to spend to money to refurbish the monument.

There was a work-ware store closing in Hobbs.  Stobbed by there and pick up another pair of boots

Wednesday Shift - Balloon Fiesta

It was a COLD morning at Balloon Fiesta Park. Thermometer was hovering just above 40 degrees.  Had a big crew, mostly because 2 nets were being controlled from the High Desert display at Balloon Fiesta.  I checked into the SCAT (Senior Citizen and Travelers) net.  Was busy talking with folks about Ham Radio during Rusty's Raider's net, so skipped checking into that net.

I did a little more photography.  Still working on setting the camera to shoot the Dawn Patrol.  The shots are tricky because of the low light and the bright glows when the balloon gas jets are firing.

Three days at the Balloon Fiesta, I wore my Georgia Boot Company work boots.  While they were heavy when I first got them on, they were very comfortable for walking at the fiesta grounds.

Body was tired by the time I headed to the car, only finding the gate I entered in was closed.  Had to walk down to the next gate and back to the car.  Crashed into bed when I got home

16" boots

While I was packing up the Iowa house, I did not think I would want/need any of my high boots.  I had a pair of Red Wing 16" boots that was not fitting right these days (I was much heavier than when I bought them).  Not thinking about of the boots that I bought from Nature, I decided I did not need/desire the tall boots.

Now that I have been losing weight - about 40 pounds so far - I was looking for 16" high boots.  I started looking at boots on-line.  Red Wing no longer makes the 16" lineman's boots.  There were others out the retailing over $400.  I was able to find Carolina Boot Co 16" boots for $209 (shipping included).  I bit the bullet and ordered the boots (size 12W).  Those boots arrived this afternoon.

Took time to pre-lace the bottom eyelets and tried on the right boot (was rough to get it on - because of my high inset - but fits good once on).

Later this evening or tomorrow I will lace up both boots to wear them a little - break them in. 

Update:  Was able to get both boots on.  Little problems getting them on because of my high instep.  Once I got them on, they are comfortable to wear.  Think I just need to wear them to stretched them - or may have to check out places to stretch the instep area.