Inspired by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore from the MISSFoundation (missfoundation.org/about/joanne-cacciatore), we decided to take off our hiking boots in honour of Koen during our summer trip to Austria and hike the last leg of our ascent barefoot.

Hiking without your boots on really makes you think and look where you carefully place your feet. This is a great way to be in the moment, rather than distracted by worries, thoughts, your phone or other things on your mind. It’s not nearly as difficult as it sounds, even on the rocky path we were on. This was our first time we ever tried it and we will do it again. It brought our mind and spirit closer to Koen. Just watch out for snakes!