Barefoot

During his adventures in the Himalayas, Samuel from California is impressed by a bare footed Maltese man. From 'The Great Escapade':

After beginning our final climb to ABC we passed two guys and a girl from Malta. Do you know where Malta is? Did you know it's an independent country and a member of the European Union? I didn't. Anyway, they stand out in my memory because one of the Maltese men had walked all the way from the trailhead BAREFOOT. I wasn't sure if he was a pilgrim or an idiot, but as I watched him crunching his raw feet through the ice fields I have to admit I was impressed. As it turns out he just wanted to push himself further than most trekkers, and as he warmed his feet inside the ABC lodge I spent a couple minutes reflecting on what a tenderfoot I am. My feet can't even handle walking on socks, much less ice and rock.