iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 15/10/2026

Today was muggier than it looked. The hoodie was a bad idea. Anyway this was me making my way from home to Hamburg (tho obvs much nearer the former than the latter). Like so many other travel bloggers this coming weekend.

A full-body, outdoor shot shows a person with vibrant pink hair and glasses, wearing a maroon hooded sweatshirt and a long, tiered purple skirt with a celestial pattern. The person is standing barefoot on a gravel path next to a calm body of water, likely a canal, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. The trees show hints of autumn colors with yellow and orange leaves scattered amongst the green. A small, striped bag is slung across the person's chest. The sky is overcast, contributing to the soft, natural lighting of the scene. The person is looking off to the right, with a slight smile. The overall impression is one of relaxed comfort and connection with nature, captured on a cool, possibly damp, day.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 01/10/2026

I think, if I were ever to create a dating profile, this would have to be on there as one of the 'funny' pics! Such a catch ...... :D

A person with bright purple hair stands barefoot in front of a lush green hillside under a cloudy sky. They are wearing a denim jacket over a dark t-shirt adorned with pins and a colorful, rainbow-striped skirt. Their hair is styled to cover their face, creating a whimsical and mysterious look. The background features rolling hills dotted with trees and a few houses on the slope. A dark green, dense hedge forms a natural border in the foreground, with the person standing on a textured stone pathway.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 26/09/2026

I had fun today posing on a stone wall. Because everyone needs a whimsical selfie on a nice day in a dour bleak world! [I also updated my website's Work With Me page and my Media Kit, but that's less photogenic!]

A person with bright purple hair sits on a dry stone wall with their legs outstretched. They are wearing a blue dress with a white daisy print, red leggings, and a red and white plaid shirt. The person is barefoot, with one leg extended forward and the other bent at the knee. They are looking towards the camera with a slight smile. The dry stone wall is made of rough-hewn stones and is bordered by green grass. Behind the wall, rolling green hills stretch into the distance, dotted with houses and trees under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The overall scene has a rural and natural feel.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 13/09/2026

Am I Trans? Probably. Does it keep me awake at night? Probably. Am I going to do anything about it? Probably not.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 17/08/2026

Home. After leaving my friend's house 12hrs 20mins earlier. Three delayed trains (though only the second one mattered), three pubs (two visited because of train delays), one marshmallow pancake, one Greggs, one Wetherspoons pizza, and some rain. Joy!

A medium shot photo shows a person with long, vibrant purple hair and purple-rimmed glasses. They are smiling slightly at the camera. The person is wearing a black t-shirt or dress adorned with a repeating pattern of small white daisies with yellow centers. The background is a plain, neutral wall with a framed picture or print above. The person's hair is styled loosely, framing their face. The lighting is soft, creating a natural and approachable feel. The focus is on the person's face and upper body, highlighting their cheerful expression and the distinctive daisy print of their clothing.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 11/08/2026

Summit, three days ago. [yes it's called Summit. Because it's at the highest point of the easiest pass over this part of the hills. And Victorians lacked imagination]

Canal going straight into the distance, towpath to its left, and beyond that a stone wall and a grassy field; hills to the right with a smattering of bush (ooer missus) and tree; all under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 18/07/2026

Oh, you'll get there, it might take time but take it slowly & you'll get there happily. Maybe build up with plainer ones, then work into the loud? Here's me over the recent years! [The last one is called 'Arcade', & looks like a 90s bowling alley carpet, a long way from plain salmon!] Good luck :)

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 16/07/2026

There is a weird juxtaposition to be in a large Biker cafe, with mopeds, mod decor, and greasy spoon vibes, while the jukebox plays 'Because We Want To' by Billie Piper and 'Any Dream Will Do' by Jason Donovan.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 01/07/2026

It's 15°C and raining. Behave, Scotrail!

Zoom in of the departure board at Glasgow Central railway station. It says 'hot weather, please stay hydrated'.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 09/06/2026

Apparently, my current weather is "Sprinkles"!

Part of a screenshot of a weather report, telling me where i live is 10ºC with Sprinkles and Scattered Showers.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 25/04/2026

* hugs. I went for a walk ... maybe a bit too far. Yes, it was bright and sunny here; Miracles! You are awesome!

A person with bright purple hair, wearing a bucket hat, glasses, a blue t-shirt, and a patterned skirt stands in a grassy, open field. The t-shirt has text that reads "THIS IS THE WAY TO PAGE ONE" and "LINK HQ BUILDING". A colorful striped bag is slung over their shoulder. The person is barefoot and has their hand on their hip. The background shows a vast, dry, grassy landscape stretching to the horizon under a clear blue sky with scattered white clouds. In the distance, a tall, thin structure is visible. The overall scene depicts a person enjoying a sunny day outdoors in a natural, somewhat wild environment.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 12/04/2026

Welp, i guess I can add "paid comedian" to my CV now ... :p

In a well-lit indoor setting, an individual stands on a light-colored concrete floor, addressing an unseen audience. The person, presumably a woman, is dressed in striking rainbow-striped overalls, complemented by a burgundy and brown plaid shirt. She also sports a beanie and glasses, and is barefoot, adding to her eclectic appearance. She holds a small flag with horizontal stripes of black, grey, white, and purple in her right hand, while a microphone is in her left, suggesting she's speaking or performing. To her left is a counter with light green tiling and several chairs, and behind her to her right is a green cushioned booth. Above, the ceiling is dark, adorned with various light fixtures, including a disco ball that adds a festive touch to the atmosphere. On the floor near the individual, a shopping bag with floral prints is placed, with the bag adding a touch of personal belongings to the scene. The overall ambiance suggests a casual and intimate setting, possibly a small gathering or performance space.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 06/04/2026

It's International Asexuality Day. To acknowledge an invisible identity that many people don't even think is real, here's an image of a person who may not be real and who is wearing an asexual-branded sweatshirt, which people never notice. We exist!

A woman with long hair and glasses is walking barefoot down a paved road. She is wearing a black sweatshirt with a print in the asexual pride flag colours of white, grey, and purple ("It's not that you're not hot, I just don't care", it reads), dark capri pants, a small black waist pack, and a large gray backpack. She smiles as she walks toward the viewer. The road is bordered on the left by a grassy verge with some yellow flowers and a wooden fence; on the right, by a grassy verge. Further back, on the left, are green fields with a single-story white building; on the right, green fields with a couple of white buildings. The sky is blue with some white clouds. A trail marker post can be seen on the left of the frame.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 26/12/2025

Lol. :p No, absolutely no reference at all to a long-running 80s detective drama series described as 'depicting an awful lot of non-finance crime for a place like that'.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 25/12/2025

Merry Christmas, ig? The mug should contain hot chocolate. If you want to know how this Barefoot Backpacker makes hers (rich, thick, smooth, and sweet), there will be a YouTube video today on that very topic :)

A full shot shows a woman with purple hair standing barefoot on a striped rug indoors. She is holding a mug and facing the camera, smiling slightly. She wears glasses, a blue dress with white daisies, and black leggings, covered by a cardigan of the same color. To the right, a Christmas tree shines with blue lights and ornaments. Next to it, a small, black fireplace flickers with simulated flames. The room is decorated with festive elements, including bells hanging from the ceiling and a mirror above the tree. Furniture includes a gray couch and ottoman, with patterned cushions adding a touch of coziness to the scene. The picture captures a warm, festive, and personal moment, complete with Christmas decorations and a homey atmosphere.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 30/11/2025

Did a 24km / 15 mile walk today, over the hills and along the wooded river valleys. Taking advantage of the one dry and sunny day recently!

A full shot captures a figure in a landscape. The figure, positioned slightly to the left, is adorned in a multi-colored knit hat with a pom-pom, round glasses, and vibrant purple hair that falls to their shoulders. They are wearing a dark blue raincoat over a green top, complemented by a green scarf, a blue jean skirt, and patterned leggings that peek out from under the skirt. Their footwear consists of brown hiking boots. A colorful bag hangs across their body, adding a splash of color to their attire. They stand in a field of tall, dry grass that occupies much of the foreground and stretches to the right side of the frame. In the background, rolling green hills meet a bright blue sky, with a few scattered clouds enhancing the scene.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 15/11/2025

The question is not "where is Nel today?". The question is "why is Nel *there* today? It's been so long, and there's not very interesting!". (I'm meeting a friend later & I'd never posted my old hometown on YouTube) Selfie with Harold Larwood. Not the friend in question.

A person with pink hair and a multicolored hat is posing next to a statue. The person is wearing glasses and a green shirt. The statue is of a person holding a ball. In the background, there are cars and buildings. The photo is taken outdoors.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 30/10/2025

Anyway. Hair recoloured. My hairdresser is awesome, took this pic of me, is not on text-based social media, but you can find her! :)

A full-length, eye-level shot captures a person with purple hair standing barefoot on a pavement covered in fallen leaves. The individual is positioned slightly left of the center and is gazing directly at the camera. They are clad in a dark green t-shirt with a graphic, a denim skirt, and black leggings. A light blue denim jacket is casually draped over their shoulders, and a small bag hangs from one shoulder. Their expression is neutral, and they have glasses on. A sign reading "OUTLAW HAIRDRESSING" hangs on a blue metal gate behind the person, pointing towards a lush, green ivy-covered wall. The background also features a brick building with visible windows, which suggests an urban or suburban setting. The pavement appears wet, hinting at recent rain or damp conditions. The overall lighting is soft, casting gentle shadows and enhancing the color saturation of the scene. The composition is balanced, with the subject, the sign, and the background elements harmoniously arranged to create a visually engaging image.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 30/10/2025

Oh eff off, AI. "The individual, who appears to be in their late 40s or early 50s" ... cheers for the accurate but unwelcome reminder! :D

A full shot depicts a person indoors with their hands in their pockets, framed against a bright, artistic background. The individual, who appears to be in their late 40s or early 50s, has fair skin, is barefoot, and sports purple hair. They are wearing glasses and a dark-colored choker. The person is attired in a dark top and a denim-looking overall dress with a front pocket and a slit at the bottom. Below the dress, they are wearing dark leggings. The setting seems to be a salon or art studio, with various decorations and posters adorning the walls. A black rolling chair is to the side, and artistic elements are visible in the background, like a colorful painting on the wall and an abstractly painted mirror. Overhead, a simple light fixture illuminates the scene. The floor is speckled with what appears to be paint stains, suggesting a creative environment.

Extract from AI-generated alt-text of the other image. Make particular note of the phrase: "The individual, who appears to be in their late 40s or early 50s"

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 30/10/2025

Past Me thought £12 was a great price for a ticket from Manchester to Glasgow. Present Me is irked at the 4.57am departure time.

A woman with purple hair and glasses is wearing a light-wash denim jacket over a dark green t-shirt. She is turned sideways to the camera. Her hair is a vibrant shade of purple, and she wears glasses with a round frame. The denim jacket is a classic light wash with visible stitching and metal buttons. The t-shirt underneath is a dark green color with what appears to be a white graphic design on the front. The lighting is somewhat dim, and the background is out of focus, suggesting the photo may have been taken indoors (it was on a train). The woman has a fair complexion and a faint smile.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 07/09/2025

Trig-point selfie. Not long after this there was lightning. Tall people on treeless moorland do not mix well with lightning. It passed me by safely. But still.

A person with purple hair wearing a daisy-patterned bucket hat, glasses, and daisy-patterned leggings is standing barefoot in a grassy field, leaning against a concrete trig-point pillar marked with a red heart. The person is also wearing a dark t-shirt, a black dungaree dress, and a decorative floral-themed metallic belt, with a jacket tied around their waist and a striped bag (in the non-binary flag colours) slung across their body. The background features a misty sky and a landscape of low-lying vegetation.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 24/08/2025

"I'm off to watch the sunset; it's something that doesn't happen very often" is such a bizarre sentence to say/write. And yet.

The landscape shows a view of Longyearbyen, Svalbard, under a cloudy sky with a dramatic sunset. In the distance, the sun casts a vibrant orange and pink glow along the horizon, silhouetting distant mountains. Closer, across a body of water, are small, scattered buildings that make up part of the settlement. The foreground features a field of dry, brown grass, partially enclosed by a simple wooden fence. A large, complex building dominates the midground, with a central rotunda-like entrance and long wings extending to either side. Several cars are parked near the building, and further to the right, a modern-looking structure stands adjacent to the more traditional building. The overall scene conveys a sense of remote beauty combined with a functional, built environment in a stark, northern landscape.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 23/08/2025

"Do one thing every day that scares you" the self-help gurus say. I slowly slid down a steep scree path today, and honestly that's my scaredness quota filled for the week! No I was not barefoot.

A vague path runs up/down a very rocky hillside. By vague I mean there is a narrow section of the hillside that is not covered with small rocks.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 22/08/2025

Sometimes it's nice to have a window seat.

Picture taken from an aeroplane window. The wing is in full view on the left. The rest of the picture is sharp bare mountain ridges, steep gradients of hillside, and scattered cloud. Some snow/ice patches evident.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 21/08/2025

Am in Tromsø. The furthest North I've ever been. Until tomorrow. Yes it's bright and sunny. Yes it's nicely cool. Yes it's windy.

A close-up portrait of a person with purple hair and glasses, set against a backdrop of a modern architectural landmark and a bright, sunny day. The individual, who appears to be fair-skinned with white stubble, is wearing multi-colored glasses with round lenses. They are positioned on the left side of the frame, with the background cityscape stretching out behind them.

The background features a road with a yellow line, a metal guardrail, and a unique triangular building constructed primarily of glass and white metal. The building's design is modern, set against the backdrop of a green, tree-covered mountain and a clear blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. The photo is taken during daylight hours, with the sun casting light and shadows across the scene. Cars can be seen driving on the road, adding depth to the composition.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 19/08/2025

The definition of (class) privilege: Getting drunk in Norway and not looking at the receipt.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 29/07/2025

All the cool hip influencers have a tote bag ... ... eh, at least I *tried*, lol :p (Granted, #PureMichigan is some 3,500 miles from me, but hey, it all counts!)

A person with purple hair stands barefoot on a grey brick sidewalk, holding a black tote bag with the words "Pure Michigan" printed in white. The person wears dark blue leggings, a short black skirt, a dark blue t-shirt, and a light blue denim jacket adorned with various pins. A patterned bucket hat sits atop their head, and they wear round glasses. To the left, a metal fence borders a grassy area with trees. The sky is overcast with grey clouds.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 26/07/2025

Today's Parkrun. Centre Vale. Today is also the local "Happy Valley Pride" day, hence my running in the non-binary croptop!

A person with purple hair stands confidently in front of a brick wall, wearing a striped crop top, skort, and rainbow socks. A "Centre Vale parkrun" sign is nearby, with a playful drawing next to them. The scene is lively and vibrant.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 20/07/2025

Selfie from two days ago having just gone for a jog. But that's not the point here. Rather, I got an online alt-text generator to write me some alt-text for it. It replied: "A woman with purple hair on a skateboard". There are many things wrong with that, but mainly: skateboard?!!

A tall, confident, person with striking shoulder-length purple hair and glasses stands stands confidently on a paved path next to a quiet road that curves into the distance. They're wearing a soft brown T-shirt that reads “Be Er — The Essential Element” (a cheeky reference to beer, using mock chemical symbols), bright navy-blue skort with colourful footprint pattern, and bare feet. Their posture is subtly dynamic here: one leg is bent at the knee, slightly crossing in front of the other, as if mid-stride or playfully posing. One hand rests on their hip, the other hand is relaxed, and their expression is content, maybe even a bit mischievous. The lighting is bright, the sky vivid blue with scattered clouds, and the rolling hills behind them look green and sleepy. It’s a blend of grounded realism and joyful eccentricity—a travelogue moment wrapped in a personal style zine.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 04/07/2025

Was onstage at Social Refuge Manchester again this evening, performing at @queerdiary.bsky.social. This time it wasn't my teenage diary i was reading, but rather extracts from my teenage penpal letters! "The clues were there...!"

A person with purple hair, a plaid overshirt, black t-shirt, striped rainbow skirt, and a blue bucket hat is speaking barefoot on stage. They hold a microphone, AI tells me in a way that's "projecting confidence". YMMV. The phrase "Queer Diary" is on a projection screen in pink letters behind them.

A person with purple hair, wearing a bucket hat, checked shirt, black t-shirt, and a colourful striped skirt, stands barefoot on stage holding a microphone and a piece of paper.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 30/06/2025

Went for a morning jog. Even before 10am, this may not have been a good idea. Waiter, Check Please!

A person with purple hair stands barefoot on a paved sidewalk, wearing a colorful crop top with a bare feet motif, and a purple/green skort. They have one hand on their hip. A fence and buildings are in the background under a blue sky.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 21/06/2025

I can see cows from my living room window!

Fields, the nearest to foreground has several cows in it. There's a few buildings behind, and then trees, and then in the background, the fields continue, rising uphill.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 13/06/2025

Greetings from Barbados. Normal service will be resumed Sunday.

Sandy toes on a blue towel on a beach with sea in background and palm tree on right edge

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 05/06/2025

Obligatory sandy toes shot, from a Caribbean beach. (Feet in general aren't particularly aesthetic things imho, but here we are.)

Beach, mostly sand but a bit of gravel mixed in, as can be seen on the legs in the bottom of shot. The sea is in the midground, a large mountain, a standalone peak, is behind the sea on the left of shot. It's covered in trees. Above is a blue sky with scattered fluffy clouds.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 03/06/2025

Piton beer, with Petit Piton mountain in background. It may be off-brand for me to be in Saint Lucia, but I'm very much doing things in an on-brand way!

Beer bottle on a wooden table, on a beach, with a stand-alone mountain in the background.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 23/05/2025

Oh, it's been a while since you last run, they said. It's been a week of travel and beer, they said. Take it easy, they said. ... Fastest jog on that route this year. Nailed it!

A person with purple hair and glasses stands confidently on a quiet country lane. They wear a blue shirt with text and a purple skort. They are also barefoot. Green trees line the background.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 13/05/2025

It's very much athletic crop-top weather for jogging. It was, in fact, glorious running weather outside as a slight breeze kept the heat at bay a little. Still not glorious enough to get me to smile on selfies, mind!

A person with long purple hair and glasses wearing a non-binary crop top and a patterned purple skort stands barefoot in front of a stone wall, with one hand on their hip.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 12/05/2025

There are many disadvantages with country living, but it is nice to be able to just wander close to home through peaceful and green countryside. #Calderdale

A person with purple hair in a plaid shirt and rainbow skirt stands barefoot on a stone path, looking at a lush, green landscape under a clear blue sky, in front of a stomach-high brick wall.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 10/05/2025

Did #Parkrun today for the first time in a while. Felt slightly fatigued so was a bit slow. And then jogged 8 miles home. Fatigue refers to speed, not bloodyminded stamina, evidently. :)

I am standing on grass in a park. It's a clear sky day. I'm wearing running gear - black t-shirt, purple and teal-ish skort, and, shock, striped socks with greenish running shoes. I'm posing like the Gen-Xer I am because I have no sense of poise.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 08/05/2025

Today is apparently #NoSocksDay. I ... don't know how to acknowledge that?!

A person stands in front of a door in a room. They have long purple hair and are wearinga black and white top, black cardie, black skirt, black leggings, and no socks.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 03/05/2025

I need to get off this sofa and clear my to-do list. Ovens don't clean themselves. Well, I mean, some do, but I'm not that posh ...

I am lounging on a red sofa, with purple hair, daisy-motif black crop top, black skirt with white dots, and glasses.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 02/05/2025

Bluebells look a lot nicer in real life than they ever do on film.

A blanket of bluebells by the edge of a path, under trees and next to a square-wired fence.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 01/05/2025

First post-Ultra jog. If I look a bit hot and tired, that's because I was. Even at 9.45am it was A Bit Warm. Still, at least it proves I can move properly again and all my limbs are working as normal. And I didn't fall over!

Someone stands in front of a door in a room, by a coat-stand. They're in sunglasses, a green t-shirt, a vibrant patterned predominantly blue skort, and are barefoot. They look a bit exhausted.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 30/04/2025

This was what I wore to a visit to Monet's garden at Giverny. It was, with hindsight, not a great fashion choice...

Someone stands by a lake and a lot of flowers and greenery, in red/salmon dungarees, a yellow t-shirt, and a blue hat.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 26/04/2025

Okay, I'm doing a 50 mile ultramarathon today. You can track my progress here! live.opentracking.co.uk/50calderdale...

Someone stands in a room in a hat, black tshirt, and colourful skort.

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The Barefoot Backpacker @barefoot-backpacker.com · 11/04/2025

Lunchtime, taking a wander along the not-a-beach. Am at #BrightonSEO and learning stuff. Some of it even about myself!

A person stands on a flight of steps in front of an ornate framed stair ballustrade. Behind her is a pebble beach, behind that is a long seaside pier. The person is wearing a plaid red shirt and a long flowy purple dress. She's wearing a non-binary hat and has purple hair. The sky is clear blue.

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