Atip I really wanted to give the world was that you should expect wet feet for very long periods and this can soak the skin right off the soles of your feet. Ugly and painful.

Here is the solution – petroleum jelly (aka Vaselene). Rub plenty in.

The sequence of booting up (different meaning, Geeks) is: prepare boots and laces – wring out socks, put on plasters to blisters, put on Vaselene, socks, boots. It takes a good ten minutes to boot up properly, don't rush it.