"Stock prices have been quoted in fractions for two centuries, based on a system descended from Spanish pieces of eight. Each dollar was cut into eight bits worth 12.5 cents each."Charles A. Jaffe
|
| |
Hiking in Spain - See Spain's Other Side
Choosing Your RegionThe different regions in Spain each offer their own unique trekking adventure. Observe wildlife in its natural habitat at game and nature reserves or at one of the many national parks. Visit scenic areas of what is frequently called ...
Tips For A Good Hiking Experience.
Let's break out of our winter hibernation and venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit some dirt trails! I'll give some tips so you can have an enjoyable hike.1. Find information about the area you will be going to. Whether it's from a website ...
What Makes a Hiking Boot Great?
How to evaluate hiking boots and footwear for comfort, protection, and durability.Choosing hiking boots and footwear is one of the most important decisions you as a hiker or camper will make. They'll either make your trip memorable or miserable. To find ...
|
|
|
| |
Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking staffs and hiking sticks? Whatever you call them, and whatever their differences, they are supposed to help your knees more than anything. This they do very well, at least when you're going downhill.
What else are they good for? They help you keep your balance. You can use them as defense against wild animals as well. I use a walking stick to rest my head on from time to time, and I also use it as a monopod for steadying the camera.
Do You Need Trekking Poles?
What if you don't have knee problems, and you are hiking on level ground? Then maybe there is no point to using trekking poles. They can be just more things to carry.
Do they save energy? They take weight off your joints, but logic says you'll expend more energy by carrying them. I use a walking stick at times, when my knees insist, and it's fun to poke at things, but it's not a necessity. For what it's worth, Ray Jardine, the "father" of ultralight backpacking, doesn't recommend trekking poles.
If you decide to use them, consider the incredible Bozeman Mountain Works Stix Xls Trekking Poles. They're made of a high-strength carbon fiber and weigh 2.7 ounces each! That's is half the weight of the nearest competition.
Walking Sticks and Other Options
I often cut dead sticks and use them until I lose them. I always lose my walking stick - a good reason not to buy the expensive ones. If I do still have it at the end of the trail, I leave it for the next hiker. Hand-cut walking sticks are heavier than high-tech trekking poles, but you can just leave them behind when you get tired of them.
You can use bamboo to make good light hiking staffs. It's stronger than it looks, so use a piece that's only about 3/4" thick. I bought cheap decorative bamboo at Pier One Imports, and cut it to size. You can glue some soft scrap leather on for a comfortable handgrip.
Finally, ski poles work as trekking poles. It's best if you remove the baskets, especially if you're hiking in wooded areas where they may catch on something.
About the Author
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of lightweight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com
Written By: Steve Gillman
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Phone slave no more - Guardian Unlimited
It was a fresh morning after a night of rain, and we were hiking up into the mountains in southern France. The plants and trees glowed with green, vibrant life. Sheep and cows were meandering in the fields, and the blue sky stretched out for miles ...
HUGE CITY CASH SLASH - New York Post
ALBANY - Gov. Paterson's proposed new cut-to-the-bone state budget will slash more than $620 million in badly needed funds to New York City - aid that Mayor Bloomberg has been counting on to help the city stay financially afloat, The Post has learned ...
Take a walk on the Westerly side - Providence Journal
For outdoor enthusiasts, Westerly has just about everything: hiking, biking, surfing and more. Much of these activities are available throughout the year, but winter is a great time to be outdoors there. Even as late as Christmas Day, two die-hard ...
Interview: Alison Testroete - Daily Peloton
I'm Alison Testroete, I grew up in Abbotsford, BC and moved to Calgary when I was 18 to pursue short track speedskating. When I was 22 my focus switched to road cycling. Why did you choose cycling as your sport? Coming from speed skating, cycling ...
Landlords to pay $18,000 in rental discrimination case - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Jan. 7, 2009 5:02 p.m. | The owners of a West Allis apartment building have agreed to pay $18,000 to settle a discrimination complaint by a woman who said she was turned down as a tenant because she had two children. Kanita Brawley complained that in ...
|
