And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Friday, February 13, 2026
Using poles is supposed to take about 15% of the stress off your knees
I always scorned them until a few years ago when I went up Starvation Creek path in the Columbia Gorge. Went up Starvation Creek path to Mt. Defiance. Anyway its about switchbacky as hell and you summit at a little under 5000. Toe burner coming down.
Point being someone left a good crude hiking stick and when my legs were giving out I used the stick and the power of upper body until my shoulders grew too tired then I went back to legs with stick.
Got some good breaking action out of the stick on the way down, too. I'm 70 now not 55 and would not attempt the hike today without a walking stick. Hell, I didn't attempt it then with out a stick.
I use them for long walks, especially at Disneyland. They help take some of the load off my back, and they expand my chest for deeper breathing. I also put small scuba night lights on them, red on left and green on right, (yes, port and starboard 😁), to make them visible in crowds at night.
I have backpacked for nearly 60 years. Only started using trekking poles in the last few years. Through hiked the 2200 mile Appalachian Trail at 65 and LOVED having trekking poles. Saved me from several falls and lessened the impact on my knees.
Since I have survived and gotten old-er, I got rid of the snow skis and boots to a senior center. I did keep my poles and use them when hiking in tough spots. The baskets fell off on some trail. No loss, and saved me some $$$.
As I entered my 50's trekking poles were the only thing that allowed me to go on walks with my wife in the mountains of our land and local roads. I could manage up, but going down was murder on my knees! I miss those days. Now after having both knees replaced with metal and plastic parts I'm afraid that type of activity is over for me.
I've used CMT poles for many years, and they are lightweight and durable, for a great price. I like them because they allow me to use my upper body strength to keep my legs going longer. If you are carrying a very heavy pack, they also reduce fatigue over a whole day of hiking, because they help you control the load a lot easier. Otherwise, you waste a lot of energy using your core strength to control the load.
If stress isn't the point then stay home on the couch.
ReplyDelete20 years ago my wife bought me some and I immediately found there was little benefit and just one more thing to carry, and they are awkward to carry.
I think mine are stashed behind the water heater in the laundry room if you want em.
How much of the stress is switched over to arm & shoulder joints?
ReplyDeleteI always scorned them until a few years ago when I went up Starvation Creek path in the Columbia Gorge. Went up Starvation Creek path to Mt. Defiance. Anyway its about switchbacky as hell and you summit at a little under 5000. Toe burner coming down.
ReplyDeletePoint being someone left a good crude hiking stick and when my legs were giving out I used the stick and the power of upper body until my shoulders grew too tired then I went back to legs with stick.
Got some good breaking action out of the stick on the way down, too. I'm 70 now not 55 and would not attempt the hike today without a walking stick. Hell, I didn't attempt it then with out a stick.
I use them for long walks, especially at Disneyland. They help take some of the load off my back, and they expand my chest for deeper breathing. I also put small scuba night lights on them, red on left and green on right, (yes, port and starboard 😁), to make them visible in crowds at night.
ReplyDeleteI have backpacked for nearly 60 years. Only started using trekking poles in the last few years. Through hiked the 2200 mile Appalachian Trail at 65 and LOVED having trekking poles. Saved me from several falls and lessened the impact on my knees.
ReplyDeletePicked a set up for packing elk out of the mountains years ago. Use them all the time now for walking the dog when the roads are covered in snow/ice.
ReplyDeleteSince I have survived and gotten old-er, I got rid of the snow skis and boots to a senior center. I did keep my poles and use them when hiking in tough spots. The baskets fell off on some trail. No loss, and saved me some $$$.
ReplyDeleteAs I entered my 50's trekking poles were the only thing that allowed me to go on walks with my wife in the mountains of our land and local roads. I could manage up, but going down was murder on my knees! I miss those days. Now after having both knees replaced with metal and plastic parts I'm afraid that type of activity is over for me.
ReplyDeleteI've used CMT poles for many years, and they are lightweight and durable, for a great price. I like them because they allow me to use my upper body strength to keep my legs going longer. If you are carrying a very heavy pack, they also reduce fatigue over a whole day of hiking, because they help you control the load a lot easier. Otherwise, you waste a lot of energy using your core strength to control the load.
ReplyDelete