 |
| Monopod on a bus. |
This Spring I began using trekking poles on my walks with Piper. I tried them at my Physical Therapist's suggestion (and with the loan of her own extra poles) during a period when a spike of pain in my knees was making it no fun at all to walk...
...even with Piper!
...even in the woods!
At the same time, a retired fellow in England who blogs about his walking adventures in entertaining detail, kindly answered my email enquiry about types and features of poles. Mike's descriptions of personal experiences - and fatigue delayed and serious injuries avoided - confirmed that trekking poles were well worth a try.
The first time I heading into the woods with the poles, I admit I felt a little...silly. I mean, this was a walk. On an old cart road. Not exactly snowshoeing crosscountry through trackless forest, and come to think if it, I never used poles to do that, and I was also carrying a pack full of equipment at the time. Blah blah blah. I've gotten a lot better at not berating myself with these pointless comparisons, but sometimes that inner voice still pipes up for a minute or two.
BUT. It was a relief to soon discover: even on a very difficult day, I could still force myself to get out there with two poles and take Piper for at least a short wander. And on a gentler day, even using a single pole could make a big difference in how far I wanted to go before heading back. I saw sections of trail and forest I hadn't visited in several years.
I usually used only one pole, as I've nearly always got a camera in one hand. So I recently decided to invest in a "monopod" - the same sort of collapsible walking stick but with a threaded bolt on top to mount a camera. The idea being that I will still have the camera Right There at all times, but will also have two hands free to use two poles in the woods when I want to.
Shortly after making that decision and budgeting $25-40 for a simple adjustable model, I found one, used, at a tag sale!
For two dollars!
I started using it right away.
 |
| The hyssop is still blooming and the bees are still visiting. Both bloom and bees have slowed down considerably, but still... blooming and visiting! |
In the past few weeks, I've put that monopod through it's paces; not just in the woods and at home, but with more "travelling" than I've done in a very long time. First, the monopod went on a chartered bus trip to the Big E where I saw the quilts and the Clydesdales, and then it accompanied me on Saturday's trip to the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival. In both cases, it was great to have my camera Right There for the sudden photo-opps, but the bigger benefit was being able to walk and stand for more than ten minutes - not always comfortably, but only a couple of times having to say, "I'm sorry, but I must either walk or sit down right now," in the middle of a conversation. And that is a big deal.
Don't worry: I'm not going to turn this blog into a record of all my physical ups and downs; it would bore you all to bits. Heck, it bores me and I'm living it. But I'm trying to get a little more comfortable about not editing out any mention of pain when it's actually an aspect of what I am writing about. Like my joy in discovering that a trekking pole is a tool that can sometimes make a little walk in the woods (and the resulting revitalizing thoughts and hundreds of photographs and one very happy dog) possible.
And who knows? Maybe a person reading this will think, "Hmmm, I wonder if a trekking pole might be a handy thing for me to use from time to time?" and then one day find themselves leaning on a trekking pole by a stone wall they haven't visited in ages, listening to the wind in the trees and thinking how incredibly lucky they are to be right there in that exquisite moment. So my suggestion would be: if you think some simple thing might be handy...give it a try. And then tell the rest of us about it in case we might find it handy too :)
~~~~~
I love the idea of a trekking pole that is also a monopod. Very cool! I'm glad it's helped you so much. I tried trekking poles but nothing helps that bad pain in my lower back that is present during all walking and standing... Besides that, Shyla is afraid of trekking poles (and that's the true deciding factor!). But I love your photos, and I'm so happy that it's helping you :)
ReplyDeleteThose of us in pain can all relate. Living with pain every day while doing things that others consider normal (like standing up while talking) stinks. I live it too - please don't be worried about writing about it.
Thanks, KB, I really appreciate your words. And I don't know if it's a matter of a pole taking some of the weight while I'm walking, or just the sense of having more stability or what, but using them really does help me keep upright and moving, most days.
DeleteAnd it's funny: I actually "invented" the idea of a trekking monopod by planning to attach a short threaded bolt to the top of a trekking pole for a camera mount...and then, lo and behold and thanks to google, I discovered the combination already exists. Of course :)
What a great deal finding one for $2. I imagine the pole helps to keep you steady, too, when taking a picture. I usually have to lean against a wall to brace myself so the shot isn't shaky and out of focus. Glad to hear you've found a way to get around and take pictures, too. I know Piper is happy, too if it means more walks and exploring new areas.
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing to find that monopod! One Saturday morning when I went to pick up a book at the library (visiting the library after a dump/recycling run and then taking Piper for a walk is my usual Saturday morning routine) there was a little tag sale on the Town Common, and I had a quick look. Could hardly believe my luck! I also bought a floor lamp for the porch :)
DeleteNever heard of the monopod, which I think is very clever! The trekking pole we used to call walking sticks and I used to hike with one all the time when I lived in the mountains. I'm assuming it's the same thing(?)
ReplyDeleteLovely photos as usual, and I'm glad this gives you the opportunity to be out and about more. That's important.
Hi Leigh - I don't know when or where the term "trekking pole" became common, but maybe it was used to differentiate between tall wooden walking sticks/staffs and lightweight telescoping (or now, shock-corded) poles? For me, being able to easily adjust the height of a pole (and therefore the grip) is a huge advantage over a wooden pole. But now I've also begun using a sort of shepherd's staff around the paddocks - just a sapling or a branch of a useful height, that I leave by a gate. I have a lot of obstacles and slope here, and when there is a gang of rowdy goats swarming around me, a little added stability can be a very good thing.
DeleteGreat Post! Thank you
ReplyDeleteGreat find.
Trekking poles are fantastic. For hiking, I wouldn't go without at least one.
I sometimes use a telescopic pole with ice pick option (that broke off last winter). It helps when the arthritis pain in my foot suddenly flares up. In winter, my walking stick is a must when there's ice and snow on the ground to navigate. I haven't seen a monopod. I'll look into it.
If you can't find one, you may be able to modify one of the poles you already use. That was actually my original plan, before I discovered that my "invention" already exists ;)
DeleteWhat a fantastic post! I'm dealing with some knee/foot/hip stuff these days and have been considering a walking pole. Our trip to Cornwall certainly put us through the paces, and would have been easier with that support. Your photos are gorgeous, esp those water lilies or whatever they are.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sue! Yes, they are either white or yellow "pond lilies" but I always think of them as waterlilies.
DeleteI think the shock-corded type of pole (they come apart into short sections which are still connected) would be especially convenient for travel...fit in a bag or pack when not in use. But here at home I often use good ol' saplings that have been killed by goats and dried standing. Very useful and the price is certainly right ;)
I never realized hiking poles could make such a difference. And huzzah for finding a $2 monopod! I love when something you really wants just drops into your lap.
ReplyDeleteI know, it was amazing! Maybe next I'll find a replacement for the (favorite) Pyrex pot I broke last year :)
DeleteI know able bodied painfree people who use these poles all the time! They say it will extend the years they will be able to hike. So there's that, too.
ReplyDeleteAbout your health issues: without wishing to pry, they are part of your life and part of what makes you who you are. So please don't edit them out too much. You are in no danger of coming off as a whiner!
That's good to hear about the longterm use of trekking poles. Also the other thing - thanks :)
DeleteQuinn, my brother used to work at Snowshoe Ski Resort and he gave me half dozen ski poles. I started using two to help me walk and it's been a life saver! I have a walking stick I use when on vacation (and when I remember to take it) but around the farm, it's the ski poles that get me thru the day, almost every day of the year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice gift! The poles my PT let me borrow reminded me of ski poles, except for the telescoping feature...although maybe ski poles are also telescoping these days? I've never been a skier, even during all my years in the Rockies.
Delete