[pct-l] ski poles

[Suzanne Courteau]

Hey Spirit--

I'm not a big fan of hiking poles, either, but consider taking ONE
pole (cheapie $10 ski pole sounds fine!) for a little extra help in
crossing streams, navigating snow patches, and encouraging
recalcitrant snakes to move off the trail.

Suzanne Courteau
"Bedouin"

> I have been back and forth on the idea of using hiking poles. I didn't use
> them on my AT thru hike and with the exception for the few river fords and
> occassional rocky downs in the north, I really don't think I missed out. I
> like having free hands far too much. However, I have a rather bad knee and
> another thru hike will surely add to the injury. I am also thinking poles
> will be a great advantage to any snow covered sections of the trail. So,
> suggestions?
> Here's something else I am wondering. In order to avoid ordering a pair of
> poles and then determining that I just do not wish to use them as I am
> hiking, would going out on some hikes with ski poles(which I have in my
> closet) be able to help me decide if I should trek the 2600 miles with some
> additional support to my poor knees. Let me know if anyone has some advice
> on this and perhaps if anyone has some cheap(by good ones) hiking poles for
> sale.
>
> ~Spirit