Hiking stick

It's been too busy to hike, although the Ohio weather is finally more suitable. Hope we can get back out again soon. Until then...
You may have noticed a walking stick that appears in some of the Rock Dam Trail photos.




I found it a couple years ago on a previous Spring Break trip to South Carolina. It was a neat branch, shaped by a vine that had once grown around it. I started carving on it during that trip and have continued to carve on it off and on since then. Over the years, I've worked on a few different ones. The carvings aren't particularly elaborate, but it relaxing to do on camping trips.





This year, during our visit to Mistletoe State Park, I noticed that they were selling hiking sticks at the Ranger's office. I was surprised to also find that they were selling hiking stick "medallions" for their park.

As I later found out, these medallions are common among hikers. HikeAmerica carries a good selection, as does Northwest Territorial Mint. Makes me wanna go hiking more!

Walking/hiking sticks/staffs/poles are a part of many a hiker's gear. It really does help, but some die-hard hikers snub them while other hikers use two at a time! Also known as "trekking poles", there is quite a range of types. They range from handmade & free (relatively), nice & affordable, elaborate & pricey (but beautiful), and high-tech & high-priced. Just pick your price range. I did! :-)

There is even a cool challenge, sponsored by Hiking Upward (neat site!) where you can go on a hike and find one for free! They "plant" one on various trails in Virgina & West Virginia with longitude/latitude about it's location for anyone to find. Finder's are expected to report it so Hiking Upward can update their list. It's a neat idea. Makes me wanna go hiking more (again)!

Hoping to use my hiking stick again soon!