[pct-l] hiking poles

[Marion Davison]

We have hiked with a pair of cheap (bought at thrift store) ski poles on 
every hike since 1992.  I wouldn't consider hiking without them.
I use cheapo ski poles because I am cheap, but also because I hike with 
llamas, which are famous for stepping clutzily on your poles and bending 
them.  We put Leki tips on the ski poles, and carry spare tips.  We have 
changed tips on the trail several times.  Our cheap poles have prevented 
me from falling, drowning in stream crossings, prevent swollen fingers, 
and  make hiking easier on my aging  joints.  Also they are handy for 
poking a balky llama, or fending off a vicious dog that is running 
loose.  On a long ago trip when I did not have poles, I was bitten by a 
dog that was running loose.
Marion