[pct-l] Ice Axe as Potti Trowel

[Edward Anderson]

I used to backpack and climb in the Sierra a lot during the 1950's and 1960'S.  
In about 1954 I purchased an Ice Axe made in Austria.  I still have it. It is a 
Stubai Original by Aschebrenner. It weighs just over 2 pounds. Of course, I used 
it effectively when crossing ice and and snow. But it had other uses: It was my 
walking stick - I don't recall seeing hikers using the hiking poles that most 
seem to use now. Another use I had for my ice axe was to dig my CAT HOLES: I 
didn't need a trowel. 


I can still remember the first time I saw someone using hiking poles. From a 
long way off I saw this four-legged creature coming up the slope. It was making 
good time. As it drew nearer I realized that it was holding these pointed sticks 
in the paws of its front legs, and using them as an aid in walking. Soon I 
realized that it was a male of my own species. So, I saw, for the first time, a 
revolution in hiking aids in use. This young man was one of the earlier hikers 
attempting to thru-hike from Mexico to Canada. I hope he made it. I don't 
remember the date, but I think it was about 1961.

MendoRider