[pct-l] Ice Axe as Potti Trowel

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Hey, Ed!

Yes, ice axes were also used as walking sticks, if they were long enough 
(see Colin Fletcher), pack props, and, probably many other uses even before 
the user reached the snow.

As far as the first time I experienced someone using ski poles or hiking 
poles as walking sticks, I didn't see them coming, I Heard them coming! The 
rhythmic "click, click, click" of pole placement against rocks and such gave 
their approach away far earlier than seeing them!



"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Edward Anderson" <mendoridered at yahoo.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, December 16, 2010 7:25 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Ice Axe as Potti Trowel


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



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