[at-l] Lekis and global warming

[PMAnderson@apshealthcare.com (PMAnderson@apshealthcare.com)]

One thing I've noticed in my own Leki use - I try not to actually make a
hole or mark unless I need to.  There is a difference in how I use them,
there are times when I'm simply striding forward on good trail and the
leki's are more for balancing my movement, not support.  In these times, I
swing the leki forward INTO the tread side on the compacted part and let it
rest as I walk forward past it.  it leaves absolutely NO mark.  I try to
keep the leki in the trail, but since i'm putting no weight behind it and
not 'planting' the pole - it doesn't matter much if it goes a bit off trail
in narrow sections.

I only plant the pole when I will need the extra support.  often a 'resting'
will turn into a plant when I loose my balance and need help to stop
falling.

Maybe we need to talk to hikers about how they use their poles, when is a
real into the ground plant needed vs just let it rest / touch.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob C. [mailto:ellen@clinic.net]


  Some 1,500 thru hikers starting on Springer each spring, each carrying a
sharp
  pointed hiking stick, poking a hole in the soil with each step, causes
massive
  soil disruption and with the first rain, erosion.