[at-l] Trekking poles? Homemade

[KellyGoVols at aol.com (KellyGoVols@xxxxxxx)]

Here's a question for you guys:

On one of my excursions here in Florida, I came across a beautiful Bamboo 
"hiking pole" that I fell in love with.  It was the right height and it's 
"handle" was of the perfect shape and size.  Of course, here in Florida, hiking poles 
are not a necessity.  However, it was good for poking at campfires, testing 
murky water for it's depth, etc.  I did a 14 mile "loop" walk, and didn't want 
to lose the pole, however, I didn't want to carry it. So, I left it by the 
side of the trail, with the intention of picking it up later.  After the 14 mile 
loop, my partner (not the boy) was soooo pissed that I wanted to walk another 
1/2 mile down the trail where I left the "stick" to retrieve it.  I did get it 
back, and promptly lost it.  I think I left in the piece of junk Jaguar I 
sold.  Anyhoo, What's everyone's opinion of using this type of hiking pole?  
Bamboo tends to weather well, I'm just concerned about it's sturdiness.  The 
reason I ask, is that these "poles" are readily available at a place called Trapper 
Nelson's on the Loxahatchee River, accessible by canoe only through Jonathan 
Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound, Florida.  I reckon I could find myself a 
matching pair, if it's worth it.  Otherwise, I'll stick with my store bought 
sticks (Leki's).  

If I could get people's opinions on this it would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, yeah, and to make this off topic, I can always paint them icky green to 
match the countertops in my kitchen. Or better yet, put some lingerie on them.  
And then I could go eat ice cream.  Something I don't think I would do to my 
Leki's.  

GoVolsGoDean
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