[at-l] Re: at-l Digest, Vol 7, Issue 30

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

In a message dated 11/25/2003 1:01:27 PM Eastern Standard Time, at-l-request@mailman.backcountry.net writes:

> >"...since the Class of 2003 did NOT use their poles "so equipped" - and their
> >combined damage is so infinitesimal that you can't find it, I believe that
> >alone refutes your arguments."
> 

I know I commented on trail damage from poles before, but 
this comment is incorrect. The damage was considerable this 
year, not infinitesimal. This is a fact, not a guess. I saw 
a lot of pole damege. I didn't realize that poles could do so much damage to the edges of the trails, until I thought of (how
many people were on the trail in front of me). It will only 
get worse, and I feel it should be addressed (I will leave 
how to address it to the professionals). I am not naysaying 
poles or espousing Crutch tips. I will use my poles
with sharp tips, not crutch tips, because they work for me. 
I just commented on the damage I saw & that it needs to 
be addressed (damage fixed bit by bit, new maintaining guidelines, new trail building methods/materials... or
whatever)
> You're right Jimmy, I'm probably biased. Accepting for the moment at least your
> premise that pointy poles are virtually harmless to trail 
> soils, I'm positive
> that my one inch crutch tip is even more harmless.

Probably more harmless, but maybe less affective too.
Too each their own.

hotdog AT03