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Published: August 11th 2013
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The Daily Dose
People don’t always have the time or opportunity to get outside every day. That is why I created The Daily Dose. The Daily Dose is a glimpse into nature, to keep you in touch with the out of doors until you get out in it yourself. The Daily Dose may include a story, or, at minimum, a couple beautiful pictures of Outside. As you look at each picture, I encourage you to engage your senses. Imagine what it might smell like there. Is it a redwood forest? Eycalyptus? Then imagine the temperature. Does it look hot? Breezy? Really take a step outside and get your Daily Dose!
Tonight is the start of the Perscheid Meteor Showers! They are best visible for the next three nights between midnight and dawn. We have our REI Comfort Cots set up in the backyard, with pads and poles. I doubt we'll be up that late, so we'll set the alarm, then slip on a warm hat and go climb in our bags and make wishes upon wishes. Last year I watched just from the driveway and saw about 10 shooting stars in 5 minutes and it was early, so my hopes are high.
So now let’s talk hiking poles, or walking sticks! I take mine on almost every walk I go on, even if it’s an “easy” walk. Why you ask? Well, let me tell you some of the many reasons I feel trekking poles are an essential piece of equipment for any walk or hike.
Using the poles with regularity creates muscle memory so when doing an activity that requires poles, like mountaineering or backpacking, the upper body doesn’t quickly fatigue as it is familiar with the movement.
Utilizing the upper body as well as the lower body while walking makes
for a more balanced fitness movement. It encourages movement from the core.
Circulation! Before I started hiking with trekking poles, at the end of a hike my hands would be swollen almost to the point of being painful. Never do I have this problem with hiking poles.
Keep a light grip on the poles. I never use the wrist straps unless I’m in a situation where if I drop them, I won’t be able to retrieve them. Walking without the hands in the straps allows for a more natural use of the poles.
If someone should fall or have an injury, a pole can obviously be used as a cane. It could be used as a splint for a more serious injury. You could certainly try to use it as a weapon.
It’s a great functional tool to have on a hike. If you’re picking blackberries, for example, you can use the poles to bring the vines to you to avoid being pricked.
Poles can be used to create a makeshift shelter from the rain or sun if you have no trees to tie to.
And of course some of the more obvious reasons.
They reduce the amount of stress on your joints and help with balance. You can get into a nice rhythm with the sticks. If the body is exercising rhythmically, it’s working more efficiently, which will lessen your workload.
The poles I use are REI Traverse Shock-Lite. The have a one click shock you can open for downhill to add a little extra cushion for your joints. Then you can lock it tight for uphill climbs. These are on the lower end of the expense spectrum and I have used them for over a year now with no issues. I’m tough on gear and these poles have stood up to the punishment. I would recommend them.
So consider trekking poles whether you hike in the mountains or just around your neighborhood!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this version of The Daily Dose!
(The photos are birds, bugs and bunnies as seen just outside the house).
Please feel free to share this blog with anyone you feel benefit from a little Daily Dose!
(There are additional photos to enjoy at the bottom of this post)
Below is the link to my custom jewelry website. It has some great pieces made from natural materials, as well as tons of free photography downloads of – Nature!! www.chellesjewelry.org
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