Trekking along with Poles

For Christmas my sweet mother purchased some Trekking Poles for me.

The BAFX 2 pack Anti-Shock Trekking Poles from Amazon. 

 I have had trekking poles on my Amazon wish list, REI wish list and Pinterest board for I'm not sure how long.  I have watched countless YouTube reviews on poles and was yet to pull the trigger.  I just wasn't sure if I would like them.  I seem to always have a camera in my hand so I wasn't sure if I would be able to adapt to having poles in my hands.

My sweet mom only knew that I had ACL surgery and would probably need a "walking stick" to help me.  She also figured that since they came in packs of two that my husband could use the other and it was  a great "joint" gift for us.  She didn't get the big name brand poles that I had been researching but she got some that are great starter poles.  They were cheap at only $23.95 on Amazon so they are great to test the waters with.  I won't feel bad if I decide I don't like them and if I do like them I can always upgrade.  

I have taken them out on 4 hikes so far.  We have had some icy and muddy conditions here in Kansas and the poles have stood up well.  I found them easy to adjust and considering the rubber tip they have done well to not slide on surfaces.  I have trekked up and down some pretty steep areas that I'm sure would have my orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist shaking their heads, but the poles have done well supporting me.  They have definitely helped my balance and allowed me to not mis-step and twist my knee.  I have to say these poles have given me confidence (maybe too much)  to get back on the trails at 5 weeks post ACL repair.  They have little compass' on the top of each pole.  They put them on both poles because, according to reviews, they fall off.  They are also reportedly unreliable but if you are seriously on a backcountry hike in unfamiliar territory you will have your real compass with you anyway.  They have rubber handles and so far haven't been too hot or slick with my hands getting warm, but it is January in Kansas.  They have an adjustable strap that has been easy to adjust and has been comfortable, even though some reviews say otherwise.  I am not sure that I have noticed the anti-shock a lot but I haven't hiked with poles without anti-shock to know the difference.  So far I am pretty happy with the poles and I think I'm adjusting well to hikes with them.  I have had my camera in my pocket and have found it easy to retrieve to get pics by just dropping the poles to hang by the wrist straps.  

So as always, Thanks Mom for such a great gift at a great time!  

Here are some pics from our hike over the past weekend.
We had a great time.  Winston enjoyed the frozen lake and it was awesome to crunch along on the ice at the shore.  The trails were in great shape.  We ran into some friends riding their horses and it was a great opportunity for Winston and I to step off the trail to let them pass.  Winston did great sitting quietly without startling their horses. 

Ideas

I am the person that has always worked overtime every week.  I am the one that up until last year always had 2 or 3 jobs.  Now I'm the one sitting on my couch and sitting in a chair at work unable to do anything but "light duty" work aka computer data entry.  I've gone from walking about 6 miles each shift not counting the lifting of patients, jump bags and equipment to data entry.  I'm going nuts.  Tonight I rode 5 miles on my little stationary rehab bike.  

I mentioned on the last post I have been watching YouTube videos about hiking, camp cooking and various other outdoorsy topics.  Which has led me to my new motivation -  Come up with new recipes to make on the trail, make a YouTube video and share to the world.  

I want to help others and myself to have some great meals that add variety to a potentially repeating menu.  

The other challenge - do it on a budget without dehydrating my own foods.

We will see how this goes!!!

The Recovery

Here we are happily getting ready to go tubing and skiing.  
Little did we know that I would tear my ACL in just a few short hours!

It's recovery time for me.  I tore my ACL snow skiing in January 2013 had too many responsibilities to get it fixed until December 18, 2013.  So here I am almost one month post op.  I'm working physical therapy twice a week and doing my own exercises daily.  I'm trying to push myself and get my range of motion back as soon as possible.  I have had extra motivation by watching some great hiking videos and movies.  Jon and I watched 180 Degrees South (again), The Way and  High Sierra.  Then I became once again addicted to YouTube videos of hikes, backpacking and gear videos.  I think the motivation of getting back on the trail is just helping me push harder at therapy.
The Kansas weather has been pretty bitter cold and snowy which has helped me comply with activity restrictions.  This week the weather warmed up and the snow melted so out I went.  I only took a few a couple of off-road walks but they were wonderful!! I was a little sore after but I figure that is to be expected.   I did confess to my therapist about my reason for soreness and he was fine with it!  That means it's ok!!!  Here we go!
Hopefully with my increased computer and couch time I'll get to some gear reviews that I've been meaning to do.  Maybe I'll even get to do some video's and post them to YouTube.  I have been so thankful to people for posting their tips and reviews on YouTube and will try to contribute some as well.

Here's the link to my YouTube Channel (I think)
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQpH5LT6c06jcMMPjKalYZQ/feed


Until next time…..Happy Trails!