[philmont] Trekking poles and mistakes made

Mark Wasikowski writes...

Sounds like trekking poles are a must for us older folks.

Comments...

I'd say yes. Did not have them for my first two trips to the ranch, but a
little instability in my knee convinced me to get a set in 2001, so I had
them for that first descent of the north side of Baldy. Uphill they
transfer some of the load from your legs to your arms. Downhill they give
you control. And in difficult places that are more of rock scramble than a
trail they give you three points of support while moving, just like rock
climbing.

and

Steve Unger writes...

Sometimes mistakes need to be pointed out.

Comment...

Yes. Whether sooner or later is a function of the what it is and it's
timing. You can't let the mistake turn into a health and safety issue
(hiking in the dark, etc.)

But whenever you point it out, it is better to take a suggestion or gentle
questioning approach so that the crew can figure out they've made a mistake
(for instance, "I'm confused, where are we? Can we look at the map?") than
a blunt "we took the wrong turn back there."

As John says, "let the youth lead." But like Steve, I think that at times
you have to HELP them figure out they've made a mistake while it is small
and before it becomes a bigger issue.

- Al Thomson, Troop 236, Schooley's Mountain NJ
Treks 1999, 2001, and 2003
Autumn Adventures 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008?

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Received on Sun Apr 29 09:49:19 2007