I've enjoyed reading Pauline's first week report: looking forward to all the rest. One sentence sprang out: "The trail was rutted and rocky and was hard on the knees going down. It took about 2 hours (but some of that time was me just standing there and complaining)."

Now remember, Pauline, I know exactly how old you are (Long term readers of the Italian Lang forum might remember that back in Jan it surfaced that Pauline and Philippa, my wife, were born on the same day). And I know that I'm 18 months older, and that my knees aren't as resilient as they once were. I'd dismissed walking poles as the sort of gimmicky things that Europeans (remember that for us Brits, Europe starts on the other side of the channel ) went in for. Cluttering up the hands, getting in the way etc etc.

3 years ago, though, we were in Lauterbrunnen for a few days hiking (on the way to longer stays in Siena and Barcelonette). And the owner of one of the sports shops talked us into buying a pair. After trying them out one afternoon, we were back in the next day for another pair. For us, at least, they are indispensable for long hilly walks. They really do take an awful lot of strain off the knees on descents, and the extra upper body strength that you can bring in on ascents is a great help.

I've used them on walks in the English Lake District that I've done in previous, pre-pole years, and really noticed the improvement. And they were absolutely invaluable on our 2 long walks in the Sibillini (only two weeks ago . Trip report promised): both featured Big ascents and descents.

And they're one of the few things that are cheaper in Switzerland than in the UK.

Jonathan

Good advice, Jonathan. Thanks. Looking forward to reading about your adventures.

David, usually in NYC

Everyone here uses those poles and I just can't figure it out - but what you say makes sense. We are in Grindelwald now (and it rained all day today - no hiking - just a long walk in Interlaken) - the stores all sell them. They even fold up. My father is an old Irishman and he always used a walking stick when we went walking when I was a kid. Steve and I have tried walking sticks - but don't get the hang of them. I am going to try again this week. On that first hike going downhill I did a slow trip and slide down on my rump which would not have happened if I had a stick.

I love being in these mountain towns where everyone is wearing a backpack and hiking boots and has just come back from the trails. You can go into an elegant tearoom in mud splattered jeans and no one even looks twice. I also see the sense of those short trousers and long socks - although I just wear jeans - they would be more comfortable.

Pauline from Slow Travelers

I just read your post out loud to Steve and we are going to get a set of poles. Maybe we will do as you did and start out with one set. They do look stupid, but I am already wearing the Tilley hat and the backpack - so what is there to lose?

Pauline from Slow Travelers

We bought two sets of poles the day after you posted this and used them on a high-level hike from First to Faulhorn (3 1/2 hours round trip) - they were fabulous! Today we used them on a mid-level hike on a rainy day - also good for dealing with the mud. Thanks for the recommendations Jonathon! And now we look more "European" - plus I bought a Swiss hiking hat today so no one has to be subjected to my Tilley hat again.

Pauline from Slow Travelers

I'm glad you like them. Yes: apart from easing the pain on the up- and downhills, those extra 2 points of contact are a great help on slippery surfaces (scree, as well as mud).

One of our long walks in the Sibillini (to be written up soon, I promise ) was the long ascent from Foce to the Lago de Pilato - it was noticeable how much easier the ascent seemed to be for those using poles. Which, BTW, don't seem to be at all common in Italy: several walkers had single wooden sticks (also very frequently seen a couple of days before in the Gola del Infernaccio, which, the day before Ferragosto, was packed with Italians!), but only 2 other sets of poles seen in 6hrs of walking to and from the lake.

Enjoy the rest of the week in Switzerland. And then I hope the weather in Italy is warmer than last month: we had intended to spend far more time in Le Marche, but the cold nights made us decide to move back to our beloved Bevagna (which was how we came to spend an unscheduled but delightful afternoon with Judith in Città di C).

Jonathan