After our very first Smoky Mountain hike last year, I went out and bought hiking sticks. We learned pretty quickly that some of these trails are treacherous! They are covered with rocks and roots that can trip you up. They are slippery when wet. Some of them are so steep that you just need a little help with the climb (and the descent). I can't tell you how many people wanted our sticks on the Laurel Falls Trail. Keith was convinced he could have sold them for a nice price. He even had the idea that the Park Rangers should set up a stick concession at the midpoint of all the tougher trails! They've helped me climb steps and maintain my balance more than I can say!
But besides being a great tool, the stick has become somewhat of a hobby for Jeff. He "collects trails". You see they sell these hiking medallions that you nail to your walking stick. Every time he chooses a trail, he'll comment, "There's a medallion for that one!". No hike is officially complete until we've bought the medallion and nailed it on the stick.
Here's the stick!
As you can see, we've logged a few miles and nailed a few medallions!
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