I love those changing colours of the tree leaves in the autumn or should I write colors (though I learned it otherwise at school, but people from the American continent write colours as colors don't you?)

Beatrice De Vis 4586 days ago

Not the Canadians, we use a "u" just like you!

Ron Andruff 4586 days ago

Oh great, so I can keep writing as I want to. You had great weather there in the Berkshires too I see, with wonderful blue sky, happy for you! Wish I could have been walking with you guys instead of working in the office, but soon I will be out there too. Not in the USA, but in the Spanish mountains. I see you are doing Nordic walking (that's what we call it here, suppose same out there) with the sticks. I never walked with them, is said to be better for the knees, does it really make a difference?

Beatrice De Vis 4586 days ago

I first tried using the Nordic hiking poles when we were trekking the Dolomites in northeast Italy.  I had always thought that they were kind of goofy before trying them, but what a world of difference they make!  Effectively, the poles turn you into a four-legged creature.  Walking, they give you more power as you use your arms to push off with each step, which ultimately conserves energy; going up or down a mountain, they give you more balance and speed as you now have both arms engaged in the climb or descention.   Like all sports, there is certain gear that is a must.  For hiking/trekking, Nordic poles are it!  Highly recommended.  As a result, Ombra and I take our hiking poles along with us everywhere we think we might be able to get in a hike!

Ron Andruff 4586 days ago

I always thought it was goofy too, but if they really make such a difference, I will buy some too. How do you use them exactly?

Beatrice De Vis 4583 days ago

You use them just like normal walking sticks, Beatrice, with the one exception that you should make them a little longer (say 40 cm or 12 inches) than your ski poles.  In that way you have more leverage with them.  Good luck with that!

Ron Andruff 4583 days ago

Bought some! Will try them out abroad, leaving tonight, after I have been to the movies with my niece, the avant-première of Savages...

Beatrice De Vis 4582 days ago