Why Use A Stick?
Many people see a walking stick as something only for the elderly or infirm, an aid to be used just to stop you falling over. Something just to be used in the last resort and discarded as soon as possible. The hiker, farmer, shepherd, or country person generally is more aware of the benefits of a good stick. A good walking stick is a pleasure to use and to own, something to be apreciated and admired, something you get fond of and can become a close companion.
Apart from helping you up hills and over terrain a stick becomes invaluable for pushing hedges and brambles out of the way, getting a stuck wellington boot out from a bog. Some sticks can be very handy for balancing a gun, binoculars or camera on top and all are very handy for shooing off aggresive geese.
A stick that is well made and balanced will help with the rhythm of your gait and has a major influence in making the miles roll by.
A shepherd has known about the help of a good crook for hundreds of years. The stick helping him to signal to his dog and use the crook to catch a fleeing sheep by the neck or leg. They also use market sticks these are shorter than a crook and have the benefit of being comfortable to lean on whilst the days livestock go by or to lean on whilst discussing the days prices in the pub. A market stick has a nose turned in and a gap between the handle that can easily be put over the forearm so as to leave both arms free.
