The debate rages on: Do I take a pilgrim walking staff, trekking poles, or nothing at all?
For about a thousand years, pilgrims on the Camino take with them a walking staff. What is the symbolism of the staff? It is meant to symbolize our faith, in which we find strength and support. Of course, in years past, it also served a very practical purpose of providing physical balance and stability, while also useful in fighting off animals, etc. Purist that I can be in some things, I only envisioned myself with a good, hefty walking staff.
However, I had heard of the great benefits of walking with trekking poles. I had heard that they take considerable strain off knees and joints, provide stability and balance on rocky mountainous ascents and descents, which we are promised to encounter. They keep arms moving, hands up and increase circulation (no numbed, swelling hands), and they help maintain proper posture (keep you from leaning forward under the weight of the pack). Trekking poles are said to distribute your weight and the weight of the pack to four points on the ground rather than two. This might not seem like much at first, but mile after mile, day after day, it is said that it is possible to walk farther with less discomfort – and I’m all for that!
So yesterday, in the rain, I tried out my new trekking poles! And today, after 16 miles, I am sold on them. Using the poles on pavement is far more challenging than soft ground where I can “dig” and “propel” myself forward. I am so looking forward to the soft ground, which I will see on much of the Camino.
While out on my walk, my dear husband was at home making me a glorious tortilla for dinner “to prepare me for Spain.” What a great surprise after a cold, wet walk! He is my biggest cheerleader in this adventure. He’s all about adding stability to my life, giving me the balance that I need, and showering me with a seemingly endless supply of loving support.