Need or want a walking stick?
The next time you go out to your woodlot; don't cut one out of your favorite park or off private property. Look around for a small sapling that has been damaged from snow press, you will notice that at the base of the sapling snow has caused the trunk of the sapling to bend. This creates a natural handle for a walking stick. if you look at the photo to the left you can see the natural handle, each stick is unique, no two sticks the same. The preferred time to harvest your potential stick is in March or early spring when the sap is flowing in the trees. This makes peeling simple and if you find a Black Cherry sapling it can be done with your fingers. Otherwise a draw knife available from Home Hardware or a jackknife will also get the job done. Once you have it peeled, let it dry for a couple of weeks;but not in direct sunlight as this can cause it to crack. Then sand either by hand or with an orbitable sander, first with 80 grit, then 120. Some people prefer the natural color of the wood or you can use a stain to get the color you prefer. Let the stain dry and then apply 3 or 4 coats of clear (outside) varethane; letting each coat dry for at least 24 hours. After each coat drys, sand lightly prior to applying the next coat. Be sure to wipe the walking stick with a cloth to remove dust prior to applying the varethane. You can then either put a brass end on the cane available from Lee Valley or dip it in a rubber compound available from Canadian Tire. This puts a kind of none slip end on the stick and protects it from water/snow/gravel. As you can see from the photo, the shapes and character from each stick is unique. So on your next walk get your son or daughter involved and make it a project you complete with them from beginning to end. Its something they will remember, and will probably use for years to come.
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Merrell makes one of the best hiking boots available today for the outdoor enthusiast. I purchased this version of their hiking boot back in 2002, and was very impressed with the light weight and warmth the boot offered. Although after a short period of time the sole began to separate from the boot itself; I returned it to the Sporting Goods store where I had purchased it and they sent it back to Merrell. In about a month I received a new pair of boots; only this pair was an improved design. The method of bonding the boot to the sole had been improved. Since that time I have put many a mile on to these boots. I plan on purchasing this new model within the next year. Merrell has a complete line of footwear available on their website and to find a pair of their top end hiking boots you will probably have to visit a quality outdoors store or order directly from Merrell Canada. I would recommend any of their products, two thumbs up for quality and service.
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