by Anura Guruge

Since my knee surgery nearly a year ago I have become an expert on walking sticks — given that I now ALWAYS use one when I am out walking/hiking or running. Yes, I pick it up and hold it in my arms (as I would do a cricket bat) when I am running.

I have come to appreciate the benefits of using a walking stick — both in terms of reducing stress on my ‘damaged’ knee and giving me increased mobility. Prior to acquiring this stic, a week ago, in Rockland, Maine, I had seven, wooden walking sticks. I had three prior to my accident — which I had never used. The rest were post-surgery acquisitions. Initially I didn’t know what to look for and what I would enjoy using. Now I know.

It has to be light (given the 2-hours a day I spend with one). Heavy ones just detract and distract from the walking/hiking. I also insist on having a horizontal handle. That is how you transfer weight off your body onto the stick. That is what helps your knees. That transference of weight.

I saw this gaff at a consignment store. I knew, at once, what it was. I tried it out as a walking stick. I was amazed. Exactly the right height for I and the hook makes a nice handle — it is actually quite comfortable with gloves. It had a $22 sticker. There was NO WAY I was going to pay $22 for that — antique or no antique. I got it for $5. Yes, $5. A $17 a mark-down. SMILE. That was basically it. SMILE. Yes, the manager was a female and my wife accused me of ‘charming her’. What can I say. I smile.

I got the gaff for a specific purpose.

I walk late at night — whether I am at home or travelling. At home all I have to contend with is wildlife and not much of that around. Not so when I walk, 10:30 to 11:30 at night, in built up areas. You never know who you are going to meet. I don’t carry a gun. I am BRITISH. SMILE. Enough said. My nightstick — and that is very British.

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by Anura Guruge