My Leki Makalu Thermolite Trekking Poles

I (JD) recently had my FOURTH knee surgery on my right knee about 2 1/2 months ago.  I had never been much of trekking pole user during all my years of hiking (I have had a pair sitting in my gear room for about 2 years now), but decided after this last surgery that maybe it is time to try them out.

The White River in Missouri.

We have been in Missouri the last couple of weeks trying to finish up some hikes for our Best Easy Day Hikes Ozarks Falcon Guide and I decided to use this time as a trial for my Leki Makalu Thermolite Trekking Poles.  One word sums it all up for me, WOW!  I cannot believe the difference that a couple of lightweight sticks made for me.  Not only did I find that the poles transferred some of my load/weight over from my knees to the poles (as advertised), but I also found that my posture improved while hiking (helping my lower back to feel better after a long day on the trail).  I also took a lot less stumbles on the trail with the added balance (it was a stumble coming down Iztaccihuatl in Mexico that did me in last time).

Gettin my hike on!

It is pretty safe to say that I am sold on my Leki's.  The set of poles I used have the super locking system on them which I prefer over the newer speed locking system.  I like the idea of the speed locks, but have found that the current design (the small speed locking handles) is easier to get snagged on pant legs, bushes, etc.

I am looking forward to working on our Albuquerque guide so I can give my poles another workout!

Elephant Rocks - Braille Trail

Elephant Rocks State Park is well known to locals in Missouri.  The 1.5 billion year old granite rocks sit mysteriously on top of one another in the park.  Some of the rocks tip the scales at over 680 tons!

The Braille Trail is Missouri's first trail that has been designed for people with visual and physical disabilities.  The one mile trail circles through and around the large boulders of Elephant Rocks and guides hikers with braille interpretive signs and numerous natural features for people to get a hands on experience.

Elephant Rocks State Park is located just north of Ironton, MO on MO-21.

 A family attempts to move "Dumbo".  Over 680 tons of granite.

 Don't forget about the little things in the park.

More of the little guys.