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Accessible RV Checklist
Access Travel Rights
Handicapped Travel Club
Rolling Down The Trail
Family RVing
Schooling Options for RVers
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park
10 RVing Tips for Newbies
The Accessible RV Site
Riding The Rails
The Enabled RVer Resources
Access Travel Guides
Selecting a Cane for Travel
Fulltime RVing Challenges
Campground Access
HTC Accessible Park List
Arizona Day Drive
Touring Arizona
Columbia River Region
RVing with Kids
Volunteering and RVing
RVing and Children
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| 'Cool' Canes for Traveling in Style |
| Selecting a Cane for Travel, Adventure and Style |
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| By Hope Sykes "I think that that is just so cool," the check-out clerk cooed. I knew that she couldn't possibly be referring to my current purchase of a three-way electrical adapter. "I really think that that is neat," she added. The clerk paused to let her free hand drift along my folding travel cane and smiled as she let her finger terminate in an intense swirl of the paisley print. "I really like it," she concluded as she finished ringing up my purchase. I've had people comment positively about my cane before like just before a dentist started my root canal, but I told myself that he was probably just trying to be nice.(He is always nice.) These recent comments, however, were a "first." This accolade of compliments also had a depth of substance and sincerity that I had not experienced before. I smiled as I left the department store. I had accomplished my mission of finding a cane that was both practical and stylish; I just wasn't prepared for such a rave review. Was I breaking new ground? Had someone else wanted to achieve the very same response? Well, yes, but you'd have to go back a few centuries to know for sure. Actually, canes, I found out later, were previously thought of as fashion statements rather than mobility aids. Some design improvements by royalty came along later like the Derby and Fritz handles which offered style along with pistol-like grips. For the RVer who has now added a new travel dimension to cane ownership, there are a few additional features to keep in mind: • Indoors, Outdoors, And Going National For me, my cane really takes a workout. Although you'll quickly find a large selection of canes of high craftsmanship (even restored antique ones), I wanted something that was attractive, economical, and could withstand heavy everyday use. I typically travel in a variety of climates and weather extremes from summer's heat to winter's cold grip. If the cane had a finish, it would need to protect the cane well from the weather and also be resistant to nicks and scratches that inevitably occur with regular use. For this reason, I finally chose two canes: a metal folding travel cane and a well-seasoned crook. • What A Folding Cane Has To Offer My colorful folding cane had to meet an especially difficult challenge-- it was my first cane. I had read about the importance of selecting the proper height and was aware that if I started with a mail-order wooden cane that I would be faced with two options: get lucky the first time on the right length or order an uncut cane and do some experimenting. I'm also tall with long arms and legs and large hands. Using the typical measurement guidelines (standing straight with arms at my sides and measuring from the floor to the inside of my wrist), often made me feel like the cane came up too short and my larger hands made some of the women's canes seem too small and uncomfortable. To offer the most flexibility in sizing, I decided on a folding travel cane with an adjustable height. Before ordering, I asked the store to provide me with some handle measurements to insure that I would have a comfortable size. Being an adjustable cane, this particular store assured me that I could return the item should the cane not meet my expectations. With a wooden cane, many stores had indicated that they would not accept a return or exchange if the cane was already pre-sized for my expected needs. Additional features that I liked included the folding feature which is handy when using public transportation or on a camel ride (still on my list). The handle was maplewood and in the Derby style. The paisley pattern was a bit daring for me, but it actually proved quite attractive. My cane came with a plastic storage bag (handy for trips) or you could easily make or buy a different one to suit your own needs or tastes. • The Reliable Crook Cane When I previously spoke of the cold, I was really referring to cold. Yes, I've used the RV in -20 and Alaska is still on my active travel list. For some of my more daring adventures, I turned my attention to the old reliable style of the crook cane. I wanted to avoid the "institutional" look, but this cane would also have to pass my late grandmother's litmus test of lasting practically forever; being reasonably priced; and would 'hold-up' well. For about $25, I found just what I was looking for in a chestnut wood with a cherry finish. The handle rested comfortably around my arm freeing my hands more easily during travel or shopping. The ad really spoke to the practical side of me yet with a touch of advertising flair. My cane was not just selected, but "naturally aged" and "kiln dried." Matched with over a century of experience by these master craftsmen caused me to feel that I had acquired more than I previously thought possible. • So, How Do You Select A Cane For Travel? -First, realize that you have many options. A simple search of the Internet using the keywords "canes and walking sticks" will give you a good place to start. You can then easily ask for a catalog and price list. - If you already own a cane, then you already have a good starting point for what you might need. If you travel a great deal (especially in the outdoors), you'll want to think about both durability and looks. -If this is your first cane, also consider some of these factors: * Do you have arthritis in your hands which might make holding a cane difficult? * Do you need a lightweight cane? * Will you be using your cane for support or balance? * What sort of handle style and type do you find most comfortable? Molded? Wooden? Cushioned? Anatomically correct? Crook? Fritz? Derby? Decorative? * Do you have any special measurements to consider in fitting like larger hands or longer arms? What About Cane Accessories? Once you have settled on a cane, also consider any accessories that you might need. If you select a Derby or Fritz handle, you might want to consider a wrist strap so that you can easily keep track of your cane and offer more freedom with your hands for shopping or travel. If you work at a desk in your RV, you might want to consider a cane holder to clip to your cane. Cane holders are handy for "hanging" your cane (actually balancing) on the edge of a table or desk. Don't forget about carrying along a few extra rubber tips. Finding tips readily on the road can sometimes be a challenge in smaller communities so it is good to plan ahead. Cane selection is a personal thing. Selecting a cane for the travel and the outdoors, you'll find, is not really that difficult. Selections are large and prices are reasonable. While every cane owner might not encounter a rave review like I did, it does give us all pause for thought: Why not aim for both style and function? Copyright ©2000-2002 Hope Sykes. All rights reserved. |
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