You'd be surprised how many people are killed or injured by lightning. Pick up a copy of Shattered Air at the library for a handful of examples.

And trekking poles were one of the first things I bought when I got back into the hiking scene - a fortunate purchase, there are many uses for them. Including pushing the bear bag higher, or dealing with reluctant rattlers.
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"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki

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