GlobeHobbler

Planning (isn't so straightforward) Sooo, I need to plan a trip , well first of all lets choose a destination ! I've learnt a few lessons the hard way on this subject , there's no way you can make an infallible plan but one can do ones best , I got very stuck in Catania because my lodgings although central were beyond my limpable distance to a public transport hub , I ended up very limited , not to mention the 4 lane roundabout you had to cross to access the bus station, When I first started getting claudication I wasn't aware of things like airport assistance and found myself in the shit several times , one that sticks in my memory is Luton airport arrivals , all other passengers were streaking off ahead and I realized that it's a long long way to baggage check , it took me a long time and a lot of pain to get there , everyone had left and mine was a lonely suitcase all alone going round and round, customs was about to shut up shop and were amazed to see me hobble ...

On Sticks, Our Trusty Sidekicks  The simple walking stick is more than just an aid , it is a symbol , as far as walking is concerned a pair of hiking sticks is more balanced and useful , but are seen as sporting equipment , few people give way to someone with a pair of trekky sticks , you are just considered a rather odd hiker in the middle of a town , so when travelling I have to fall back on the single walking stick as a symbol of recognition , people see a stick and it registers as someone with difficulties and so behavior changes as a consequence, often they are a pain in the butt for getting in the way , or falling to the ground as one tries to manage things that require 2 hands , but there is now an infinite variety of choices available with useful gadgets integrated , but never quite everything you need , for example ... integrated torch with wind up recharge , magnet , foldable ,alarm, flip down extra handle for getting up , rechargeable functions with USB , fold down seat ...

  Ageing rapidly and with sadly now incurable spinal condition , I have an invisible ball and chain which limits my walking distance before pain , it varies , there's good days and bad days and some days I can't walk at all , it's called neurogenic claudication and it's a literal pain in the butt , I travelled many years in my fitter days , worked with the circus and ran my own bus , including it's maintenance , put my hand to all kinds of work depending on my needs at the time , and then one day POOF , like that , with no warning , I couldn't walk properly anymore , my legs wouldn't work , and so began the long and never ending search for diagnosis and therapies , Including amongst other things , acupuncture , mesotherapy, dietary , yoga , cortisone injections , surgery , to no avail (boohoo), and tolerating the endless stream of 'have you tried' suggestions ! Think about it , if you had a long term painful condition , would you not be endlessly res...