Sticks and Bonnets?

[ThistleDown]

Looking very, very fine, Ted -- as always. If you really think you need a bonnet with this ensemble (for outdoor wearing, of course), I suggest a Cdn khaki. I've rarely worn one in lo these many years, but if you choose to, make sure that that the "tilt" is right: the right side about two fingers up from the top of your right ear, and the left side with the soft crown sloping 'way down over your left ear -- the ribbon brim should be almost touching the scalp-side of your left ear for you to be able to do this. Does that make sense? If not, ask.

As for the stick, I suggest something like one of the following. The first was made to fit my grandfather and the second I made to fit me, but you should be able to get comfort ideas from both of them. It depends on what you use a stick for and how comfortable you are in using it in the first place.



This one was my grandfather's and I only adjusted it for height to suit my brother. He (my brother, that is) likes the crown of the crook about four inches below his collar bone if he stands the stick upright. He needs to be able to comfortably lean into it, so if he moves the tip away from his feet about thirty inches, he is able to rest his relaxed two hands on the crook at about the bottom of his rib cage and lean ever so slightly forward and into/onto it.

In profile, to give an idea of "perfect" height for him, the top of the crook rests very comfortably in his arm pit. Not tight, not loose -- just comfortably.

If you choose a stick with a proper cow or ram horn, the horn should be formed to fit your hand with comfort. With time, the horn will warm to your hand and alter a bit in shape.

If you choose antler, it will not, but its rigid nature can provide a different form of comfort and reliability.

The one that follows I made to fit me and is the one I use most often her in BC. It is red deer shed antler, brass and wild cherry with a "whistle" for the dogs.



If I stand with it perfectly upright it is slightly above my collar bone. With my crossed hands on its crown it is just short of reaching my chin. If I move its tip thirty inches away from my feet, I can rest both my hands on it at mid-chest.

For me, that is ideal spectator height.

My brother and I are bar an inch the same height. These are our two main-stay sticks:



Both are exceptional for walking and hiking and both have been fitted with rubber and spike tips.