We just got back from a fun time. And I have dozens of photos of relatives to edit and burn to cd..oh well, it will happen sometime.

When is a monopod a walking stick? Forum threads have discussed using a monopod for steadier shots and even for using as a substitute hiking stick when needed.   My Manfrotto monopod was small blessing when going down a rather short trail to a bluff overhang. The trail is as shown in the last photo. I cannot show the lack of balance in my feet right now or when I took an extra step unexpectedly and decided to get some more support. 

 

This monopod did pretty well for a quick fill in for a hiking stick. I would not put a lot of weight on it but used it as an extra leg for balance on the rocks. When the option is watching the vultures or having the vultures watch me at the bottom of a deep gorge at dinner time….well, use a hiking stick.

There is a small but fairly high water fall on the other side of this gorge. At the bottom is forest, mostly first growth trees. Other areas are second growth but still quite old trees. Even in a more southern part of Tennessee, USA, the flora at the bottom of the large river gorge areas is much like southern Canada and lives in a different climate that up with me on the bluff overhangs.

Up on the gorge rim, as with treeless canyons, there is sometimes a view of the hawks and vultures from above. We saw that with turkey vultures. This one is coming straight in while the gorge floor is several hundred feet below the flight path.

Here is the rocky trail down to the bluff overhang.

I will try to get a few better quality shots of the scenic value of this park to put in my gallery. We were there for a reunion with relatives and all was very fine. The place is Fall Creek Falls in southern middle Tennessee, USA. The mountains and geology is older here than in some rocky treeless areas of the country.   Take away the trees and there is a canyon here. Instead, we have lovely and cool forest, appreciated on a day when the temp was 97ºf ( 36ºC ).

superlative series!

Nice series Tom! It's so green there!
I thought about getting a monopod, but decided the tripod was first, and since I can't do much hiking right now, it will get put off a little while longer I guess.

A fine double help with a monopod, i see :-)))  And it is beautiful and interesting photos too. Seems you had a great time :)

Hi Tom, I recently purchased a Manfrotto monopod along with a ball-type head and I must say I am very pleased with it as it is quite light to carry, although some of their models are much heavier. I wouldn't want to use it as a walking stick, but I wanted to mention that some outdoor shops carry a line of very sturdy but light fully-adjustable walking sticks. My office mate bought me one of those when I retired in 2006 and it has been most useful because the walnut knob head unscrews to reveal a screw made for camera mounts.

I've used it many times to steady up a shot while walking. My premise is that I think it might be better to rely on a good walking stick which can see some use as a monopod, rather than use a monopod as a walking stick and risk having it give way. At my age, I don't want to risk a fall on these old hips.

Loved your photos!

Wayne

Wonderful view and capture my friend.

Wayne, I agree.  The use of the monopod as a support was temporary and I did not put full weight on it, fearing the slip joints might slip...then there I go.   For the time, it did give just enough extra balance to help on those short but testy trails.

Actually Wayne, you gave me a great idea!!! I have a perfectly good wooden walking stick that I could add a screw mount to and cover with a knob or rubber cap and WAH-LAH, instant monopod! :)