This is the kind of crap you can buy in service stations across America. They reminded me of my Grandad who once made me a walking stick out of a bit of tree (sometimes called a branch). I learned a lot from him - two things in particular that stuck with me are:
1. When being chased by a bear throw your rucksack up into a tree.
2. If you get squirted by a skunk take a bath in tomato ketchup.
At the time I assumed he was telling me these things because I would one day have cause to put them into practise. For many years I had some underlying anxiety that I might be attacked by a skunk. As it happens I've managed to go 28 years without even seeing one (apart from the odd one in a zoo.)
I'm not entirely sure where you find pissed off skunks - I guess this east coast tour is probably the closest I'm going to come. Supposing I do get stinked up where the hell am I supposed to get enough ketchup to fill a bath? I guess I should start collecting those little sachets they have in Denny's for the emergency kit.
As for bear attacks I'm screwed - I don't even own a rucksack.
J
