BS: Vaulting in Mountains

Subject: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Nov 15 - 02:20 AM

This is not a good name for a thread! But for three days I have been trying to find the activity that I watched on video a couple of years ago, and I have tried every combination of words I can think of.

And then it occurred to me: Mudcatters will know!

It consists of long, handheld poles carried by men (?) who used them to traverse the mountainsides. Instead of picking their way around boulders or stumbling over rough ground, they would set their pole in a flat spot below them then swing down to that level, and repeat it as needed. It was mesmerizing to watch.

I no longer remember who it was or even on what continent. I'm thinking European- because I don't remember that the men looked Asian nor were they men of color, although they all looked brown and tough.

I was telling a young friend about it and he said that if I can find it, he'd like to view it.

So, 'Catters?

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Mrrzy
Date: 22 Nov 15 - 02:58 AM

OK, this I gotta see. Somebody find this for Ebbie.

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Nov 15 - 06:35 AM

I found a clip of Bear Grylls doing something similar but he described it as a new sport. This looks more promising if it was an old video - Shepherd's pole vaulting.

It also give me the opportunity to use my old joke. At a recent sporting event I approached a guy I thought I knew. "Are you a pole vaulter?" I asked.
"No, I am a German, but how did you know my name vas Valter?"

:D tG

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Nov 15 - 06:38 AM

Plenty of stuff on YouTube. One 20 minute documentary in Spanish and lots of shorter clips like this.

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Megan L
Date: 22 Nov 15 - 07:15 AM

Katlaughing found it again for you back in 2010 :)

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Nov 15 - 12:16 PM

And you didn't share the link, Megan? Curious mudcatters want to know what this looks like!

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Megan L
Date: 23 Nov 15 - 03:13 AM

that's what you get when I post when tired globe trekker show re pole walking

Doesn't get much more than here

many of the videos seamed aimed at tourists doing things that no sensible shepherd would even contemplate this video seems like a more practical demonstration

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Nov 15 - 11:23 AM

What fun! I loved being reminded of katlaughing; she was always among the early respondents.

None of the clips are from the show I saw but it is definitely the technique. South America! I don't know why I didn't think of that.

Now I'm going to Google 'pole walking' and see if I get results. I need to be able to find the source for my friend.

And I still would like to try the technique- at my age, I am not likely to, though. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Nov 15 - 01:40 PM

South America? Gran Canaria is in the Canaries, off the coast of Africa :-S

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Nov 15 - 11:37 PM

Google search on "Salto del pastor (Shepherd's pole vaulting)". None of the links in the other thread worked but I was able to track it down. Here he demonstrates how it works but it is in Spanish.

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Nov 15 - 03:06 AM

sheesh Sorry, Dave the Gnome- I did know that but for that moment I did not. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Nov 15 - 04:47 PM

I have those, Ebbie - Known as senior moments. It only gets worse. Luckily :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 25 Nov 15 - 05:18 PM

Thanks for the info and the links, Ebbie. I enjoyed watching the athletic movements of the shepherds.

Subject: RE: BS: Vaulting in Mountains
From: Ebbie
Date: 25 Nov 15 - 09:29 PM

You're welcome,leeneia. I would like to see a live demonstration. And it *almost* makes me wish to be young a gain. :)