FG - I made a pair of sticks using 48", 5/8" hardwood dowels. I drilled a hole thru both about 4" from one end and put in a machine screw and nut, cut off the excess thread and peened it over. I put small washers on the outsides of the dowels so the screw wouldn't work thru the dowels, and a slightly larger one between the dowels to allow a freer movement. The upper portion I wrapped with self stick felt which I cut into strips. You could also use an old belt or leather strap tacked to the tops of the dowels.
On the lower ends I drilled a 1/8" hole and tapped in a galvanized nailand snipped it off leaving about 1/2" exposed. Gives a good grip on almost any terrain.
These sticks are long enough to use as a walking stick and can be used in the sitting and kneeling position.
Have fun on your rendezvous.