An update;

I got these poles:

http://casualadventuresgoa.mwrc.net/en/product.php?product_id=55915 (no affiliation),
and have given them a try---seems like they are exactly what I want/need.

I also (finally) found a "local" (if 40+ miles away is local) source for some follow-up training to my 1 hour introduction.

Nordic walking looks simple, but that is not the same as easy (you need to get the form right), at least for me. But when I do it right, I feel a real pick up in speed and the cardio work out ramps up, without the pounding of jogging (my knees say thank you). Exactly what I want and need; my Doctor is of the opinion that starting my heart beating at least once a day is good for my health.