[Blindtlk] Walking Straight Without a Shoreline

[Mark Tardif]

I think for short distances this technique can be useful.  This is provided 
you have an idea of how long a stride you have.  For example, I know that 
one of my steps equals about two feet.  Having said this, it's important to 
keep in mind that often sighted folks have no better idea of distances than 
we do.



Mark Tardif
Nuclear arms will not hold you.
-----Original Message----- 
From: Bob Hachey
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2014 9:44 PM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Walking Straight Without a Shoreline

Hi all,
Walking in a straight line without a shoreline or sound cues can be a tricky
proposition.
But here's an old technique learned from my days as a boy scout that helps
me to measure distance. I recall scout jamborees held by east coast schools
for the blind in which part of the time was spent on skills competition,
things like first aid, fire building pitching a tent and pacing.
In pacing, a rope is strung between posts. The object was to estimate the
length of the rope by walking it's distance. After some practice, I got
pretty good at this. You can also use a distance that is known to you such
as the length of a fence or distance across a room. Then figure out about
how much distance you traverse with each step you take. Then, you can have a
good idea of a distance you've walked by counting the steps. Yes, I know
that some might cringe at the idea of counting steps, but it works well when
you're first orienting yourself to a new area. For example, I use this
method to help me to find mid-block bus stops along with locating the
appropriate sign posts.
This method takes practice and there is a definite learning curve, but it
has worked well for me.
Bob Hachey


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