[Flagdu] Fw: [nagdu] Blind Man plans to solo 130 walk across Bay Area

[Sherri]

Hi, Has anyone ever heard of the organization Blind Americans? It is located 
in Citrus County. I wonder if our friend Marilyn Womble is involved, as she 
lived or may still live in Citrus County? The story is interesting 
nonetheless.

And for those who do not know, Marilyn is a long-time past president of 
NFBF, and among other things, she was a great organizer.
Diplomatically,
Sherri
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
To: "nagdu" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>; "New York Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nyagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 11:50 AM
Subject: [nagdu] Blind Man plans to solo 130 walk across Bay Area


>I found out about this on the GDF talk list.
>
> Here is the link and also the story if there is a problem with the link.
>
>
> http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2010/2/27/588586.html?title=Blind+man+pla
>
>
> CITRUS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Taking to the open road, a man without sight 
> is taking the journey of a lifetime.
>
> James Miekka says he plans to make the trek from northern Citrus County 
> all the way to St. Petersburg.
>
> "I do a lot of walking in different places," says Miekka. "So I figured 
> I'd push myself to the limit with the biggest walk ever."
>
> Miekka's blindness will most likely be an obstacle.
>
> "It's going to be both mentally and physically challenging," says Miekka.
>
> His only live assistance along the 130 mile path will be in the form of 
> his guide dog, Zoey.
>
> Miekka also says he plans to use math for directions.
>
> "I can use the waypoint and calculate the average speed and project that 
> to the rest of the trip," says Miekka.
>
> Miekka used to be a physics teacher, and has the entire trip mapped out on 
> a tape recorder, and in his head.
>
> E-mail TV reporter Ferdinand Zogbaum
> He knows how long he needs to be on each road, and when to turn.
>
> In case something happens, he also plans to bring a braille compass.
>
> Miekka's journey comes with the purpose of raising awareness and money for 
> an organization called Blind Americans in Citrus County.
>
> "Besides, my girlfriend would like me to lose a little weight," says 
> Miekka. "So I thought I'd work that in, too."
>
> Miekka will try to average about 15 to 20 miles per day.
>
> He has arranged places to sleep along the way.
>
> If everything goes according to plan, including taking a few days off due 
> to bad weather, Miekka says he hopes to be in St. Petersburg by the end of 
> next week.
>
>
>
> Cheryl Echevarria
> Independent Travel Consultant
> http://Echevarriatravel.com
> 1-866-580-5574
>
> http://blog.echevarriatravel.com
> Reservations at echevarriatravel.com
> Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Montrose Travel 
> CST-1018299-10
>
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> nagdu:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/flmom2006%40gmail.com