[nabs-l] Winter weather travel

[Steve Jacobson]

Bridgit,

You have described well many of the things that I do as well.  I think it is worth mentioning that high mounds of snow 
are not particularly convenient for sighted people, either.  It sometimes bugs me a little at the extent to which society is 
willing to pay to keep roads clear but not to clear sidewalks, but of course I do see that there is a difference, too.  
<smile>  We were joking here just the other night how much longer cane tips last during the winter.  Another think 
worth mentioning is that often there is a nice path cleared from the sidewalk to the street, but it might not be aimed at 
the street you wish to cross.  People will sometimes just shovel out one direction.  Therefore, when looking for a way 
to get from the sidewalk to the street or from the street to the sidewalk, it is worth cheching around the corner to see if 
there is an opening before climging over a large pile of snow.  Also, one should not overlook driveways as a way to 
get from sidewalk to street if you know a corner has not been shoveled out.  Frankly, sometimes even if all the 
openings are present and the street is not too busy, it is easier to walk on the street because they are often cleared 
better than the sidewalk.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson

On Sun, 13 Feb 2011 01:22:20 -0600, Bridgit Pollpeter wrote:

>Arielle,

>It would be great to see how others navigate through the snowy,
>slushed-filled streets while getting to and from their locations.

>I live in Nebraska and we can have brutal winters, though not as bad as
>the Dakota's or Minnesota.

>I have never enjoyed the cold, and when the thermostat drops below 70
>degrees, I am freezing!  *smile*

>When it snows around here, especially like this winter where piles and
>piles of snow are covering everything, my usual landmarks are nowhere to
>be found.  Between work and school, I do not have time to wander about
>in the cold and snow, but I want to be safe at the same time.

>I have to find, or create, new landmarks, but more than this, I have to
>rely on my other senses more than normal.

>I live close to a bus stop.  Typically, I leave my complex, turn up the
>road leading to a main thoroughfare, find the sidewalk and wait for the
>bus.  The road up to the main thoroughfare does not have a sidewalk so I
>walk in the road, staying close to the curb.  When I reach the
>intersection of this road and the main thoroughfare, I cane along the
>curb looking for the sidewalk.

>In the winter, however, a wall of snow lines the curb on the road and
>creates a barrier between me and the sidewalk.  Fortunately, the road is
>not super busy so I continue to walk in the street, keeping as close as
>possible to the new curb of snow.  As I approach the intersection, there
>is a turning lane so I pay careful attention to the traffic making sure
>to not walk too far past the sidewalk and into the main thoroughfare.

>Noticing where the cars are turning on the nearest lane, I begin to cane
>over the snow to find the sidewalk.  If the snow mounds reach too high,
>I may have to traverse over them.

>When it is really bad.  I stick close to the "curb" of snow right before
>the turning lane, I stand on the snow so I am somewhat out of the road,
>and the bus will pick me up there.

>Living in a bigger city, usually major streets and sidewalks are
>cleared.  Same with campus.  The most difficult thing for me is the snow
>piled along the curbs.  If I miss the mark on a crossing, I have to
>climb mountains of snow which is a pain.  LOL

>There is no right or wrong answer, I think.  We all find and develop our
>own methods for dealing with situations like winter weather.  My main
>word of advice is to truly rely on your other senses.  Especially on
>those routes you know the best.  Listening to your surroundings, and
>being prepared for any situation, will ensure safety and efficient
>traveling.

>Of course, if someone is willing, I take a ride with a friend or family
>member when it is unbearable.  Last week, we had a day where the temp
>dropped to ten below with wind.  As I mentioned, I don't like being
>cold-- I found a ride.  *smile*

>Bridgit

>Message: 22
>Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:50:58 -0700
>From: Arielle Silverman <nabs.president at gmail.com>
>To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>Subject: [nabs-l] Winter Weather Travel
>Message-ID:
>	<AANLkTikWhZ7_Ui3PbeaSbbSuR9k3TZGRogvh5Q=_Ru=U at mail.gmail.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

>Hi all,

>I'm sure many of you are experiencing the effects of our unusually cold
>and snowy winter this year, which can pose unique challenges for cane
>and guide dog travel. Have you discovered any tricks you have found
>helpful for staying oriented while walking in snow, ice, and/or high
>winds?

>Arielle


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