[Sportsandrec] Hiking Techniques

[Ashley Bramlett]

Kelly,
Thanks.  I certainly would start on easier terain not only because I have a 
new guide and we are learning, but for my body to build endurance.
So you use a collapsible hiking pole instead of a cane.
Can these hiking poles be purchased from a sports store?
Where is your guide?  In front or beside you?  What is Trek for Light? I've 
heard of Ski for Light.
I like the idea of the guide wearing bells.  You can track them through the 
audible signal since it changes
based on their movement.

Thanks.
Ashley



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Thornbury, Kelly" <kthornbury at bresnan.net>
To: <sportsandrec at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 6:19 PM
Subject: [Sportsandrec] Hiking Techniques


> Ashley,
>
>
>
> My hiking technique really depends on the terrain and my trust in my 
> travel companions, and can range from anything between using my white cane 
> to crawling over boulders on my hands and knees. Typically, I use a 
> collapsible hiking pole. This can be adjusted to different lengths for 
> terrain (uphill or downhill, drop offs on either side, ect), has a wrist 
> strap for support and control, and can be lengthened to use as a mobility 
> cane for long walks to and from the car to the trail head. For single 
> track trails, I usually use a technique learned from Trek for Light, where 
> you and your sighted guide hold either end of a fairly long "pole," 
> usually 50 to 65 inches long (your cane may work for this). You will 
> quickly learn to feel the movements of the guide (direction and elevation 
> changes), and communication about the terrain will be required far less 
> often. On rougher terrain you can employ a hiking pole in the other hand 
> for better support.
>
>
>
> For those with some sight, using a hiking pole to probe the terrain works 
> well, and you could ask your guide to wear something high contrast to the 
> environment to follow. I've also seen guides wear bells to provide an 
> audible signal to track, and with practice you can learn a certain guide's 
> movements over obstacles through the frequency and amplitude of the bells.
>
>
>
> The best technique for you is going to be determined through practice and 
> trial and error. Try starting out on some easier terrains to practice 
> different ideas; you may come up with something unique that really works 
> for you.
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