[Sportsandrec] camping

Wed Feb 6 14:09:43 UTC 2013

This is awesome!

I don't know yet what sort of terrain we will be in.  I am looking at 
several options in entirely different regions.  If we end up in Montana 
your hiking ideas will be very useful.  If we end up at the place in 
Indiana, I think I'll be okay with a regular cane or the dog maybe.

I had no clue about your magnet idea.  I will have to Google it to get 
directions on how to make one of these.  I was thinking of purchasing a 
compass, but this sounds like it would do the same thing for a lot 
cheaper.  Also I don't know that I'd use the compass much after this 
trip and don't really want to spend the money on something I'm not going 
to get a lot of use.

I also hadn't thought of your gear idea.  It makes perfect sense and is 
very doable.  If we tent camp I will practice setting up the tent here 
at home until I can do it easily on my own.  Not sure what other gear 
I'll be taking but I'll put it on the practice list too.

I spoke with a guide from one of the companies I am considering 
yesterday.  He seemed very knowledgeable and easy to talk to.  I did 
mention my blindness, although usually I don't bring it up in advance.  
However I felt that this is one of those times where it would be 
important for him to know in advance.  He had some questions, but was 
more curious than nervous or skeptical.  I think perhaps he views my 
blindness as a challenge to his teaching ability.  I'm very optimistic 
about that program and guide.

Thanks so much for the great ideas!  I'm filing this away for later 
reference.
Julie

On 2/5/2013 7:16 PM, Kelly Thornbury wrote:
> Julie,
>
> My first suggestion, and maybe most important in my eyes, is to know your gear. Things like being able to set up camp in any weather conditions goes a long way.
>
> As for edible plants as a blind individual, spend extra time on this and ask lots of questions. Learn how to distinguish between edible plants and similar feeling/smelling non edible varieties. Avoid plants that are too close to call, and learn first aide techniques for the less palatable ones.
>
> Navigation and orientation- the moss generally grows on the North side of large rocks and trees. Learn at what compass coordinates the sun rises and sets at the latitude you will be practicing your skills. Then, based on time of day you can get a general direction of travel. As soon as you orientate yourself based on whatever technique you use, take note of the general wind direction and how it gusts and blows. A bar magnet hanging from a piece of string packs easily and will give you magnetic north when properly marked and practiced. Take note of landmarks as described already in other responses, including the sounds of water, wind, animals (birds for example often to stay in more wooded areas or areas of cover rather than wide open spaces), and smells (the smell of a pond over a river, or a patch of wild onions over a patch of mint).
>
> For travel over rougher terrain, I ditch the normal white canes (no one in the wild cares what color your cane is) for collapsable hiking poles. I remove the baskets and can use it as either a cane or a trekking pole. My cane of choice, if I take one, is aluminum and foldable. Straight canes tend to get in the way and collapsable canes collapse if you happen to lean on them for support. Aluminum is durable, and practice repairing the shock cords inside.
>
> Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions of the instructors; discuss adaptive techniques because they may have some ideas, or at least you can brainstorm new ideas; and practice practice practice. Soon, you'll be the best in the group at tying knots in the dark, traveling by the stealth of night, and leading the group back to basecamp.
>
> There's more but hopefully this is a descent start.
>
> Enjoy, and be sure to share how it works out.
>
> Kelly
>
> On Feb 5, 2013, at 4:55 PM, Julie J. wrote:
>
>> Heya!
>>
>> It's me with another adventure vacation question.  Last year it was sea kayaking, clam digging and fishing.  This year my teenage son and I are going camping.  Actually we are going to survival school where we will be learning how to build a fire without matches, tie knots, make rope from native plants, which plants are edible, how to make tools from natural materials at hand and all sorts of other stuff.  I'm affectionately referring to this adventure as my opportunity to learn independent living skills. *smile*
>>
>> I looked at loads of opportunities we could utilize to do this and settled on one of the less intense options.  We are going to be staying in a cabin and doing day hikes to learn and practice the survival skills we have been taught.  I'm not quite as adventurous as I once was. Sleeping under a hedge and being reliant on figuring out which mushrooms are edible won't be a part of this trip.
>>
>> Still it will be a lot of new things for me and a lot of skills I haven't used for around 15 years.  I don't anticipate having any particular difficulties because of my blindness, but I'm trying to figure out as much as I can ahead of time.
>>
>> I would love to hear from people who have been camping both the normal variety and the rougher sort of survival camping that is becoming popular.  Also ideas on keeping oriented where there are no paths would be helpful.    If anyone can think of specific non electronic blindness equipment I should take along that would also be helpful.
>>
>> I welcome all thoughts and ideas.  If you can think of something that I'm overlooking in preparing for this trip please let me know.
>>
>> Thanks in advance!  You guys always have awesome ideas and have been really helpful.
>>
>> Julie
>>
>>
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