[Sportsandrec] Forest Safety

Tue Feb 12 15:21:32 UTC 2013

I'm sure I'll get a lot of flack for this, but remember that even Dr. Jernigan sometimes traveled sighted guide. Until you get to the site and have the opportunity to explore a variety of more independent options, keep your mind open to this one. 

Another idea, if this is supposed to be a medieval reenactment and period correct, is to research how the blind back then traveled. If your goal is to be period correct than modern cane techniques and echo location are not an option, and this is where you'll have to decide on the line between your skills and training versus period correctness. Passive sound location and probing/supporting yourself with your staff instead of active echo location and sweeping "cane style" and traveling with groups (the friars and the fools come to mind) are more likely correct. 

What an opportunity to expose yourself to blindness in a whole other mindset, era, and under a completely different skill set; just don't let the cardinal lock you up in the dungeon or have you run through... 

On Feb 12, 2013, at 7:13 AM, JUSTIN LOUCHART wrote:

> Hi, Julie,
> 
> It's in southern Michigan. You should, they're a blast.
> 
> The torches are important only so that I don't light myself on fire.
> And although people stay where light is, they're in one of the various
> inns or small houses on the property, or in tents in a roped off
> section of the site. Whereas I won't even notice it's dark out, so
> I'll happily wander well into the morning.
> 
> Someone mentioned to me that if the poles are made out of metal, I
> should be able to find them with my cane with no problem. My logic was
> that the texture difference of aluminum foil against wood would be
> helpful, but I guess with all that soft foliage, it really would be
> tricky even then.
> 
> Thanks for the thoughts,
> Justin
> 
> On 2/12/13, Julie J. <julielj at neb.rr.com> wrote:
>> Sorry, no real new ideas other than to stay out of all vegetation as
>> much as possible or wear clothing that covers the bits that are most
>> likely to come into contact. Is it important for you to know where the
>> torches are?  I mean other than not lighting yourself on fire.  Could
>> you listen for where the people are and meander that way?  Generally the
>> sighted folks are going to stay where there's light.  I'm assuming your
>> role there is to provide some sort of entertainment to the visitors.
>> 
>> But, I wanted to ask, where is this because I want to go!
>> I've wanted to go to a Renaissance festival for a few years, but I'm
>> having trouble finding one in the summer that isn't a million miles away.
>> 
>> Julie
>> 
>> On 2/12/2013 6:34 AM, JUSTIN LOUCHART wrote:
>>> Hi, all,
>>> 
>>> Sorry if this message goes out twice, but my email just glitched and
>>> I'm not sure if it already sent the longer and more polished version
>>> of this message.
>>> 
>>> I'm a totally blind cane user who has considerable experience hiking,
>>> but this adventure's going to be new territory for me.
>>> 
>>> I'll be participating in a monthly three-day interactive Renaissance
>>> festival from March through November. It takes place in 40 acres of
>>> mostly unmaintained woods. Poisonous plants and torches will be
>>> scattered around the place at unknown locations.
>>> 
>>> The torches are open flames atop thin poles. The thin poles will be
>>> backed by trees and saplings, making the poles more difficult to
>>> echolocate. The flames are small enough to be difficult to hear. I'm
>>> considering having administration put crinkled aluminum foil on the
>>> poles, which would make them significantly easier to hear from a
>>> distance. The foil could be darkened for visual effect.
>>> 
>>> I've done this trip once before, about six months ago when I still had
>>> light perception. At that time it was easy for me to just look for the
>>> light and walk around it. I've since lost all vision; now I have to
>>> find alternative strategies.
>>> 
>>> For a compass I'll be using Kelly Thornbury's magnet trick. For a cane
>>> I'll be using a specially designed staff which stands ten inches
>>> taller than me, and is almost as thin as a cane. The staff will be
>>> fashioned with a handmade wooden tip as to not mar the staff end while
>>> sliding along the forest floor. What I lose in vibration I'll gain in
>>> reach.
>>> 
>>> My other complication is going to be in steering clear of poisonous
>>> plants. I have no idea how to do that.
>>> 
>>> Any and all advice would be enormously appreciated.
>>> Justin Louchart
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>> 
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> 
> 
> -- 
> Justin Louchart
> JALOUCHART at GMAIL.COM
> 
> Inveniam Viam Aut Faciam
> 
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