[Sportsandrec] Looking for ways to navagate Trails in nature.

[Kelly Thornbury]

Consider looking into some of the techniques used by Trek For Light, sort of a sub group of Ski For Light. So far my best TFL experience has been with the Montana group. Sorry, I don't know their website off the top of my head but if you Google Montana Trek For Light they will pop up. 

Another sighted guide may relieve some of the stress of responsibility on your boyfriend, or some of the TFL techniques may also help. While TFL does use a "one-on-one" guide to VI hiker ratio, something may be adapted for your particular group's dynamics. In my experience, a sturdy hiking pole, one that is easily adjustable (for side inclines and up/down hill trails) especially in rocky and rooted terrain is very helpful. I personally use one that is spring-loaded to absorb shock and I'm not afraid to really plant on it for balance and navigation. 

Check out the website and the commands, and come back if you need anything more. 

Kel

On Aug 23, 2015, at 4:59 PM, Kendra Schafer via Sportsandrec wrote:

> Hi all! 
> Yesterday, I walked to a local but out of the way historical hot spring. I had my sited boyfriend, and two blind ladies with me. To get to this hot spring, you have to walk a half a mile on a trail with a few rugged spots and a lot of tree roots. This was my boyfriend's first time getting a group of blind people down this kind of trail. The trip actually went very well. We all felt good to do the trip because the other ladies haven't traveled in nature in three years. My boyfriend on the other hand didn't get to enjoy the journey as much as the rest of us so I feel bad for him. My boyfriend believes that blind people can do anything we set our minds to,  however, he still feels responsable for  any blind person's safety,  well being and transportation.   How can I make the trip more enjoyable for my sited boyfriend who felt the burden of responsibility? I suggested finding another volunteer to assist in navigating the trails. I know that there is a Better way since I did this sort of thing with other groups in the past. Would something like this require another sited volunteer? Him taking  the responsability and doing this sort of thing once or twice a year? Are there techniques out there for this sort of thing?  Is there a way for me to help one of them navagate the tree roots and follow behind while doing so and letting my boyfriend helping all of us through the roughest parts of the trail? Any ideas would be most appriciated Please!!!  Thank you!!! 
> Kendra 
> 
> 
> "When the student is ready, 
> the  teacher will appear" 
> Author unknown 
> Life always proves to me that I know the best roads are out there and so is my job of discovering where they are.  
>  Blindness has often tested me. 
> 
> Love has set  me free before it  showed me how to see the stars.    
> Baltimore, Maryland  showed me how to soar to the stars. 
> Seattle, Washington let me soar on the wings of my imagination. 
> Paganism showed me the way home where  I feel magic all around me. 
> As I move through life, I notice the many ways where my beliefs not only ring true, but also proven to be true by others.  
> 
> I am soaring like a bald eagle as I set out to live the life I want. 
> 
> 
> I believe that everything is all interconnected and full of magic. 
> Blessed Be!!! 
> Kendra Schaber, 
> A blind Pagan federationist,    
> The National Federation Of The Blind Of Oregon, 
> Capitol Chapter, 
> 
> Live the Life We Want 
> 
> 
> Diehard Fan Of Harry Potter, Middle Earth,  Narnia, and Land of Oz universes. I love anything to do with bald eagles. 
> Go Pittsburgh Penguins! 
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> 
>  I am Happily Living With My Wonderful Boyfriend  In Salem, Oregon. 
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