[Sportsandrec] Hiking/nature recreation input please!

[Cindy Ray]

You know, that walk in the park thing isn't the point. There are people who aren't where some of you are. It could be the beginning of their hiking experience, and they might then move on to bigger things.
Cindy


-----Original Message-----
From: SportsandRec [mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael via SportsandRec
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 11:18 PM
To: Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List <sportsandrec at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Michael <bonsai1b at bellsouth.net>
Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] Hiking/nature recreation input please!

Nella, I hadn't thought of the bell or leash.  Each in their own situation would offer great help, although the bell might drive the person carrying it crazy.  I have used trekking poles and find them to provide both support and input much the same way that a cane does.  I agree that most special trails I have encountered are essentially a walk in the park.

Michael

-----Original Message-----
From: Nella Foster via SportsandRec
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 1:22 PM
To: 'Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List'
Cc: Nella Foster
Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] Hiking/nature recreation input please!


I'm totally blind and haven't hiked alone, but used to go a lot with friends 
and family.  Depending on the difficulty of the trail determined how I hiked 
it.  My last guide dog was very good on fairly difficult trails.  When using 
him sometimes I went in front and other times followed others.  I use a 
hiking stick to feel the trail and for balance.  On narrow technical trails 
I've even used 2 hiking sticks.  Sometimes I put a bell on the pack of the 
person in front of me so I could follow.  I've also attached a leash to the 
pack of the person in front of me.  I only did this on really steep narrow 
trails, the kind with big drop offs to one or both sides.

I've encountered a few places where there were large boulders on the trail 
and getting around or over them was challenging.  I'm not above getting down 
on my hands and knees and crawling over something if I feel it is the safest 
way.  I did that once when going over a log to cross a creek.  I was 
concerned that my balance wasn't good enough to make it and I really didn't 
want to fall several feet into icy water.  So I just crawled across; some of 
my friends laughed, but I didn't care.

If you're carrying a heavy pack it will change your balance.  Also if it is 
a tall pack I think it interferes with my hearing.

I've never really used special trails.  The few that I've been on were nice, 
but I would have called them a nice walk, not a hike.  I have seen a couple 
trails that had plants labeled in large print and Braille.

Nella



-----Original Message-----
From: SportsandRec [mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of 
Michael via SportsandRec
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 10:27 AM
To: Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List
Cc: Michael
Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] Hiking/nature recreation input please!

Yes, this is one of my top two desires after losing my sight ten years ago.
I was an avid hiker and backpacker and would love to get tips from the 
group.  I read Michael O Hansen's book and it gave me increased courage to 
undertake sunch a journey.

Michael

-----Original Message-----
From: Gaston Bedard via SportsandRec
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 5:53 AM
To: 'Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List'
Cc: Gaston Bedard ; 'Jennifer Boylan'
Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] Hiking/nature recreation input please!


Hello folks,
This is an interesting topic, it would be nice to know what folks have to
say.
So, please share your experiences with us.

-----Original Message-----
From: SportsandRec [mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Jennifer Boylan via SportsandRec
Sent: February-13-17 10:07 PM
To: sportsandrec at nfbnet.org
Cc: Jennifer Boylan
Subject: [Sportsandrec] Hiking/nature recreation input please!

Hi listers, a nearby lions club has a project to redo the sensory trail at a
national Park. They have been working on this and would like some of your
expert advice, tips or in person in put in encouraging the blind to explore
the outdoors, hiking marked and unmarked routes, etc. Please share your
experiences and advice and your contact info if you would be willing to be
consulted by lions club members, thank you!
JENNIFER Gass

Sent from my iPhone, please forgive any typos. ☺️

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