[Sportsandrec] Hiking/nature recreation input please!

Wed Feb 15 13:56:54 UTC 2017

Cindy that is a good point and I certainly didn't mean to discount accessible trails.  I have very fond memories of walking on accessible trails with a friend who is in a wheel chair.  We enjoyed being outside and enjoyed one another's company.  The trails were and outing that we could do completely independently.

Nella

Nella

-----Original Message-----
From: SportsandRec [mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cindy Ray via SportsandRec
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2017 6:36 AM
To: 'Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List'
Cc: Cindy Ray
Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] Hiking/nature recreation input please!

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. ☺️

_______________________________________________
SportsandRec mailing list
SportsandRec at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
SportsandRec:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org/gasbedard%40videotron.ca

_______________________________________________
SportsandRec mailing list
SportsandRec at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
SportsandRec:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org/bonsai1b%40bellsouth.net

_______________________________________________
SportsandRec mailing list
SportsandRec at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
SportsandRec:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org/jellybeanfarm%40gmail.com

_______________________________________________
SportsandRec mailing list
SportsandRec at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
SportsandRec:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org/bonsai1b%40bellsouth.net 

_______________________________________________
SportsandRec mailing list
SportsandRec at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for SportsandRec:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org/cindyray%40gmail.com

_______________________________________________
SportsandRec mailing list
SportsandRec at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for SportsandRec:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org/jellybeanfarm%40gmail.com