Blind Hiker to climb the 48

[MichaelJ]

Randy Pierce, blind, and his guide dog Quinn have set plans for the next decade to hike the NH 48 4000-footers. As a part of this, he has applied for a Teva Life Agent grant ($10K), targeted specifically to the climb of Mt. Washington, to help support his quest as well as help getting the word and inspiration out to others through a Vision Quest charity.

He is a friend of a friend, and though I have never met him, I've heard nothing but great things. In his words, it doesn't take vision to have a vision.

Randy's Teva Life Agent application (video)
Quinn's Blog

 

[erugs]

We look forward to meeting the "team" on future hikes. This is an amazing goal. The thought of this should heighten in all of us the awareness of all that is wonderful in our mountains and not just the scenery.

 

[una_dogger]

Very cool. As someone raised by a blind, dog-guided parent, I know first hand the amazing things that the blind can accomplish. I wonder if he needs a support crew? I'd love to volunteer!

 

[Jaytrek57]

Very cool indeed.

I have lead some trips with blind folks and a couple of trips with the kids I work with have involved some blind kids.

Probably the best advice (hiking/life) I got was on the very first trip into the woods with a blind person. I was so nervous, over compensating, worrying...etc...He said to me, after I "pointed" out like the 50th rock in less than 200 yards.

"Jay man relax, I've been blind my whole life." Just set me at ease the rest of the way.

That was close to 10 years ago and I still think of it often.

Sorry for the drift....

 

[WhiteMTHike]

What a great inspiration to all.

 

[Stan]

I once guided a young man with visual impairment, legally blind, who was also mildly autistic. One of the trails was particularly treacherous, at least in my mind, because it was very narrow and dropped off steeply to one side. With cane in one hand and a gentle grasp on my elbow in the other, he maneuvered this as sure footed and confident as I've ever seen anyone hike.

From this and many related experiences I learned some things. Don't underestimate the abilities of people with disabilities. It helps to encourage and support people with disabilities in the pursuit of as normal a level of activities as possible for the benefits are transferable to many aspects of their lives ... and to the lives of those with no acknowledged disability, too. Trust of the kind demonstrated on that trail provides a real rush ... try it.

My heartiest best wishes to Randy with one bit of advice ... save the Tevas for stream crossings and camp ... and thank you Teva for your suppert.

 

[una_dogger]

I made contact with Randy through his blog, and I'm hoping he will decide to seek membership here. I think he could really benefit from this community as he goes for his goal. So if you are reading Randy -- lets get you signed up!

 

[Grayjay]

I went along on a hike up Mount Washington with a blink guy in the winter. I hope this guy plans a lot of his hikes in the winter, when roots and rocks are moot.

 

[MichaelJ]

Randy has been selected by Teva as the first Life Agent winner!
http://www.pitchengine.com/free-release.php?id=60140

I look forward to his climb of Washington plus the next 47 after that. My guess is it won't take him anywhere near 10 years to finish.

 

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

Update

Here is another article on Randy Pierce, who is blind, and his dog, The Mighty Quinn. Best wishes to them!


http://unh.edu/news/campusjournal/2011/May/25csdc.cfm

 

[TrailwrightBratt]

Randy Pierce

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Randy guided by Quinn .He was a member of a group hiking on Belknap led by Sherpa John that included wives and friends of Randy. One of the friends was Tedy Bruschi of Patriot fame. Randy was voted Patriot fan of the year in I believe 2001. Randy is an inspiration and even only spending a short time with him I was very impressed with him and especially Quinn The Wonder Dog.
Una dogger you are right he would make a great member to VFTT.
Randy climed Owls head on a recent weekend so he is well on his way climbing the 48.