Berger enjoys hiking in the 'dark'
By Beverley Berger

David Rosevear, of the Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club acts as Beverly Berger's sighted guide on her recent 13-kilometre "hike in the dark" with the Tuesday Hikers.

In pursuit of the ultimate hiking experience, devotees of the sport seek out challenges as varied as their personalities.

The urban hiker attacks the boulevards and back alleys with an attitude of a cavalry charge, although, in the pecking order of the street, he will give way to the bell-ringing bicycle courier.

The Rocky Mountain hiker is ever mindful of loose shale, logging trucks and, of course, the territorial Sasquatch while the hearty snowshoeing winter hiker must always remember to "never eat the yellow snow!"

If hiking poses barriers, then those barriers are of the mind. September 19 the Tuesday Hikers of the Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club gave me the opportunity to break a personal barrier - to go hiking in the dark. I carry the darkness with me for I am totally blind.

For me, one of life's most satisfying pleasures is the simple act of walking outdoors and since I am fortunate in having "a heart and two feet" the chance to participate in an official hike was the realization of a dream. As in any first-time venture it is necessary to go for a basic "test drive." My inaugural hike was the Mono Cliffs loop trail of the Dufferin Highlands Section of the lengthy Bruce Trail.

Although I am a novice hiker, I am a seasoned walker. Therefore, I arrived wearing comfortable boots, baggy pants, a day pack of "provisions" and, most importantly, a smile! My sighted guide David arrived with knowledge, an extra hiking pole, a kneeling pad (to park my butt at lunch) and, most importantly, a willing, strong arm! What a team!

The route incorporated easy and rough terrain as well as open ground and forest. All the elements of the hike were for me an irreplaceable memory. I was in contact with the ground for of course, like all blind travellers, I look with my feet.

I was touched by the crisp fall breeze on the high ground; I felt the rough tree bark and prickly nettles as passed; I smelled the damp musk of decay and growth in the valleys; I heard the squawking jays, the trilling squirrels, the burp-hum of the frogs. It was all there for me, a sensory banquet.

The spiritual and physical fulfillment that I felt at the end of the trek was enhanced by the acceptance and camaraderie of the other hikers. The sincere welcome received that day is a gift that shall remain with me always. I may hike in the dark, but I shall never hike alone.

Thank you Bruce Trail Association for that gift!