Beverley Berger hikes on the Bruce Trail
By Dave Platt Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club member

I had a unique and challenging experience July 10!

I was leading a hike for a group of our regular Tuesday hikers from the Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club on the Bruce Trail.

Beverley Berger, a woman who is totally blind and lives in Nobleton, asked if she could come along.

So I had double duty - leading a hike and having Bev "on my arm!"

It was a challenge, in that you have to advise when you are coming to steps, a water bar across the trail, a protruding rock on the trail, etc. and where it is; is it a step up, a step over or a step down and by how much; also you have to advise of gradients, a steep ascent or descent.

When you can see, you take all these things for granted, but now you cannot. Nevertheless, it was a two-way conversation, because Bev would tell me about a scent, or a bird singing in the trees, things that when you are sighted, you often miss.

Anyway, the hike went very well, Bev enjoyed and I did too, because she is a very engaging person.

It was my first experience of having a person "on my arm," not always on the easiest of terrain at times. I think I passed my initial test.

I have hiked for many years both here at home and abroad and had some great experiences and I count this one very high on my list. It was a challenge and a truly enjoyable outing with Bev as my "partner."

Thank you Bev for coming along on the hike; it really made my day.