Author: nesfladmin

I recently enjoyed my first NERSFL recreational trip. I joined about 44 other sighted and visually impaired adults from several states up in the cold and snowy northern Vermont town of Craftsbury at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center for 4 days and 3 nights of incredible fun.

Beginning with the convenient travel arrangements to get to our destination, I could tell this was a well organized extended weekend of activities created by caring and dedicated volunteers! Who would think that even a van ride with 7 other Vision Impaired Participants (VIP’S) could be fun? But, it was!

The Outdoor Center facilities were fabulous, and once oriented to my surroundings, I felt comfortable exploring all three floors of the Cedar Lodge dormitory building. Although our meals were all held in a different building, the sighted guides always escorted us over to our meals efficiently and helpfully. They couldn’t have made meal times any easier to enjoy. And the food itself, produced from as many Vermont made products as possible, was terrific. One evening, though, when I asked a woman to assist me over to dinner, it was only when I was halfway there that I discovered that she wasn’t a part of the group I was there with! She was part of another group that was there to ski, as well. Good news, though! She did a fabulous job of being a sighted guide; did it willingly; and safely reunited me with the NERSFL folks I intended to eat with. Oh, sometimes being blind can be exciting! And, this wasn’t even the skiing part.

For me, this was my first cross country skiing in 20 years. My last trip was with the Outdoor Enrichment Program run by the Carroll Center for the Blind. On this NERSFL trip, I began tentatively, but soon discovered that every guide on this trip was well trained and a very experienced skier. With clearly communicated instructions, I was soon out on a variety of beautifully maintained and groomed ski trails through the woods and fields. There was even a track set on the long lake adjoining the Outdoor Center property where gliding and building a rhythm was easily accomplished by skiers of all abilities.

All I know was that I was one very tired, but contented, skier at the end of each of the three days we skied! If it was as enjoyable by the guides as it was for the other VIP’s and me, then I’d say it was a totally win/win event. Since guides came from several different states to help make this trip possible for people like me, I have to believe they get as much out of the experience as the VIP’s they work with.

Thank you so much to everyone involved with the NERSFL organization, as well as for Ski For Light International. For people with little or no sight, the chance to participate in athletic activities is a vitally important part of feeling truly alive. We all need these opportunities to feel good about what we can accomplish, and the guides certainly did their very best to make that possible for every participant on the January 2015 trip to Craftsbury. I am totally hooked, and plan to be back for the next trip to Craftsbury! Thank you, NERSFL!

February 22 – March 2, 2014

This was my first time attending the International Ski for Light event but it certainly will not be the last. It was truly a fun as well as inspiring week. The event was very well organized and jam-packed with skiing related as well as non-skiing events. The SFL volunteers who put on this event are a truly dedicated and hard-working group

To provide some pertinent statistics: There were 121 guides, almost evenly divided among males (60) and females (61). Of these guides, 30 were first year guides and 10 second year guides. Guides and participants came from all over the United States as well as several foreign countries

Prior to the event, I had already made contact with a number of the Washington guides and participants, many from the Puget Sound SFL chapter, and travelled on the same flight to Anchorage with many of them. One of the guides, Dede Chinlund, was also my roommate. Becoming friends with so many guides and participants at International SFL has certainly paved the way for my continued involvement in Puget Sound SFL activities – hiking as well as skiing!

For me, as a first year attendee, the week started on Saturday night with a dinner with fellow first and second year guides as well as the guide and participant trainers. On Sunday, we broke into groups of 6 trainees, each with a seasoned guide and participant who spent the entire day on the trails with us. While I did not end up with super-trainer Dave Fisk as my guide trainer, the trainers in my group, guide John Elliott and participant Marie Pacini, were excellent. By the afternoon I was much less apprehensive about guiding. Almost daily guide meetings at either the beginning or end of each day where we received additional advice and could ask questions based on our guiding experience also helped a great deal. The participants arrived on Sunday and our skiing started on Monday. I was paired with a participant, Deng Kong, who is also the president of the Puget Sound SFL chapter. She was also an accomplished skier with a great attitude – all of which helped to put me at ease as her guide.

Despite the rather meager amount of snow, superb grooming each night and temperatures which stayed between 15 and 25 degrees made for good skiing until Thursday, when the temperature zoomed up to the mid 40’s and left the trails, by late afternoon, a slushy mess. Overnight freezing resulted in un-skiable terrain, so we were unable to have the usual last day races, the so-called “Olav Pedersen Race and Rally”. But with such a resilient group, we just accepted that fact and still had the opening ceremonies followed by lunch. The week proved to be much more than skiing. There were several special interest presentations in the 5:15 to 6:15 PM timeframe each night, some related to skiing, many not, such as “Get the Picture: What an iPhone Camera Can do for Blind Users”, “Waxing Techniques”, “Massage and Stretching After Exercise”, “Sea Kayaking Trips in Prince William Sound”, and “Information Session on Guide Dogs”. Each night after dinner there was some type of entertainment, often dancing to either a band or a DJ (this group seems to love dancing). One night we were entertained by a local folk singer and another night we were on our own. Some went on a horse-drawn sled ride. Others, including myself, elected to go to a local bar where they were having an open mike night. Several people from the SFL group participated. Yes there is great talent among SFLers!

On the last Saturday, usually a ski day, we instead saw the ceremonial start to the Iditarod, which started a couple of blocks from our hotel. Snow was trucked in and placed on 4th Ave and that is where the dogs started out this 11 mile ceremonial ride. What made it especially fun, aside from seeing 71 teams of 12 dogs each, all eager to get running, was that each sled sold a seat on the sled to anyone willing to put up $2000. SFL paid for such a seat on one of the sleds and then raffled off the seat, effectively turning it into a fund-raiser for SFL. The SFLer who won the raffle, Ingrid O’Connor, gave us a very detailed and captivating account of her ride that evening at dinner.

For me it was a week of learning to be a better x-country ski guide and an opportunity to make many new friends, aside from just plain having fun. And I came home impressed with the infectious enthusiasm and energy shown by my fellow SFLers. What a group!

By Nancy Brown

January 2013

The New England Regional Ski For Light (NERSFL) Craftsbury trip which took place in Craftsbury Common Vermont was my first experience as a guide with NERSFL. It was a lot of fun, and I definitely want to do it again.

For anyone, visually-impaired or sighted, who is new to NERSFL, the Craftsbury trip is ideal.

Craftsbury has many advantages for skiing, snow shoeing and lodging. (Prior to this trip, I had skied there many times and stayed overnight a couple of times.) It is the largest cross-country ski area in Vermont, if not all of New England, and yet one of the least crowded. They have snow when no one else does (I’m looking at you, 2012 ski season), and, in a good ski season (like this year), the superb snow and immaculate grooming make it a lot easier and safer for snow shoeing, skiing and guiding. The dormitory is right on the ski trails, so different groups can come and go on their own schedule. The common room could easily accommodate this year’s large turnout (about 40 of us). If I were looking for something to whine about, it’s that the dining hall is in a separate building, so you have to walk outdoors for maybe 5 minutes. The food is well worth the walk. And they are perfectly happy to accommodate special dietary needs, with advance notice. The people who work at Craftsbury are consistently helpful and great to deal with.

The other big factor in my recommending this trip is the NERSFL group itself. Blind and sighted people work together in organizing the trip, training new ski & snow shoe guides.

A lot of people have been with the group for many years, but, as a first-timer, I felt really welcome. What I’ve been telling my friends about the trip is that it’s like any ski trip, but the people are a lot friendlier.

The meals and evenings were animated by lively (loud) conversation(s). If you have ever attended an extended family gathering of Jewish or Italian folks, it’s kind of like that. And people look out for each other. On the second day, I switched from skiing to snowshoeing, and someone who saw me getting ready to go out insisted on lending me her gaiters. On the last day, as I was starting to drive home (with my visually-impaired passengers), and somehow chose to drive into a ski trail, rather than the driveway, a bunch of folks (blind and sighted participants and one of the Craftsbury staff) helped me get my car out of the snowbank in short order.

I had very little contact with blind people before this trip. I knew a few things, like offering my arm as a guide when walking. And, many many years ago, I saw the movie “Butterflies are Free,” and, although I couldn’t tell you anything about what the movie was about or who was in it, the one thing I can remember is that the sighted person said “steps,” and the blind guy asked “up or down?” On this trip, even before I got to Craftsbury, I learned from my blind passengers, at our roadside stops, to say whether a door opens from the left or the right.

For anyone who is considering becoming a ski or snow shoe guide, I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys skiing or snow shoeing and who likes people. It is not particularly difficult, but it does require a couple of hours of training. (The national Ski For Light organization has an excellent training manual, and the NERSFL folks, sighted and visually-impaired alike, have a lot of beneficial experience to share, and, even after the well-organized training, we went out in groups, which was a great way to gradually give us more responsibility. You do have to be an advanced skier to guide visually impaired skiers. The primary skills you need are more mental than physical: communication and perception.

The communication skills, which you can learn in an hour of training, are to speak consistently, clearly, accurately, and concisely. For example, one of the first things you are taught is to use standard language for turning left vs. stepping sideways to the left. Also, there is specific language for an emergency stop vs. just wait a second here while I check the map. And, of course, you ask the blind skier what’s most important to them.

The perception skills, which I found myself learning gradually while serving as a guide skier, are both to observe the skier (so that you can detect and correct when s/he is going off course) and to observe the characteristics of the trail: straight or curved, flat or up or down, if on a hill how steep, how reliable are the tracks, are there bumps or obstacles or other “trail anomalies”, trail-edge characteristics (e.g., tree, ditch). This may sound overwhelming, but, I should say, the great majority of the time, the trail characteristics were: flat or gentle hills, straight or gentle curves, perfect tracks, pristine snow, no obstacles, no one else on the trail. (This is typical of Craftsbury in mid-winter; your trail characteristics may vary.)

In snowshoeing, I was less concerned about steep hills (I’d still describe them, of course, but it wasn’t as though the snowshoers were in danger of accelerating out of control) and more concerned with trail-edge characteristics (because the “trail” was really just two snowshoe-widths of packed-down snow). The most common trail-edge characteristics were trees, although, even there, I made a distinction for evergreen trees, which, for some reason, I chose to describe as “soft trees.”

It occurs to me that, as a sighted person, well not to gloat about it, but I am constantly absorbing a tremendous amount of visual information, and, without thinking about it, organizing it. As a guide, my job is to prioritize, condense, and verbalize that information, preferably in somewhat fewer than 1000 words. To some extent, this applies to guiding even when away from the skiing environment. For example, awareness of “trail-edge characteristics” would have been useful in guiding visually-impaired participants through a crowded retail store landscape on the way to Craftsbury.

I always enjoy skiing at Craftsbury, and on this trip I enjoyed learning to be a ski and snow shoe guide and, come to think of it, this was also my first time snowshoeing at Craftsbury – but I also really enjoyed the evenings. Some people went to the sauna or to watch the NFL playoffs in the TV room, but most people hung out in the common room. I learned and forgot dozens of names. I did pretty well at the auction and raffle on Saturday night, but skipped Sunday’s Scrabble and card games so I could get a good night’s sleep before driving home.

All in all, a memorable and rewarding experience.

By Lew Lasher

August 7-9, 2009

It was a sunny and warm August Friday afternoon that found me en-route to the Riverside MBTA station to meet up with my carpool to Bethlehem NH for a NERSFL weekend of hiking, kayaking and general fun. With a forecast more or less devoid of rain and a large group of fellow outdoor enthusiasts (close to 20 NERSFL members and almost that many Adaptive Sports Partners friends) to join me, I had high expectations for the trip. . . and I was definitely not disappointed.

Kathy and Victor, our hosts at the Wayside Inn in Bethlehem New Hampshire provided clean spacious rooms with decks overlooking a babbling brook, delicious breakfasts and a homey living room in which we could relax during the evening. These accommodations were a real ‘find’ and NERSFL will certainly stay at the Wayside again.

In coordination with our friends from Adaptive Sports Partners, we divided into 2 groups on Saturday for an ‘easy’ hike and a more challenging hike. Both options provided ample scenery and diversity of terrain to please us all. Sunday found us again divided into 2 groups for kayaking: one group paddled on Moore Reservoir at Perkins Landing while the other made what sometimes felt like a mad dash down a 7-mile stretch of the Pemigewassett River (Thornton to West Campton). One thing we all did together was eat! Our Adaptive Sports Partners friends hosted a wonderful barbecue on Saturday night. It was great fun to eat (and drink!) outdoors. What could be better than delicious food eaten al fresco?

It would be hard to think of anything that could improve on this weekend and I look forward to having another great summer NERSFL weekend trip in 2010.

by Cindy Wentz

August 3-5, 2012

NERSFL’s summer trip highlighted staying at the Royalty Inn in Gorham, NH, renewing friendships, playing cards poolside, and of course, dining together. A warm welcome to Sharon Ferris, our newest guide. Eighteen adventurers from four different states participated. On Saturday everyone hiked. Two groups were designated based on how vigorously each person wished to hike. The trail was cool and shady without roots and rocks. Before leaving, Sunday, many browsed or shopped at the quaint country store across from the hotel

by Shelley Wine

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A beautiful sunny August weekend greeted us on the summer New Hampshire hiking trip, attended by 12 VIPs and 10 guides (including one who joined us upon learning from a friend that guides were needed for a safe and successful hike).

The Saturday hike departed from the Dollycop campground with an ascent of part of the Great Gulf Notch trail, then a portion of the Great Gulf Links Trail complete with a swaying walk on the wooden suspension bridge over the Peabody River. The trail presented challenges to many due to the rocky and rooty terrain underfoot but talented guides and hard-hiking VIP’s worked together to enjoy a three hour long trip. Some ended their excursion with an icy and refreshing plunge into the swimming hole at the side of the Peabody River where we joined Dollycop campers including a reluctant Husky.

For much-needed sleep and repast, we enjoyed the hospitality of The Royalty Inn in Gorham. Saturday dinner at the Inn included Italian specialties, luscious banana pie and a chocolate birthday cake (with a Happy Birthday sing-along for Abby)

Dinner was followed by conversation poolside and games of Hearts.

We began Sunday morning devouring stacks of blueberry pancakes. Some then enjoyed a refreshing walk on the Pine Mountain trail while others splashed in the outdoor pool at the Inn. A third group purchased knick-knacks and fudge at the Scoggins General Store across the street from the Inn. Jalapeno, rum raisin, rocky road, and vanilla were the favorites.

We want to be sure to send our healing thoughts and prayers to Michael one of our intrepid guides, who was in a car accident on his way home, with mild injuries, thankfully.

by Jennifer Harnish

March 2-4, 2012
A First Timer’s Perspective

Over the first weekend of March 2012 I had the opportunity to attend my first ever New England Regional Ski for Light event and it was an absolute delight.

The group of skiers, snow shoeing enthusiasts and guides from all over the Northeast gathered on Friday evening at the Wayside Inn in Bethlehem, NH for the first of what would be several scrumptious, energy and calorie rich meals that would sustain us through two days of fantastic skiing and snow shoeing.

Honestly, as a newcomer to my regional Ski for Light organization and to the pursuit of Nordic skiing I was a little apprehensive about meeting other skiers and figuring out how things worked. My apprehension, however, soon proved to be wasted mental energy as I was embraced, encouraged, supported and befriended by all who were present. I had the privilege of meeting an enthusiastic and diverse group of folks that had all come together with one common purpose and that was to have a terrific weekend of skiing and snow shoeing and that is exactly what we did.

Bright and early Saturday morning, introductions were made, event schedule and guidelines were reviewed and the most exciting part, skier and guide pairings were announced. Breakfast was spent getting to know each other a little more and then we were off to begin our adventure.

The weather started out a little sketchy with an interesting mix of precipitation ranging from cold rain and fog to sleet, then snow and that was just on the drive from Bethlehem to Bear Notch Ski Touring Center. Upon our arrival at Bear Notch the precipitation settled into a steady pelting of icy snow that bounced off heads and backs and presented us with what was optimistically described as “a character building experience”. So as a group we collectively mustered a little faith and a lot of guts, clipped into our bindings and headed out onto the trails.

Our faith and courage soon paid off as shortly after leaving the center the storm cleared, the sun came out and the kinder, gentler side of Mother Nature revealed itself all around us.

Bear Notch offered a wide variety of terrain for skiers and snow shoeing of all abilities from gentle winding paths through the forest and along a river to steeper more challenging trails and even a loop down into Bartlett Village and back along an old rail bed. No matter which trails you chose the conditions were pleasing to all.

After our first exhausting and exhilarating day of skiing and snow shoeing we reconvened at the inn and gathered for yet another fabulous meal with good company and conversation.

Some of us hit the hay early on Saturday night in preparation for another day on the snow, while others took part in an epic, long into the evening Scrabble game.

Sunday morning meeting heralded new skier / guide pairings and plans for yet another terrific day of skiing and snow shoeing at Bear Notch. Trails had been newly groomed over night and conditions were reported to be even better than the previous day.

The Sunday morning meal brought even more great camaraderie, conversation and blueberry pancakes. If you were in attendance, you know all about the blueberry pancakes and nothing more needs to be said. If you were not present, consider attending the next NERSFL Wayside Inn event if for no other reason than to experience the life altering blueberry pancakes.

Another phenomenal day on the trails began under sunny skies and the newly paired skiers and guides headed out for yet another challenging adventure of mind, body and spirit.

As a newcomer to the sport of Nordic skiing, my experiences had been pretty much limited to the green and blue trails and practicing techniques like diagonal stride, sprinting up hill in the tracks, snowplow, double poling and getting back up after falling down. So when my guide, Donna Patterson casually mentioned that we could ski down into Bartlett Village with only a short section of trail rated in the BLACK category, I bolstered my confidence and said, “Sure Donna that would be fun”. All the while thinking to my self, “OMG, how will I ever survive this”. Then fate intervened and presented me with that little extra kick in the butt I needed to get the job done. At the trail intersection where we picked up the black diamond run down to the village we encounter a skier coming up that trail who took one look at my “BLIND SKIER” bib and immediately took the liberty of judging the proverbial book by its cover. “Oh no, you don’t want to taker her down there” he repeated emphatically to Donna, “it’s really steep and fast, I don’t think it’s a good idea to taker her on that trail”. Well, say no more, my mind was made up once and for all. Even if I had to slide down the steep parts on my butt, I was going for it, because after all, here was this total stranger assuming that I was somehow less capable based solely on the fact that I was visually impaired. So off we went and between Donna’s superior guiding and my renewed self confidence we ROCKED the “steep and fast” part of the trail. What an absolute thrill.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and Sunday afternoon the group dispersed and headed back to our respective homes, families and work. However, I am confident that I speak for all who attended when I say we made that journey home riding a natural high born out of personal achievement, a spirit of adventure, a strong sense of accomplishment, new skills learned and many new friends made. I can NOT wait for the next NERSFL event!

By Heather Berg Colchester, VT

January 6-9, 2012

On January 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th NERSFL had their annual Nordic ski and snow shoeing weekend at Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Craftsbury VT. We arrived on Friday, settling in to great food and good camaraderie. The weather was cold and crisp with little snow which did not dampen our excitement and enthusiasm.

On Saturday morning after a delicious breakfast all participants and guides met for the daily morning meeting led by Marie Hennessy, NERSFL president. Marie stressed communication, safety, and having fun. She also introduced our new student guides from the University of New Hampshire. We were all glad to have the students join us. We all next hit the trails. A group of us tried snow shoeing while others tackled Ruthie’s way and skiing on the lake. I as a relatively new participant had the opportunity to try snow shoeing. I learned what a challenge it was and what a wonderful day it was in the cold crisp air with some new friends. After lunch, we all hit the trails and lake again. All the participants were matched with guides who were all able to work with us, with differing ski and snow shoe ability and differing sight impairments. That is where the communication came in. The participants and guides became a close team.

After dinner we all chatted, played cards and scrabble. We all shared our experiences of the day.

On Sunday the same structure of events took place. I for my part had the chance to learn the basics of Nordic skiing. Learning how to fall, get back up and go up a hill was a real confidence builder. Others had the chance to practice and increase their skills on the runs that were open. On Sunday night, the NERSFL auction occurred in which Dave and Amy’s daughter Sarah was an enthusiastic helper. The scrabble game was fierce and the card game was enjoyed by all.

On Monday, we had a half a day of events. We all hurried, to make the most of our remaining time. Like most good things, our trip came to an end, we all hugged and said goodbye, no one wanted to leave.

By Margaret Gaffney

August 5-7, 2011

On August 6th and 7th New England Regional Ski for Light along with guides from Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country held a summer event weekend. Friday night those from out of town met at the Wayside Inn in Bethlehem NH to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

We are pleased to report that both new guides and participants joined us, and if you have not already come on one of our trips we hope to see you at a future New England Regional Ski For Light event!

Saturday after breakfast we either hiked or kayaked to Knocky’s Landing on Moore Reservoir in Littleton. Their was also ample time for those who wanted to do some swimming. After lunch we each had the choice to take the tram to the top of Cannon Mountain and go up to the top to the overlook, or a tandem bike ride in Franconia Notch Recreation Trail in Franconia Notch State Park from The Basin to Cannon and back, or just swimming and kayaking at Knocky’s Landing. The trip on the tram was fun and the Overlook was beautiful with many pictures taken. The bike ride I understand was exhilarating. Saturday night we all met for dinner at the Wayside Inn where the food was outstanding and the conversation at all tables was nonstop.

On Sunday, the weather turned to rain on the mountain, so we all took a walk in Bretzfelder Memorial Park in Bethlehem. Much thanks to Sharon for her scouting out of the trails in the park. The walk was enjoyed by all. On Sunday afternoon, we all said our goodbyes and thanks to our old and new friends and regretfully headed back home.

by Margaret Gaffney
edited by Marie Hennessy, NERSFL President

October 2010

On October 2, 2010, a small but energetic and enthusiastic group of NERSFL hikers hiked the Reservoir Trail, located in the western section of the Middlesex Fells. The trail is 5.2 miles long and encircles the north, middle, and south reservoirs. The water is often visible from the trail, which at times co-exists with the Skyline Trail and crosses various bike paths numerous times.

The group began the hike at the Sheepfold parking lot, located just off of Rte 28, also known as the Fells Parkway. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect – clear blue skies, no wind, and temperatures in the low to mid 60’s – especially appreciated after the muggy, warm, tropical-like weather of the preceding 3 days. The group began the hike just before 10:30 AM and finished just before 3:30 PM – a very respectable pace! The terrain was challenging enough in terms of rocks, tree roots and hills without being too difficult.

The Reservoir trail seems to be a favorite of people walking dogs and mountain bikers. (No collisions along the way, as everyone shared the trail in a respectable manner.)

The Middlesex Fells is indeed a real gem – and conveniently located close to Boston! It is not surprising that NERSFL groups have hiked there before, and it is certainly going to continue to be a favorite destination.

Trivia facts about the Fells, culled from the Middlesex Fells Reservation Trail Map: “Fells” is an English word for rocky, windblown hills. Two major types of rocks can be found in the Middlesex Fells: sedimentary rock: From the Latin word sedimentum, or the act of settling. The rocks are the result of sediment building up and, just by its own weight, compressing into rock.

Several times during the formation of these rocks, molten rock intruded and flowed over portions of them, creating the other major group of rocks in the Fells: igneous rocks. The name stems from the Latin word ibnis, or fire. Magnum, or molten rock, hardens into igneous rock when it cools.

Written by Nancy Brown

August 6-8, 2010

Nothing stops NERSFL visually impaired & blind participants from making our trips happen!

The deadline for our summer weekend trip was rapidly approaching, with six participants signed up but many of our guides unable to join us. But the idea of cancelling our trip was out of the question said “if there is a will there is a way” President Marie Hennessy.

On Friday, August 6, the six NERSFL participants traveled from Massachusetts and Connecticut to South Station to meet van driver Mike from Need A Lift transportation Company for the ride to Bethlehem NH. Although we got a late start, our ride up to Bethlehem was extremely comfortable and pleasant. Mike immediately became a part of our group, joining in with much of our conversation during the trip and helping out whenever needed. Upon our arrival at the Wayside Inn we were met by owner Kathy Hoffman who once again graciously welcomed us – even at such a late hour.

After breakfast on Saturday the group was met at the Wayside Inn by six guides from the Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country. After picking up lunch at the Village Store in Bethlehem, our favorite lunch stop, we were eager to get on our way. Some individuals chose to spend the day at the Flume in Franconia and enjoyed walking on a flat paved path while listening to the flume as guides described the flume’s natural beauty! What a great place to stop to relax and eat lunch.

Those of us who hiked Mt. Pemaquassett enjoyed a challenging climb with many rocks, roots and streams to negotiate with the assistance of our guides. But isn’t that what hiking is all about? It was nice to have lunch at the top before our climb down. Those hiking sticks really came in handy when hiking.

On Saturday evening we were picked up at the Wayside Inn by the ASPNC folks and all were invited to the home of ASPNC board members Maria and John Hines where we joined their friends and other ASPNC board members for their summer barbecue. There was a great variety of food choices and lots of fun was had by all.

On Sunday morning we were met by our guides, and after picking up lunch traveled back to Franconia where we were offered a half day of kayaking and/or biking. Those of us who chose to bike rode various types of tandems including recumbent tandems and trikes which were attached to the guide’s bicycle. The Franconia bike path offered a nice gentle ride with some rather steep up hills to climb but coasting down them was great fun!

Those individuals who ventured out in the kayaks on the nearby lake paddled in both single and double kayaks. Participants enjoyed being out on the water and taking control of their single kayaks while receiving verbal directions from their guides. What a great feeling to handle and safely steer a kayak!

After a quick lunch our weekend had come to an end and our driver Mike was waiting for us at ASPNC headquarters to drive us back to South Station.

Many thanks to participants and guides who attended the weekend for their part in helping to make our summer event such a success! Thanks to Sandy Olney, Director of ASPNC, for her ongoing partnership and assistance in working with me to organize the trip details and thanks to our NERSFL board members who were unable to be with us for their work prior to our event.

It is my hope that after reading this trip review you or someone you know who would like to join us as a guide or visually impaired participant for next summer’s weekend trip!

by Marie Hennessy, President