Ahh! Vancouver! What can I say? If the truth be told, I have many observations about my walk in this west coast city, but I’ll restrict myself to just a few.
The downtown core of Vancouver has expanded greatly since my last visit there a number of years ago. The newer buildings reach skywards shadowing the streets and sidewalks below. I mention this because of the effect this had with both our vehicle GPS and my personal Trekker Breeze. When satellite coverage was momentarily lost for each of these, Lyle and I were also lost! Fortunately, my White Cane Connections walk took place away from the high density of the city core and on the seawall along the edge of Stanley Park.
From English Bay to Second Beach the walkway is designated for pedestrian traffic only, and on a Saturday morning there were many, many pedestrians. Our little group attracted no more attention than any other group. We were visible with white canes, but at the same time quite anonymous. Perhaps this is what happens with the diverse population of big cities. I’m sure that there is some philosophical statement I could make about this, but at the same time, I’m not quite sure what it would be.
Although having the pathway restricted to pedestrians provided a measure of safety for anyone with low vision or mobility, the grill of semi-open bars on regularly spaced manhole covers did prove to be a hazard for our canes. At one stage the pointed end of Anne’s cane stuck between the open bars. I have heard of other white cane users who have had similar experiences with open and unanticipated ground covers. One acquaintance claims that his cane entirely disappeared down one such rainwater opening.
The second section of the walkway between Second and Third Beach was divided by a raised curb. This meant safety, but it was also a bit disconcerting. Pedestrians walked in a clockwise directions while bikers and skateboarders traveled anticlockwise. There were a number of times we were startled to hear the whoosh of motion so close by.
On a personal note, thank you to everyone who is checking this blog. Lyle and I have come back to Alberta for the Easter break, but I will post a schedule of my next walks within a few days.
Because of it being a pedestrian pathway I thought it would be the safest of your walks so far BUT it being busy with bikers and skateboarders it caused some concerns to the hair on the back of my neck LOL I have never given any thought to ground covers but can see easily how your cane could get stuck and possibly break. Waiting for the next schedule.
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