This past week has been a lazy one for me and I have enjoyed it. It has been a real holiday. One week ago, Jen and Andrew arrived in Australia and Lyle and I have delighted in showing them around the Central Coast area just north of Sydney. Mostly I enjoyed our long walks on the beach. I think that I especially enjoyed these walks because I was able to leave my white cane behind.
When I walk in unfamiliar territory, on uneven ground or steps, or in crowds of people, my cane is a tool and a necessity. When I walk on the sand with Lyle by my side, the cane is more of a nuisance. Yes, there are hazards on the beach – dried seaweed and small shells and sea creatures washed up by the tide, an occasional fisherman setting out his line into the surf, holes and castles built by children, small children themselves and even dogs running about, and so on. However, when I am with Lyle on the wide expanse of sand, there is ample time to warn me of these obstacles.
Last week I also tried a walk by myself and it was not so pleasant. I narrowly avoided stepping in a large hole and was splashed by a larger than usual wave which came to the top of my thigh. I have great admiration for my friend, Peter, who is completely without sight but walks the length of the sand each day with only his white cane as a guide.
Good on you, mate!
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