March 23 - NSW Trains

NSW stands for New South Wales, and Sydney, the state’s capital city. is on the east coast of Australia. This is where I grew up so I am reasonably familiar with the city, although it has grown and changed leaps and bounds since the days of my childhood. These days when Lyle and I return to visit, we often use a map or guide to find our way around. This is especially so on the train system.

 As a young student, I caught the trains every day to school. I can still find my way on that particular route. These days when we go back to visit, we make our way on other routes through the city. We both like to go to select tourist areas and I often meet up with friends from my high school and university days. That is when Lyle needs to consult a map. Fortunately there seem to be lots of route diagrams posted for travellers, but sometimes it is the larger stations themselves that are confusing.

When we travel on the trains, I always use my white cane. There are ramps, steps, platform edges and many other passengers. On this last visit, I was impressed by the consideration and helpfulness of railway staff. While Lyle valiantly tried to guide me in appropriate directions and at the same time study the various notice boards, he was approached many times by railway personnel asking if they could be of assistance. 

This whole attitude has improved immensely over the years. I think that the NSW Train system has worked hard at improving its image. While I believe that other confused or lost passengers might receive similar help, I do think that my white cane was significant in drawing attention to our plight.

As you know, I am an advocate for the white cane and all that it means. It was encouraging to note that for the railway staff on the NSW Trains there is a growing awareness of the significance of the white cane and the potential needs of its users.

March 19 - Australian Beaches

I think that Australia must have some of the best beaches in the world. Am I biased?  Possibly so, but maybe you need to go there to make up your own mind.

Lyle and I really like walking on the firm wet sand of a long flat beach at low tide. I find it helpful when the beach is a familiar one. Then I can often walk alone without worrying about outcrops of rocks or unexpected water channels rushing out to the ocean. In fact, my friend Peter, who is completely without sight, walks the same beach every day at low tide. He says that it is relatively easy. If he goes too far inland, the sand becomes dry and if he goes too close to the water, his feet get wet.

I spoke with Peter about swimming in the surf. We agreed that this was a dangerous thing to do on one’s own. I find that I’m unable to see the waves as they come rolling towards me. I need my guide to let me know when I should jump up over the wave or whether I should dive under it. The push and pull of water can be very strong and its power shouldn’t be underestimated.

There are two pictures with this post. The first was taken from a headland overlooking Soldiers Beach. This is a perfect beach for walking at low tide. However, because the sand is so flat, the water at high tide can cover much of the sand. It’s good to check the tide listings before walking. In this picture I am standing in the foreground. 

The second picture is at Spoon Bay. This is a spot where I can be in the water alone. The waves are gentle and the bay is protected by a rock cluster. I feel reasonably safe here although Lyle always keeps a lookout to make sure I don’t get into difficulties.

Both of these locations are about one hundred kilometers north of Sydney.

Sue at Soldiers Beach

Spoon Bay

March 6 - Building Model Boats

Peter is building his second model boat. The work is painstaking but Peter wants the finished product to be correct in every detail. So far, he has completed the hull and is working on the deck. He chooses his wood with care. With this sailing ship, he chose Tasmanian Pine for the hull and teak for the deck. These woods seemed to be easier to work with and Peter liked the feel of the polished finish.

It took Peter over two years to complete his first model ship. It now stands in pride of place in his living room. The ship is about one meter in length and the intricacies of the on deck details are perfect in every way.  Each piece is glued in place.

Peter explained that he works from his own design. He said, “I have a picture in my head of exactly how everything should look. Of course, I couldn’t do this if I hadn’t been able to see previously.”

Yes, that is the amazing part.  Peter is completely blind.  He builds his model sailing ships by feel alone.

Peter said, “I think that anyone can do anything if they are passionate about it, and I truly love designing and building my boats.  Of course, when I say anything, I don’t mean the impossible things.  I’ll never be able to drive again or fly a plane...but I can build boats and I love doing it.”

Building model wooden sailing ships is an interesting hobby for someone who can’t see, but Peter’s enthusiasm and drive are an inspiration for us all. He estimates that if he keeps working at it, it will take another year or two before his second model is completed.

I like long term goals. Don’t you?