Being around Upstate SC you often hear stories of peoples weekends on the AT (Appalachian Trail). I've been on the trail before and I think once you've hiked a section, you have the yearning to hike the full 2,200 mile trail. Probably less than 1% of those who dream about the hike actually challenge themselves and do it.
The concept of long-distance hiking like this is a significant undertaking to begin with, but Trevor Thomas' undertaking is that much more challenging. He was diagnosed in 2006 with a condition where his autoimmune system began attacking and destroying his macula. To translate that means he went from clear vision to glasses to blind in a matter of eight months.
Thomas acclimated quite remarkably to his new scenario because two years later in 2008, he became the first blind man to complete the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail solo. How does he do it? Given help from his guide dog and the volume on his Iphone he navigates to his destinations at a respectable pace.
Personally I would feel pretty accomplished with myself about completing the AT, but Thomas hasn't stopped there. Since then he has been hiking around the U.S. completing notable trails from California to the Smokies. Now he's found his way back to North Carolina to complete the famed "Mountain-to-Sea" Trail. Starting in April, Thomas is now 660 miles into the 1000 mile trek and has received support from many Carolinians along the way.
The story of Trevor Thomas is not only impressive, but inspiring as well. Despite the loss of his vision he notes there's always more world out there to explore. We should take note.
Father Nature Outdoors
http://hosted2.ap.org/NCGOL/NC/Article_2013-06-07-Blind%20Hiker/id-57c0d6eb961042ada51722ee1b42cd3a
The concept of long-distance hiking like this is a significant undertaking to begin with, but Trevor Thomas' undertaking is that much more challenging. He was diagnosed in 2006 with a condition where his autoimmune system began attacking and destroying his macula. To translate that means he went from clear vision to glasses to blind in a matter of eight months.
Thomas acclimated quite remarkably to his new scenario because two years later in 2008, he became the first blind man to complete the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail solo. How does he do it? Given help from his guide dog and the volume on his Iphone he navigates to his destinations at a respectable pace.
Personally I would feel pretty accomplished with myself about completing the AT, but Thomas hasn't stopped there. Since then he has been hiking around the U.S. completing notable trails from California to the Smokies. Now he's found his way back to North Carolina to complete the famed "Mountain-to-Sea" Trail. Starting in April, Thomas is now 660 miles into the 1000 mile trek and has received support from many Carolinians along the way.
The story of Trevor Thomas is not only impressive, but inspiring as well. Despite the loss of his vision he notes there's always more world out there to explore. We should take note.
Father Nature Outdoors
http://hosted2.ap.org/NCGOL/NC/Article_2013-06-07-Blind%20Hiker/id-57c0d6eb961042ada51722ee1b42cd3a
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