Lifestyle

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Riding the Rail Trail

A group of RNZFB members cycled across the Central Otago Rail Trail in February, creating the stuff memories are made of.

Ten blind, partially sighted and deafblind members rode on both tandem and single bikes, and two vans followed the group in case of an emergency.

The group initially gathered in Dunedin, before heading to Middlemarch where the trail began.

On the first day, they rode 60km between Middlemarch and Waipiata, with a stop at Hyde for a well-deserved lunch and a chance to stretch their legs.

The second day was another 60km from Waipiata. They reached the highest point of the trail at Mt. Ida Station before stopping for lunch at Oturehua and continuing onto Omakau.

[Photograph: Brett Garrick and Petronella Spicer reach the highest point of the Rail Trail.]

On the last day, the group rode a further 40km from Omakau to Clyde. They stopped along the way at Alexandra for a wine tasting at Hinton Estate – many of you will know that Sarah Hinton supported Blind Week last year by auctioning off wine bottles autographed by New Zealand celebrities.

The group topped the trip off with a pub dinner, celebrating their physical endeavours.

The Rail Trail was an amazing achievement for everyone involved, and a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

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South Island kids' camp

Are you a Foundation member and aged 8-14 years old? Do you want to make new friends and test yourself in the great outdoors? If so, the RNZFB South Island camp could be for you!

[Photograph: Young member swinging on the high ropes course.]

The camp is on from Monday 12 July-Thursday 15 July at Wainui Park near Christchurch. There are 12 spaces available for members who meet the age requirements and are independently mobile.

The camp costs $150 per student. To register or find out more, phone Marina Hanger on 03 266 4237 or email mhanger@rnzfb.org.nz by 12 June.

Guide dog camp

The Guide Dog Society is giving working guide dog teams from across New Zealand the chance to have some canine fun at a guide dog camp.

[Photograph: A guide dog and handler running the obstacle course.]

Running from 15-17 October 2010, the camp will take place at Hamner Springs. The cost of the camp is $110 for Society members and $155 for non-members, with return transport from Christchurch to Hamner provided.

To register your interest or for more information, please email guide.dog.society@gmail.com

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Outdoor classroom

In March a group of ten members rose to the challenge of outward Bound and completed an 'Insight' course for people who are blind or partially sighted.

The course, designed in collaboration with the Foundation and Outward Bound, went for eight days and was based in the Marlborough Sounds.

Using the outdoors as their classroom, the group learned through activities like sailing, rock climbing and tramping.

[Photograph: No wind for sailing, no option but muscle power!]

The group row their way to shore Dave Parker was one of the members who took part in the "amazingly awesome experience".

"It takes total commitment from your mind, body and soul. I spent time upside down in the ocean in a kayak, scooting around treetops on wires and logs and abseiling down rocky cliff faces. I loved every minute of it."

Through challenge and adventure, the group had many opportunities to get outside of their comfort zone by trying new experiences and discovering their full potential.

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"There was a real team atmosphere and everyone was really encouraging. Anyone contemplating it should definitely do it," Dave says.

It was an action-packed week from beginning to end, and everyone pushed themselves further than ever before.

For more information on other recreation events, email recreations@rnzfb.org.nz

Need some financial assistance?

The Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund is a trust fund operated under the RNZFB, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Foundation members.

There are three funding programmes available to support members:

The equipment rental programme;The grant and loan programme for equipment and personal development courses;The equipment subsidy programme.

If you are a registered member, parent or caregiver of a member, you can make an application to the Fund. To find out more, please phone the Pearson Fund Administrator on either 0800 24 33 33 or 09 355 6861, or email pf@rnzfb.org.nz

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