Trevor Thomas (hiker)

Trevor Thomas (born 1968 or 1969)[1] is the world's only professional long-distance blind hiker and as of 2022 has hiked over 22,000 miles (35,000 km) solo.[2][3] He was the first blind person to complete the Appalachian Trail[4][5] on an unassisted solo hike, in 2008.[6][7] He hikes with a guide dog,[1] and uses sophisticated digital technology, emailing his route to his phone to convert to audible sections, using echo location to identify obstacles, and having a satellite beacon which updates his Facebook page with his location every 10 minutes: if he is in the wrong place or not making the expected progress his expedition coordinator is alerted.[6] He supports himself through speaking, writing, blogging and sponsorship, and has set up the Team FarSight Foundation to support young blind people in outdoor activities.[6][3]

He has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, the Tahoe Rim Trail, the John Muir Trail, Long Trail, the Colorado Trail, and the North Carolina's Mountain to Sea Trail. He has climbed to the summits of Mount Mitchell, Mount Rose, Mount Whitney, Mount Elbert,[8] and Mount Friel.[9]

Thomas lost his sight at age 36.[10]

Guide dogs

Thomas's first guide dog was Tennille,[11] who was born 27 November 2010 and accompanied him from 2012 until she retired in 2018. Together they walked over 10,000 miles (16,000 km) and climbed five 14,000-foot (4,300 m) summits.[12] In 2016 she was said to be "currently the only dual mode dog capable of performing backcountry guide work in addition to her standard guiding duties".[11]

His new dog is Honolulu or Lulu. They met in October 2018. As of March 2019, Thomas was training Lulu for her new role.[13]

References

  1. ^ a b Kumutat, Lee (2015-09-11). "The blind hiker who takes on the wilderness". Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  2. ^ Thomas, Trevor. "About Trevor". Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Trevor Thomas breaks all rules of being blind; long-distance hiking the Appalachian Trail saved his life". The Denver Post. 2016-06-22. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  4. ^ "5 Questions to a Pedestrian: Trevor Thomas, the Blind Hike". www.huffpost.com. 8 July 2015. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  5. ^ "Blind Faith". www.charlottemagazine.com. January 2009. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  6. ^ a b c Morris, Sophie (2015-11-11). "Blind hiker uses satellite technology to find his way". The Independent. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  7. ^ Beaven, Steve (2010-08-29). "Blind hiker Trevor Thomas stops in Cascade Locks on trek to conquer Pacific Crest Trail". oregonlive.com. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  8. ^ Shinn, Mary (July 30, 2015). "For this hiker, stunning vistas aren't required". Durango Herald. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  9. ^ "Inspiring Story of Trevor Thomas, a Hiker Who Is Blind". www.perkinselearning.org. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  10. ^ Abrahamson, Jake (2014-03-05). "Second Sight". Sierra Magazine. Retrieved 2020-05-11.
  11. ^ a b Schenker, Michelle (16 September 2016). "Top Dog Interview: Blind Hiker Trevor Thomas' Dog Tennille". Canine Journal. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  12. ^ Thomas, Trevor. "About Tennille". Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  13. ^ Thomas, Trevor. "About Honolulu, "Lulu"". Retrieved 5 March 2019.


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