By: Kim Ann Wardlow, Executive Director
Post 2 of 3 recapping the 2026 Canes, Tails and Trails event
As I found my stride at the Canes, Tails, and Trails event, I spent part of the hike walking alongside Bill and Lynn. Lynn is an Aftersight listener who has joined us on several hikes, and Bill is one of our wonderful volunteer readers. On this day, he was also serving as Lynn’s sighted guide.
Since we were all walking at a similar pace, conversation came naturally. Curious about their connections to Aftersight, I asked each of them how they first learned about the organization.
Lynn couldn’t remember exactly how he was introduced to Aftersight. He recalled being referred by another organization but wasn’t sure which one. As we talked, he shared stories about his past leadership work with the American Council of the Blind of Colorado. It was something I hadn’t known about him, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn a little more about his background.
Bill’s story took us back to the days before cell phones. He regularly called the old time-and-temperature phone line, and at the end of each recording, he would hear that the information was brought to you by Aftersight. The name stuck with him, and he often wondered what the organization did. After retiring, he looked it up and discovered Aftersight’s mission. Inspired by what he learned, he signed up to become a volunteer reader—followed shortly by his wife, Anita. Together, they have been volunteering for six years.
When Aftersight launched its first Audio Trekker hike, Bill volunteered to serve as a sighted guide. After completing Aftersight’s sighted guide training, he was paired with Lynn for the event. What began as a hiking partnership has grown into a lasting friendship. Over the years, Bill and Lynn—and their wives as well—have become good friends, a connection that started with a simple walk and a shared experience on the trail.