Robert Johnson's Posts

You're probably getting bored of these "Robert uses his long cane" type recordings, but this method of transport is still proving to be rather novel for me, and not in and especially positive way. What I have learnt through wielding the cane today is that using a guide dog removes a huge amount of stress for me, and I have a new found respect for those who choose not to go down that path whilst remaining independently mobile. #LongCane #Mobility #Blind #Night #Walk #Stress #Senses #Independence #Obstacles

It was a sort of baptism of fire using the long cane this morning. As if walking down Richmond High Street in the dark wasn't enough I then had to endure a trip across the Clapham Junction footbridge, seemingly against the flow of people for much of the way. Whilst there were plenty of nice people out today, willing to check that I was okay, there were many more who simply didn't notice the cane and ploughed on regardless. #LongCane #Mobility#ClaphamJunction #Station #Blind #TactilePath #PeakTime #Crowd #Busy #Stress

I'm between dogs this week but life has to carry on. Today was unfortunately unavoidable, a trip out of town for work, requiring walks to and from Richmond Station in the dark. Using the cane leaves me exhausted and I am reminded of why I love being a guide dog owner. #LongCane #Mobility #Walk #Night #Dark #NightBlindness #Blind #VI #Discomfort #Stress #Richmond #London

Vance has retired and it seemed as good a time as any to change my Twitter handle. So I can exclusively announce that, as of now, @BearingAway has replaced @GuideDogVance. #vance #GuideDog #Twitter #Handle #ProfileName

One of my Christmas presents this year was a box of treats from Yorkshire, kindly given to me by my sister. Here I taste two of them, a beer and some pork scratchings. #Christmas #Present #Beer #PorkScratchings #Taste #Review #Wharfebank #brewery #flame

My mum and I swap over Vance's identity medallions, symbolising his transition from a guide dog to a domestic pet. Happy retirement Vance, you have truly been a star. #GuideDog #vance #retire #retirement #service #ceremony #fb

My Mum, guide dog Vance and I see in 2016 on a bench by the River Thames in Richmond as fireworks explode in all directions. Vance subsequently completed what will probably be his final walk on harness before he retires from guiding duties on the 2nd January. #nye #NewYear #2016 #london #richmond #fireworks #GuideDog #vance #fb

Another trip to the Vet, hopefully my last with Vance, and I'm focused on getting him to retirement in one piece. #GuideDog #vance #retire #walk #work #richmond

Chatting with Claire, Paul, Nathan and the doggies in Cote Bistro in Richmond the day before New Year's Eve 2015. #GuideDog #vance #ben #usher #restaurant #chat #talk #retirement #NewYear #2015

Guide dogs Ben and Usher have come to wish Vance well for his retirement, and he's making sure to give them a warm welcome. #GuideDog #Visit #Home #Retirement #Usher #vance #ben

It is less than a week until my wonderful guide dog of 6 1/2 years, vance, is due to retire to the country. In this recording I reflect on a mini drama on Christmas day as he suddenly became a mobile, and our plans for the next few days. #GuideDog #Retire #Retirement #Vance #Reflections #Work #Rest

A final recording of The Rockitmen at the Rainbow Trout on the 27th December. You can find out more about them at: https://www.facebook.com/rockitmen/ #Pub #Sussex #Trout #rainbow #rockitmen #1066 #2015

The Rock-It Men continue their second set, including two songs with my Dad on the drums. #pub #band #rockitmen #MustangSally #drummer #guest #DerekJohnson #2015

Here's the band that played at Dad's 60th earlier in the year gigging at one of their more usual haunts - and giving great value as always. #pub #band #sussex #1066 #rockitmen

#BoxingDay #bird #nature #reserve #rye #wind #camera

#beer #christmas #2015 #smugglers #pub #hawkhurst #kent

#christmas #2015 #GuideDog #vance #church #hawkhurst #StLawrence #bells

Travelling home very late at night it was lovely to be helped by these members of the public. It serves to remind one that there are a lot of kind people out there.