Blind man backpacks across USA to show all Americans that blind people "are the same as they are"

From Mile High News in Colorado:

A blind man from Littleton will make it a point to pass through — and stay in — Lakewood as he begins his journey of backpacking 5,800 miles across the nation.

Mike Shaak, (pictured) 38, is setting out for his adventure after being rendered completely blind following failed eye surgery, and eight months after he first took a hike in Colorado, he said.

"I want to prove to myself I can do this, and I want to meet people along the way and show them that the blind are the same as they are," Shaak said.

Shaak will make the entire trek alone, armed with only supplies and a GPS tracker made especially for the blind, he said. The electronic speaking GPS provided by Humanware will inform Shaak where he is going as he walks across the United States.

Other supplies include a cane, cell phone, laptop and a variety of other equipment for the 18-month-plus trip, he said.

The hike will begin July 1, when Shaak leaves the Colorado Center for the Blind, 2233 W. Shepperd St., making his way to Lakewood.

"I have always loved Lakewood and want to make it a part of this journey," Shaak said.

Before heading up through Morrison and then Golden and Boulder, Shaak will camp in Bear Creek Lake Park.

Shaak's plan is to backpack to the West Coast and then head to the East Coast, ending the trip in Charleston, S.C.

"I want to prove the blind can do anything anyone else can do and that is why I am happy to say I am the first blind person to do this," he said.

Shaak said he is not too concerned about the trip, but rather excited to have an experience unlike any other in his life, he said.

"I am a loner by nature, and I believe that I have the skills to take care of myself for this," Shaak said.

If Shaak receives company along the way, he said that would be fine, but certainly nothing is expected. However, he said he wouldn't mind others around when crossing through places such as Yellowstone National Park because of wildlife concerns.

Ken Parks, board member and hiking guide for Blind Outdoors Adventures, said Lakewood has opened its arms to Shaak and he hopes the backpacker will find the same kindness everywhere during his journey.

"Mike believes that Americans take care of each other and people will want to help if they can when they hear he is coming," Parks said.

Bill Jewell, manager of Regional Parks and Golf for Lakewood, said what Shaak will do is incredible.

"We are allowing him to use the yurt (a canvas structure in Bear Creek Lake Park that can be rented by campers) for free. It just seems like the right thing to do as he starts his journey," Jewell said.

The unemployment rate for the blind in the country is 75 percent, Parks said, a number that deeply bothers both him and Shaak.

"We talked about that and how that really needed to change, but I think Mike really internalized that; it was not just conversational," Parks said.

The fact that Shaak will take almost two years of his life on this adventure and then return home and find gainful employment will let others know nothing is impossible for the blind, Parks said.

"Mike is a wonderful guy and he is smart, very smart. I just want him to have a safe trip," Parks said.