I’m thrilled to announce the release of my latest accessible travel title – “Barrier-Free Travel; Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers”. I had a great time researching this book – partly because I grew up in the area and I have fond memories of exploring Yosemite with my dad, but also because I now live close to the parks. And after 40 years of writing travel I’ve finally penned a book about my home turf! It’s about time. Continue reading
Can $1 Really Make a Difference?
Ruby’s Inn near Bryce Canyon National Park
Have you ever checked into a hotel, only to be asked if you wanted to donate $1 to a local organization to help make needed tourism improvements? This usually happens in or near national parks, and I always end up checking the box that obligates me to cough up an extra buck to help out. But I often wondered how much money really ends up directed to the local organizations, and – more important – did my dollar really make a difference? Continue reading
Great Route 66 Resource
As an author I’m particularly critical about travel books, as I know what kind of in-depth research it takes to produce a good one. And gladly Drew Knowles does too, as his Route 66 Adventure Handbook is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to explore the Mother Road. Continue reading
Let’s Talk Statistics
I’m often asked if the number of disabled travelers has increased in the 20-plus years that I’ve been covering accessible travel. Well, from an anecdotal view of things I usually answer that question with a enthusiastic yes. Of course it’s not like I’ve done a survey or anything. Continue reading
Road Construction to Cause Delays in Arches National Park
The good news is that the 26-mile stretch of road through Arches National Park is getting some major upgrades this year — an improvement which will ultimately result in a smoother traffic flow and less congestion in the park in the years to come.
The not-so-good news is that the construction will cause some major delays and closures this year. Continue reading
On the Road to Alaska!
Well it’s that time of year again – time for Candy and Charles to hit the road.
This road trip is a bit different, as it’s a fly-drive one. Continue reading
Give Adaptive SCUBA a Try!!
Adaptive diver Amber Rangel giving SCUBA a try. Photo courtesy of Amber Rangel.
Have you ever dreamed about taking up SCUBA, but thought that you couldn’t because of that pesky old wheelchair thing? Well, then think again, because adaptive diving techniques and equipment make this sport accessible to everyone. And the great thing is, every wheelchair-user who I’ve talked to about their SCUBA experience has told me that they actually feel freer in the water. Of course you have to have the proper instruction and equipment to give it a try, so here are a few resources for you. Continue reading
US Access Board Town Hall Meeting Scheduled for Minneapolis
If you live in or near the Twin Cities, and would like to address the US Access Board about accessibility issues, then make plans to attend their town hall meeting on May 9, 2017. Continue reading
Support Florida State Parks!!
I don’t really post too many political things here, but I’d like to take a moment to encourage all of my Florida friends to give a shout out to their state legislators in support of Governor Rick Scott’s recommended 2017 budget — especially where Florida State Parks are concerned! Continue reading
Can Airlines Deny Me Passage Just Because I’m Disabled?
I’m getting a lot of questions this week in regards to Mark Smith’s recent incident with American Airlines. Smith is a power-wheelchair-user who was on his way home from Abilities Expo in Southern California, when a gaggle of American Airlines employees boarded the aircraft and informed him that they needed to remove him from the airplane because of “captain’s orders”. So he was transferred to an aisle chair, and taken back to the jet bridge, and was later transported on another American Airlines flight. Continue reading