Resources

I finally got my print copy of Bonnie Lewkowicz’s “A Wheelchair Riders Guide; San Francisco Bay and the Nearby Coast” this week. I had been making do with the PDF version on the Coastal Conservancy website, but decided I needed to upgrade. Not that it cost me anything — this great resource is free — but sometimes I procrastinate better than others.

Before I get into the nuts and bolts of the title, in the interest of full disclosure, I’ve known and worked with Bonnie for over a decade now and I serve on the Access Northern California Board of Directors with her. So although my review may not be totally unbiased, if I didn’t like the book or thought it was poorly researched I wouldn’t mention it at all, regardless of the friendship. Gladly that’s not the case, as I think the book far surpasses the first edition (penned by another author) in both scope and content.

Bonnie gives readers a good overview of each park or recreation area and then describes the access. She doesn’t just say a trail is “accessible”, but instead describes the length, grade and surface and includes comments about possible obstacles. I say “possible” because Bonnie fully recognizes that everyone’s ability is different; and while some folks can wheel over a few bumps others have to turn back.

I was also pleased that Bonnie expanded the scope of this second edition and included a few hostels, a lighthouse or two and even Jack London Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, as well as hundreds of trails and natural areas throughout the Bay Area. Bottom line; it’s very well done and a must-have resource for exploring Northern California!

So call the Coastal Conservancy (510-286-1015) to order your free copy today.

And if you want to see what Bonnie looks like, turn to page 135. She’s the adult on the left.

I discovered a new travel radio show last week quite by accident. To be honest I was interviewed for the show, but after checking out the website it sounded kind of intriguing so I decided to give it a listen.

It’s called the Talking Travel Radio Network (www.ttrn.doc) and it’s heard live on stations in southern Florida on Wednesdays at 11 AM (EST). OK, if you don’t happen to live in southern Florida or you don’t want to be glued to your radio every Wednesday, here’s the cool thing — you can also listen to the archived broadcasts on-line.

As the name implies, the show is all about travel, but there are a range of guests and travel related topics. This weeks show not only included yours truly, but also a very informative interview with Laurie McConnell of the Boise CVB.

If you haven’t visited Boise, you might want to put it on your calendar, as there’s lots of fun (and accessible) things to do there. We visited a few months ago and just had a blast. And if you are Boise-bound, be sure and check out the Summer 2006 issue of Emerging Horizons for some great sightseeing ideas. Oh and don’t miss the downtown art walk — it’s lots of fun.

So check out the Talking Travel Radio Network when you have a chance. Host Roy Lowey consistently fills his show with interesting guests. And no, I’m not just saying that because I was a guest!!

Give it a listen. You won’t be disappointed.