In an effort to make Oregon state parks more accessible, the Oregon State Parks Foundation (OSPF) recently invited 10 people with a spinal cord injry on a camping trip. But it wasn’t your ordinary camping trip — it was more of a research project. The goal was to identify the barriers that people with disabilities face in the state parks, and to ultimately remove those barriers.
What a great idea!
Let’s face it, Florida State Parks were hit hard by Hurricane Irma. All 168 State Parks shut down when the stormed raged through the state in September; and although some parks escaped damage all together, others weren’t so lucky. Sadly, Bahia Honda, Indian Key and Long Key State Parks sustained the brunt of the damage in the Florida Keys.
I have two pieces of good news to share today. As I sit here in my Icelandic sweater, shivering in front of my keyboard, I’m happy to announce the release of my newest book, “Barrier-Free Travel; Favorite Florida State Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers”. Ah, to be in the warm Sunshine State again!! Continue reading
All Access Trail at Hendy Woods State Park
Sometimes I just happen to stumble across cool accessible travel finds. Such was the case yesterday when Charles and I were checking out Hendy Woods. We’ve passed by this California state park many times — located off Highway 128 near Philo — but somehow we never managed to stop. Continue reading
Charles with his Florida StatePar Pass
If a trip to Florida is in your future and you are an honorably discharged veteran, then the good folks at Florida State Parks have a money-saving deal for you. All veterans – no matter when they served – get a 25% discount on a Florida State Parks Individual Annual Pass or a Family Annual Pass; while veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible to receive a free lifetime Military Entrance Pass (which offers the same benefits as the Family Annual Pass). Continue reading
Located on the Northern California Coast, Fort Ross offers good access for wheelchair-users and slow walkers
Located on scenic Highway 1, Fort Ross was once the site of the southernmost Russian settlement in America. Over the years it transitioned from a fort to a ranch, until the state of California purchased the abandoned site in 1903. Today, the refurbished fort is open to the public; and although access is somewhat marginal at many historic attractions, I’m happy to report that thanks to some substantial access upgrades, Fort Ross is now accessible to everyone.
Cathedral Gorge State Park -- one of Utah's hidden gems.
People often ask me how I plan my press trip itineraries. How do I decide where to go and what to cover? Well, usually it involves a lot of research and reader feedback; but sometimes I just think outside the box. Continue reading
