An Accessible Afternoon Among the Icons of the American West

During our June 2007 Southwest adventure, one destination had been high on our wish list for years—Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Few places are as recognizable as this incredible landscape of towering sandstone buttes rising from the desert floor. By the time we reached the visitor center, the brilliant blue sky and deep red sandstone created one of the most unforgettable scenes we had ever witnessed.

From the moment we arrived, we found plenty to enjoy with Kellisa's manual travel wheelchair. The paved overlooks around the visitor center allowed us to experience many of Monument Valley's famous vistas without difficulty, making it easy to stop, take photographs, and simply admire one spectacular view after another.

An Accessible Visit to Petrified Forest National Park – Spring Break 2010

Kellisa’s first visit to Petrified Forest National Park during spring break 2010 was unlike anything we had ever experienced. Although it was officially spring, northern Arizona still felt more like late winter. The air was cool and crisp, making it comfortable to spend the day exploring under brilliant blue skies without the summer crowds or heat.

This trip was especially meaningful because it was one of the first trips where we relied on Kellisa's new Special Tomato special needs jog stroller. The rugged three-wheel stroller proved to be an excellent companion as we explored every accessible trail and overlook in the park. Smooth paved paths allowed Kellisa to comfortably experience the incredible scenery.

Grand Canyon National Park: A Winter Visit That Changed Everything

 

March 2006

After exploring the ancient pueblos of Wupatki National Monument, our journey toward Grand Canyon National Park nearly came to an unexpected end—not because of the weather, but because of a tiny stroller tire.

Kellisa's oversized jogging stroller had become an essential part of our adventures, allowing us to explore far beyond what a standard wheelchair or stroller could handle. Before leaving Wupatki, however, one of its tires went flat. In the middle of rural northern Arizona, our options were almost nonexistent. We pulled into a small gas station, hoping for anything that might help.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

 

Our 17th anniversary adventure through Arizona brought us to Montezuma Castle National Monument on a cool, crisp March afternoon. The comfortable weather made for a relaxing visit as Chris, Lisa, and Kellisa explored one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the Southwest.

Sedona, Arizona: Red Rocks, Cold Days, and Accessible Family Adventure

 

Our 17th wedding anniversary took us to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the American Southwest—Sedona, Arizona. We expected sunshine and warm desert temperatures, but instead found crisp air and surprisingly cold conditions. Even bundled up in jackets, the cool weather couldn't diminish the incredible scenery surrounding us. Every direction revealed towering crimson cliffs, sculpted buttes, and massive sandstone formations glowing against brilliant blue skies.

Lava Flow Trail: An Accessible Winter Adventure Through Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

 

There are some adventures you remember not because the weather was perfect, but because you refused to let the weather keep you from experiencing something extraordinary. Our visit to the Lava Flow Trail at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in March 2006 was exactly that kind of day.

At nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, winter still had a firm grip on northern Arizona. Bitter cold winds swept across the volcanic landscape while patches of snow blanketed the lava fields and the surrounding ponderosa pine forest. The nearby San Francisco Peaks rose in the distance, their snow-covered summits creating a stunning backdrop against the dark volcanic cinders that surrounded us.

Wupatki Pueblo Trail: Going Beyond the Accessible Trail

 

Wupatki National Monument, Arizona March 2006

A cold March afternoon greeted us as we arrived at Wupatki National Monument, where the ancient red stone walls of Wupatki Pueblo rose from the high desert beneath a sky filled with passing snow showers. The weather only added to the atmosphere. The dramatic clouds, crisp air, and empty landscape made it feel as though we had stepped back nearly a thousand years to when this remarkable pueblo was home to hundreds of people.

Making the White House Trail Accessible in Canyon de Chelly National Monument

 

Some adventures become milestones. Our June 2007 visit to Canyon de Chelly National Monument was one of those days.

The White House Trail was unlike anything we had attempted before. Dropping roughly 600 feet from the canyon rim to the canyon floor, the trail is narrow, steep, rocky, and lined with dramatic sandstone cliffs. At the time, many people believed taking a child with significant mobility limitations down the trail was impossible.

More than one person told us, "You can't do that."

We decided to find out for ourselves.

An Accessible Visit to Saguaro National Park

 

In March 2016, our family reached Saguaro National Park during one of the biggest adventures of our lives—a cross-country move from St. Johns, Florida, to Roseville, California. After days of driving across the South, the Sonoran Desert was unlike anything we had seen. Towering saguaro cacti stood like silent guardians across the hillsides, stretching their arms toward a cloudless Arizona sky. Every mile brought a new landscape, making this stop feel less like a break from the drive and more like an unforgettable destination.

Accessible Guide to Hiking and Backpacking the North Rim in Grand Canyon National Park

In June 2010, our family discovered that the Grand Canyon's quieter North Rim offered not only breathtaking scenery but also an unforgettable wilderness adventure that could include Kellisa every step of the way. While most visitors experience the canyon from busy overlooks, we combined spectacular accessible viewpoints with a memorable night camping in the backcountry, creating one of the most unique experiences of our travels.

Wheelchair Accessible Trails at Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park marked a memorable milestone for Chris, Kellisa, and Egypt. During their cross-country move from Jacksonville, Florida, to Roseville, California in January 2016, Arizona became the 40th state that the three explored together. The stop was part of a whirlwind journey west, proving that even while relocating across the country, there is always time to add another adventure to Kellisa's growing list of accessible hikes.

The photos capture a landscape unlike almost anywhere else in America. They show Kellisa smiling beside enormous, fossilized tree trunks that have been transformed into colorful stone over more than 200 million years. Other images highlight sweeping views across the Painted Desert, where layers of red, purple, gray, and orange stretch to the horizon. We also photographed the surreal Blue Mesa badlands, whose soft blue and lavender hills resemble another planet, along with overlooks where the wheelchair could be positioned safely to enjoy the scenery. Together, the pictures emphasize that the park is about much more than petrified logs—it is a place of vast open vistas, remarkable geology, and shared family memories. 

Accessible Trails in Alaska

 

 Not All Accessible Trails Found Below are ADA Complaint

1.        Roadside Bike Trail

  2.        The Trail of Blue Ice

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Roadside Bike Trail in Winter with a Rugged Mobility Chair

In late November 2016, our family arrived in Alaska after an unforgettable red-eye flight from Hawaii, trading tropical beaches and 80°F sunshine for the frozen wilderness of Denali National Park and a bone-chilling -21°F—a temperature swing of roughly 100 degrees in less than half a day. Alaska wasn't just another destination. It was the 50th and final U.S. state that Chris, Kellisa, and Egypt had visited together, completing a promise years in the making. 

Accessible Hiking Guide to the Trail of Blue Ice

 

This is a chapter summary from our hiking adventure in Alaska on the Trail of Blue Ice in Chugach National Forest, as part of our hiking a trail with Kellisa in all 50 states for Rugged Access for All. We start the chapter by recalling an earlier milestone: arriving in Alaska on November 23, 2016, in extreme cold, after a red-eye flight from Honolulu. Hawaii was our 49^th state visited and hiked in, and Alaska completed our 50-state goal, achieved six months before Kellisa’s 18th birthday and when Egypt was only seven. Despite limited daylight, icy roads, exhaustion, and temperatures around -21°F (exactly 100 degrees colder than Honolulu), we completed a short winter outing at Denali National Park, marking the emotional completion of a years-long promise.

Accessible Trails in Alabama

 Not All Accessible Trails Found Below are ADA Compliant

1. Audubon Bird Sanctuary

2. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

3. Cheaha Mountain

4. Little River National Preserve

5. Open Pond Trail

6. Russell Cave National Monument

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Accessible Hiking Guide to the Open Pond Trail

Having lived in Florida for 16 years, I had explored many Alabama trails but often found central and northern routes too rocky for pushing Kellisa’s mobility chair, while Gulf Coast trails were frequently too sandy. Hoping to find a more suitable option between those regions, we chose the two-mile Open Pond loop as a promising trail.

Wheelchair Accessible Trails at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

 

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers one of Alabama's best opportunities to experience protected coastal habitats, with a mix of maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, dunes, and quiet Gulf beaches. The refuge features well-maintained boardwalks, wide crushed-surface paths, shaded pine forest, scenic overlooks, and elevated viewing platforms that make wildlife viewing enjoyable. 

Guide to the Accessible Trails at Audubon Bird Sanctuary

 

The Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island is one of the Gulf Coast's premier birding destinations, protecting more than 160 acres of maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, dunes, and shoreline. The sanctuary is especially famous as a resting place for migratory birds crossing the Gulf of Mexico, making it an outstanding destination during spring and fall migrations.

Visitors experience a diverse mix of coastal habitats, including shaded maritime forest paths, elevated wooden boardwalks crossing wetlands, observation areas overlooking Gaillard Lake, and sandy trails leading toward the Gulf beach. The scenery changes quickly from dense pine and live oak forest to open marshes, dunes, and shoreline, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the walk.

A Wheelchair Accessible Visit to Cheaha Mountain

Cheaha Mountain, at 2,407 feet (734 m), is the highest natural point in Alabama and the centerpiece of Cheaha State Park. Surrounded by the forests of Talladega NationalForest, it offers sweeping mountain views, historic stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and a variety of hiking opportunities.

Kellisa enjoyed the natural beauty and the ease of reaching Alabama's highest point at the southern end of the Appalachian foothills. The iconic stone observation tower and forested landscape emphasizes that this is a destination where visitors can experience impressive mountain scenery with minimal effort.

An Accessible Visit to Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave National Monument offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and human history, preserving one of the most significant prehistoric archaeological sites in the southeastern United States. Our trip photos emphasize both the peaceful forest setting and the impressive cave entrance, showing that this national monument is as much about experiencing history as it is enjoying outdoors. Our visit centers on an easy walk through the woods to a remarkable cave shelter where people lived seasonally for thousands of years.

An Accessible Visit to Little River Canyon National Preserve

 Little River Canyon National Preserve

Alabama

November 2010

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part XV

 

We close out this series of posts with a final collection of Egypt between 2010 and 2020. The following pictures capture dozens of everyday moments and special occasions that together tell the story of an active, adventurous, and deeply loved child. When viewed together, all are classic “Egypt.” 

Egypt is a joyful, confident, and an endlessly curious young girl whose personality shines through every stage of childhood.  Her smile is one of the most consistent features throughout the collection. Whether she is dressed casually, celebrating holidays, traveling, playing outdoors, posing with family, or simply enjoying childhood, she is genuinely happy and comfortable in front of the camera. The images reveal a girl who embraces new experiences with enthusiasm and confidence.

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part XIV

 

Egypt is someone who has always been fascinated by animals, whether they are wild, dangerous, gentle, or simply unusual. Rather than watching wildlife from a distance, she is happiest when she can experience it up close. Throughout the photos, Egypt is confident, curious, and eager to learn about the creatures she encounters. 

From standing near wild alligators and crocodiles in Everglades National Park to observing majestic elk walking through her campsite in Yellowstone National Park, Egypt embraces every opportunity to experience nature firsthand. The pictures also show her comfort with snakes—even welcoming them into her living room—demonstrating that fear rarely gets in the way of her curiosity. Visits to zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and nature centers add to an impressive collection of encounters with animals from around the United States.

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part XIII

March 2013

Being born and growing up in Florida meant that Egypt’s winters weren’t full of cold and snow. Most Floridians are happy about this fact, but not Egypt. She wanted to see and play in snow so bad, that I booked a trip to the northern reaches of the Midwest so Egypt could really experience “winter”.

Egypt could barely contain her excitement as we traveled to Minneapolis. She never moved so fast through an airport and as soon as Egypt saw a door to the outside, she took off running. Before I knew it, she was around a corner and in the middle of a pile of snow with the biggest smile her little face could make. The snow and cold was everything and more than she anticipated.

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part XII

The photos in this installment continue to portray Egypt as an energetic, adventurous, and well-rounded young girl who eagerly embraces new experiences. Throughout the collection, she appears engaged in a variety of sports and outdoor activities, reflecting on her willingness to challenge herself whether it's trying rock climbing, playing golf, or spending time on hiking trails. The images also highlight her enthusiasm for sports as a fan, frequently showing her proudly wearing apparel supporting her favorite teams. While the Jacksonville Jaguars are clearly her favorite NFL team, she also enjoys cheering for local Northern California teams including the Sacramento Kings, San Francisco Giants, and San Jose Sharks. The collection also reflects memorable championship moments, with Egypt supporting the Chicago Cubs during their historic 2016 World Series championship and the Chicago Blackhawks during their Stanley Cup-winning seasons. Together, the photos present Egypt as curious, athletic, adventurous, and always excited to explore new activities while sharing her passion for sports.

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part XI

 

The many looks of Egypt

Egypt's appearance changed constantly between ages 2010 and 2020, reflecting her energetic personality and each stage of childhood. She wore everything from tiny toddler curls and short natural styles to longer hair with braids, twists, ponytails, puffs, buns, beads, barrettes, colorful bows, and headbands. At different times her hair was neatly styled for school or special occasions, while other photos captured a carefree, windblown look during family adventures. As she grew older, her hairstyles became more varied and expressive, matching her growing confidence and individuality. Despite the many changes in length and style, her bright smile, expressive eyes, and playful spirit remained unmistakable throughout the decade, making it easy to see the same adventurous little girl evolving into a confident preteen.

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part X

 

Disney Adventures

and other assorted Characters

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part IX

 

Egypt has crossed paths with celebrities of varying degrees over the years, including some of her favorite singers at the time. 

MattyB

Houston, TX

February 11, 2018

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part VIII

 

Egypt Visited and Hiked at Least One Trail in all 50 United States by her 8^th Birthday

Alabama

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - VII

 

Egypt and Kellisa

Sisters Forever

Egypt and Kellisa have a close, affectionate, and enduring sisterly relationship. The selection of images consistently portrays them as they are in everyday life, enjoying each other's company across many years and stages of childhood.

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part VI

 

Egypt Loves the Stage

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part V

 

Early Art Projects

Shark Drawing

Sault Ste. Marie, ONT Canada

3 years, 4 months

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part IV

Egypt ran away from us the first time she saw a pool and jumped right in the water. I took off right behind her and her head had already emerged with a gigantic ear to ear grin. She was a natural in the water. Since that day, Egypt has never passed up an opportunity to get wet- ice-cold water, wearing clothes, it doesn’t matter, she never hesitates to jump. I guess that’s not entirely true, spending her first 6 ½ years in Florida, Egypt always asked, “Do alligators live in this water?” before jumping in natural bodies of water.

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part III

 Adoption Day

January 2011

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part II

 November - December 2010

Dancing at Home

Egypt's Path (2010 to 2020) - Part I

Egypt's  Path  (2010 to 2020) - Part II

 HOME

2017 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

Kellisa Keeps Her Side  and Reaches 18 

After moving across the country in 2016 and finishing our quest to hike in all 50 states, 2017 was still a year filled with many adventures  and fun times.

 

The year started out with some of Kellisa's hiking adventures featured in the new book, families on foot. We also went to Yosemite National Park for the first time, and the girls enjoyed Disney on Ice in Sacramento. Our family vacation for the year was a week in the Pacific Northwest where we visited several national parks and hiked with a large group of wheelchairs. Kellisa really enjoyed not being the only one in a chair on a trail.

 

2016 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

Our family would relocate from Jacksonville, FL to Sacramento, CA in 2016 for my job. Our plan to move at the end of the kid's school year was changed when Lisa accepted a position that started in mid-January. 

 

After spending many New Year's Days exploring the Okefenokee Swamp, we spent the first day of 2016 at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

 

We were driving Lisa's van to California over the long holiday weekend and chose a route that went through Oklahoma so Egypt could claim a new state visited and knock off another state that both girls hiked together.

 

2015 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

The little girl who wasn't supposed to survive more than a few hours at most turned 16-years-old in May 2015. Kellisa endured 22 surgeries, countless seizures, and too many medical appointments and tests to count or even make an educated guess before arriving at her milestone birthday. 

 

Left & Middle- Blue Springs State Park

Right- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Kellisa's first wilderness experience happened on January 1, 2000, with a hike while attached to Lisa in a baby carrier at Blue Springs State Park, FL. 15 years later, to the day, we returned to the park for our first outdoor excursion of the year. We stopped at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge the following day on our drive back home.

2014 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

 

Lisa was in the final stretch of completing her master’s degree and needed as much peace and quiet in the house as possible. I knew it would be easier to travel with both girls than to try and keep them quiet in the house. 

 

Egypt not only wanted to join her sister on her adventures, but it had become clear that Egypt also shared the same passion for travel, hiking, camping, and wildlife observations.

 

2013 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

After Kellisa's cancer scare at the end of 2012, I wanted 2013 to be a big year for Kellisa. I had the idea of hiking a trail in all 50 states in one year and decided to make an attempt at that goal. 

 

We started with a 25K race across the desert in Big Bend National Park in January. Kellisa was the first wheelchair finisher in the history of the race. 

 

2012 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

 After three surgeries in 2011, Kellisa was able to go another year without a surgery. 

 

We started the year off on the 1st of January with a day trip to the Okefenokee Swamp followed by a few local hikes, and Kellisa's first driving lesson in a golf cart.

 

Top Left- Chasing Egypt (Okefenokee Swamp)   Top Right- Julington-Durbin, Jacksonville, FL   Bottom- Golf cart driving lessons, Peace River, FL

 

2011 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

 The year started off on a high note as Egypt’s adoption was finalized in January. 

2010 - Part II (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

Lisa received an unexpected phone call in October. “We know you’re only interested in school age children, but would you be interested in a 16-month-old girl?” 

 

They needed an answer immediately. I was out of town on business when Lisa called. Without hesitation or deep discussion, we agreed that we were interested. I was still out of town the next night when Lisa called and asked me, “Where can I find a hammer?”

 

Lisa needed the hammer to build our crib, just in case we were chosen as the family for this little girl. Instead of saying, “You don’t need a hammer to build the crib,” I told Lisa where to find a hammer. I also figured we had zero chance of getting the girl.

  

2010 - Part I (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

 We continued submitting on children into the new year without any success. We were lucky if we received an automatic email reply with the subject, "Your Submittal Has Been Received". 

 

Our first trip of the year was during Kellisa's spring break a week after I completed my 2nd Bataan Memorial Death March. The first weekend was also Easter, so we spent a few days in Texas visiting family before Lisa went home and Kellisa and headed for a week in the Southwest. While in Texas, we went for a nice hike at Brazos Bend State Park where we enjoyed its abundant birds and alligators.