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.
Egypt
joined us on several hikes, including across an ice road in Voyageurs National
Park and a 4.2-mile race across frozen Lake Superior to an island and back in
Wisconsin.
I also
took Egypt on a few trips without Kellisa to attempt to keep things fair.
Britton
Hill, Florida's Highpoint (March)
I took
Kellisa back to New Mexico to attempt the Bataan Memorial Death March with her,
but one of the axles on her off-road chair broke during our flight to El Paso.
Despite a desperate search around the city for a fix, our attempt was over
before it even began.
In
between hikes, we attended The Abilities Expo in Atlanta where Kellisa climbed
a 40ft. rock wall pulling herself up with her arms while using a modified
climbing system. We also met Karen Kain, author of A Unique Life Fully Lived while in
Atlanta.
Kellisa
and I went on a quick trip for hikes in NE Arkansas and SE Missouri. We were
the only ones on either trail. We were able to take a ferry between Missouri
and Kentucky, the only states that border each other without a land or bridge
connection.
Land Between the Lakes, KY (April)
Kellisa
and I had a quick weekend quick drive up to Damascus, VA to attend the
annual Trail Days Festival and to hike a portion of
The Virginia Creeper Trail. On our drive home, we stopped at Congaree National
Park in South Carolina for a nice stroll along the boardwalk.
The
girls enjoyed the Jacksonville Zoo on Mother's Day
I didn't
realize it, but Egypt struggled when she wasn't included in my trips with
Kellisa. I found out when she told her Uncle Jim, "Sometimes my dad
forgets me" while visiting family in Ohio.
I had the
rest of 2013 fairly planned out with commitments but vowed to include Egypt on
every trip once we fulfilled our remaining obligations. I also ended our
attempt to hike in all 50 states in 2013.
We joined
Matt for hikes in Nevada and Utah. Our hike in Utah required special permission
from the chief ranger to take Kellisa deep on The Narrows trail. The trail
required walking through a river in a narrow canyon. The park does not allow
flotation devices. I proposed a plan to pull Kellisa up the river in a one-person
raft. The ranger told us that she has denied this very request every time over
the years, but she granted us permission based on our experience and the fact
that Matt would be there for added safety.
Sanilac
Petroglyphs, MI
Joshua
Tree National Park- It was too hot to hike the trails, but we did
walk/push/ride the little paved trail behind the Visitor Center and enjoyed
driving the park roads.
Left- Dance Recital Right- Taum Sauk Mountain (Highpoint of
Missouri)
Juniper Springs, Florida - Camping Trip with Egypt
I
can honestly say that we found a piece of heaven on earth. Grand Island has
Northwoods, sea cliffs, miles of trails that are wide and nicely cleared,
beautiful campsites, it's cut off from cell towers, and the island has more
bears than people. My first concern in taking Kellisa to such a remote location
is to have a plan if she has a significant seizure. I start with hope and
prayers and after that I make sure I have her rescue medications. My only other
concern other than coming across a psychopath is an unexpected encounter with a
bear and we make sure to keep a clean camp to cut down on the odds.
During
our first night, my 2nd to worst fear was realized. Despite locking all of our
smells in a bearproof container away from our campsite, I was woken up from my
deep sleep by a large grunt. All of a sudden, the thin fabric of the tent that
offered a sense of security didn't seem like enough of a barrier between us and
a hungry bear. I was paralyzed with fear. I was trying to think of a plan. I
didn't really want to wrestle with a bear, and I knew I should make loud noises
to scare the bear away, but I remained silent. I was hoping it would just go
away.
Then I
heard another enormous grunt, and it seemed to be only inches from my head. I
knew it might be close to "go time" and I started to feel around in
the dark for my little knife, the only protection I had with me. It didn't even
the odds, but I felt like I might have a slight chance. Before I could find the
knife, I heard another grunt and this time I realized it was just Kellisa
snoring. Able to move more freely, I turned on a light and watched Kellisa just
to be sure it was her and when she let out another grunt, I was satisfied. I'd
like to say I was relieved, but I was so scared that relief wouldn't be had
until the sunrise a few sleepless hours later.
Kellisa
and I went to Lake Placid, NY to attend an outdoor writers conference. We
managed to do a little sightseeing and even found a trail to hike.
While at
a gas station in Memphis, I was getting snacks with Egypt, and we had an
encounter with a man who questioned my relationship with Egypt. I told him I
was her dad and he wanted to argue because in his words, "I just don't see
it". Not wanting to get into anything, especially in front of Egypt, we
quickly left.
Egypt was so disappointed when she realized that she wasn't able to pet the polar bear
Kellisa
and I had a few presentations scheduled in Seattle in October. I figured if I
was going to pull Kellisa out of school and fly across the country, we should
take a whole week. I had planned on visiting at least two, if not three of
Washington's national parks. Our government had other ideas since they were in
a shutdown, so we headed north to British Columbia.
No comments:
Post a Comment