Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail

Joshua Tree National Park

April 2023

The Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is not considered "Accessible" but we decided to check it out anyway even though we only had Kellisa's travel wheelchair with us. We left her off-road specialty chairs at home for this trip. We were filled with immediate optimism when we saw a couple disabled parking spots near the start of the trail. We knew we would at least try this trail when we saw the beginning section was wide and despite being natural, the surface appeared to be solid. 

After unloading Kellisa and her chair, we read the trail signs, including a warning not to touch to Cholla Cactus due to stinging barbs that can easily detach and embed in your skin. We had no reason to doubt the park's signs describing the removal of these barbs as extremely painful. 

The trail is a short 1/4 mile loop and we weren't sure if it would be accessible the entire route, but we were eager to find out. The trail passed through 10 acres of Cholla Cactus and they were quite close to the trail, but it was always easy to avoid touching them. The trail had a couple of short boardwalks over what I assume to be occasional washes. These were easily navigated with Kellisa's chair because they had very minor height differences from the trail.

We traveled in a counterclockwise direction around the loop and found the only real obstacle for a wheelchair towards the end when there were a few decent sized rocks scattered along the path. It looked like these rocks were kicked or placed on the trail, maybe by children? They definitely looked out of place. There weren't many and they could easily be kicked to the side of the trail. Since I could wheel Kellisa around these rocks without disturbing them, I decided to leave them how we found them since I couldn't be absolutely sure they didn't belong in the middle of the trail.

With the exception of the above mentioned rocks, we found the trail accessible. I'm not sure what is keeping the trail from being designated as accessible, but we would love to see the minor improvements take place so more disabled visitors could enjoy this beautiful trail through one of the few Cholla Cactus gardens in Joshua Tree National Park. 

TRAILS

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Cottonwood Visitor Center Trail

 Joshua Tree National Park

April 2023

Kellisa and I enjoyed the wildflowers on display along the main park road on our way to the Cottonwood Visitor Center in the southern section of the Joshua Tree National Park. We needed to fill up on water, which included buying a new water bottle because I forgot mine in the hotel room. We were directed to the water fountain which doubles as the sinks in the bathrooms. Very weird and I question the water quality, but it was our only option and since it's been two months, I'm confident we didn't get any stomach ailments. We also enjoyed looking around the small gift store and collecting our Passport Stamp.

We found a small, unnamed trail starting between the visitor center and bathroom building. The surface was heavily compacted gravel that we found sturdy enough to for Kellisa's wheels. The trail had small descriptions of some of the local flora. The total length was just over .1 of a mile, so you were in constant sight of the visitor center and sound of the main park road. Not exactly peaceful or quiet, but it was a nice introduction to the park. 

Longer trails were calling our names.  

TRAILS

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Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - Wheelchair Accessibility

Glow in the Dark

Palm Desert, CA

April 2023

Kellisa and I had a few days to explore the Palm Springs region of California. Our first stop and adventure would be the Glow in the Dark event at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Our tickets were for an 8pm entry and we arrived a little early since it was our first visit. All the disabled parking spots were taken, but we were able to find an end spot which made lifting Kellisa out and back into the rental SUV easier than a boxed in regular spot.

Visitors could see the colorful glow in the crisp nighttime air before entering the zoo. There was a noticeable buzz of excitement from children and adults alike. By purchasing our entry tickets in advance, we were able to bypass the ticket windows and proceed directly to the zoo where we were greeted by the first of hundreds of hand-crafted lanterns lighting up the zoo. A large dragonfly garden was the first to grab Kellisa's attention and the bubble machine had children of all ages enthralled. 

We spent the next two hours wandering through the entire zoo watching animals in natural habitat exhibits going about their evening routines. Visiting a zoo at night-time is a completely different experience because animals are often on the move away from the heat of the day. The downside is it's a little more difficult to observe animals in the evening light, but Kellisa had no trouble following the larger mammals. The zoo even has an accessible carousel, but Kellisa was too busy wheeling around to stop and take a spin. Next time!

But the highlight of the visit was the unique lanterns which came in all colors and sizes. They weren't limited to one area as they were consistently placed throughout the entire zoo. Not surprisingly, Kellisa was most attracted to the large snake and chomping alligator lanterns. Even in the darkness, we found the zoo accessible without any obstacles other than an occasional kid running around or an aimlessly wandering adult trying to find the best selfie spot. Kellisa has visited many zoos and this was definitely one of the most unique experiences. I anticipate we will be back the next time we're in the area.

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Lizzo: The Special 2our - A Wheelchair Accessible Evening Out at the Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, CA)

 May 28, 2023

We’ve been to the Golden 1 Center several times over the years to see the Kings play and watch Disney on Ice, but Lizzo was our first concert there. I was fortunate enough to get an email announcing Lizzo's tour stop in Sacramento and was able to purchase 4 tickets as soon as they went on sale. The concert was a week before Egypt's 8th grade promotion and her 14th birthday. It was also 6 days after Kellisa's birthday. Even though Egypt is the bigger fan, we tend to give Kellisa experiences for her birthday and knew she would enjoy her night out with family. 

I was able to get 4 seats together in one of the accessible areas of the Golden 1 Center. Some venues only allow you to purchase 1 companion seat with a wheelchair space. This is very unfortunate for families. In these cases, we find a guest services office and explain our situation and more times then not, they can accommodate us together, but there have been a few times where we've been separated.

 

I knew from past visits, we had great seats in an area with comfortable folding chairs and plenty of space,  while enjoying unobstructed views of the stage. I recommend purchasing a parking space in one of the local garages before arriving to save time and limit your preshow frustrations. We got a spot across the street from the arena on L St. This was ideal because the VIP entrance is on L St. and they allow wheelchair guests to use this uncrowded entrance without any ramps or stairs.  

After a quick pass through security, we rode the elevator up one level where it opened just one section away from where we would be seated for the show. It is also a convenient location near bathrooms, concessions, and souvenirs. Within minutes of parking, we were in our seats enjoying hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner. 

The show started with Lizzo's DJ getting the crowd excited and pumped up the for about 30 minutes before Latto and her DJ took over the stage just after 8pm. Egypt really enjoyed Latto and her revealing show while Kellisa loved the loud music and lightshow. Latto owned the stage for  30 minutes before leaving the crowd ready for the real star of the evening, Lizzo.

 

I don't pretend to know a lot about Lizzo and I'm sure you can find many reviews online, so I will just share our experience of the night. The energy in the crowd was intense from the second the house lights went down and didn't dissipate until later in the evening when concert goers were heading home. Everyone in attendance who cold stand, was standing and dancing. Egypt has an amazing memory for lyrics and has hundreds, if not thousands of songs fully memorized. Every time I looked over at Egypt, she was screaming every word along with Lizzo.  

Kellisa again was enjoying the loud music, lights, and lasers. She was even pointing and swinging her arm as she danced in her wheelchair. I recognized a few songs that Egypt listens to on a regular basis. I didn't understand every word of the evening, but Lizzo seems to have an overwhelmingly positive attitude that connects with the crowd. I found myself enjoying the show far more than I expected before the show. I was impressed and as always, loved watching the girls, especially Egypt have a great time. 

As Egypt thanked us, she added, “seeing Lizzo was a dream come true” and “this was the best night of my life!”

More pictures from an amazing evening out with Lizzo:

EVENINGS OUT

       

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A Day in Grand Teton National Park

 Wyoming

July 2022

Egypt and I only had one day to spend in Grand Teton National Park and after doing some research, we decided to take the scenic cruise around Jenny Lake. Our decision was partially based on how hot it would be when we arrived. Egypt was also suffering from an ear infection and wasn't feel 100%. We found the sun strong and the heat intense during our time on the water. It was fun to learn about the area and Egypt got a good laugh when the guide translated the meaning of “Grand Teton”. 

We were hungry after our afternoon on the water and found one of our most enchanting dining experiences ever at the Dornans Chuckwagon Grill. There's just something superlative about eating a Buckin’ Bison Burger in a teepee with your daughter while enjoying a clear view of the mighty Tetons. We had just enough room and energy left to cool our bodies down with some ice cream from the deli across the parking lot from Dornans. 

Our time spent in Grand Teton National Park was too brief, but was a day neither of us will soon forget. 

 NATIONAL PARKS

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A Wheelchair Accessible Evening Out - Sacramento, California

 Mesmerica and the Bank

It all started with a random email about Mesmerica with a brief description and link to buy tickets. Basically, it's music composed to a light show projected on a planetarium's screen and it was scheduled to be playing in Sacramento for a couple of weekends at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity. To be honest, we didn't even know there was a SMUD Museum. In our defense, it's a rebranded museum that reopened in 2020. The tickets were a little confusing. You could buy accessible seating, but only for 2 people. There was an option to buy VIP tickets, but it didn't really explain what you got for the VIP tickets. I didn't want the hassle of calling, so I purchased 4 VIP tickets and figured we'd figure it out when we got there.  

We arrived a little early and found available disabled parking in the museum's lot for about $6. I wheeled Kellisa to the ticket counter and they asked for our last name to match to their list. Our hands were stamped VIP and we were pointed towards the elevator. Once on the second floor, their was another employee who saw our stamps and told us we could enter the theater and it was open seating, but the front is easier with a wheelchair.

The VIP tickets got us in ahead of the general ticket holders, and even though I purchased 4 seats, we found 3 seat in the front and I left Kellisa in her wheelchair. It was worth the extra little expense to enter early so we could sit together and not have to wait in a line with a wheelchair. 

The theater has a strict no photography rule, so the only picture I took from inside the theater was Kellisa after watching Mesmerica. I'm sure you can find pictures and reviews online along with possible videos, so I'll keep it short since it's hard to describe.  

For about an hour, you relax to the soothing beat of the rhythms of the music while focusing on an artistic light display that jumps between nature scenes, to geometric forms, and to architectural elements with some spoken words to encourage living a hay life while taking advantage of the precious short time we have on earth. 

The show was so relaxing, Egypt slept through most of it. I would gently nudge her periodically, and she would ask to be left alone. Kellisa stayed awake and enjoyed what she could see. She doesn't have peripheral vision and even with strong glasses, it's impossible to know the quality of her visual experiences. But, she clapped and asked for more, so I think it's safe to assume she liked the sounds and visuals.

The night was still young, so we decided to live it up a little and have dinner in downtown Sacramento. Kellisa and I once ate at The Bank and we knew Lisa would like the atmosphere and Egypt would love the food options. The bank is well, a refurbished bank that is now an open three stories with multiple food options and a sorts bar with a lively, yet family friendly appeal. 

Lisa enjoyed a chicken salad, Kellisa ate pub pretzels, Egypt got a poke bowl filled with salmon and crab, while I enjoyed a juicy cheeseburger. The girls enjoyed the festive atmosphere and loud music laying on a Saturday night. 

EVENINGS OUT

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