It's Only A Mountain

Dick and Rick Hoyt, Men of Iron

By Sam Nall

I've been thinking about recommending books on this website for awhile. Since the disabled world owes so much to the Hoyt family and yesterday was Dick and Rick's last Boston Marathon together, I thought this was the obvious choice as the first book to recommend. 

Team Hoyt, as the father and son are known really opened up competitive running to the disabled community. They made their name by officially completing the Boston Marathon after several "unofficial" completions in the world famous event. Not content with finishing the world famous marathon, the Hoyt's set their sight on completing an Ironman Triathlon. The Hoyt's would eventually complete Ironman Hawaii.

Most road races today have wheelchair participants. Some even complete the races using their own power while others are pushed along the course. "Dad, when I'm running it feels like I'm not even handicapped." Rick's own words motivate his father to accomplish truly amazing feats.

Many know the father and son story, but few probably realize how much Dick's wife, Judy accomplished for the disabled community, with special emphasis on "inclusion" for the disabled in everyday life, including in school.

This remarkable family started blazing the trail in the 60's and 70's when so many children like Rick and Kellisa were sent to an institution to live out their days and were forgotten about by their families. While a lot of work still remains to be completed for the disabled, there is a lot less to do thanks to the Hoyt family.

Amazon: It's Only A Mountain 

Brazos Bend State Park

Texas

 

March 2014

 

 
 
 

  

While in Texas for our cousin Matt's wedding, we completed our 12th state hike completed in 2014. We were joined by my sister Courtney and her husband Rob. (More Pictures)

White Sands National Monument

New Mexico

 

March 2014

 

 

 

We spent an afternoon hiking and sledding at White Sands National Monument. Both girls had a ball, just as they did when they first visited the park back in March 2011.     

 

(More pictures & video of Kellisa sledding)

Julington-Durbin Preserve

St. Johns River Management District
Jacksonville, FL

March 15, 2014

 

 
Lisa was at the library and Laurel was with her friend, so Kellisa and I headed to our favorite local trail to try our new Hippocampe. We were very happy with the performance on the sandy trails. We ended up hiking 9.45 miles under beautiful Florida skies.



Hippocampe

"Freedom to GO- Anywhere"

March 9, 2014

Kellisa loves her new chair and of course it comes with a few pictures and stories that can be found (here). 



Julington-Durbin Preserve

St. Johns River Management District

Jacksonville, FL

February 2014

Kellisa's might have a hiking future without her father behind the wheels. 

(More pictures and a video)

Hemlock Cliffs

Hoosier National Forest

Indiana

 

January 2014

 

 

 

 

I don't think either girl cared that it was in the low 20s for our hike and snow play in southern Indiana. (More pictures and a video)

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (KY)

Kentucky

January 2014

 

 

Another cold and windy hike. (More pictures)

 



Towosahgy State Historic Site

Missouri

January 2014

 

 

It was cold (26F) and windy as we arrived after Towosahgy State Historic Site closed for the day. The gate to the park was still open and the park was unstaffed. The sun was setting fast and I was worried about getting stranded overnight because the gas light was already on in the rental SUV and we were in the middle of absolutely nowhere. But we had a state hike to accomplish, so I left the car outside of the gates in case a ranger came to close the park and we quickly started our hike around an ancient site of Mississipian people. Although short and a little scary, this was a very enjoyable hike. We were alone for our entire visit and I had just over 30 miles to worry about the gas situation when we came upon a gas station out of the 1950s. The lady was smoking and explained that they didn't take credit cards. I barely had enough cash to buy two gallons of gas, but it was enough to get us back to modern civilization.

 

(More pictures)

Lake Poinsett State Park

Arkansas

January 2014



We had our first negative run in with a human while stopping at a convenience store on our way to Lake Poinsett State Park in Arkansas. While paying for some snacks and beverages for our hike, the man behind us asked if Laurel was my daughter and I answered, "yes". However, he would not let it go and said, "I just don't see it, how can she be your daughter"? My first instinct was to hit the guy, but I ignored him hoping that Laurel wouldn't ask any questions. He kept mumbling in his disbelief as I hurried out to protect Laurel.

 

There's a time and place for her questions and this was neither. Luckily, the usually perceptive Laurel was more interested in our goodies for our hike and I don't think she picked up on the comments. Since this was the first verbal encounter of this type, I've had some time to think about it and discuss the situation with Lisa. I'll be a million times more prepared for the next inappropriate comment.  

 

(Pictures from Lake Poinsett State Park)

Ferris Wheel at The Wharf

Orange Beach, Alabama

January 2014



We had already driven 113 miles and completed two hikes in Alabama when it was time to drive the remaining 410 miles home. I saw the 122ft. tall Ferris Wheel in the distance and knew it was trouble. I knew the girls would want to stop for a ride if they saw it and I really wanted to start the long drive home. I didn't try to distract them, but I wasn't going to point it out either. I decided to just let the decision happen on it's own. We were almost past the ferris wheel and in the clear when both girls seemed to see it at the same time. Laurel started yelling, "FERRIS WHEEL" and Kellisa started screaming, "ME". I had already passed the turn in and had to do a u-turn. Despite the loss of time, I was glad we stopped because they both really had a great time. (More pictures)

UniverSoul Circus

Jacksonville, FL

February 2, 2014



Sunday afternoon was spent under the big top at UniverSoul Circus. Laurel didn't know where we were going and saw the tent from five miles away and started screaming "CIRCUS" in the back seat. When asked how she knew it was a circus tent, she answered, "from the stripes on the tent". Both girls were very excited. Laurel's favorite part was some dancing and Kellisa really enjoyed the elephants.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Alabama

Hike #2

January 2014

 
 
 

We had selected the Jeff Friend Trail because it was rated as "wheelchair accessible". We enjoyed the trail, but found it to be borderline accessible. With a little help, I think most people in a wheelchair could enjoy the pleasant loop trail with a couple short boardwalk sections. (More pictures and videos)

Mobile Bay Ferry

Alabama

January 2014

It was 29F, windy and the water was choppy, but we decided to take the Mobile Bay Ferry to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, our hiking destination in Alabama. Both kids were very excited and couldn't wait to get out of the car to experience the cold wind in their face and the spray of salt water coming over the side of the ferry. (More pictures)

Audubon Bird Sanctuary

Alabama

Hike #1

January 2014

As we were driving to the Mobile Bay Ferry, we passed a sign for the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. We had a little time before the next ferry crossing and decided to turn in and see if there were any trails to hike. We had enough time to hike a short loop trail/boardwalk through the pine forest to a nice little lake. (More pictures)