Ontario, Canada
July 2008
The Soo Locks connect Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes:
A boat tour through the locks:
Friday, April 14, 2023
Gros Cap Conservation Area
Ontario, Canada
October 2012
Gros Cap is just Northwest of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. We missed the peak autumn color by a couple of weeks. It was late in the afternoon and it was cold and rainy, so we stayed in the car to enjoy what remained of the day and fall colors.
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Thursday, April 13, 2023
Fort Creek Conservation Area
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
October 2012
It was Egypt's idea to go for a hike because she wanted to see a bear in the wild. As you can watch in the videos below, Egypt is better than a bear bell to keep bears away. We found Fort Creek Conservation Area by chance and were pleasantly surprised to find a nice paved trail through the hilly forest.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Highpoints
State highpointing is the activity of reaching the highest natural point in a given state. The ascents range from easy drive-ups like Delaware (where you literally drive to within a few feet of the highpoint) to Denali in Alaska which requires high altitude mountaineering equipment and experience. Less than 400 people have completed all 50 United States highpoints, with approximately 10 new climbers joining the exclusive club each year.
Kellisa has completed 22 state highpoints and I'm confident that I can safely get her to the top of an additional 7 and if everything lines up perfectly, there are 4 highpoints in the west that may be reachable with the right planning and mobility chair. I believe 33 is the upper limit of state summits for someone in a wheelchair with major assistance.
I suppose you could hire a helicopter or a large team of climbers to carry someone in a wheelchair to the summit, but that does not interest us due to the danger and the idea of being dependent on many others.
We will be happy if Kellisa can reach 29 and overjoyed if we can get her to the top of 33 states. Stay tuned!
Click on the state below for trip reports and more pictures:
 |
| Timms Hill, Wisconsin |
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Thursday, April 6, 2023
Monday, March 27, 2023
Saturday, March 11, 2023
Monday, March 6, 2023
Airports Visited - 2023 Update
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| Kellisa - October 2018 |
Kellisa- 60
Lisa- 48
Egypt - 42
* March 6, 2023 *
In 2022, Egypt added LAX and Chris added Palm Springs, CA and Kodiak, AK. In early 2023, Lisa added Long Beach, CA, Washington Reagan, and LaGuardia, NY.
We all flew to St. Louis in January 2023, but no one added a new airport. This was Kellisa's first flight since February 2020, by far the longest stretch of her life.
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This is usually one of my favorite posts because I get to reflect on the new places we visited during the year. Kellisa, Egypt, and Lisa didn't fly to or through any new airports in 2021. The girls didn't fly at all due to COVID. In fact, this was the first full calendar year for either girl without a single flight.
Lisa had one trip and it was back to Chicago.
I had another busy travel year for work, including 5 trips to Alaska, but I only added 2 new airports- Bozeman, MT and Fairbanks, AK.
I'm hoping we can all add at least 1 new airport in 2022!
Friday, December 23, 2022
Meet Kellisa
Kellisa was born on May 23, 1999
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, IL
Birth Weight: 2 pounds, 1ounce
25 Week Micro Preemie
Primary Diagnoses: Hydrocephalus, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Developmental Delays
Surgeries: Shunt (10), Gastrostomy Tube (4), Hips (4), Eyes (2), Breast (1), Heart (1), Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy (1)
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- Kellisa enjoys watching and listening to The Wiggles and Hannah Montana.
- Kellisa likes observing and learning about bugs, bats, snakes, and alligators.
- Kellisa loves all forms of travel and all outdoor activities.
- Kellisa has spent time in 31 national parks.
- Kellisa has visited and hiked all 50 United States at least twice.
Kellisa lives in Roseville, CA with her sister (Egypt), mom (Lisa), and dad (Chris)
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Book Blurbs
Jennifer Pharr Davis
Author, speaker, record setting hiker
National Geographic Adventurer of the Year
_____________________
Chris and Kellisa are two of my heroes - and some of the best hikers I know. The trail doesn't care how far or fast you go. Hiking is all about getting out there, making the most of the experience, and taking all the lessons, memories, and friendships back home. In Rugged Access for All, Chris and Kellisa prove that the trail is there for everyone at every phase of life. Hike on!
Ian Mackay
Executive Director of Ian's Ride
Guinness World Record Holder
__________________
Part guidebook, park chicken soup for the soul. Adventurous, heartwarming, and informative. If this book doesn't make you want to explore the outdoors, nothing will.
Christina Adams
Author, speaker
__________________
Gain a whole new view into the wonders of nature through the eyes of Kellisa and Christopher Kain, an intrepid father-daughter hiking team who tackled all 50 states-twice-by 'pushiking' with a mobility chair. The Kains' uncertainties and delights, from predictable struggles with signage and parking to dealing with snakes, deep sand, and people's varying attitudes, enable the reader to be surprised alongside them. From prudent notes on trail sections to packing tips for a person with extra needs, readers will find what they need to do the same. But it's Christopher's offhand lines about tube-feeding a daughter in a dark tent, tethering himself to her stroller to keep them attached in case of a fall, and treating her seizures beside a road before a dinner for two that add depth and sparkle to this guide. He says Kellisa's social skills and language benefit from hiking, and it's easy to see why as we follow their stimulating paths. Rugged Access for All is useful and inspirational for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities.
Author and owner of Big Rock Travel
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I have been following and admiring Chris on social media for several years. Chris's drive to enrich Kellisa's life through pushiking will inspire you to persevere through life's challenges. This book will encourage you to explore and appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty our country offers, while forging a lifelong bond with your loved ones. It also includes lots of practical advice and recommended trails for would be pushikers.
Professor| Spalding University
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An inspiring story of a father who kept his first promise to his daughter. Kain documents their tender moments while using wheeled mobility to explore trails throughout America and provides guidance for others interested in doing the same.
Author and advocate
__________________
I have met a handful of people in life who inspire everyone they come into contact with. these people have one thing in common - they are always kind, happy, and smiling. They do things that others only dream of, and of course make it look effortless. Christopher Kain is one of those people. This book gives you permission to push your boundaries, and experience life to the fullest no matter your abilities.
Testimonials
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“I’ve been wondering about traveling the world with my Micro Preemie. It took me a long time to feel OK about taking her outside of our little bubble. It felt like a huge deal to be on a plane together and going across the country. Your story is giving me hope that travel is possible, and we should keep trying to get out there! I promised my daughter that if she survived, I would show her the world. I don’t think that means being trapped inside a building day after day. I think it means what you guys are doing. This is inspiring!” Cheryl Silinskas (Micro Preemie Mother)
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"All your posts inspire me to get out and do all the hiking and exploring I've always wanted to do! I can't wait to live a life full of adventure like you've created." Jenny Sloan
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"So much power and love for you Kellisa, you are one courageous person. You actually did stuff that even a non disabled person would be scared to do. Best of luck." Anonymous
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"I love the paternal love, the optimism and the courage that shines through your blog postings. It brought a big lump to my throat.
My almost 4 year old son has severe developmental delays, and there are days I feel helpless and hopeless, days when I want to throw in the towel and hide under a rock.
Reading your blog made me feel ashamed of myself. Thank you for letting me realize that we are bigger than ANYTHING that can happen to our children.
God bless your family and your beautiful little girl." Gail
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"I'm so glad I found this site today. My wife was injured in car accident (C5 Spinal cord) but we still love to go out and go hiking. We are always searching for accessible trails and this is a great resource!" Anonymous
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"This is absolutely awesome on so many levels! Words really can't begin to describe it. A father's strength ... and a daughter's strength ... to not let a disability keep you both from dreaming big and doing big! Big Bend was a beautiful park and the race was a terrific opportunity to visit it. I'm glad you both got to tour the park as participants in the race. So awesome!" Anonymous
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"This touched my heart. So much love for you all, everywhere you go. Kellisa is amazing and so are her folks." Ellen Jo
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"I love this so much. It's amazing what our kids teach us. I've been reading your posts for awhile now. I don't normally comment but I just wanted my support to be known." Anonymous
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Vampire Bat Face Kellisa
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Florida
October 2007
15 years ago - While all the little girls were getting butterflies, mermaids, and glittery princesses painted on their faces, Kellisa wanted a vampire bat with blood dripping from one of her fangs.
Monday, June 20, 2022
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Sunday, June 19, 2022
French Toast Casserole
Ingredients and Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375F
10 Slices Thick Bread (1" Cubes)
8 Large Eggs
2 1/4 Cups Whole Milk (Next time - Almond Vanilla Milk)
3/8 Cup Sugar
Mix and spread one layer in baking pan with butter spray applied
Drizzle with topping:
6tbsp melted Sea Salt Butter
3tbsp Sugar
Add a second layer and drizzle topping
Sprinkle Cinnamon
Bake for 38 minutes
Use your favorite toppings. Maple Syrup pictured below with sausage, coffee, and OJ.
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