Thursday, December 1, 2016

When Hiking Became Pushiking (2008 - 2010)

Jacksonville, FL (December 2010)


It's no coincidence that our travels and hiking destinations increased greatly as Kellisa needed fewer hospital stays and surgeries. We started to push the limits of the types of trails we were attempting because Kellisa was "bored" with paved paths. I created the word "Pushiking" to describe pushing Kellisa while hiking on non-accessible trails. The rougher and bumpier the path, the more Kellisa enjoyed the trail. While I do enjoy an "easy" stroll down a trail rated ADA, I also favor the more challenging trails because they are usually more scenic.

Kellisa's Early Hiking Path (2000 - 2007)

Illinois Winters

Kellisa's Path to visiting and hiking in all 50 United States started slow, mostly because of her unstable medical condition. 

Kellisa drove through most of her early states to visit family in Illinois and Texas. Kellisa had her first dozen states visited before we started hiking in 2002. We didn't really start traveling with the intention to hike until 2006 when Kellisa was 7-years-old. 

Below are some of the highlights from the early years along Kellisa's Path.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Virginia




Shenandoah National Park
Virginia 

July 2015

Kellisa and Laurel states hiked together: 25/50.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Maine




Mackworth Island
Maine

May 23, 2015
(Kellisa's 16th Birthday)

Kellisa and Laurel states hiked together: 24/50.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Northern California Vacation




Lassen Volcanic National Park
&
Redwoods State and National Parks
&
Point Reyes National Seashore
&
Muir Woods National Monument
California

July 2014

Colorado




Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado

June 2014

Kellisa and Laurel states hiked together: 20/50.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Connecticut






Stratton Brook State Park
Connecticut

June 2014

Kellisa and Laurel states hiked together: 19/50.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Rhode Island





Arcadia Management Area
and 
Jerimoth Hill
Rhode Island

June 2014

Kellisa and Laurel states hiked together: 18/50.

Texas





Brazos Bend State Park
Texas

March 2014

Kellisa and Laurel states hiked together: 17/50.