Friday, February 13, 2015

Visitor Center Boardwalk

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Florida
 
January 2015
 
 
 
I usually don't get too excited about what I call, "short, little boardwalks behind visitor centers so a park can call itself accessible". One exception is the short (0.46 of a mile round trip), little boardwalk behind the visitor center at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. It's a nice starter path to see what the refuge has to offer. We did learn one lesson the hard way. The visitor center closes at 4pm and we were caught on the boardwalk. Since we couldn't re-enter the visitor center to leave using the accessible route, I had to carry Kellisa and then her wheelchair down a few steps. We were fortunate that I was able to do that. I'm not sure what we would have done if I couldn't lift/carry Kellisa and/or her chair. What if she had a motorized wheelchair? Anyway, we had a nice little walk.
 
 
 
 


Sunday, February 8, 2015

Black Point Wildlife Drive

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Florida
 
January 2015
 
 
 
 
We observed many birds and a few gators on our 7 mile Black Point Wildlife Drive in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More pictures can be found (here).

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Blue Spring State Park

 Florida
January 1, 2015
 
Our first hike of 2015 on the 15th anniversary of Kellisa's first ever hike almost didn't happen because she had a significant seizure the night before. More details and pictures (here).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Sunday, January 25, 2015

South Beach Access

Guana Tomolato Matanzas Estuarine Research Reserve
Florida
 
January 25, 2015
 


 
Kellisa and I had a few hours to ourselves on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. We drove to Guana Tomolato Matanzas Estuarine Research Reserve where the air was crisp (53-62F) with a constant breeze, the sky was blue and the waves set the pace for our 6.07 mile walk along the beach. We saw one starfish, less than 15 people and lots of cool birds.
 

 
 


Thursday, January 22, 2015

Congaree National Park

South Carolina
December 2014
 


 
The 2.4 mile Boardwalk Trail is a must for anyone looking for a top rated accessible trail into a wilderness area. Unfortunately, part of the boardwalk was closed for our visit, but we didn't let that or a good rainstorm prevent us from having a nice little hike.