Mall Mourning (Accessibility for One is Accessibility for All)

 I'm gonna miss malls.

Indoor shopping malls specifically.

   I'll be honest, I never really appreciated the indoor mall spaces until they began to disappear. I took for granted the ample handicap parking spaces at every entrance (good luck getting the ONE, maybe TWO provided at every strip mall).

I failed to realize how much I utilized automated doors...

 

   In the new strip malls, nearly all points of entry are pull handle doors. Even the alternative entrance for the revolving door has no automation to activate for access, but requires someone to assist. (Hello? Anyone available?) Disappearing are the open and inviting entryways welcoming me into every store I might wish to visit.

 Did I mention the food court?

   I could get something to eat without the hassle of trying to get in and out of an eatery (strip malls and stand alone businesses usually have double doors, no automation available).

   There were places for me to eat that didn't require moving my equipment to some other location because it was "in the way."

Then there were the other details.

Things often overlooked, like elevators and ramps.

Oh, and let's not forget restrooms!

Strip malls don't have public restrooms. The businesses that do (restaurants), generally restrict them to patrons only.

Kudos to those who do allow outside guests to use their facilities, but space in these places is limited and accessibility to the facilities can be tight.

Now that is the way to make an entrance!

Accessible sinks not placed directly in front of the doorway.

Changing station located apart from the accessible stall.

Often more than one accessible stall.

I didn't have to end my trip because I had to pee.

Seldom had to wait long periods of time to obtain a stall.

I didn't have to navigate tight dining spaces and disrupt meals to access facilities.

I fit with all my equipment, whatever equipment I may be utilizing that day.

Moreover, there were family and caregiver facilities to make the excursion more manageable.

I hate the thought of these retail meccas disappearing.

   Many of them are being torn down and replaced with condos and strip malls. I applaud the ones that are reimagining themselves to be multiuse facilities accessible to everyone. I understand that some of these buildings cannot be easily converted or updated, but I still mourn the loss of parking places, welcoming entrances, smooth surfaces and climate control and dread a future of difficult doors and uneven sidewalks in all manner of weather.

   If you're looking for me, I'll be putting the snow chains on my mobile scooter.

All pictures are my own, unless otherwise specified in the captions.

Beginners Guide to Getting Stoned... I mean Stones! (Selenite)

   What translucent crystal often associated with healing properties is made of calcium sulfate dihydrate with the chemical formula of CaSO₄ 2H₂O?

Not sure?

    How about this clue... This crystal has a Mohs hardness of 2, making it a very soft stone.

Still drawing a blank?

   Okay, how about another hint... This gemstone is also associated with the Greek Goddess of the Moon, Selene...

That's right, Selenite!

Selenite Palm Stones

(I knew you'd get it on the last one!)

   Found in various parts of the world like Mexico, the United States, Brazil and Poland, this beautiful gemstone is a crystalized form of gypsum created through the evaporation of ancient saltwater bodies. It is most commonly found in the shape of a translucent,

Selenite Pencil Point Pendant

 multifaced stone, giving it a shimmering and sparkly appearance.

However, sparkle and shimmer isn't all this shiny-ite can do!

   Believed to vibrate at high frequency, many attributes are associated with this crystal including healing, good luck, protection, harmony, strength, love and improving memory. Moreover, the soothing qualities of selenite are thought to bring peace to the mind and body. As a result, it is often worn to deflect negative thoughts as well as promote peace and calm and act as a protective shield. 

Selenite Pyramid

   What's more, selenite is considered a cleansing crystal and is often used to draw out unwanted or negative energies. Crystal lovers frequently place other gemstones in, on, or around selenite to cleanse them due to its ability to absorb and release negative energy, making this stone more than just another pretty-ite!

   Whether hoping to cleanse your crystals or yourself, or just looking for a beautiful addition to your living room decor, selenite make a wonderful stone to have.

Selenite Bracelet

Desert Rose Selenite Specimen

   

   Looking to possess this mineral yourself? Visit us in person or online at https://justwitchys.com. Just Witchys carries a number of books to increase your understanding of this mineral as well as many other stones and crystals. They also carry a variety of products that contain Selenite to share with someone you love, pair with your favorite outfits, use in rituals, and adorn your home.

                 That's all now from the Shinyite School of stones!

 

 

Beginners Guide to Getting Stoned... I mean Stones! (Topaz)

   What has more than one color, is named for a place it isn't produced, and is hard, yet known for being loving and warm?

Topaz Poison Ring

 Just in case you hadn't guessed by the picture - the gem stone in question is TOPAZ!

   Found in many places around the world, including Brazil, Russia, Australia, India, Mexico and the United States, the name Topaz comes from the old Greek name of a small island in the Red Sea - Topazios (now called Zabargad), a place which the stone isn't actually produced.

Wait, what?

Imperial Topaz Ring

   Back before the development of modern minerology, the island was a source peridot, which was confused with topaz and the name just stuck.

    But, you might ask... isn't peridot usually a yellowish color? Well yes, it is. But since common Topaz in it's natural state is colorless, trace element impurities can make it blue, golden brown or yellow orange, thus the confusion. In addition to this, Topaz is often treated with heat or radiation making it deep blue, reddish orange, pale green, pink or purple, creating all the colors we see today.

   On top of this wide variety of colors, Topaz is both hard and soft. At an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, it is a tough gemstone, but spiritually, it's thought to symbolize love and warmth, healing and peace, as well as friendship and happiness. Topaz is considered a stone that can sooth and calm nerves and often used to strengthen emotional support, acting as a stabilizer that makes the wearer receptive to love. In addition, this gemstone is believed to promote truth and forgiveness as well as protect the wearer from harm. Resonating with the throat chakra, this stone helps with unlocking self expression and stimulate creativity.

Plus, it's really pretty.

Azotic Topaz Ring

   So, whether you are looking at getting this stone to strengthen a friendship, increase your receptivity to love, protect you from harm, or simply pair with your favorite outfit, Topaz is a great stone to have! (Did I mention that it makes an excellent gift for those born in November as it is the November birthstone?)

Mystic Topaz Pendant

Looking to possess this mineral yourself? Visit us in person or online at https://justwitchys.com. Just Witchys carries a number of books to increase your understanding of this mineral as well as many other stones and crystals. They also carry a variety of products that contain Topaz to share with someone you love, pair with your favorite outfits, use in rituals, and adorn your home.

                 That's all now from the Shinyite School of stones!

Tumbled Topaz

Shinyite School of Stones is an unregistered trademark of Duckwrites.com. Used by permission to Just Witchys. 😁

Potty Potential (Accessibility for One is Accessibility for All)

   I have never liked public restrooms. Even before I became mobility challenged, I cringed at the thought of using them. While there were some pleasant surprises over the years, most of the facilities I encountered ranged from "ewww" to "better wear a hazmat suit." Because standing was never really an option for me, remedies for these conditions ranged from covering the seat with toilet paper to just squatting and balancing over the toilet.

Sometimes the only choices are crappy ones...

Yep, that's a window!

Now that I have added equipment to enhance my mobility, I dread having to use a public facility.

   First, you have to get to the bathroom. This often involves traversing long narrow hallways through several zip codes just to get to the door. Oftentimes, these corridors are filled with numerous obstacles ranging from couches and chairs to storage boxes and discarded equipment for you to struggle past.

   Should you make it that far, you now face a door that most likely weighs more than a semi truck loaded with steel coils. Seriously, it's daunting enough for the able bodied, but imagine trying to reach over your assistive device to wrangle open the door (because it is too heavy to just push with your device), then try to keep the door open while you enter with bulky equipment that often requires two hands to maneuver.

   If you do get in, you get a gold medal, but no guarantee you will be able to use the facilities.

   Once through the door, you generally have to travel past all the other stalls back to the other end of the building to reach the handicapped stall, the only one that is big enough to accommodate whatever equipment you might be using. Hopefully it is not out of order, has a door that shuts and locks, and is not being used by an employee as a break room.

   Providing you get lucky enough to access the aforementioned stall, you then find yourself facing complicated engineering choices made for that space....

Okay, lots of space...

But did I mention that I'm SHORT?

    At least this facility had toilet paper.

   As if engineering choices weren't enough of an issue, some places try to spiffy things up as well in a misguided attempt at decor...

   I suppose the cabinet could be considered artsy, but I wasn't sure where I was supposed to put the electric scooter. I would hate to think of what trying to transfer from a wheelchair would be like. Clean and simple would have been a better option. I went there to use the facilities, not put away my laundry. Incidentally, the cabinet was empty, I checked. What a waste of space!

   Now if you manage to successfully navigate all these steps and actually use the facilities, you will need to wash and dry your hands. While the sink may be at the correct height and wheelchair friendly, you most likely will find it located next to the door, which will be problematic if anyone should wish to enter the restroom. Drying your hands afterward is the next challenge. If there is a REAL air dryer (one that blows more than a puff of air that wouldn't constitute a faint breeze), you are in luck. Otherwise, you need to hope whoever installed the paper towel dispenser wasn't tall, especially if you are in a wheelchair or utilizing other seated mobility equipment. If this is the case, you either have to blow on your hands for all eternity, or wipe them on your clothes to dry.

To be honest, I've totally given up on these last steps and just carry hand sanitizer.

   Finally, there is one last hurdle. Getting out of the bathroom. Remember the really heavy door? Well now you have to somehow find a way to position your equipment and reach the door, then pull it open and maneuver your way out.

Good Luck.

   If you're looking for me, I'm currently living in a restroom facility located in fast food chain waiting for another patron to happen by and let me out. I've given up any hope to be discovered by an employee as the previously recorded date of cleaning is from 1987 and I used the last of the toilet paper.

All pictures are my own, unless otherwise specified in the captions.

 

The Beginners Guide to Getting Stoned...I mean stones! (Rose Quartz)

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

                                    William Shakespeare - Romeo and Juliet

    I'm going to become half of you. And I need you to know that every moment you love being yourself, that's me, loving you and loving being you.

                                        Rose Quartz - Stevens Universe

Rose Quartz Sphere

   I started out this blog with some great quotes that feature love and roses, which is perfect for a discussion on Rose Quartz since it is considered the Heart Stone! Symbolizing unconditional love and infinite peace, this stone is thought to foster deep inner healing and self-love.

And who couldn't use a little of that?

Rose Quartz Palm Stone

   Believed to have the power to enhance positive affirmations and aid in emotional healing, this crystal is used to help restore trust and harmony in relationships. The strong vibrations of love given emitted from this crystal are thought to inspire compassion. And as a catalyst facilitating deep soul cleansing and connecting the physical dimension with the mind, Rose Quartz is often used in meditation. In addition, this crystal is said to create a calming environment that promotes positive feelings, providing a soothing space to sleep.

Rose Quartz Moon with Mermaid

Just reading about these properties makes me want to curl up and relax with some on my nightstand!

   Rose Quartz also has a bit of a history. Dating back as far as 7000 BC, it is said that Ancient Egyptian women used Rose Quartz face masks to clear their complexions and prevent wrinkles. Today, it can still be found in many facial products, such as face masks and facial rollers to boost circulation and stimulate cells, giving one's face a healthy, rosy glow. There is also some evidence that Rose Quartz helps release increased oxygen and give your skin better elasticity to provide a firmer look and feel. If nothing else, applying Rose Quartz to your face can help improve the absorption of skincare products, allowing for deeper penetration of those products.

Rose Quartz Dragon's Head

      Surprisingly, this soft hearted stone registers a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Formed when magma rich in water, silica, oxygen and other elements intrude into the surrounding rocks and slowly cool, it is found all over the world including Brazil, Namibia, India, Sweden and the United States. So not only is it a wonderful stone to use in jewelry as it is durable and scratch resistant, but its ready availability makes it popular among craftsmen. 

Rose Quartz Pendant w/Copper wire Tree

Did I mention that it is really pretty?

   Whether you wish to give as a gift to someone you love, use as a meditation or sleep aid, or pair with your favorite outfit, this stone is not one to pass by without serious consideration.

Rose Quartz Ring

   Looking to possess this mineral yourself? Visit us in person or online at https://justwitchys.com. Just Witchys carries a number of books to increase your understanding of this mineral as well as many other stones and crystals. They also carry a variety of products that contain Rose Quartz to share with someone you love, pair with your favorite outfits, use in rituals, and adorn your home.

That's all now from the Shinyite School of stones!

Shinyite School of Stones is an unregistered trademark of Duckwrites.com. Used by permission to Just Witchys. 😁

   

When one door shuts...

 Another one opens, right? 

It all depends. Some doors present a not so pleasant message.

   Among those doors are ones that have stairs leading to them. In some cases, lots of stairs. In my days of carrying a cane, this wasn't especially troublesome. I was one of the fortunate ones who could do stairs. The door itself generally wasn't too much of a problem, unless I was carrying something. Then I had no free hand to open the door once I arrived at my destination. But now that I have progressed to using walkers, rollators or a mobile scooter, the stairs are impossible. None of those devices handle stairs very well (I should know, I've tried). Wheels and stairs are just not a good combination.

   I'm very thankful for those buildings that have alternative entrances with ramps, but unfortunately, they are not always readily available. Some require special passkeys (nothing like sitting outside a locked door in the rain and trying to track down someone to open it) while others need an operator available to utilize the equipment installed. Often times, these entrances are hard to find due to lack of signage.

   Other places have accessible doors, but getting to those doors is sometimes a challenge. Individuals often don't recognize the need to keep accessible entry clear for those who require it. Accessible parking to accessible entries is often treated more as a convenience rather than a necessity. It literally is impossible for individuals with mobility equipment, to get said equipment in and out of their vehicles without the extra space. This renders otherwise accessible buildings completely inaccessible.

Then there is just poor design.

   This was the entry to the accessible bathrooms at a national park. (There was a sign out front the building guiding folks to this accessible restroom.) Not only did the pillar in the center of the entryway make navigating difficult for a wheelchair or mobility scooter, but the step provided a unique challenge. Kudos for painting the stair so it was noticeable, but seriously, shaving the cement to provide a ramp might have been a better solution.

   Not to mention the bathroom itself, with the narrow aisle between the stalls and sinks to get to the accessible bathroom stall at the far end with the door that didn't lock.

Getting to the door is the first step. Getting the door open is an altogether different challenge.

Image from Butterfly MX

   Fortunately, engineers have developed door openers for doors that do
not automatically open (like at the grocery store). They are relatively inexpensive and not to difficult to install. I was extremely grateful when my church installed one. It meant I no longer had to reach around/over my mobility device and attempt to wrangle the door open. Depending on the door, my efforts were not always successful.

   Now, if I could just convince facilities to put these on the bathroom doors... it seems that those are the heaviest doors ever installed as well as typically the most difficult spaces to maneuver into!

   Thankfully, builders and designers are becoming more conscious of accessibility needs and we are seeing improvements in newer buildings and changes in older ones. Nevertheless, I always recommend looking up venues before you go and checking out accessibility as well as calling before your planned visit to mitigate any difficulties you might encounter just entering the premises and eliminate any unexpected surprises.

   Which is exactly what I plan on doing for my next adventure!

All pictures are my own, unless otherwise specified in the captions.

Beginners Guide to Getting Stoned... I mean Stones! (Iron?)

Triple Moon Chalice

   Today's blog is a bit of a deviation from the usual as it doesn't involve stones at all (as you can probably tell from the chalice pictured). I know, it takes some stones to not write about stones in a crystal and gemstone blog, right?

Yes, that was the sound of my bosses groaning!

   Right now, there is little else they can do as I am at home convalescing. While I like to think I am hard as nails, two broke ribs say otherwise. Just speaking about nails and bones got me thinking about iron...

   Why Iron? Well, because Iron is a necessary chemical component for bone to repair and rebuild itself. Iron helps the body to make collagen to rebuild bone, something which I need right now. Which then got me thinking about products in the shops that contain iron, none of which are really used to repair broken bones, but I wondered, what else might Iron be good for?

Turns out... a lot!

      Cold Iron is regarded as repelling negative energy and there is a belief that ghosts or spirits cannot cross iron, so many old cemeteries were built with iron fences around them. Wrought iron around family burials and mausoleums may have been placed for the same purpose. Often, iron is used in rituals to anchor oneself to a property.

Coffin Nails

   Talking about cemeteries brings to mind - coffin nails! Many coffin nails are made of
wrought iron combining the natural properties of iron with rich traditions. The nail is most often associated in the Christian tradition with the crucifixion of Christ, symbolizing his passion, but it also represents the Cosmic Axis, or Axis Mundi, around which the heavens rotate. Tapped into the steps just before a main entrance to a house, coffin nails are believed to ward off mal-intent and prevent people from carrying bad magic into a home to leave there. Additionally, it is thought that scraping the rust and dirt from a nail until it is shiny and setting it in a place where the rising sun will shine on it will make it a protective talisman to be carried.

Railroad Spikes

   A much larger relation to the coffin nail is the railroad spike. Railroad spikes may seem
like an unlikely magical tool, but like coffin nails, they are often used in home protection. The basis of the magical properties in the spikes is in their function as anchors, the time they have spent fulfilling this mission, and the fact that they are made of iron. Once again we are reminded of strong mineral properties of building and holding things together, from bones to transportation, to protection.

 

Then there are horseshoes! 

Horseshoe

   When you think horseshoes, you think luck (something which I don't seem to have a lot of lately). The horseshoe symbol provides a combination of luck, protection, religion, and even magic. Many believe that not only will a horseshoe bring gool luck into their lives, but also to any special event or occasion, as well as ward off evil, misfortune, or bad luck.

Perhaps I should hang one over my doorway!

   Iron, classically known as the Metal of Mars, has been universally perceived as the symbol of human strength, obstinacy, fortitude, honor, courage, sharpness (of body and mind), tenacity, and confidence in power. It can be found in many products, from the ones listed above to candlestick holders and cauldrons. Although not a crystal or gemstone, iron is a mineral worth considering!

Chime Candle Holders

Triple Moon Cauldron

Looking to possess this mineral yourself? Visit us in person or online at https://justwitchys.com. Just Witchys carries a number of books to increase your understanding of this mineral as well as many other stones and crystals. They also carry a variety of products that contain iron to share with someone you love, pair with your favorite outfits, use in rituals, and adorn your home.

That's all now from the Shinyite School of stones!

Shinyite School of Stones is an unregistered trademark of Duckwrites.com. Used by permission to Just Witchys. 😁

Restaurant Ridiculousness (Accessibility for One is Accessibility for All)

   Going out to eat should be a fun and relaxing experience. It is a chance to reconnect with family and friends, celebrate life events, try new foods and most importantly, enjoy a meal prepped and served by someone else.

Awesome dinner from my travels

What it shouldn't be is a challenge.

In a restaurant, no diners should be viewed as an inconvenience.

   My recent dining experience was both a challenge AND and example of how I was viewed as an inconvenience!

   I took my mom out for her birthday brunch. She picked a restaurant that should have had no problem accommodating my equipment. SHOULD being the key word. What we didn't factor in was the staff.

   Since my mom drove, I took my rolling walker. It is lighter and easier to load and unload from a car and doesn't take up much space like my other mobility equipment.

   It was a hot day, so mom dropped me off at the curb, that way I wouldn't have far to walk. (Hot days equate really poor mobility for me.)

   Someone came out and held the outer door for me. Another held the inner door. I don't always WANT assistance, but I am ALWAYS grateful when it is offered. I thanked them profusely then proceeded to the hostess stand where two of the employees were standing and watching  the restaurant patrons who got up from their meals to assist me.

   Seriously. The employees saw me coming and struggling just to walk, let along handle the doors, but neither offered to assist. Instead two seated patrons got up from their table and cheerfully gave me a hand. That should have been my first clue I was going to face challenges here. One of the hosts, a young man bearing menus waited for me to toddle across the foyer. The conversation went as follows:

Host: How many will be in your party.

Me: Two

Host: Would you like to sit upstairs?

Me (Somewhat baffled by the question, I looked around. The restaurant is fairly empty and mostly on one level. I look down at my rolling walker and then back at the young man): Is there a ramp?

Host: No.

Me (after a pause): Elevator?

Host (laughing): No, it's only two stairs.

Me (Now I am getting irritated. Irritation brings out my sarcasm. I again scan the dining area on my level, take a quick glance down at the rolling walker, then look back at the host): How much do you dead lift?

Host (nervous and confused): What?

Me: I think that answers my question. No, I can't do stairs, (as I speak, I glance down at the rolling walker in front of me) my equipment isn't designed for stairs, so something on this level would be better.

Host: Oh, would you prefer a booth or a table?

Me: Either, as long as there is room for my equipment so it won't be in your way.

   The host then proceeds to sit me in a booth. Mom joins me and we are perusing the menu when the second host comes to the table.

Hostess (places her hand on my walker): I'm going to need to move this.

Me: What? Where? (I grab the walker handle to keep her from taking it)

Hostess (indicated the other side of the partition dividing the foyer from the dining room): Just around the corner, up by the register.

Me (now pissed off): Uh, no. This is what I use to walk. I'll need it if there should be an emergency or if I want to use the restroom. The walker stays. I didn't seat myself here, but if it will help, I'll be happy to fold it up so it takes less space.

Hostess (releases the walker, blinks, then recovers quickly): May I bring you ladies some coffee?

All of this before my first cup of coffee!

Let's not forget I'm hungry too!

   The food was good and the waitress seemed to have no problem moving around my walker, even after the same clueless host proceeded to seat a party with walkers and other equipment at the table right next to our booth! Never mind the restaurant was still mostly empty and there were an abundance of tables with plenty of space for mobility devices. It made for a rather tight squeeze for the waitstaff and a navigation challenge for me when it was time to leave.

   I am flattered that people see the person and not the disability. However, it would be nice for people to take into account the very visible equipment I need to move around and to be conscious, on some level, of my ability to move. For instance, have you ever had to ask directions in a restaurant?

   Yep, I did after being left behind by my host in a restaurant that had multiple rooms through which I had to navigate between tightly placed diners. Not sure why it was so important to seat me and my walker at the back of the restaurant when there were ample seats near the front.

It's worse when I have my mobility scooter.

   I get that it takes up room and restaurants only have so much space. I'm not a monster. I understand if the scooter needs to be moved out of the way by one of my own party during a busy time of day. However, we try not to patronize eating establishments during their peak times to avoid any difficulties. Therefore, there really isn't any reason to take all of the chairs away from the table because I rolled in the door. If you're not sure of my seating preference, you could ask. Why? The scooter I usually use doesn't have a swivel seat. I like to sit at the table, like everyone else.

   But please don't ask if I really need the scooter, or if I couldn't just leave it at the door and walk. Yes, I need it. That's why I have it. I'm not looking for special treatment, I'm just looking for the same access and common courtesy given to everyone else.

And... maybe just a bit of common sense.

   Are staff really going "out of their way" to hold an entryway door or walk a little slower so people can keep up with you? Is it too much to ask a patron if they need assistance with the 300lb bathroom door they are obviously struggling to open?

I wish I could say this experience was an exception. Unfortunately, it's not. There is no reason for this to be the case. So I will continue my crusade to educate and inform, and in some cases, sarcastically respond to the incredible nonsense that my mobility challenges provide.

   In the meantime, I'm off to my next adventure!

State Park Success Story! (Accessibility for one is Accessibility for All!)

I thought I'd start this blog series with a success story.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ensures that individuals with disabilities are not denied or excluded from activities, including outdoor recreation.

   Unfortunately in my short experiences with mobility challenges, I've discovered that positive experiences can be few and far between, especially when trying to enjoy the outdoors. When someone or someplace gets it right, I think they should be highlighted! So today I am highlighting Potato Creek State Park, located in North Liberty, Indiana.

   My husband and I have been campers for the last 20 years and are now on our second RV. With my decreased mobility, we have made some modifications to our current RV - such as removing the bottom bunk from the bunk area to use the space as a garage for my equipment. When camping or doing other outdoor activities, I prefer to use a portable four-wheel scooter that provides stability while increasing the variety of terrain I can travel. It is still limiting, but less so than my three-wheel electric mobile scooters.

   The four-wheel scooter I have is an older one, a Drive model that can disassemble into three components to make it easier to transport - a chair, the front section with steering column, and rear wheel section containing the motorized components (the heaviest part). The battery also is removable to help lighten the load. Individually, I can lift all of these parts, but I am only 5'2" so there are limits as to what I can safely handle. Fortunately I am blessed with a hubby who can not only lift the equipment without dismantling it, but has also designed several clever devices to enable me to function independently. (More on that in a future blog.)

   This particular trip was a long one that included both state and national parks. With the diversity of parks came the diversity in the interpretation of accessibility. Some parks were dismal failures, having ramps that started or ended with a stair, incorrectly installed ADA fire rings, campsites listed as ADA accessible (but were not really), a general lack of designated ADA parking, and a whole slew of other issues. While overall the trip was wonderful, some of the challenges were quite frustrating. No one should be frustrated and angry on their vacation!

   Potato Creek was our last stop on our route home. For this particular park, we didn't book an accessible campsite, but they are available. Indiana lists their ADA sites with descriptions and can be reserved via IndianaStateParks.reserveamerica.com. At the time of writing this post, there were no pictures of sites available on the website, but the descriptions were pretty good.

   We also didn't bother to look up accessibility for this park. Had I looked ahead of time, I might have been more excited about visiting the park!

To my surprise, there were well maintained paved trails!

Even better, there was beach accessibility!

REAL ACCESSIBILITY!

 

Not just disability parking, but ramps. ALL the way down to the water... with railings no less!

   I was able to drive my scooter right down to the water and for the first time in two years, I could swim in a lake. Yes, the railing ended at the water, so I had to use canes, but getting to the water itself was a huge deal. Scooters and wheelchairs simply don't do sand very well, if at all.

   The ramp was cement and contained a gap for the users to access the sandy beach as well as the cool water waiting at the end. It was clean and well maintained (no piles of drifting sand or other debris to try and navigate). I am also happy to say that the railings did not retain heat, so they could be easily used on the hot and sunny day of our visit.

   As if this wasn't enough, we discovered that accessibility wasn't just limited to the paved trails and the beach, but also included fishing piers and the boat rentals. A ramp extended down from the parking lot to the boat rentals, then down to the area where the boats were along the shore. A staff member was more than willing to give us a shove into the water and we were off kayaking! There were a number of different boats to rent, but this was my chosen mode of transportation over the water!

I thought things couldn't get much better. Then the visit became MAGICAL.

   Day two of our visit... While taking a look around the Nature Center, the ranger on duty noticed that I was using a mobility scooter. He told me there was a track chair available for use at no cost...

Tank traction

   I sat there stunned for a moment, then I realized what he had said. They had a track chair that could take on a few of the trails and not just the paved ones!

   Typically a track chair needs to be reserved 48 hours in advance to ensure its availability and that it is charged, but no one had reserved it and it had been sitting, plugged in and ready to go. He explained what trails the chair could be used on (trail width is important) and what conditions were optimal. I signed a form, got a five minute lesson on how to use the chair, a map of the trails for use with the chair and a phone number to call if I had any issues, and I was off!

   I have always loved exploring and hiking, but my walking issues have made that nearly impossible in recent years, limiting me to flat, smooth (generally paved) surfaces like roads or sidewalks. Roads can be dangerous and sidewalks are few and far between in recreational areas (unless all you want to do is use the restroom). Now here I was, in my element, independently traversing a hilly, bumpy, gravel path. The nature trail on steroids!

   The experience proved to be a major highlight on our trip. We have been to other parks where chairs were located, only to find that the person in charge of the chair was out that week and they couldn't be reserved, or that they were only available on weekends (our travels are often on weekdays), so I've never had the opportunity to use one before. Potato Creek State Park gave me that opportunity. I can't express enough gratitude to Ranger Tim for bringing this feature to our attention! Nor can I give enough thanks to the generous donor who made this chair possible. The freedom of not being restricted to sitting on the sidelines was uplifting. I could once more participate in the activities I loved.

Hats off to Potato Creek and their staff!

   To learn more about Potato Creek and other Indiana state parks and available activities for the disabled, visit the Indiana State DNR webpage. Accessibility activity details can be found on their Accessibility options page, including trail chairs listed by park (scroll down to see a complete list of parks with accessibility equipment). There is information on how to obtain the chairs and some of the parks even have pictures of the chairs and equipment available. Please note, the chairs are limited and use times may be restricted, so call ahead and make your reservation.

   In the meantime, I'm off to my next adventure!