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Enjoy the Morro Bay Bird Festival

Enjoy the Morro Bay Bird Festival

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Boardwalk at the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve in Morro Bay, California

Slated for January 16-20, 2025, the Morro Bay Bird Festival promotes an understanding and appreciation of the birds and wildlife along the Central California Coast. And the good news is, many of the offerings at this annual event are wheelchair-accessible.

The Main Events

The festival features two welcome receptions, one on Friday and one on Saturday. They will be held at the Morro Bay Community Center, which is wheelchair-accessible. The welcome receptions will run from 4-6:30 PM each day. During that time attendees can enjoy some wine and cheese, chat with fellow birders and browse through the Bird Festival Bazaar. The bazaar, which will be open throughout the weekend, includes vendor booths and educational exhibits of interest to birders. A detailed list of the vendors can be found at morrobaybirdfestival.org/bazaar/.

There will also be keynote addresses on Friday and Saturday evenings, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, in the Cuesta College Performing Arts Center. Celebrated birder, David Lindo will take folks around the urban world of birds in his address on Friday January 16, and will be available to sign his books afterwards. On Saturday January 18 Kenn Kaufman will describe the misadventures of early shorebird watchers, and explain how those events are reflected in todays birding experiences. He will also be available for book signings afterwards.

Field Trips, Presentations and Master Classes

Additionally, there will be number of field trips. presentations and Master Classes at the 2025 Morro Bay Bird Festival. Here are the wheelchair-accessible offerings. For a complete catalogue, which includes the description of each event, visit morrobaybirdfestival.org/print-versions

Field Trips

  • Easy Birding
  • Shore Birds of the Morro Bay Marina
  • Birds of the Elfin Forest
  • Women’s Morro Bay Marina Excursion
  • Wintering Birds at Cal Poly Pier
  • Meander Morro Bay Marina
  • Birding Elfin Forest and Sweet Spring
  • The Elfin Forest Wonderland

Presentations & Master Classes

  • Smart Phone Bird Recording
  • How to Help the Birds Workshops
  • Columbia: South America Birding Mecca
  • Bird Banding: Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship
  • A Splash of Color: Expressive Bird Art in Watercolor
  • Condor Recovery

Birding for Beginners Workshop

  • Feathers – A Wondrously Complex and Versatile Structure
  • Optics Demystified
  • Critter Cams for Monitoring Wildlife
  • Digiscoping with a Smartphone
  • Bats – California’s Amazing Flying Mammals
  • The Long Billed Curlew
  • An Identification Study of Birds of Prey
  • Rookery Wonders in Windy Cove
  • Ducks and Geese of the Morro Bay Region
  • Peregrine Falcons of Morro Rock
  • How to Shoot High Quality Engaging Videos
  • Avian Respiratory System Adaptations
  • Principles and Pitfalls of Bird Identification
  • Birding by Ear Workshop
  • Shorebird Carving Class
  • Meet the Raptors – Pacific Wildlife Care
  • Sister Species – A Conservation Story
  • Wild Stories from the History of Bird Migration Research
  • California Condors: Back from the Brink
  • Shorebirds Made Easy
  • The Topography of Bird Sounds
  • Grebes Walk on Water to Find a Mate
  • From Anatomy to Function/Flight
  • An Identification Study of Birds of Prey
  • Gulls of SLO Identified
  • Surprising Secrets of Bird Biology

Master Classes

  • Introduction to Bird Photography
  • The Magic of Bird Sounds
  • Birding by Careful Observation
  • Feathers in Focus
  • Bird Biology Basics
  • Intro to Journaling; Focus on Birds

So make plans to attend this fun and educational event, and learn a bit more about our feathered friends. For more information about the 2025 Morro Bay Bird Festival, visit morrobaybirdfestival.org or e-mail support@morrobaybirdfestival.org.

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Wheelchair-Accessible Factory Tours

Wheelchair-Accessible Factory Tours

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Factory Tours offer a fun peek into the manufacturing process, and many even give out free samples and substantial discounts at their factory stores. And although not all areas of many factories are wheelchair-accessible, more and more companies are making their factory tours doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Additionally, factory tours are easy on the the wallet, as many are low-cost or free. With that in mind, here are some fun wheelchair-accessible factory tours across the US.

Ben & Jerry’s

www.benjerry.com

Tasting room at Ben and Jerrys

At the top of the list of wheelchair-accessible factory tours is Ben & Jerry’s in rural Waterbury, Vermont. This fun tour chronicles the story of childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, and details how they started their business by taking a correspondence course on ice cream making.

Accessible parking is available near the information booth (just follow the signs), but if you can’t do distances, there is a drop-off point in front of the main building. There is level access to the lobby, and a wheelchair is available for loan at the tour desk. The entire tour is wheelchair-accessible, with level access to all areas.

The 30-minute tour begins with a movie about the history of the company, then continues to the mezzanine viewing walkway. Although you don’t go directly in the factory, you get a good birds-eye view of the ice cream making process from this overhead vantage point. There are free samples at the end of the tour, but if you’d like more than a sample, there’s a scoop shop outside. And although it’s not on the tour, be sure and visit the Flavor Graveyard outside. There is a small charge for this popular tour, and it’s a good idea to get your tickets online to avoid disappointment.

Hyundai

www.hmmausa.com
For a look at how Hyundai and Genesis vehicles are made, make sure and take the Hyundai Factory Tour in Montgomery, Alabama. There’s plenty of accessible parking in the visitors lot, with level access to the visitors center, where you’ll find a display of newly minted Hyundai and Genesis vehicles.

The 1.5-hour tour begins with a short movie, after which visitors are escorted to a wheelchair-accessible tram. Head sets and safety glasses are issued to everyone, and then the tram begins its trek through the factory. Along the way the tour guide explains the production process as the tram weaves through the stamping shop, welding shop, general assembly shop and engine shop. The tour ends with a short trip out to the test track. It’s a very interesting tour, and although it’s free, advance reservations are required. The tours are offered during the days on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and in the evenings on Thursdays. Sorry folks, no free samples on this one.

Abita Brewery

www.abita.com/visit

Fermentation tanks at Abita Brewery

Next up on our list of wheelchair-accessible factory tours is Abita Brewery. Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, this Louisiana mainstay brews a healthy selection of craft beers and craft sodas.

There is level access to the factory, except the bottling room, which has one step. Still you can get a good look at the bottling process without entering the bottling room. The informative tour last 30 minutes, after which visitors can enjoy a pint in the Tap Room. Alternatively the family-friendly tour offers a walk or roll through the craft soda section of the brewery. This 20-minute tour offers a close-up look at the brewing process, and includes samples of the sodas brewed there. As with the craft beer tour, this tour also offers good wheelchair access.

There is a charge for both tours, and although tickets are available in advance, spots are also held for walk-ups on every tour. These guided tours are held daily in the afternoons, except on Christmas and Thanksgiving. Closed toes shoes are required for all tours.

Jelly Belly

www.jellybelly.com

Bins of Jelly Beans at the Jelly Belly Factory

If you’ve ever wondered how jelly beans are made, than a trip the the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield, California is a must. There’s a small charge for this self-guided tour, but advance reservations are not required. Accessible parking is available in front, with level access to the building. And if you can’t manage the short walk from the parking lot, there’s also a drop-off area near the front door.

All areas on the self-guided tour are wheelchair-accessible, with an elevator up to the second floor gallery that circles the plant. Employees are stationed along the way to answer questions, and videos detail the whole production process. There are even lowered windows in the viewing gallery, so wheelchair-users get an excellent view of everything.

The sugary confections start out as slurry which is poured into molds to create the jelly bean centers. The centers are then transferred to spinning drums filled with sugar to form the hard outer shell. Finally the beans are polished in another set of drums filled with syrup. After all that, they are stamped with the Jelly Belly logo, packaged and sent on their way.

After the tour visitors can browse through the art gallery, which contains jelly bean mosaics of presidents, rock stars and fashion icons, have a jelly bean shaped burger in the cafeteria, or try some fudge in the chocolate shop. And don’t forget to pick up some tasty treats in the gift shop.

Tillamook Creamery

www.tillamook.com

The Tillamook Creamery

Last but not least on our roundup of wheelchair-accessible factory tours is the Tillamook Creamery. Originally established as a cheese shop in the 1950s, this Oregon cheese factory has offered free tours since 1968. And although it’s probably the most touristed attraction in town, it’s still worth a stop.

There’s plenty of accessible parking in front, with level access to the building. The self-guided factory tour starts in the Farm Exhibit Hall, which focuses on the basics of cow care by Tillamook farmers. After that, visitors take the elevator to the second floor gallery, which offers an expansive view of the factory floor. Videos and touch screen presentations help describe the production process, as the cheese is transported from station to station on conveyor belts. Visitors are able to view the whole process from start to finish, after which they they head back downstairs for a sample of the finished product.

There is level access to the first-floor sample buffet, where you can try the many different varieties of Tillamook cheese. And if you’d like to take home some cheese, there’s also a cheese shop nearby. There’s level access to the adjacent restaurant which features a variety of cheesy treats. And don’t forget to stop by the ice cream counter to order a scoop of Tillamook ice cream. It’s the perfect way to top off a Tillamook Creamery visit.

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Stalking the Sandhill Cranes in Central California

Stalking the Sandhill Cranes in Central California

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Sandhill Crane

Although California’s Central Valley can be dreary during winter, the migrant Sandhill Cranes have an entirely different view of it. To them it’s paradise; as it boasts abundant food, a temperate climate and a suitable habitat. It has everything a Sandhill Crane could want. That’s why every September they hit the Pacific Flyway in droves, and head south to their winter nirvana – the marshes and wetlands near Lodi, California. And although they have specific habitat requirements, they’re easy to find if you know where to look.

Consumnes River Preserve

Sandhill Cranes at the Consumnes River Preserve

Located between San Francisco and Stockton, just off Interstate 5, the Consumnes River Preserve (www.cosumnes.org) is an excellent place to spot the wintering cranes. It makes a great day trip from San Francisco or even a nice diversion on a longer road trip.

If you’re traveling south on Interstate 5, take the Twin Cities exit, turn east and drive for a mile until you reach Franklin Boulevard. Turn south on Franklin Boulevard, drive 1.7 miles and look for the visitor center on your left. Northbound traffic should take the Walnut Grove -Thornton Road exit, turn east on Thornton Road and drive for about 2 miles. You’ll spot the visitor center on your right, just after you cross the Thornton-Franklin Bridge.

There’s plenty of accessible parking in the upper lot next to the visitor center, and ramped access to the front entrance. Inside you’ll find a number of interpretive exhibits, along with an information desk. The building itself overlooks a wetlands area, and there are also several accessible picnic tables on the deck.

Wetlands Walk

Wetlands Walk at the Consumnes River Preserve

Directly behind the visitor center, you’ll find the trailhead for the Wetlands Walk. This one-mile loop begins with a boardwalk though the wetlands, then continues on a paved level trail. There are several viewing areas along the way, and also a secluded accessible picnic table after the first boardwalk. Near the end of the loop, a half-mile boardwalk branches off to the right. It’s wide, level and nicely accessible, with a large viewing platform that overlooks the marsh. It’s an excellent place to spot Great Egrets, Northern Pintails, Red Winged Blackbirds, Turkey Vultures and — in season — Sandhill Cranes.

And if you just want to enjoy the boardwalk, but can’t manage the Wetlands Walk, there’s also accessible parking by the boardwalk next to an accessible pit toilet. This parking area is located north of the Visitor Center on the opposite side of Franklin Boulevard.

It should be noted that the rangers close the boardwalk at dusk, as it’s a favorite night roosting spot for the Sandhill Cranes. That said, the best time to visit this area is early evening, just before dusk, as it’s a beehive of activity then. Visitors are welcome to bring lawn chairs and just sit back and enjoy the show.

After the boardwalk, the Wetlands Walk winds past one final viewing platform and returns to the visitor center. Alternatively, if you’d just like to check out the last viewing platform, there’s also accessible parking and an accessible vault toilet in the lower parking lot at the visitor center. From there, a level sidewalk leads across Franklin Boulevard to the platform.

Woodbridge Ecological Reserve — The Basics

Another good place to get a look at the Sandhill Cranes is at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve (www.wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Woodbridge-ER ), which is located just south of the Consumnes River Preserve. To get there, follow Franklin Road south to Woodbridge Road, then turn east. The reserve is divided into two sites, across the street from each other — the North Unit and the South Unit.

The South Unit is open to the public, but the North Unit can only be visited on docent-led tours. A CDFW Lands Pass is required to visit either unit, for all visitors 16 years of age and older. You do not need a pass if you have a valid California hunting or fishing license. You can purchase a CDFW Lands Pass online at ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/, then print it out prior to your visit.

Visit Woodbridge Ecological Reserve

The South Unit of the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve has accessible parking near the entrance gates, and a short cement path out to a viewing area that overlooks a wetlands area. It’s a great vantage point to spot the cranes, and there are also a few benches there; however for the optimal Sandhill Crane viewing experience, try to visit right before dusk. For the best daytime crane viewing, continue along Woodbridge Road, and look for the birds feeding in the surrounding farmland.

The North Unit of the reserve can only be seen on guided tours, which are held during the Sandhill Crane wintering season. Advance reservations are required for these docent-led tours, which begin 90 minutes before sunset. The tours begin at the South Unit, with a brief presentation. Afterwards, participants drive to the North Unit in their own vehicles, to view the birds from an accessible shelter. Since there’s very little walking involved, it’s a great option for wheelchair-users. Slow walkers, or folks who have trouble standing for a few hours may want to bring a camp chair. More information about these tours — when available — can be found on the reserve website.

Finally, if you happen to be in the area in early November, be sure and check out the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival (emerginghorizons.com/enjoy-the-lodi-sandhill-crane-festival/). It’s a full weekend filled with presentations, art, speakers and tours. Not only will you learn more about the Sandhill Cranes, but you’ll also be able to take special tours to see the cranes descend en masse to their overnight roosts. It’s a great addition to any Central Valley birdwatching visit.

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Yosemite Firefall Coming in February

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Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park

In days of yore, visitors would flock to Yosemite on summer evenings to witness the splendor of the Yosemite Firefall. A naturalist’s nightmare in this day and age, the 1960s firefall was created by park concessionaires tossing a burning rubbish pile off of Glacier Point. And to the delighted crowd gathered below, it appeared as if a fire waterfall was tumbling down over the rock face. For obvious reasons this ritual is no longer performed.

That said, today park visitors can experience a more natural — and just as spectacular — version of a firefall at Horsetail Fall. Every February when this waterfall is backlit near sunset, a vibrant orange glow emanates and mimics the appearance of a waterfall on fire — minus the rubbish pile. And although conditions have to be just right to witness this natural phenomenon, the firefall attracts visitors in droves for the possible opportunity. Of course whenever there are crowds, there are also rules and regulations. So here’s what you need to know — including where to find the accessible viewing areas — to experience the Horsetail Fall lightshow.

Yosemite Firefall Basics

There are several basic requirements for a good Yosemite Firefall. First and foremost you have to have water. A good fall rainfall is helpful for a robust firefall.

Second, you need clear skies so the sun can reflect off the granite behind the waterfall. And although this is up to Mother Nature, it also helps to keep an eye on the weather. If it’s overcast, cloudy or foggy, it will probably be a no-go. Of course you have to hit it at the right time of day — sunset — for an optimum firefall experience. Sunset times range from 5:30 PM to 5:51 PM from February 8 to February 28.

Finally, there’s the location. The best place to view Horsetail Fall is near the El Capitan Picnic Area. Best bet is to try and snag a parking spot at Yosemite Falls, and walk 1.5 miles on Northside Drive to the viewing area. If Yosemite Falls parking is full, park in Yosemite Village or Curry Village and take the free shuttle to Yosemite Falls.

Even if you can’t manage the level walk, you can still enjoy this majestic show. Although one lane of Northside Drive will be closed to accommodate the large number of pedestrians, people with an accessible parking placard are allowed to drive to and park in the El Capitan Picnic Area. They are also allowed to park in any of the turnouts on the north side of Northside Drive. That said, it’s important to note that on busy weekends, Northside Drive may close completely for about an hour after the firefall. And if nature calls, remember there’s an accessible vault toilet in the El Capitan Picnic Area.

Reservation Information

Due to the popularity of the Yosemite Firefall, park entrance reservations are required for the following weekends in 2025.

  • February 8-9
  • February 22-23 (Presidents’ Day Weekend)
  • February 24–25

These reservations are required even if you don’t plan to visit Horsetail Fall. Reservations can be made online at www.recreation.gov, and although there is no fee for the reservation, there is a $2 service charge. Entrance fees are not included with the reservations, and you need a reservation even if you have a national park entrance pass (emerginghorizons.com/how-to-get-a-lifetime-national-park-pass/). The reservations are valid for seven days.

If you arrive at the park Monday through Friday (except Monday February 17) and then leave, you will not need a reservation to gain re-entry on the following weekend, as long as you have your park entrance receipt. Pedestrians, cyclists and people who ride YARTS will not need an entry reservation. Additionally, people who have lodging or camping reservations in the park or in Wawona, Yosemite West or Foresta will not need a reservation. No walk-in camping will be available in February.

Unlike the summer entrance reservations of previous summers, these entrance reservations are required 24 hours a day. Vehicles arriving without entrance reservations on the specified weekends will be turned away. Visitors are allowed to book one reservation, and the person named on the reservation must be in the vehicle. Be sure to print our your reservation, and be prepared to show your ID at the park gate.

Fifty percent of the entrance reservations were released on November 18, 2024, and are available on a first-come basis. The remaining reservations will be released at 8 AM PDT two days prior to the reservation date. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/yose.

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Explore Saguaro National Park

Explore Saguaro National Park

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Saguaro Cactus in Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Known as the symbol of the American West, the giant saguaro cactus can only be found in the Sonoran Desert in the Southwestern US and Mexico. These large columnar cacti are covered in spines and develop branches (arms) as they age. There’s nothing like seeing a forest of saguaros framed by a colorful desert sunset. And the best place to do that is at Saguaro National Park (nps.gov/sagu), near Tucson, Arizona. Divided in two sections — with the city of Tucson in between — this scenic desert area offers several accessible trails for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Saguaro East

Ecology Trail in Saguaro East

Located in the Rincon Mountain District, Saguaro East is about 10 miles off Interstate 10. Just take exit 27 and follow the signs to the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center in Saguaro National Park. Accessible parking is located near the visitor center, which offers level access and houses a collection of interpretive exhibits. There’s also plenty of room for a wheelchair in the theater, which shows an introductory film throughout the day. And outside there’s level access around the small native garden, and over to a covered shelter with benches.

The eight-mile Cactus Forest Drive scenic loop begins just east of the visitor center. This one-way drive travels through the heart of a saguaro forest, and boasts fabulous windshield views of the gigantic cacti. There are a number of pullouts along the way, all of which have accessible parking. And if you visit in May, you’ll be treated to an eyeful of showy white booms on the giant cacti.

The first accessible trail is located midway along the drive. There’s accessible parking at the Mica View Picnic Area, with level access over to accessible tables and an accessible vault toilet. Although the entire length of the Mica View trail is not not accessible, the first .7 mile is fairly level and is covered in stabilized granite. The Desert Ecology Trail, which is located just up the road, is also worth a stop. This quarter-mile trail features a paved pathway with benches to sit and rest along the way.

When you reach the end of the scenic loop drive, turn left at the stop sign and head through the Javalina Picnic Area. After you leave the picnic area, look to the right as the road curves, for a view of a tall saguaro with a magnificent crown.

Javalina Picnic area in Saguaro National Park East

Saguaro West

Desert Discovery Trail in Saguaro National Park West

Saguaro West is located in the Tucson Mountain District, which is on the west side of the city, just up the road from the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. From interstate 10, head west on Gates Pass Road, then make a right on Kinney Road. The Red Hills Visitor Center will be on the right, just past the park entrance.

There’s accessible parking in front with level access to the building. Inside there are a number of interpretive exhibits as well as accessible restrooms. Outside there’s a short accessible paved trail that focuses on the ecology of the Sonoran Desert.

The highlight of this section of the park is the Desert Discovery Trail, which is located just a mile past the visitor center, on the left side of the road. This half-mile paved trail features interpretive plaques along the way that describe the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. There are benches to rest along the trail, and it’s a favorite spot to catch a spectacular sunset view amidst the cactus forest.

This section of the park also boasts a scenic drive. The 5-mile Bajada Loop Drive winds through the saguaro forest, with plenty of pullouts along the way. Although the road is not paved, it’s still doable in a low clearance vehicle. And if you’d like to pack along a snack, there are two picnic areas along the loop.

Last but not least, don’t forget to ask about the free ranger programs at either visitor center. Offered in the peak winter season, many of the programs are held at accessible areas or trails in or near the visitor centers. These interpretive programs, which focus on the Sonoran Desert and the Saguaro Cactus, greatly enhance any visit to Saguaro National Park.

 

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portland-streetcar-featured

Getting Around Portland in a Wheelchair

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Portland Streetcar

Getting to and from your vacation destination is one thing, but getting around town without a car — especially if you use a wheelchair — can throw a wrench into even the best laid plans. That is, unless your vacation destination is Portland, Oregon, where accessible and affordable public transportation is abundant and easy to use. So here’s the skinny on how to get around town when you visit Portland in a wheelchair.

Ride the Streetcar

Getting around downtown Portland in a wheelchair is pretty easy, as there are wide sidewalks, plentiful curb-cuts and a fairly level terrain. Add in the Portland Streetcar (portlandstreetcar.org), which runs through the downtown area and connects to nearby business districts, and you have a very accessible way to see the city highlights.

The North – South Line runs from Nob Hill in the north, through the downtown area to the south waterfront; while the A and B loops circle the Lloyd District, Rose Quarter, Pearl District and downtown area. The A Loop runs in a clockwise direction, and the B Loop runs in a counterclockwise direction, so it’s easy to backtrack along the route.

Access is excellent on the Portland Streetcar, as every streetcar has has a ramp-equipped entrance. Boarding is a snap — just press the blue button to deploy the ramp, roll into one of the wheelchair-accessible seating areas and lock your brakes. When the streetcar arrives at your stop, push the blue button to deploy the ramp; and if you run into problems or have an emergency, just use the intercom near the accessible seating area.

Streetcar tickets can be purchased from machines at the platforms or at the Tri-Met ticket office in Pioneer Square. The fare for a 2.5-hour streetcar pass is $2, and the Hop pass (for the city bus) is also good on the streetcar.

Hop on a Bus

Getting around other areas of Portland in a wheelchair is easy too, thanks to the Tri-Met bus line (trimet.org/bus). Tri-Met buses run throughout the downtown area and connect with the Portland Streetcar, as well as offer access to outlying Portland neighborhoods. They are ramp or lift-equipped and many can also kneel, which makes boarding much easier for slow walkers. All buses have priority seating for disabled passengers and wheelchair tie-downs; and the drivers are happy to assist passengers — especially visitors.

If you need the ramp or lift deployed and you disability isn’t obvious, just ask the driver. Drivers are also available to help passengers on and off the the lift, and to secure assistive devices in the tie-downs.

Although Tri-Met buses accept cash, the best deal for visitors is the Hop card, which can be picked up and filled at the Tri-Met ticket office in Pioneer Courthouse Square. A 2.5-hour pass on the Hop card costs $2.80 and a day pass is $5.60 a day. Seniors and disabled passengers get a 50 percent discount, and if you decide to extend your stay in Portland, you can always add more money to your Hop card.

Airport Transfers

Getting to and from the Portland International Airport is easy too, thanks to MAX Rail (trimet.org/max), the city’s light rail system. It also connects downtown Portland with Beaverton, Clackamas, Gresham, Hillsboro, North/Northeast Portland and Milwaukie. And like the rest of Portland’s public transportation, all the MAX Rail lines are wheelchair-accessible.

All MAX Rail trains have accessible boarding areas, which are located in the center of the low-floor cars. The conductor will deploy the ramp for wheelchair-users, but slow walkers can also deploy the ramp by pressing the blue button. The accessible cars all have large accessible seating areas, and a ramp request button next to the doors.

The Hop card is also good on MAX Rail, and it can be purchased or refilled from machines at the station. The MAX Rail Airport Station is located near baggage claim on the lower level

Taxi Tours of Portland in a Wheelchair

Finally, if you’d prefer to just grab a cab, then contact Radio Cab (radiocab.net) for wheelchair-accessible service. Radio Cab offers 24-hour taxi service in lift-equipped vans, throughout the Portland Area. And the fares are the same as standard taxi fares.

Radio Cab also offers accessible day tours of the city with stops at Washington Park, the Rose Gardens, the Japanese Gardens and the Columbia River Gorge. Or if you’d like to get out and do a little wine tasting, Radio Cab can put together a wine tour to the Yamhill Valley and Hood River. And everything is customizable, as you can do as little or as much as you want on a personalized Radio Cab tour.

For more information or to book a Radio Cab call (503) 205-3317. It’s a very accessible way to enjoy all that Portland has to offer.

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Enjoy the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival

Enjoy the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival

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, via Wikimedia Commons” width=”1000″ height=”667″ Sandhill Crane

Every fall Sandhill Cranes take to the Pacific Flyway in a mass migration from their breeding grounds in Alaska and British Columbia, to travel to their wintering areas in California. And one of their favorite places to winter is in the California Delta near Lodi. In fact, from October to February masses of these majestic birds can be seen feeding in the fields that line the roads of this rural agricultural area.

And to celebrate their yearly return, the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association presents the annual Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival. Now in its 26th year, the 2024 event will run from Friday November 1 to Sunday November 3, with most of the events happening over the weekend. And the good news is, not only are the festival venues wheelchair-accessible, but there’s no admission charge to many of the festival events.

Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival 

The bulk of the festival events take place at the Hutchins Street Square Community Center in downtown Lodi. There’s barrier-free access to the building, with plenty of room for wheelchairs and scooters to maneuver. For a full schedule of the downtown exhibits and educational presentations, visit lodisandhillcrane.org.

The festival kicks off with the opening night reception on Friday evening. Attendees can nosh on hors d’oeuvres and sip beer and wine, and enjoy a program that includes the presentation of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association Conservation Award. Top it off with a silent auction for a fun opening event.

The educational presentations about the life and habits of the Sandhill Cranes are a perennial favorite of festival attendees. These sessions include speakers, videos, and hands-on projects. And there’s even a few activities for kids. Additionally there’s a variety of vendors and exhibitors that focus on birding, wildlife, and of course the Sandhill Cranes. Box lunches will be on sale in the exhibit hall, while snacks will be available to purchase in the rotunda.

One of the highlights of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival is the Art Show. There are two divisions. One division is photography and the other is fine arts, which includes oils, watercolors, pastels and sculptures. There are two subject areas within each division — Sandhill Cranes in California and other California wildlife in their natural habitat. There are lots of creative entries, and the best part is that the winners are picked by the attendees. So be sure and stop by and vote for your favorites.

Take a Tour

A more remote aspect of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival are the local tours. Led by naturalist guides, these tours cover all aspects of the migratory cranes, and include a variety of landscapes. Although some tours are not a good choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers because of the rough terrain, several other tours are doable.

At the top of the list is the Consumnes River Preserve Guided Wetlands Walk. Led by Mary DuBose, this three-hour morning walk begins at the Consumnes River Preserve Visitor Center. It and includes a one-to-two-mile walk over a smooth level trail and some boardwalks. You’ll not only see the Sandhill Cranes on this walk, but also find a nice selection of ducks, geese, raptors and woodland birds along the way. There is a $20 charge for this tour.

The Crane Fly-In tours are also good choices for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. They take place at the North and South Units of the Woodbridge Ecological Preserve. These offerings include a short presentation, before the Sandhill Cranes descend en masse to their nightly resting spots. It’s quite a sight to see! Both the North and South Units have level access to a wheelchair-accessible viewing area for the program. The South Unit Tours are priced at $30, while the North Unit tours are $40. And if you’d like to get up early, there’s also a Fly-Out tour at the North Unit that’s priced at $45.

It’s important to note that all participants in the North and South Unit tours must also posses a current hunting or fishing license, or purchase a Lands Pass at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/lands-pass.

For more information about the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival tour offerings, visit lodisandhillcrane.org/events-calendar, or e-mail your questions to tours@lodisandhillcrane.org.

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Wheelchair-Accessible Mammoth Cave National Park

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Generally speaking, caves are not usually a great recreational choice for wheelchair users-and slow walkers. That said, there are a few exceptions. And in that respect Mammoth Cave National Park tops the list. Not only do wheelchair-users and slow walkers have their choice of several accessible trails above ground; but thanks to some recent repairs and renovations, they can also explore the subterranean chambers of this Southwestern Kentucky national park.

A Wheelchair-Accessible Mammoth Cave Tour

Elevator to the accessible Mammoth Cave tour

Mammoth Cave has something that most caves lack — an elevator. Unfortunately it was out of service for several years; but after a massive $2.2 million repair project, it’s once again operational. And after the repairs were completed, an Accessible Cave Tour was added to the roster.

This two-hour tour begins at the visitor center, where participants then drive their own vehicles to the elevator on Cave City Road. There’s accessible parking in the lot, and barrier-free access over to the elevator. The tour of this gypsum cave travels over level cement pathways and visits the Snowball Room, and includes portions of Cleveland Avenue. This accessible tour is an extremely manageable half-mile in length, and it can also accommodate large power wheelchairs and scooters. Additionally, there are benches along the way for slow walkers who need to take a break.

Tickets for the Accessible Cave Tour can be purchased at recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. They are available up to six months in advance, and it ‘s best to purchase them as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Some walk-up tickets may be available; however due to the popularity of the tour that’s not always the case. For more information about the Accessible Cave Tours, contact the visitor center at (270) 758-2180.

Accessible River and Forest Trails

The Heritage Trail at Mammoth Cave National Park

There are also a number of trails to include on a wheelchair-accessible Mammoth Cave itinerary. The Heritage Trail, which begins near the visitor center, tops the list. This three-quarter-mile trail starts off as a wide level path, before it transitions to a boardwalk that loops through the forest. There are several scenic stops along the way, including Sunset Point, which offers a panoramic view of the rolling hills of the Green River drainage basin.

There’s also a short 300-foot trail out to the Old Guides Cemetery from the Heritage Trail. The level trail leads over to a abandoned graveyard, where Stephen Bishop — a guide who died in 1857 — was laid to rest. Even if you can’t do the entire trail, it’s still a pleasant stroll, and there are plenty of benches to stop and take a break and enjoy the view along the way.

Echo River Spring Trail at Mammoth Cave National Park

The Echo River Spring Trail is also a good choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The trailhead is located a short drive from the visitor center, in the Green River Ferry parking lot. Accessible parking is available near the trailhead, and there’s also an accessible porta-potty and an accessible picnic table nearby. This .6-mile trail begins as a wide cement walkway, before it transitions to a short boardwalk through the forest. Along the way it passes Echo River Spring, before it loops back to the parking lot. It’s a pleasant stroll, and there are several overlooks with benches to sit back and enjoy the peaceful forest.

More Wheelchair-Accessible Trails!

Sloan’s Crossing Pond Walk at Mammoth Cave National Park

Another couple of wheelchair-accessible trails are located a little further from the visitor center. At the top of that list is Sloan’s Crossing Pond Walk. From the visitor center follow Mammoth Cave Parkway for about three miles, and look for the trailhead on the right, just past Brownsville Road.

This .4-mile boardwalk that circles the shaded pond was completely renovated in 2023. It’s wide and level, and dotted with accessible viewing platforms, benches and interpretive plaques. Even if you can’t do the whole trail, there’s an excellent pond view from the first overlook, which is just steps from the parking area. As an added bonus there’s also an accessible picnic area there.

Last but certainly not least on our wheelchair-accessible Mammoth Cave National Park itinerary, is a stop at the Sand Cave Trail. Located near southeast park entrance, this short trail makes a good stop if you are heading towards Cave City. The .1-mile boardwalk winds through the forest and features low bumpers which open up the views for wheelchair-users. The trail terminates at an overlook, which has a view of the Sand Cave rescue site.

Floyd Collins, who was an avid cave explorer, was trapped at that site for 17 days in 1925. Unfortunately rescuers were not able to reach Collins before he succumbed from exposure. His body was later removed and interred near his family’s Crystal Cave home. Today the story of his life and death is detailed at the wayside exhibit near the Sand Cave Trail. Although it’s a sad — and somewhat gruesome — tale, the trail actually offers a pleasant stroll; and it’s a great way to top off a Mammoth Cave visit.

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Wisconsin Orchard Offers Wheelchair-Accessible Apple Picking

Wisconsin Orchard Offers Wheelchair-Accessible Apple Picking

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Wheelchair-accessible apple picking at Leffel Roots Apple Orchards

Fall is the time to savor a cup of hot apple cider, carve out a scary Halloween pumpkin and plan a visit to your local apple orchard. And although the first two of those activities are certainly wheelchair-accessible, the third one may pose some logistical challenges for many wheelchair-users. That is unless you are in Eau Clare Wisconsin, where Leffel Roots Apple Orchards (leffelroots.com/) now offers a wheelchair-accessible apple picking experience. Thanks to a little creativity, and the construction of a first-of-its-kind wheelchair-accessible apple picking platform, everyone can now enjoy this quintessential harvest-time activity.

Access Upgrades at Leffel Roots Orchards

Leffel Roots Orchard was founded in 2015 by the husband and wife team of Jim and Laura Leffel. After traveling the world with the US Air Force for 20 years, they decided to go back to their roots and they bought a 40-acre farm in Eau Clare, Wisconsin.

Of course the farm wasn’t outfitted for wheelchair-accessible apple picking when they purchased it, however it seemed an essential upgrade to the Leffels. Several years ago when they transplanted some Cortland apple trees near the store, Jim came up with the idea to build a raised platform for wheelchair-accessible apple picking. Says Laura, “The idea fit in with our desire to aid disabled veterans.”

Having never constructed a wheelchair-accessible deck before, Jim sought out the expertise of the folks from the University of Wisconsin Eau Clair to make sure the ramp had the proper grade. Great care was then taken to maintain the transplanted trees near the platform. “We’ve specially pruned the apple trees to have the maximum number of apples within sitting height,” explains Laura. And although it was designed for wheelchair-users, the platform can also be used by slow walkers, or anyone who is unable to to walk over to the main orchard.

More Orchard Fun

After you’ve had your fill of apple picking, there are plenty of other things for wheelchair-users to do at Leffel Orchards. For starters, there’s an apple slingshot right next to the accessible apple picking deck.

The slingshot is made of elastic tubing threaded through a pouch. People pull back on the pouch, then aim it at the target and release it. A little hand-eye coordination is needed to use the apple slingshot, and some wheelchair-users may require a bit of assistance. Says Laura, “Sometimes an aide helps situate the hands of the slinger, then pulls pack the wheelchair, while the slinger takes aim and releases the apple.” It’s a fun activity for all ages.

There’s also level access to the country store at Leffel Orchards, with plenty of room between the aisles to navigate a wheelchair. The store includes a variety of fresh products including local honey, jams, jellies, and fresh squeezed apple cider. There’s also level access to the back patio where you can sit and enjoy a delicious piece of freshly baked apple pie. Go for the wheelchair-accessible apply picking, but definitely stay for the yummy Leffel Orchards desserts. It’s the perfect way to top off a fall orchard excursion.

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Watchable Wildlife in Custer State Park

Watchable Wildlife in Custer State Park

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Pronghorn in Custer State Park, South Dakota

Although Custer State Park (gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/) is primarily known for its sizable bison population, this South Dakota favorite also boasts a healthy mixture of other wildlife. From prairie dogs and burros, to elk and even bighorn sheep, there’s no shortage of animal life in the park. And although Custer State Park occupies a whopping 71,000 acres of Black Hills real estate, the southern section of the park is the ground zero for watchable wildlife. Not only is the scenic Wildlife Loop Drive located in this section of the park, but there’s also a visitor center and the Bison Center along the way. And since it’s just a short drive from Badlands National Park, it’s a great addition to any South Dakota road trip.

Drive She Said

Feral burros on the Wildlife Loop Trail in Custer State Park

The best place to start your wildlife adventure is at the Custer State Park Visitor Center, which is located at the intersection of Wildlife Loop Road and Highway 164. There’s accessible parking and level access to the main building, which houses exhibits and a theater. And if you need directions or have a few questions, there are plenty of folks available to help.

After you get your bearings, hop on the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Drive, which runs from the visitor center to the Bell Station Entrance. It takes about 45 minutes to complete the drive as the speed is limited to 25 mph; but that time is variable due to wildlife — especially bison — that sometimes linger on the road. Basically, you’re on their timetable — whenever they decide to move, so can you. But then again, that’s part of the fun.

There are lots of pullouts along the drive, and you can get some great windshield views without getting out of your vehicle. The route travels through pastures and forests, with a prairie dog village along the way. And be on the lookout for bighorn sheep which sometimes linger near the road. Then there are the feral burros, which can be overly curious and bold.

Prairie Dog on the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park

The Wildlife Station Visitor Center is located about eight miles from the beginning of the loop. Unfortunately the old CCC building only has steps up to it; however there are accessible vault toilets and an accessible inside picnic area near the parking area. Consider it a shady spot to stop for lunch.

Of course there are no guarantees on how much wildlife you’ll spot along Wildlife Loop Drive, but for optimum game viewing hit the road early in the morning or just before sunset.

Visit the Bison Center

Buffalo in Custer State Park

Make sure and stop at the new Bison Center, which is located about two miles from the Wildlife Station Visitor Center. There’s accessible parking near the entrance, with level access to the building. Inside, there are exhibits which trace the history of the 1,500-head buffalo herd, which are descendants of the 36 head that were introduced in 1936. As the herd grew, it outgrew the available forage, so a yearly roundup (emerginghorizons.com/head-over-to-the-custer-buffalo-roundup/) was instituted to keep the population in check. Interactive exhibits at the Bison Center show how the buffalo are inoculated and what animals are sold, and how licensed hunters also help prevent overpopulation.

And if you’ve every wondered what the correct term is — buffalo or bison — there’s an exhibit which answers that question too. In short, both are considered correct. Buffalo is the French word for beef animal, while bison is the scientific name. And for the most part, buffalo is the preferred term in the park.

Cowboy at the Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park

There’s also level access to the gift shop at the Bison Center, where you’ll find a number of buffalo-themed items. And there’s a level dirt path to the buffalo paddocks which are located on the far side of the parking lot. Take some time to check them out as you may see a few buffalo there; however there are more animals present at Buffalo Roundup time. All in all the Bison Center offers a good overview of one of the world’s largest publicly owned buffalo herds. Plan ahead though, as the Bison Center is only open from Memorial Day to the end of September.

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