Traveling with a Disabled Individual

It is challenging to travel with a severely disabled person.  When planning our trip to Wyoming I had to keep in mind Michael's special needs.

 The ADA requirements here in the United States are a great help, most sidewalks have ramps at corners and most hotels offer one or more accessible rooms. The degree to which these rooms are accessible varies, though.  We were very pleased that the room at Springhill Suites had wide spaces between furniture making making it easy to negotiate with a wheelchair.  The tub had a fold-down bench and hand held shower making transfer and bathing easy.

Many hotels offer microwaves and small refrigerators, important items in accommodating those with special diets but the manager offered the use of a food processor when he learned that Michael required his food to be pureed.  We didn't take him up on it, though, as we had brought our own.

 

Accommodations in National Parks are a bigger problem.While accessible rooms are offered and some now have small refrigerators I have yet to see any with a microwave.

I was pleased to find Signal Mountain Lodge, a privately owned property on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton.  We didn't choose one of their accessible rooms, that room did not have a refrigerator or microwave.  After discussing our needs with a staff member we chose a room with easy access, a kitchenette and a lake view.  Michael enjoyed sitting on the deck and watching the boats bob on the water. 

Actually, we all enjoyed sitting on the deck enjoying the view!

When traveling with someone with special needs, know what is needed and ask questions.  I find most people want to help but they need to know what is required.

The Great American Eclipse Experience

Five years ago I learned that there would be a total eclipse visible in North America and I was determined to see it with my own eyes and with my family.  I chose Jackson Hole Wyoming for our venue, planning to then go to Grand Teton National Park.  Unfortunately, many others had the same idea and although I started looking more than a year in advance I could find no accommodations.  At last, Motel 6 opened their books for the period and I jumped at it.  Ten months later I called to make sure an accessible room was available for grandson Michael and his parents and was told that the reservation had been cancelled due to overbooking.  I had not been notified!

Fortunately I was able to secure accommodations at Springhill  Suites, much nicer and much more expensive.  The staff at Springhill was very accommodating and helpful.  All and all I felt we had actually been fortunate not to be stuck at Motel 6!

Eric Mimi and Mark did some exploring and decided that the park next to the visitor center would be a good viewing location.  It was a good choice, not too crowded and with a restroom nearby.  Perfect!

We picked our spot and waited for the show to begin.  We came prepared with eclipse glasses, viewers, camera filters and even special eclipse binoculars.

Some creature in the nearby wetlands (I think it is a muskrat) provided some diversion while we waited.

I found it difficult to get satisfactory images.  It was hard to get the camera to focus, these are the sharpest of the many I took.  It didn't help that I left the tripod back in the room.  I saw the diamond ring but didn't get a shot.

It was a wonderful experience to share with the family, I'm glad we were able to do it.

I am sharing this with SkyWatch, Friday.  Join us their to see more views of the sky.