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Tag: Elwha River

Trail Report: Lake Aldwell/Elwha Dam Overlook

Trail Report: Lake Aldwell/Elwha Dam Overlook is a two spoon, partially wheelchair accessible trail near Port Angeles.

48.096651 -123.555172

June 12, 2018 0

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CN: discussing Otherness and the disabled community Hey, can we talk? If you're here for photos and inspiration you might want to scroll past. People ask me why this matters. Why does it matter that disabled people enjoy the outdoors, when there are other horrible things happening in the world? Here’s the thing: It is all connected. One of the results of the Cartesian Split and the process of enclosure and colonization was to make us think of everything as separate, to close everything off into boxes. It created a Self and an Other. Everyone was given a value only by what they could produce – the Earth included. People and the earth became commodities to use up and discard. The question became “what can you do for me?” rather than “what can I do for you?” Disabled people hold a very low rung on the production ladder. We are viewed as drainers of resources, not producers. In most social movements, we are useful for “inclusion points” and then rarely thought about. We are considered too much effort to warrant consideration. We are one of the Other. The earth is also viewed this way. Areas that are “prime resource production” are used up and discarded. Areas that are too remote, require too many resources to access are named “wilderness” and set aside as areas for recreation – an unknown Other, useful for our entertainment but otherwise rarely thought about. This is why I do this work. Yes, nature/the outdoors can be profoundly healing. We need connection with place, we need love of place. We need somewhere to return home to. Loving our selves and loving our places is a first movement towards collective liberation: 🌟a liberation of and for the earth as well as the people🌟 You may be an Other, too. And it is our Otherness that unites us. But in what ways are we replicating this process in our efforts? Who and what are we using and discarding, or ignoring? Are we truly taking the time to get to know the Other? Taking the time for the consideration of the complex systems that are at work? Are we meeting the earth and all of the beings who live here as friends and family and neighbors? Are we asking “what can I do for you?” or “what can you do for me?”

I had a fun day yesterday exploring the strait, during the lowest tides of the year. Interesting rocks are glimpses into the power of the earth and all she creates. A friend explained to me that the rocks in these photos are formed when minerals get trapped during volcanic events in harder rocks and accumulate layers around them. So many fascinating things surround us! #disabledhikers #disabledhiker #disabledandoutdoors #goexplore #olympicpeninsula #earthlover #geologynerd

OLYMPIA FAM! I've scheduled a group hike for you. 😘 Where: Woodard Bay Conservation Area When: Sunday July 1, 2018 at 2pm Trail Description: This trail offers two options ~A 1 mile out and back paved, wheelchair accessible trail to a picnic area and views of the bay, ~An additional 1.5 mile loop trail through forest with 170 feet of elevation gain and more than 50 steps. We’ll decide which trail to take as a group. Wheel-users welcome! What to bring: water, picnic/snack food, hiking essentials, anything you need to feel comfortable Pets: Service animals always welcome. The trail does not allow pets. Cost: Free. Donation of $1-10 suggested. I spend 20 hours organizing each group event. Parking: There is room for approximately 15 cars. Please carpool if possible. A Discover Pass is required. A full guide will be available for the trail soon. The trail to the bay is a little over 0.5 mile one way and it is paved almost to the end – there is one short section of gravel leading to the picnic area. The 1.5 mile loop connects to two places on the main trail and winds through the forest. It is mostly good tread with some areas of boardwalk, and a total of 50 steps. Total elevation gain is 170 feet. Overall, I rate the trail a two spoon difficulty. . Register on the website under Group Hikes! #disabledhikers #disabledhiker #disabledandoutdoors #accessibility #accessibleoutdoors #wheelchairaccessible #olympia #olympiawa #hikinglife #grouphike #outdoorsforall #gooutside #lovewhereyoulive #coastsalish #pugetsound #woodardbayconservationarea #fatgirlshiking #unlikelyhikers

Mount Tahoma (Rainier) holds a special place in my heart. The Mother of Waters was the first mountain to welcome me following my divorce and recovery from a severe EDS-related joint injury. Narada Falls was my first hike of the day - the short steep descent was a test for sure and I was so happy to get to see the falls. 😊 I'll be in the Olympia area late June - early July, and am considering offering a group hike at Tahoma and one more locally. LMK if there's interest! #disabledhikers #disabledhiker #disabledandoutdoors #unlikelyhikers #fatgirlshiking #hikersofinstagram #adventurestories #healingstories #divorce #injury #disability #EDSAwareness #mttahoma #mounttahoma #mountrainier #naradafalls #olympia #olympiawashington #pnw #washington

The Cape Flattery trail is less than 3/4 mile one way, with 200 feet of elevation loss and over 50 steps along boardwalk and moist, rocky, rooty trail. It is a popular destination for tourists. I often meet elders and folks with painful knees on the trail who find it worthwhile. 🙌 The trail leads to the "beginning of the world," in the home of the Makah tribe. It is the northwesternmost point of the contiguous land mass known as the United States. 🌟 Park in a large lot, pick up one of the walking sticks offered by a Makah artist (you can use it for free on the trail or bring it home for a donation - but consider leaving a donation even if you don't), and set out on the gradual descent on wide dirt trail. After about 0.25 mile you will come to the first section of boardwalk. The rest of the trail is primarily boardwalk with a few places of muddy tread and stone steps and roots. There are many overlooks along the way, but if you can, go all the way to the end for a view spanning the coastline and out into the ocean. Rest and enjoy the view; you'll feel the climb on the way back. ❤ Make sure you purchase a recreational pass at the Makah museum (it was $10 for the year when I got one) . . . #disabledhikers #disabledhiker #disabledandoutdoors #disability #outdoorsforall #diversifytheoutdoors #gooutside #outdoorlife #hiking #hikinglife #hikingguide #trailguide #explore #olympicpeninsula #neahbay #makah #capeflattery #pnw #pnwisbest #explorepnw

Have you visited the website? Lots of updates, new trail reports and guides, info on groups hikes, and ways to share your story! DisabledHikers.com . Image Description: a webpage with the heading: love your self, love your place. Our mission: to build a community of disabled people around love of the outdoors and advocate for disabled people within the outdoors movement. Our vision: a transformed outdoors culture that embraces accessibility in all of its forms and supports a thriving community of disabled outdoorspeople. . . . #disabledhikers #disabledandoutdoors #disabilityrights #disability #accessibility #socialchange #diversifytheoutdoors #outdoorsforall #gooutside #lovewhereyoulive #outdoorlife #hikinglife #hikersofinstagram #pnwhiking

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