Throwback Thursday: Indiana Sand Dunes

Two summers ago, some friends from North Carolina came up to visit us in Indiana, and we took them to the Dunes for a day-trip. They had tons of fun playing in Lake Michigan, building a sand castle on my feet, and climbing the dunes. I had a great time reading and getting a great tan and watching my friends. 

Of course, wheelchairs and sand do not get along very well, and as we all stood (sat) on the pavement at the edge of the beach and stared at the distance to the water, we decided we needed to get creative. "Tall" Hannah had a long plastic sled, and after carefully positioning me on it, they pulled it slowly down the shore. A bit scary, and not exactly like "dashing through the snow," but no injuries were incurred in the process.

But like any good A-team, we knew we needed an exit strategy... it's easy to go down, but how to go back up?? That's when it pays off for a person with a disability to strategically place herself among innovative and energetic friends, because they are the ones who in return strategically place her near a group of large, strong men (easy to spot when they are shirtless on the beach!) who look like they plan to spend the whole day there too.

When we were ready to go, we settled me back on the sled, and the neighbor-men enthusiastically agreed to help. (A word of wisdom: strong men love opportunities to display their strength!) They put ropes through the side grips and like a dog sled team, they ran - RAN! - up the sandy hill! Moriah sat behind me, holding onto me and muttering, "This is so terrifying!" while I playfully shouted, "MUSH!" What a rush... So remember, all you wheelchair-bound friends, to bring your sled and craziest friends on your next beach trip!