Traveler, writer, photographer, former wedding officiant, mother, friend, explorer and new Texian ... that's just a little about me!
“No matter how many photos you’ve seen of Milford Sound, nothing can prepare you for the incredible feeling of actually being there. It is an inspiring and exceptional place.” (Real Journeys brochure)
Earlier this month I received an email from Sally James, a freelance writer who has recently been working with one of the UK’s leading travel portals on a guide for people with disabilities, showing how even on a cruise they can enjoy full mobility and accessibility help.
Sally asked me if I would be interested in seeing what she has written, and of course I said “Yes.” And after looking it over, I thought the guides would be worth sharing on my blog.
As a docent, Carrieanna can frequently be found at Point Lobos, where she leads nature walks and talks about the flora, fauna, marine life and history of that area.
Recently, however, we decided to head northeast and explore the Natural Resources of Elkhorn Slough near Moss Landing in Monterey County.
Although I’ve shared most of the highlights of our 2014 Eastern Caribbean Cruise – the accessible room, the MS Education, and the shore excursions to San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Martin – there’s one important detail I haven’t mentioned … 
Candy Harrington has been writing about accessible travel for nearly two decades. Her books, newsletter (Emerging Horizons) and blog are excellent resources, offering information and encouragement to wheelchair-users, slow walkers, and those who travel with them.
(Click here for my review of one of her recent books, “22 Accessible Road Trips.”)
Last month Candy was the guest speaker for the National MS Society, Northern California Chapter MS Lecture Series in Sacramento. Her topic was “Have MS, Will (Still) Travel: Tips for Traveling with MS.”
The meeting was well-attended, affirming that a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis does not diminish the desire to travel. Candy spent over an hour sharing very helpful accessible travel tips, and I took many notes.
After five months of training, on May 18, 2014 Carrieanna graduated from the Docent Training Program at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
“An 8:30 a.m. tour is unpleasantly early.
On the other hand, the sights and bus and guide were delightful!” 
“From the deck at the Mountain Top, daiquiri in hand, we soak up the sunshine and the beautiful view of Magens Bay, with it’s tri-colored water. Spectacular!”
My First Shore Excursion!
After two and a half fun-filled, educational days at sea on the Celebrity Reflection, I was looking forward to arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and doing a little exploring on land.
A few months ago I wrote about Carrieanna’s first cruise experience – a seven-day trip to Alaska aboard the Celebrity Solstice. (You can read about it here.)
As I mentioned in that post, it was such a great experience that she was eager to cruise again. So when the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation offered a January 2014 Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Reflection, she enthusiastically asked me to accompany her and, of course, I said “Yes!”
Anything Is Possible Travel 