Comments on: To think I can walk, but don't get up to change the channel

To think I can walk, but don't get up to change the channel

mek — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 16:35:54 -0800

Wheelchair mountaineering: stunning ascents by the seemingly disabled.

By: Ethereal Bligh

Ethereal Bligh — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 16:42:12 -0800

As someone who is locomotively disabled, I nevertheless must confess that "wheelchair mountaineering" sounds like a Monty Python sketch.

By: ericb

ericb — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 16:43:32 -0800

My brother's girfriend is an instructor for Challenge Aspen -- rock climbing and downhill skiing. My brother-in-law who is disabled and permanently wheelchair bound has found new joy in both sports. It's amazing to see his and others' achievement on rock faces and ski slopes.

By: Decani

Decani — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 16:43:50 -0800

Well, personally I think it's wonderful that they've put access ramps and wide doorways on Kilimanjaro at last.

By: ericb

ericb — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 16:46:13 -0800

BTW - much props to Amy Grant for her support of Challenge Aspen.

By: Suparnova

Suparnova — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 16:47:31 -0800

Decani, don't forget ADA compatible bathrooms.

By: Guy Smiley

Guy Smiley — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 17:27:31 -0800

Broke-back mountaineers?

By: Astro Zombie

Astro Zombie — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 17:34:46 -0800

Guy Smiley wins.

By: stbalbach

stbalbach — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 17:49:25 -0800

It speaks mountains of the ease of Kilimanjaro. And once the snows are gone in a few years it should be even easier.

By: HTuttle

HTuttle — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 18:35:04 -0800

And probably safer to be on a mountain with than your average snowboarder.

By: nickyskye

nickyskye — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 18:42:39 -0800

Inspiring. Awesome. Thanks mek. As an interesting aside, on the RainbowExpedition site a Tanzanian hospital price list is posted.

By: thirteenkiller

thirteenkiller — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 19:20:41 -0800

The really remarkable effort is that of the support crews who have to struggle to drag these cripples up mountains.

By: longsleeves

longsleeves — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 19:35:35 -0800

ttk:

By: blacklite

blacklite — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 19:43:12 -0800

you know, seriously, if I were disabled I think I'd rather do something that felt more autonomous. if you've got nine people pulling you up a mountain... that really doesn't seem like it'd help your sense of independence. whatever happened to normal wheelchair sports like basketball?