Post Trip

For my college graduation gift, my mom gave me and my best friend a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  And boy did I enjoy the trip!! It was not hot, but not too cold to lay out on the Atlantic coast.  There were barely any tourists, so it was a very peaceful, quiet, and rejuvenating trip.  The islands or "villages" were very relaxing and each day we experienced at least one amazing thing. I am beyond grateful that I got to spend five days with Lindsey.

Our first experience was going to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. On the island of Kill Devil Hills is where the Wright brothers took their first flight.  The hill is 90 feet tall and you can hike up the path to the top to take in the scenery. Lindsey is just as determined as I am, and had it in her mind that she was going to push me up to the top of the hill in my wheel chair. She wanted me to experience the breathtaking view and feel what it was like to jump off the hill with two wings attached to you. She would not take no for an answer and refused to let me help her. I always knew she was special and had a huge heart, but when she pushed me up that 90 foot hill it really showed me how selfless, caring and truly amazing a person she is. I am beyond blessed to have her as my sidekick.
 

On top of Kill Devil Hill

These are models of the first glider & airplane that were created

We discovered that since I have a medical condition and considered disabled, I can get into any National Park for free for the rest of my life. I was given a free access pass which I show any time I go to a National Park and I will get in free along with three other people.  If there is a facility fee this pass will grant me up to 50% off. There are 397 national parks and Lindsey and I are making it a mission to cross off as many on the list as we can. It is a fantastic way to enjoy this beautiful nation one destination at a time.  Also, Amtrak has a new promotion with certain parks where the admission is incorporated into your round-trip train packages. So you and your family can beat the airline fairs and travel by train and see part of the country side you would not ever see.

Our next adventure was climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse which is in Buxton, North Carolina.  I slowly climbed the 248 cast-iron steps that lead to the lantern room. We took our time and took many stops, but I was determined to climb the tallest lighthouse in America! No matter what, my adrenaline was not going to let me not complete this mission.  When I got to the door that led to the platform that went outside so many emotions came over me...I realized that I just climbed a 200 foot lighthouse, which is equivalent to 12 stories without fainting.  For the first time in a very long time I actually felt like I accomplished something.  I miss all of those feelings.

Lindsey and I on top of the world

Another stamp in our Nation Park Passport

"Oh man I actually did it?!"

I did it! I flew on a plane, went to the top of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, laid on the beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast, went sailing for the first time, AND climbed a lighthouse! I could not have done it all without my best friend. She truly understands me, my limits, and this medical condition. She encouraged me to rent a wheel chair (which was a hard step for me to take) because she knew it would help me conserve my energy and allow us to do more things...and she was right.

It is my goal to travel the world and soak up every little jewel in each place. This trip really taught me that there is no reason to give up on my dreams.  I am still not used to my new limitations, but I am slowly learning to accept them and realize that they should not stop me from still enjoying life.