Before joining the crip club, I loved getting outside and exploring, and while I still enjoy it, it’s definitely a little more of a challenge now. In February i was invited out to @northofnorthresort by @adaptivewilderness , where things were built on the premise of making outdoor adventures accessible to everyone, and they totally nailed it. From dog sledding to cross-country skiing, to ice fishing, we were able to experience it all without the worry and stress of how the heck to make everything accessible-ish. It was so freeing and refreshing to just be in the moment and actually enjoy the experience for a change.
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Not only did i get to try out these awesome activities, but I also made what i hope will be lifelong friendships with some incredible people. There’s something so empowering about connecting with others who truly get what it’s like to live with a disability and I really can’t even put into words how much happiness getting to experience this trip with them all brought me - i am so thankful.
Huge thank you to @voyageurbarbie , @wheeldernessguy , and everyone who made this weekend possible—you all rock! Sean & Jill, you’ve created a one-of-a-kind place where people of all abilities can come together and experience incredible adventures and i’m so pumped for anyone who gets to experience what it has to offer.
anywhooo, where do yall wanna meet up next??!
Introducing adaptive dogsledding with @castoutdoor - launching from @northofnorthresort .
We want to give a HUGE thank you to David and Heather Hicks with Cast Outdoor Adventures for designing this adaptive dogsled that you can steer and brake with only use of your arms. These dogs can take you for miles on an epic and unforgettable wilderness experience. #adaptive #dogsledding #wilderness #ely #bwca #superiornationalforest #birchlake #minnesota #winter
Planet Ely was a snowy and frozen landscape this past March for our annual winter sports rodeo where friends with spinal cord injuries enjoyed adaptive dogsledding, ice fishing, and cross country skiing together. We had an amazing time getting to know this crew who expressed to us the value of making connections with others who have also suffered life changing injuries. Thank you so much for participating @yazshard@mason_branstrator@annasarol@jaredrpotter@baeh_gill !
Also a special thanks to our volunteers and donors that made it all possible, especially the State of MN and Pulsar Helium for purchasing our adaptive sit ski. Thanks to @castoutdoor and @elysnobearicefishing for making your services inclusive!
Please reach out to learn more about our year round programming!
#adaptive #dogsledding #wintersports❄️ #adaptivecrosscountryskiing #icefishing #crappie #bwca #ely #birchlake #accessibletravel ##sauna
don’t let big summer tell you a winter vacation isn’t worth it ❄️ (even when the high is 0°F)
spent a few days last week in ely, mn and honestly what a charming little town. i stayed in the coziest cabin with @northofnorthresort fully wheelchair accessible and so thoughtfully designed, and was invited by @adaptivewilderness a nonprofit focused on making outdoor adventures accessible for disabled people to experience alongside their loved ones. i’ll treasure these memories forever.
i tried ice fishing for the first time with @elysnobearicefishing cory was amazing and wow what a bougie way to fish 😌🎣 10/10 recommend. i also went dog sledding for the first time with @castoutdoor dave and heather took so much time to teach us about the sport and getting to spend time with the dogs was pure magic.
between the cabin sauna, cooking our catch for dinner, stargazing, playing board games with our friends, and stopping by the international wolf center during feeding time, this trip was truly unforgettable. huge thank you to sean and jill for making it all happen 🤍
one of my goals this year is to try new things and spend more time in nature and this felt like the perfect way to start. already dreaming about coming back in the summer ✨
Frozen fun! @northofnorthresort
Thank you Sean & Jill for being fantastic hosts @adaptivewilderness It was definitely a wonderful experience for me and my fellow wheelchair users.
And thank you to my Vegas wheelie gang for convincing me to come on a trip that is way out of my comfort zone 😅 but ended up being a great way to start my year traveling to a gorgeous resort in Ely, MN. 🌲❄️ I could not have asked for a better group to try it with.
Everything was well thought out for a disabled person or otherwise, from the beautifully designed cabins with heated floors and accessible amenities and weather appropriate activities led by experienced guides. Never thought I would be able to enjoy these things as a wheelchair user.
The day we went dogsledding 🛷 🐺 was probably the coldest for me with double digit subzero temps but they made sure we were in proper gear. I went ice fishing for the first time and actually caught a fish 🎣 ! I mean, really it’s my first time doing any kind of fishing, then actually cooking and eating it after, so that was cool. On our last day we got to enjoy some sauna time and explored downtown a bit. Kind of crazy to see deer just freely roaming the streets and to watch a bunch of wolves enjoy their dinner at the wolf center. ☺️😄
If you are a wheelchair user / disabled, and want to experience the frozen wonderland of Minnesota, I think this is the best way to do it!♿️
I have a lot more content to post but here’s a sneak peek anyway🧊
#adaptivewilderness #accessibletravels #accessibletravel #northwoods #minnesota
Conditions at Hyland were great this past weekend. This downhill clip makes it look easy, don’t be fooled!
#adaptivecrosscountryskiing #hyland #minnesota #adaptivesports #getoutside
Adaptive Grouse Hunt 2025 🪶Superior National Forest 🌲
Thank you Capable Partners - we learned a lot during this first hunt and had good success. Wild birds in the national forest proved to be a challenge and reward all at once!
#grousehunting #superiornationalforest #adaptivehunting #argo #polaris #ranger #trackchair #sunrise #tamarack #elymn
Scenes from the 2025 @adaptivewilderness Wild Rice Harvest. Thank you @rorywakemup for all that you’ve taught us these past two years.
Indigenous people understand the connection we all have to the land. Harvesting wild rice reminds us of this connection. Here are some wild rice, or manomin, facts-
• Wild rice is a seed plant.
• It is part of the grass family- not actually rice!
• It grows from a planted seed.
• Wild rice is an aquatic plant and only grows in freshwater.
• It requires clean fresh water that is not polluted.
• Wild rice grows best in slightly moving water along the shore of a lake or river as opposed to stagnant water.
• Wild rice grows best in a sheltered or protected place away from the wind and waves.
• Northern Wild Rice grows in the fresh waters in the Deciduous Forest near the Great Lakes and the waters and wetlands of the Coniferous Forest of Northern Ontario.
• It grows a seed you can eat.
• The seed is a food for birds such as geese, ducks and songbirds.
• The plant is eaten by muskrat, beaver and other animals that live in wetlands.
• People harvest the seed and process it so it can be stored, cooked and eaten.
Native American history: It has been a food source for Indigenous people for at least 2,000 years.
State grain: Minnesota officially designated wild rice as its state grain. We have more acres of natural wild rice than any other state in the country.
Cultural practices: Lumberjacks traditionally ate it for breakfast with milk and honey.
Regulations: Harvesting wild rice is regulated by the Minnesota DNR, requiring a license and specific methods.
Traditional methods: Only traditional methods are permitted. The season typically runs from mid-August to late September.
Wild rice can keep indefinitely. If you keep it in a covered container in a cool, dry place, wild rice will keep forever. Cooked, drained, and sealed wild rice will keep in the fridge for one week, while you can freeze it for up to six months.
Nutrient dense, high in protein, gluten free, packed with b vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Aids digestion, heart and weight healthy.
Thank you also to the Dept of Human Services Disability Services Division!
We still have a few more slots open for our annual wild rice harvest on Birch Lake @northofnorthresort ! Please reach out to learn more! #adaptivesports #kayak #canoe #fish #wildrice #minnesota #boundarywaters #harvest #cabinlife #fall
Enjoying some family time while kayaking and fishing on Birch Lake 🎣
@adaptivewilderness has funded excursions for nearly 75 participants since last fall!
#adaptivewilderness #northofnorthresort #kayaking #fishing #bwca #superiornationalforest #adaptivesports #elymn
