Hike and Parkway

The weekend before spring break a few of my friends from high school came to visit me, and I took them hiking on the Parkway to get the full Appalachian experience. We were out for about three hours on a warm, sunny, afternoon, and we stopped at several places.

The first place was Price Lake. This was the second most accessible stop. The Lake is just down a short hill near the parking lot, and is extremely easy to get there. The Lake is beautiful and general accessibility is not an issue, because swimming is prohibited anyway!

We also stopped at a mountain outlook. This was the most accessible stop because all it is is an outlook, so no climbing or walking is required. The view is beautiful no matter where you stood, and we had fun taking jumping pictures and goofing off.

The final stop was Rough Ridge,  which goes without saying is not accessible. The trail goes through the woods with various climbing spots of rocks and trees, and at the very top the view is incredible. While it is probably still doable with someone who has trouble walking, the gaps between rocks and logs on the trail would be difficult, as well as for young kids.

Regardless of physical ability, the Blue Ridge Parkway was a good example of having something enjoyable for everyone - even if you just drive through to enjoy the sights.

(Individual, Athletic)

Bo's

The main club I'm involved with here at App State is Cru, which is short for Campus Crusade for Christ. We regularly meet every week, but on February 9th we went down to Lenoir for the night to go bowling and play arcade games at a place called Bo's. It was college night, so the building was definitely crowded, but the design landed itself well to crowds. It had all the makings of a fun place, complete with laser tag and lots of bowling allies.

I'd never been there before, and I was very impressed by how well designed it was. Most of the building was a big open room, with other rooms joining off it, so there weren't any narrow hallways to work around. Even the arcade area was well-deigned; there was plenty of room for wheelchairs.

There were a few downsides, however. Laser tag, as expected, was not accessible. It took up two levels and although there were ramps, they were too steep for someone in a wheelchair to be able to use them. Bowling is also hard for someone who has trouble walking because of the sleek floors, and most of the arcade games (like DDR) require being able to move your feet and walk.

Although it was a fun night, I probably won't bring my sister there next time she visits. I'd be too frustrating for both of us to find things that she could safely and easily do. We wouldn't get our money's worth, and I know there'd be things she'd much rather do. So it's a fun place to go, but limited to the younger and more able.

(Individual, Club)

(Individual, Club)