Wilderness Inquiry

By Cecelia Simmons

Just for one minute imagine yourself paddling a sea kayak past totem poles and towering spruce, among sea lions and whales; paddling along the protected shoreline of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Peace and tranquility pervade you. The gentle rhythm of your paddle splashing, the water rushing past the boat’s hull, the silence of the bald eagle soaring in flight, all are part of nature’s invitation to relax, explore and enjoy the surrounding majesty. The dampness of heavy sea air rests gently upon your skin – it fills your chest and clears your mind.

Do you long to roam in that Paradise of the North Pacific, to commune with nature’s children – whales, sea lions, deer, fox, black bear and bald eagles; to explore abandoned Haida Indian villages where totem poles remain standingg; to poke into tital pools where colourful starfish, anemone, shellfish and other sea creatures abide?

Does this seem unattainable for someone with a disability? Not according to Greg Lois of Wilderness based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In fact, Wilderness Inquiry has been conducting adventure trips for people of varying abilities and disabilities for over 12 years. The list of trips they offer is an adventurer’s dream come true; Canoe – the Northwest Territories, Northwest Ontario, Yellowstone, Montana’s Missouri River, and the Rio Grande; Sea Kayak – Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Lake Superior, the Queen Charlotte Islands, or the Everglades.

Adventure vacations on the water not for you? Join Wilderness Inquiry on a dogsled adventure in Colorado, on the Canadian border of Northern Minnesota, or the Arctic. Maybe a wilderness vacation in a foreign country is more your style? Pack your bags for Australia or the Soviet Union.

Through the medium of outdoor adventures, Wilderness Inquiry provides opportunities that integrate people with and without disabilities in experiences which inspire personal growth, instill confidence, develop peer relationships and enhance awareness of the natural environment. Their underlying experiences that reduce stereotypes and empower people to push their perceived limitations. They have inspired and assisted other adventure programs throughout Canada, USA, Australia and the Soviet Union.

Whatever your interest, age, or ability, if you have spirit of an explorer, Wilderness Inquiry has an adventure for you.

For more information contact:
Wilderness Inquiry
1313 Fifth St. SE, Suite 327
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 379-3858 (voice or TTY)

Cecelia Simmons is a freelance writer living in Toronto and is a Consulting Editor to the ABILITIES Magazine.