TrailRiders conquer the hike to Eva Lake

By Debra McDonald

The Shuswap TrailRider Adaptive Adventure Society from Salmon Arm brought two TrailRiders to Mount Revelstoke on July 26.

A TrailRider is a piece of adaptable equipment for less-mobile individuals. The device allows then to access wilderness trails. The TrailRider has one wheel with a seat for the rider and is propelled with two ‘sherpas’, one in the front, one in the back and can also be fitted with two additional sherpas for steep terrain.

The Eva Lake hike was planned over a number of months and consisted of 20 volunteers from Salmon Arm and Revelstoke. The Society coordinated this event to promote public awareness that less-mobile individuals can access the beautiful trail systems that exist around our communities.

This trip was made possible by the volunteers and their tremendous teamwork.

The society has organized similar trips to other lakes and recreation areas in our region.

For more information visit the society’s website and Facebook page.

Here are photos of the group’s field trip:

 

Members of the Shuswap TrailRider Adaptive Adventure Society tackled the trail to Eva Lake in Mount Revelstoke National Park on Saturday, July 26. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald
Members of the Shuswap TrailRider Adaptive Adventure Society tackled the trail to Eva Lake in Mount Revelstoke National Park on Saturday, July 26. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald
Society members pause along the trail. The intention of the TrailRider program is to provide opportunities for physically disabled and less-mobile individuals to experience the outdoors. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald
Society members pause along the trail. The intention of the TrailRider program is to provide opportunities for physically disabled and less-mobile individuals to experience the outdoors. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald
Mother Nature thoughtfully decorated the trail with heather and other flowering plants. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald
Mother Nature thoughtfully decorated the trail with heather and other flowering plants. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald
Indian paintbrush was another of the flowers the hikers enjoyed. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald
Indian paintbrush was another of the flowers the hikers enjoyed. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald
Everyone takes a breather. As you can see here, the TrailRider safely secures the rider to its frame. With a volunteer 'sherpa' in front and one in back the TrailRider allows people with disabilities to experience the joys of the wilderness. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald
Everyone takes a breather. As you can see here, the TrailRider safely secures the rider to its frame. With a volunteer ‘sherpa’ in front and one in back the TrailRider allows people with disabilities to experience the joys of the wilderness. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald
It took a while but the effort was worth it fr the group who pose for a photo at the lake. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald
It took a while but the effort was worth it for the group’s members who pose for a photo at the lake.  The group included Ashley and Katherine Ladyman, Dan, Sabrina and Pat Gauthier, Crystal Johnson, Debra and Grant McDonald, Jason and Logan Ancell, Jordie Anderson, Kim Floyd, Laurel Corrigan, Lisa, Todd, Bailey and Brooklyn Embryk, Paula Hill, Tom Madlung, Colin Pike and Lisa Larson. Pat and Debra were the riders. Photo courtesy of Debra McDonald