spelunca wrote:Will people with disabled family members be able to drive to the howdy party? Busses and trams are not usually wheelchair accessible. Also, does loaner gear include vertical gear using different climbing systems? I am just wondering what all is going to be available.
I sent out for an offical reply. This is off the Glenwood Caverns web site.
The Iron Mountain Tramway and Adventure Park, including the Adventure Park Gift Shop and the Lookout Grille, are wheel chair accessible. Because of the stairs and walkways that allow for safe foot travel through the cave's natural terrain, we're unable to allow wheel chairs or strollers into the caverns. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but are bound by Mother Nature's creation and the safety of our valued guests.The historic section path is very narrow so I know a wheel chair won't fit in there, but the lower part of the cave (the pretty part) has a large tunnel entrance that you could push a wheel chair through to the top of the stair case, in the big room. I bet they can at least visit that part of the cave. We have the place to ourselves, so if you know a way to get them up and down the stairs......the place will be full of cavers so I'm sure someone will be willing to help out.
It is possible for you to drive your family members to the Howdy party and drop them off if need be. They do have handicap school buses available from the school district where we are getting our busses from. All those arrangements are being made by Bill Tozer and Bob Stuckland so I can't say for sure that they have them set aside yet or not. I do know that handicap attendees have been discussed in our meetings and are a top priority when it comes to access and such. Super secret permission will be granted if necessary to accomidate your family needs for all the activities.....this includes driving around in the campground.
I have my doubts that vertical loaner gear will be available as I don't think any of the caves that will be open need vertical gear to explore them. Our nick name is Crawlorado. I say bring your climbing gear as there is world class rock climbing in the area and we have a gym set aside for all the vertical stuff that goes on at convention.
I'll get back to you with a more offical response when I get better answers.
Member: Colorado Madrats, SoCoMoGro,CWSG.