Growing up in Alaska, I was always outside… When my youngest was born with disabilities, I started to realize how inaccessible many of the places we enjoyed as a family were… Our family adventures started becoming restricted to fewer and fewer places, and eventually stopped all together. I felt isolated and trapped.
I tried several products that looked promising but ended up not working for me and my family… until one day someone tagged me in a Facebook video of the Cascade Cart. This looked like the answer I had been looking for.
Setting an alarm early on a November morning, I fortunately snagged one of the limited number of pre-launch carts. I was so excited to finally be able to hike again!
When my cart finally came, I immediately practiced setting it up, loading my daughter, and breaking it down in my living room. I re-watched video after video on how to properly adjust the harness, shocks, seat, and poles for the best fit and most comfortable ride. When I was convinced I had it down, I took my oldest son with us to try it out.
My first steps were clumsy and awkward. My balance felt off. This was hard, and I was only on a flat, grassy field. What would an actual trail feel like?
Then I remembered the videos I had been watching. Videos of other people, other moms like me, carrying their children so effortlessly. I decided this could be possible, and if they could do it, so could I.
I continued to practice. Short, even trails at first, and slowly progressing as I gained confidence. It was getting better, and I realized I could do this. This would be something I would most definitely use. This was the answer I had been waiting for.
What does hiking look like for us today? Set up/take down is a snap, only a few minutes. Walking with it- second nature. Technical terrain- no problem. My daughter and I often hit our favorite trails now just the two of us. The Cascade Cart opened our world up again. After 5 years of not adventuring, my children and I can again all go hiking together. Rocks, glaciers, streams, snow, mountains no longer are obstacles, but opportunities. We are building new memories, and reconnecting with old ones.
I am grateful we have the opportunity to continue to explore some of the most beautiful places in this state safely and comfortably. My daughter gets so excited when she sees me load the cart in the car. She is happiest when she is outside and moving, and her joy brightens the day of everyone she comes in contact with.
I can’t wait to see where the cart will take us next!
