U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
 
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News.bytesNews.bytes Extra, issue 389

Horse-drawn wagon tours enable visitors to Bizz Johnson Trail

The look of the old west returned to the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail west of Susanville on Saturday, June 20, when horse-drawn wagons from Access Adventure completed outings on trail sections managed by the BLM and the Lassen National Forest.  Access Adventure, a program of the Solano Land Trust, provides outdoor experiences for disabled people. (text continues below)

Two horse-drawn wagons loaded with passengers travel on a gravel route lined with trees
Drawn by two-horse teams, the wagons  passed through the forested sections of trail near the Devil's Corral Trailhead

A side view shows the inflatable tires on the wagon, as passengers wave to the photographer
The larger of Access Adventure's wagons is equipped with modern inflatable tires.  The wagon has padded seats that can be removed to accommodate wheelchairs.

One of the smaller horse-drawn wagons just after passing over a bridge over a river in the gorge
An access adventure wagon near a steel railroad bridge, one of 11 that cross the Susan River on the Bizz Johnson Trail.

Access Adventure is directed by Michael Muir, great-grandson of famed naturalist John Muir.  It provides back country outings for people with disabilities and underserved youth.

Having lived with multiple sclerosis since age 15, Muir says he strives to "challenge the limits of disability."  In 2001, he led an international team of people with disabilities driving wheelchair accessible horse-drawn wagons on a 3,000-mile, 10-month journey from San Diego to Washington, D. C.  The trip led to the founding of Access Adventure.

- Jeff Fontana, BLM-California Northern District 6/29/09


BLM-California News.bytes, issue 389

 
Last updated: 07-01-2009