She, Who Is Capable + Builds an Inclusive Community on the Trails - Amanda Powell

6:56AM Jul 12, 2023

Speakers:

Candice McCoy

Amanda Powell

Keywords:

love

trail

share

people

wanders

outdoors

podcast

national parks

mission

utah

mom

great

inspiring

nonprofit

mountain biking

daughter

disabilities

outdoor

women

national park

Hey, I'm Candace. And this is she who wanders a podcast from the great wanderlust. We all had falling for our time on this planet to make a difference to impact the world and people in it in a positive way to add more love, light, and beauty, which are all things that are needed now more than ever. When we find that mission or path to contribution, it not only impacts the world around us, but it also gives us something to wake up for in the morning. It becomes the driving force of our days. So when I was chatting with Meryl who is another she who wanders community member, she mentioned that I had to go and meet Amanda Powell, who is our guest today, she has taken her biggest challenge and made it into her meaningful mission in life and it is so inspiring. Amanda is an outdoorsy mom living with mild cerebral palsy and the founder of National Park capable, which seeks to help people with all abilities have the resources they need to spend time outdoors and travel based on their own ability level. And things like adaptive sports, safety and accessibility. having once been told that she would never walk, you can now find her biking, hiking and taking on all kinds of physical challenges often alongside her adorable three year old daughter. I'm so excited to share some inspiration with you through her incredible story today. Amanda, welcome to she who wonders.

Thanks for having me on.

I'm so excited just to like, have you come on and share a little bit more like context of your story. So I gave this little bit of an overview introduction for you. But I would love for you just to fill in the gaps of that a little bit. Take me back to like, your life, your childhood, maybe growing up and just share with us a little bit more about how you got to where you are today.

Yeah, so I like you said I have cerebral palsy. I've had a lot of surgeries like growing up. So I mean, that made it a little more difficult for me to be outside. But I still my parents always made sure that I got outside somehow, like we went camping a lot growing up. I did. We also had a cabin back then I got to be outside a lot. I always love being outside. And so I guess that's kind of how my love of the outdoors started. And then as I got older, and then college, like I found out about the national parks pass. I was like, Oh, this is my way to get outside more. So obviously like that kept growing. So yeah, I mean, I guess I just tried to instill that also in my daughter that she loves being outside as well.

I think so many people see obstacles as reasons to like, stop what they're doing. Like they have a mission or they have an idea. And they're like the second something goes wrong, or the second ascending. Seems like it's not working. They stop, you know. And so what I just would love to hear from you, as somebody who has probably encountered a lot of challenges in your life, like, what do you how do you see obstacles? How do you view that? And how do you keep going when it feels like the path is getting too difficult?

Yeah, I mean, especially outside, obviously, it's like, it's something that I love a lot. So like, I don't I don't see it like leaving? Well, obviously outside isn't gonna leave, but I'm like, but like it, I guess with the obstacles. I would say like, I feel like I like my eyes. I've just been open to so many new ways to adapt, and stuff. So it's when most of the obstacles I would say is probably like more like emotionally and mentally like, especially with my business and now like working at opening this nonprofit, like, there's a lot of stuff like you have to put yourself out there. You have to have like a lot of nose. You know, like you're gonna get so many noes to get to like the Yes, and like, certain doors are gonna open, you know, but like, I just feel better. When I'm outside. I'd feel better, like when I am doing those things to like, help adapt being outside. So I definitely like my husband sometimes like has to be like, you really wanted to do this. And then I'm like, I know but like, I'm tired. Like, like, I'm gonna sound silly. I'm gonna sound dumb, you know, so I'm lucky to have a great partner that pushes me to do you know, those hard things as well?

Yeah, for sure. And I was gonna I was gonna ask you about that actually, like, a lot of times we look at people from the outside and we're like, oh, she She's just sitting in a nature lover and outdoor lover and adventure lover. She always wants to get up and go like, it's easy for her. But I know for me like, I love it. But it's like I was talking to my neighbor recently. It's like this self sabotage kind of thing, almost where I'll be like, No, I'm just not I don't want to go. I don't feel like it's too much trouble. It's too like, you know, so do you have those moments? Like what's that like for you when you don't feel like doing it? But you get yourself to get up and go anyway, like, what's your impetus and how do you get yourself to do that?

Yeah, I mean, most of them most of the time. It's like, I mean, at least with like Like, if it's just me and my daughter going, like, it takes a lot to just like, get all the things, you know, for like the toddlers. So, you know, right now it's potty training, we don't need to go into that. But like, gosh, there's a lot of little things like that that's like, it would just be easier to stay home. And honestly, like, sometimes I'm a big planner. So I just like, if I write it down, if I put it like in my phone, or my written planner that I have, like, for some reason, that's like a big motivator for me, it's like I wrote it down. I want to, you know,

I don't know what it's on the schedule. So I don't know, I gotta go, I

guess. Yeah, I mean, I can, I am pretty good at like, especially being like, having a disability, like, things are gonna happen with and without disability, really, but, you know, like, I'm gonna have like, a bad leg day, I guess you could say, and that weather is gonna be more rough, especially here in Utah. But like, how can I get outside and maybe a different way? You know? So

I love that. I love that, like, just working with what you have. And and maybe it doesn't have to be all or nothing like it could be somewhere in between? Yeah, you're still getting out there? Well, you said that, you know, for maybe there was a phase where you didn't see the potential of what you could do, like, doing these kinds of adventure activities in sports, like the skiing and the biking. What was it that opened your eyes to that? Because I feel like I feel like that's really will resonate with a lot of people. And that something lets us see something in a way that we haven't seen before. But we have to be open to like shifting our way of thinking about it and flipping our mentality. So what was it that suddenly made you think you know what, I can do any of that, like, I just have to find a way?

Yeah, I think at first like kind of two things like going into that. Like, one is at first like I didn't really know about those like adult like I talked a lot about adaptive sports, like talking about adaptive mountain biking, adaptive skiing, I actually like writing it all down and like I I'm like, Well, I tried a lot of new things this winter. Like I tried snowshoeing for the first time I tried skiing, Fat Tire biking. I just tried a lot of new things. And I hated the winter before because in Utah, sometimes it seems to go on too long.

But yeah, sure, it helps when you find all these different things you can do.

Yeah, like I didn't really I mean, I'm 34 years old. And I didn't really know about all these like adaptive sports until about like, two years ago, I kind of found out about him. Yeah, that's definitely one and then yeah, I mean, obviously, they're their adoptive sport programs throughout like, the United States. But the one that's really helped me was the National Ability Center and Park City, they help people with disabilities and like their families get outside to record. So that's definitely like, been a huge resource for me. And then also, like, when it comes to like, being a mom, like, I mean, I honestly thought like, being a mom was gonna be super hard. Like, it's hard anyways, but like, physically, like, I wasn't able to, like, walk around with my daughter, like, because I would, you know, potentially to be, like, fall and, you know, so a lot of those things like, some people may not think about how many times like you do walk around with like, your, your child, you know, so like, Yeah, think about being outdoors, like on a trail, if I if there wasn't a trail that had like, nothing that I could take the stroller then like, we didn't go, you know, but like, my eyes are kind of open to like, Okay, you may not be able to get outdoors this way. But like, you know, there are still things that you can do like a campfire or going on a trail that that you can bring the stroller. And as well as like, I had a lot of anxiety about like hikes with like tall mountain, you know, because, like, once she started walking, she was faster than me, like, you know, like, if I was close to a river or like of my peak, I'm actually gonna run around the corner and like, you know, you don't know. And so having like those like leashes, you know, and so like, you know, the tether things that people will Yeah, like when I maybe would have like, judge something like that before it was like actually, this keeps people safe, you know? Absolutely. It was able to help me get outside so yeah, just learning ways to adapt, honestly. And like I don't have to be stuck at home just because I do have those limitations like as a mom and you know, as a woman so that's so

just inspiring and insightful. Like just finding the tools and and like you said, being open minded and getting rid of all past like preconceived notions about things to think what's gonna give me the ability and the option to do these things and like, that's what you're gonna do. You know, I just think it's Oh, cool, like the way we as moms, like we, you know, see maybe something that we didn't think we could do before, but our kids are like, our greatest motivations. So it's like, once they come into the picture, you're like, Okay, so I'm either gonna get left behind on the trail, or I'm not going to be able to go out and do these things of my daughter, or I'm going to think of ways you know, that I can make it work. And it just gives you like, a newfound motivation to be like, I will do whatever it takes just taking a second to be like, What do I want? And then literally, what would it take, but it's like, really just asking those hard questions of which ones actually are limitations and which ones who actually have like a path?

Yeah, exactly. I mean, it kind of makes me think about a lot of my, I feel like some of my limitations to like, can be like, not physical as well, like, just mentally being like, Okay, I have to get outside a little differently and may look a little differently. You know, if they see people with disabilities, sometimes it's just like, they're not being rude, but they're just like, not aware of like,

tell us, can you tell us a little more about that, just to give us more awareness?

I think just in general, like kids are like, my favorite because, like, they'll be like, Why are you walking that way? Or, like, what's wrong with you? You know, obviously, you want to teach them not to say exactly like that. But I also love it because they're so honest. And they don't, yeah, they're just, they don't have like bad intent. I think just one of my barriers was that people are gonna think like, if I'm on a trail on this hike, like, what is she doing out here? Like, you know, like, what is like, not always like, What is she doing out here? But sometimes when people would walk on a trail, and they'd be like, Oh, good job, you're almost there. Like in their kindness. Condescending a little bit about it, you know? Yeah. Like, thanks for the encouragement. But yeah, I feel like we should all be cheering each other, like on a trail, like, you know, because, like, it's, it may be hard for us on all different levels, like with and without disabilities. You know, I think

it's so courageous of you to be putting yourself out here in such a public way, not on this podcast, necessarily even bid on through your Instagram, your website through everything that you're building, to get more awareness out there. And I feel like you're just inspiring such a range of people. So I really want to talk about on multiple levels National Park capable. Tell me a little bit about the process of coming up with that idea why you started it and just what is your biggest mission behind it?

I like I said, I did start seeing like all the national parks like back in 2018, like the Delicate Arch. That year, we went to arches and we went to Yellowstone as well. And I was like, wow, especially Yellowstone, the accessibility of Yellowstone. I was like there's so many like, boardwalks and like, more like family friendly or wheelchair accessible, like trails. So I was like, there's so much to do in these national parks, you know. And so, it really was like, I started sharing it, like on my own Facebook, you know, personal Facebook and Instagram. And then I was like, I'm going to drive my friends crazy, like people that aren't outdoorsy. So I was like, I'm just gonna start my own little, you know, like Instagram and share about, like, the accessible trails that I find. So I started sharing that and then I went to, it's called outdoor retailer, it's for the outdoor industry, like people that work in outdoor industry, you know, retail and sell people's unique and stuff like that too, as well. But when I went there, I was like, I will first of all, I was like amazing experience, but also I was like there needs to be more talk about adapting outdoors to like different abilities. I just felt like we talked about inclusion and being everybody at being outside together, you know, but like when I go outside like obviously the population of people with disabilities a lot is a lot smaller, but I just saw a lot of me like we're talking about inclusivity how are we sharing that? Yeah, how are representing that and so I thought like once I started sharing those like national parks and stuff, I was like, I want to try and find gear that helps me as I started going out on trails more like I was just wearing tennis shoes before and then I was like, you know, like my finding better hiking boots, I was able to do like hiking poles you know, just stuff that helped me get outside. So the way that I really saw a need was the accessibility not just for like more wheelchair accessible trails, but more like the things that I needed to get to get on the trails. So my nonprofit will not be called National Park capable National Park capable is like my content of be as a content creator. Okay. Inclusion, and then my nonprofit will be named something else. I'm waiting for the IRS. Of course right now.

You and everybody else, right?

Yeah, anyone? Yeah. That's no dig on the IRS if anyone listens to work for them. That's just like, I just wait Yeah, so and there's a lot to build with a nonprofit anyways. So yeah, mine will be to help people get on these trails. That's what like equipment if that's bikes hiking people's shoes, if it's they want to, they can get on their child's but they feel alone on the trails, like that's a community, you know, having a community of people meet up and stuff so and that will come later.

That's, that's really, really exciting. And I, you know, you overcoming so many physical challenges, but building a business. And then also building a nonprofit is not for the faint. So if you could think of your biggest like, dreamy dream for your nonprofit that's soon to come, what would your like biggest dream for it be?

I think my biggest dream would be, like I said, accessing those trolls, and people access trolls in different ways, like getting to the trail, being able to actually have the resources to get to the trail, or if it's their physical or mental limitations. I love mountain biking, I'm a big mountain biker. And so I'm currently saving for an adaptive mountain bike right now my biggest dream would be able to sense those things are not as accessible to people, they're not as much out there, they are very expensive. So my dream was to be able to get as much of those things outdoors to people as possible,

what an incredible mission and it's gonna help so many people be able to overcome their limited belief, but also just give them the tangible resources they need to be able to get out and do that. So I would love to hear what could we do like as listeners, all the listeners here to help support and further that mission? Like how can we help raise awareness toward that?

Yeah, I think the best way is to a lot of the time, I do get a lot of crap, like on my page from people, like being content creator, like just be honest, you want more views? You want you know, stuff like that. But like, yeah, okay, like, I'll be honest, like, yeah, do you want more views? That's like, and that's not to, for me to gain but that's for some, maybe somebody else to gain like, this, like new freedom, like it was for me, like, my whole world, like, changed. Once I found out I could be on a mountain bike on a trail, you know, and so it's like, that's why I want more views. Like, if that's how you're gonna take it, then go ahead, take it that way. Like, yeah, yeah, like, we just want more humans, you know, so like, obviously, you know, sharing things, you know, bringing people this way, like, hey, this girl is doing this so that she can help more people with disabilities get on trial. So you know, yeah, like, that's obviously getting the word out was probably like the best thing. And yes, yeah. And if you are, like an outdoor lover, try to be more like inclusive in your own way. Like, I get a lot of people saying, Oh, this is not like, that's not a Hi Connie, or, you know, like, with my adoptive ski is like, that's, I'm really happy for you, that's really good for you. But that's not like a ski, you know, like, I have people say that to me. And I'm like, maybe just like people working on their language and maybe like, probably not happy people in general.

Right. That's what I'm thinking. Yeah.

They don't have any people in general. But there are people that like will say something, and they're like, but that's not a bike, you know?

Wow. I mean, I'm saying Yeah, but I'm actually like, no, really, like, that's actually crazy. I saw you know, I've seen you talk a little bit about the criticism or just the comments online negativity in in person, obviously, that you've received. And so I just, it's, it's actually mind blowing that people that will say things like that are probably just unhappy. And so they're looking for ways to make themselves feel better. Like we've heard that since we were in grade school. Right? So that's got to be at work that how do you as like such a strong woman? How do you handle that and like, keep moving forward, because your mission is obviously like, your driving force and really going to push you through some of those things, but I'm sure they still, it's just like, disconcerting to hear things like that. So how do you how do you just overcome and keep moving forward? Yeah, I

mean, at first, it was really hard for me, because I was like, I don't know. I think it was just a confidence thing. At first. I was like, Well, yeah, what am I doing? Maybe this is a bad idea, you know, but sometimes it's honestly fueled me. Yeah, made me to be like, This is why we need more more. Actually, inclusion. This is why when people say like, you know, like, being outside together, like all of us together, like, that means all of us together, you know? Yeah. But like, I don't know,

I let you emphasize that to like, all of us together. Like it's not like these people are nice people. Like it's everybody doing it together. Like I love that.

Yeah, that's that's one thing I do try to promote. That's why a lot of time when I do stay on ability levels is I, I want all of us to be outside together. Like we're all, obviously, a lot of the time. There are some things that some people can do and some people cannot do, but finding ways that we can all do something together. And so it just brings us more together than separate, you know, so

yeah, and I, you've mentioned this, but I would love to highlight the meetups that you host. And using that as like a way to bring people together. So how long has that been? How have you? How long have you been doing the meetups?

So I started doing the meetup last summer. And there were a few times, like, at least one time I can really remember is there's a time that I stopped there by myself like nobody can. And we're not just like events to like people, you know, but allow people Yeah, it's all the time. A lot of it, I fell in some ways that it's like, my adventure wasn't cool enough. It wasn't like, I wasn't able to, like bring these peaks or, you know, which is all great things to do. But for me, it was like, I created it. Because I'm like, there's a lot of hikes up, people would invite me to I'm like, Oh, thank you. I'm like, and I couldn't go, you know, for like, the safety and my daughter. Yeah, I really appreciate that. So I'm like when I create something that all of us could do. And so it was pretty lonely at first, but like, I don't know, what happened, where people started, like coming to them. And then I was, I mean, every time still, I get like nerves before I'm going on one of my meetups, you know, want to make sure everyone's having a good time. But I'm like, I just remember that, like, I want to get outside anyway. So even if there's only like, one or two people who cares, like I can make that connection, like, yeah, those two people, it's like, it's not always like about numbers. It's just about creating that community and like, Hey, it's okay, you can get outside too, you know, so

yeah. And when you connect with and inspire, just even to people, then it's like, it's a domino effect. You know, we can't sit around and wait for somebody else to invite us to, or create or do the thing that like we want to exist, we have to just make it happen ourselves. So thank you for leading the way in that. That's awesome. And just so, so inspiring. I love it.

Thanks, Candace.

Hey, they're taking a pause to tell you about the wonder list. It's a weekly email I curate and share with our community of more than 1000 Women who are getting off the beaten path in both travel and life. Inside it, I share a roll up of inspiring stories of women in this community. And my favorite links to articles, podcast racks, and so much more. I hear from women every week who find encouragement and ideas to put the most life into their days. So I'd love for you to join us, you can sign up for free at the great wander less.com/hello or follow the link in the show notes. Also, when you subscribe, I'll share a list of my favorite books to help you on your journey. For almost a decade now, I've held a morning ritual for the health of my mind and spirit. Reading, praying, meditating journaling, I always start the day by infusing my mind with truth and connecting with my soul, which is really changed the quality of my dates. So I'd love to send that list to you for free. When you join us, head over to the great wonder last.com/hello. And I'll see you there. Okay, now back to the combo. So the mission of the great wonderlust and she who wanders is to lift the voices of all different kinds of women and moms who are passionate about not settling for the status quo, but creating their own reality and living a vibrant life and just a life where they feel fully alive and nothing's holding them back. Right. So I would love to hear what is your great wonder last, what makes you feel most alive?

Being on a trail, but being on a trail on the mountain with my daughter, like, just being out? I think I've shared that before, on my page quite a few times, like showing Disabled Parents like the possibilities, you know, yeah, Your bike may look different. And your child might have like an upright bike, but like, like, there's so many possibilities. So

yeah, and your daughter is like, so lucky to have you just for you fighting for that for her too, because she's never gonna forget those experiences. You know, she's gonna grow up like, Yeah, my mom and I would always go mountain biking and just have those memories. Like it's priceless. I always hate this time because it means we're wrapping up the conversation. But I do have some rapid fire questions. So the first one is where are you off to next? What's your next destination that you want to tackle?

I got a lot of weekend trips to Utah because I live in Utah. But my next big trip is to Olympic National Park.

Oh Nice, okay. Okay, were number two, where would you love to spend a day wandering?

lately? I've been wanting to go to Costa Rica. So that's like the first thing that came to my mind. I don't know. Oh, yeah. Yeah, I don't know. I would like to do that. Especially like there's a lot of like waterfalls and stuff and Utah doesn't have as many of those here in the desert we have some

Costa Rica is like my happy place is my my favorite place in the world. So yes. It's it has my heart so I highly encourage Costa Rica. Okay, let's go to number three. What is a book that you've loved or that has had an impact on your life?

There's a book is called Rising Strong by Brene Brown. I just love Brene browns, like all of her books are amazing.

Okay, number four, who inspires you to dive deeper into travel or life or outdoor life?

I mean, who inspires me really is like my mom. But I have to get her to go outside.

So maybe in life, but not outdoor life?

Yeah, I mean, no dig, but it still I guess I would still say she does inspire me to go outside because, like she is never like, told me I can't do something. And so it's getting outside is not always easy for me. But because you did teach me that. Yeah.

Those are all such awesome answers. I love the rapid fire round. I almost call it the lightning round, but the rapid fire round, it's so good. So now I would love to just hear I know all of our listeners are going to want to connect with you. They're going to want to check out all of your progress of your nonprofit that's coming so tell us where people can hang out with you. Where do you hang out online

so you can look at it's called National Park capable so that's Park pa RK not parks a lot of people okay mixed up. Or I also have a website as well. WW dot National Park capable calm. Yeah, I have. I have guides on there for the national parks, and four and a half gear reviews as well and obviously storytelling too. So

I love it. And I love your storytelling, you have some of the best reels like in needing to up my real game. Like it's super inspiring. So everybody is definitely gonna want to go check those out and just connect with you and be inspired by you. I just appreciate you taking the time to like, share a little more about just your journey to becoming such a powerful, brave, courageous woman. So thank you for just spending the time with us today. Yeah,

thank you so much for having me on here.

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