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Old 02-03-2010, 09:47 PM   #1
bitterchickey
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Tom Sawyer Island

Let me preface by saying "yes, I own an 'Open Mouse'". I loaned it to a friend, and just thought of a question...Is Tom Sawyer Island ecv/wheelchair accessible? Never really occurred to me, we haven't explored it in ages! Anyone with TS experience out there?
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Old 02-03-2010, 10:04 PM   #2
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I'm sure you can GET there in an ECV or wheelchair, but from what I recall of most of the stuff to DO there ... much of it requires a certain minimum degree of able-bodied-ness.
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Old 02-04-2010, 12:39 PM   #3
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I wouldn't recommend it. There are several areas where it would be very difficult. Walking through the caves, walking across the wooden bridge (it moves a lot!) I would speak to a CM before attempting.
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Old 02-04-2010, 01:32 PM   #4
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Wooden bridge: I weight around 310#. and if I didn't plant my feet EXACTLY over each flotation pontoon ... they got wet (up over the soles, and onto the lowermost part of the uppers; thankfully, they're waterproof well above the ankle). An ECV trying to cross that bridge would DEFINITELY end up with wheels submerged, repeatedly. And the way the bridge is hinged, it might end up bottoming out and getting stuck, TOO. Even a non-poiwered wheelchair is, IMO, a big gamble there.

Caves: unless you have an amazingly maneuverable chair or ECV, which is very tip-resistant even on significant slopes ... keep out.

...

Basically, if you've got a couple of tweens, you could ride a FERRY over to the island, and wait there for them to return. But that's about it.

EDIT TO ADD: but, apparently, you're not allowed to even do that ... so sorry, no waiting at Aunt Polly's for 'em. Have to wait at the barge landing, instead ...
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Old 02-04-2010, 01:56 PM   #5
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No way would I take my ECV there, & they are not allowed on the barge anyway.
I went over with DH & DS & her BF. I did a little exploring on foot.. but it is not a "Fibro" friendly place..
There will be lots of kids running all over so if you are not steady on your feet I would warn you to be very careful..
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Old 02-04-2010, 01:57 PM   #6
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Thanks for the responses. Another guidebook did clarify--no wheelchairs or ecv's on the raft &/or island. Obviously I wasn't looking to trek through the caves, just maybe a lil stop at Aunt Polly's. Seems a shame though for the kids out there who really are bound to wheelchairs. I know, I know it was built in a different time.
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Old 02-04-2010, 02:24 PM   #7
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If the Island ever gets a major refurb, they'll probably make it more ECV and wheelchair friendly.
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Old 02-08-2010, 09:13 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bitterchickey View Post
Thanks for the responses. Another guidebook did clarify--no wheelchairs or ecv's on the raft &/or island. Obviously I wasn't looking to trek through the caves, just maybe a lil stop at Aunt Polly's. Seems a shame though for the kids out there who really are bound to wheelchairs. I know, I know it was built in a different time.
I know, it is a shame.

Hopefully if it is refurbished in the near future, there can be a way for some parts to be wheelchair accessible (maybe a seat or two on the rafts?)
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