Another reason is that I kept hoping that we could have a Canadian Rockies tour this year, but it is not to be. The tour is now officially cancelled. Unfortunately, rooms have never become available at Many Glacier in Glacier National Park, which was a necessary stay both logistically for the tour and because it is a truly special place. The rooms have been booked for 2012, I am told, by large tour companies since February or so in 2011. It seems that the handicap, or ADA rooms have been taken by them also, though I suspect not specifically for those in need of them...... I tried to book rooms in June, with no success. In the past, 3 or 4 months in advance was adequate. I will see what I can do for 2013.

Grand Canyon

Hall of Giants - Carlsbad Caverns

The dates and rates for the Yellowstone tour are now set and you’ll find them on the Yellowstone page.

It is a perennial tour for us, not only because it is nearby, but especially because the Yellowstone region is so wonderful.

Of course, the same is true of all our tour destinations in the West and when people ask for my favorite places I’m unable to give a good answer. Each is unbelievably special and each unique.

As of today I am planning on a Land of Enchantment tour, but am waiting for some replies from previous guests who have asked for the tour, as to the dates. I should know within 3 or 4 days and will post an update.

Less certain is a Western Canyons tour, but will also know this week.

Information for those of you who are just learning about Access Tours:

This is our 25th year! Yes, it was in 1988 when Access Tours became a reality — a non-profit organization providing accessible package vacation tours in the American West. Our guests are people with physical disabilities, especially slow walkers and scooter or wheelchair users, along with those who would normally accompany them.

If you don’t already know it, the American West is an extraordinary, diverse, endlessly fascinating, region and what you experience in this special country can be life altering.

Guests come from all over the United States, as well as from distant countries. Group sizes are small, usually limited to 10 people, the pace relaxed, the company friendly. We are knowledgeable, experienced, and considerate of all the various mobility impairments you might have. Our vehicles are mini-buses with wheelchair lifts and large view windows.

It is easy to take a tour with us — you fly to the airport where your tour begins. When you arrive, you will have a wheelchair accessible transfer from the airport to your hotel and to the departure airport at tours end.

Access Tours is a service of Access Institute, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, and we are always most appreciative of the tax-deductible contributions that many people make, both in-kind (vehicles or stocks, etc.) and money. They have helped greatly to keep Access going. There are always needs, whether to help someone be able to take a tour who might not be able to otherwise, to acquire equipment, or attempting to raise funds for a new bus for next year.