WHEEL TO THE SEA—Ernie Davis of Westlake, front, and George Lange of Thousand Oaks join others on an outdoor trip through the Santa Monica Mountains. Volunteers assist people with disabilities during the annual event so that they all can enjoy the great outdoors of Southern California. CIANA GROVE/Special to the Acorn Sand, rocks and hills didn’t slow down a troupe of intrepid travelers—hikers and wheelchair users—from making the fivemile Wheel to the Sea hike this past Saturday.

The trek through the Santa Monica Mountains within Point Mugu State Park drew about 160 outdoor enthusiasts, including 35 wheelchair users.

Starting at 8 in the morning, nine buses transported the band of adventurers into the heart of the designated wilderness area. From there they started the trek down Sycamore Canyon Trail. The hike ended at the Pacific Ocean with a tasty barbecue served up by the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks.

“Today was just an example of how we can make a difference,” said volunteer Dianne Bean of Oxnard. “I met new friends, but more important, this opportunity gave so many a chance to enjoy the outdoors and each other.”

The hike got under way after a hearty breakfast at the Danielson Ranch picnic area. Participants in wheelchairs, with the help of adult and teen volunteers, ate eagerly to meet the challenges found along the trail. At least three volunteers were provided for each person in a wheelchair to help negotiate tough spots like dry creek beds, uneven terrain and rocky slopes.

“I couldn’t do this trail by myself,” said Lake Nofer of Woodland Hills. “Hiking was my event before I became disabled. I love having an experience like this.”

The Wheel to the Sea trek is a free, naturalist-led hike for people in wheelchairs. On Saturday, wheelchair users and volunteer pushers, along with staff from the Wilderness Institute, made their way along the park’s dirt trails, enjoying the pleasant spring weather.

Michael Tardif entertained the hikers with tales of the local Native American Chumash and pointed out poison oak and other safety considerations to the group. Wildlife sightings included redtailed hawks, snakes, mule deer and even green parrots. A highlight for all was seeing the abundance of wildflowers in bloom.

“It put things in perspective of what I normally take for granted to see all these wheelchair participants meeting these challenges on the trail,” said Tardif, a Newbury Park resident.

The California Highway Patrol provided assistance when the hikers had to cross Pacific Coast Highway to finish their walk at Sycamore Cove State Beach. Everyone cheered and applauded as they pushed past their last obstacle to reach the other side.

At the beach, special wheelchairs with oversize tires were provided, allowing participants to navigate the sandy terrain to the water’s edge. The ocean waves surged across the sand, and participants dipped their toes in the surf.

“It was very touching to see the smiles on the faces when they reached the ocean’s edge,” said Anthony Hoffman, California State Park supervisory ranger.

The Wheel to the Sea hike was started in 1985 as a way to expand the number of outdoor programs for people with physical disabilities. Now in its 25th year, participation has expanded to include military veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

“It is gratifying to see the Wheel to the Sea event grow to now serve so many people,” said volunteer George Lange of Thousand Oaks, “and I am glad to have also been a part of the early years of this event.”

For more information, visit www.wildernessinstitute.com.