Inspired by the ability to share experiences and lend insight to others, Lowe began writing \u201cOn Two Legs and Three Wheels\u201d shortly after completing his first book.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought a lot of people would find our experiences interesting, both older people and those with disabilities,\u201d he said. \u201cI figured there were a lot of people who \u2026 want to keep traveling despite getting older or developing disabilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we were traveling, we noticed that we saw very [few] people on wheelchairs or in mobility scooters. This really surprised us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Relating a lack of mobility aids to cultural differences and accessibility, Lowe was determined to share positive travel experiences in hopes of prompting a shift in how people view limited mobility.<\/p>\n
\u201cDisabled people are discouraged from being out and about,\u201d he said. \u201cIn most places, these mobility aids are just not available. In many countries, they don\u2019t even seem to exist. You would be surprised at how different some other countries are \u2026 when it comes to this concept.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was a motivator when writing the book. Not only should people be inspired to travel, but I want to cultivate a broader audience of people in other places who are even more so discouraged by the surrounding social pressures.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Trish](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/11-Trish-and-Cary-at-Newgrange-Ireland-2.jpg\")
Trish and Cary Lowe are pictured at Newgrange, Ireland. (Provided by Cary Lowe)<\/p>\n
Traveling across the United States, Europe, tropical islands and deserts, Cary and Trish used everything \u2014 planes, trains, cars, buses, ships.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt all times, things will pop up and you must not take it too personally,\u201d Cary Lowe said. \u201cOne of the most challenging trips we took was in Alaska. We rode via train for two days from Anchorage to Denali and then Fairbanks. We then got on a bus for another two days. Trish\u2019s scooter was tucked under the bus the whole ride. When we finally got off and were near the Arctic Ocean, they had never even seen a scooter like hers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Early in their planning for the trip to Alaska, the couple pondered taking a cruise.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost people would not think to undertake a trip like this. They would have settled for something simpler like a cruise,\u201d Lowe said. \u201cWe ended up being the only ones in the land travel group that had any restrictions. But everyone was so supportive and it ended up working out great.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ability to adapt and be change-makers in spaces unequipped for mobility aids opened a world of opportunity, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether it is in the U.S. or abroad, we have been struck by how readily people will accommodate and go out of their way to help,\u201d Lowe said. \u201cEven if a place is not physically able to accommodate, the people will. There have been instances of people carrying [Trish] on her scooter into a bus or restaurant. It is very remarkable.\u201d<\/p>\n
On a trip to Paris, the pair was faced with frustration upon realizing the subways were not disabled-accessible. As an alternative, the couple rode public buses and, despite initial disappointment, they were met with exceptional accommodations along the way.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the Eiffel Tower, there was a very long line,\u201d Lowe said. \u201cThey took us to a special elevator and there was no line. We zipped right up. The same thing happened at the Louvre. You find things like that and it really makes the travel experience delightful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Above all, Lowe said he hopes \u201cOn Two Legs and Three Wheels\u201d will spark the same sense of ability and interest in those who read it. Whether or not a person has mobility issues, Lowe said he\u2019s certain that anyone can gain something from being a bit more aware.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is great to have had impacts on people that we have encountered along the way,\u201d he said. \u201cI want to open people\u2019s eyes to the obstacles we face. It is a matter of adapting and being flexible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOn Two Legs and Three Wheels\u201d is available at bit.ly\/3YN92nQ<\/a>.<\/p>\n