Hello, I hope this note finds you well. I wanted to let you know about an exciting event happening near me this weekend. There will be a fantastic magic show taking place that I think you might be interested in. The show features a renowned magician known for his incredible illusions and mind-boggling tricks. I've seen photos and videos of his previous performances, and I must say, he is truly talented. I've heard he can make objects disappear into thin air and even read people's minds.
What made this so special was that the entire city of El Paso and most of the Chihuahuan Desert Basin spreads out below this popular vantage point on the Franklin Mountains. This is the best view of the city accessible by car. I’m sure that the Scenic Drive El Paso, Texas wows visitors ever time. I know it certainly wowed us.
Along our drive along this spectacular drive we saw stunning homes that were decked out with Christmas lights adding to our enjoyment of this free attraction. From Shenandoah to Hawai i Volcanoes, Brad and Grandma Joy have plenty of favorite parks and accessibility tips for travelers with mobility challenges.
I've heard he can make objects disappear into thin air and even read people's minds. It's like something out of a movie! The magic show is going to be held at the local theater, which is a beautiful venue with plenty of seating. Tickets are still available, but I suggest getting them soon as I expect it to be a popular event.
Joy magic Montana El Paso TX
“You just can’t imagine until you get out there and see these wondrous things. It just changes your outlook on life.” -Grandma Joy (Ryan)
In this episode, Danielle has the honor of chatting with Grandma Joy Ryan and her grandson Brad Ryan of Grandma Joy's Road Trip. They started their national park adventure together 5 years ago when she was 85. They have visited 53 national parks - and counting! They share their favorite scenic drives in national parks and top ten list of national parks for accessibility.
Adventure - And Wisdom! - At Any Age
Grandma Joy and Brad Ryan at Acadia National Park, Maine
At the age of 85, Ohio native Joy Ryan had never laid eyes on a mountain or an ocean. “It struck me as this tragedy that I felt I had an ethical and personal responsibility to correct,” says grandson Brad Ryan. So, in 2015, he set out to do just that. Five years later, Grandma Joy’s got her own social media hashtag and is only nine parks shy of seeing every national park in the country. While her gait may not be as quick as it once was, Joy’s mind is sharp and her appreciation for the small wonders in the grandest parks is infectious. An accomplished adventurer, Brad says slowing to his grandmother’s pace has transformed his park experience. “Being more present, being more in tune with the intricate details knowing that the pattern on the back of a beetle or an arrangement of lichen on a dead stump is sometimes every bit as magnificent as the view from the top of a summit.”
“You know, my relationship with nature used to be ‘how many mountains can I climb in five days? How fast can I climb them? ’ I was trying to fulfill a different part of what was missing in my life at that point. I think that with her, slowing down, walking at a pace that’s comfortable for her and having conversations about the little things that we’re seeing along the way has opened up a whole world of nature that I was just speeding by.” - Brad Ryan [8:25]
Mobility & Accessibility Built Into The National Parks
Grandma Joy and Brad Ryan departing hometown of Duncan Falls, OHFrom Shenandoah to Hawai’i Volcanoes, Brad and Grandma Joy have plenty of favorite parks and accessibility tips for travelers with mobility challenges. By design, most parks offer scenic loop roads and overlooks, making it easy to explore by car or park trams. The National Park Service also boasts many wheelchair-friendly trails and short nature walks with multiple rest areas (see individual park information for listings) as well as dedicated accessibility rangers who can make recommendations and answer questions based on visitor needs. And don’t dismiss camping! Numerous parks have a limited number of ADA-compliant campsites available for those planning to stay within the system — but remember to reserve your spot in advance! If roughing it isn’t feasible, consider lodgings in a centrally-located “gateway” city. Brad recommends El Paso, TX for prime access to Saguaro, White Sands, and Guadalupe National Parks.
“I know she doesn’t like to talk about herself in this way but, you know, I see her as an extraordinary woman from a very ordinary place.” - Brad Ryan [1:01:27]
Sites Set On Alaskan Parks
Grandma Joy and Brad Ryan at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
What’s next for this dynamic inter-generational duo? While Joy prepares for knee surgery and another birthday, Brad’s writing a book and plotting their Alaskan adventure. “If all goes according to plan, we’ll be heading there this summer and probably spending between six to eight weeks travelling all around. Then road-tripping back through Canada.” Even with the challenges that have popped up on their 40,000+ mile journey, Grandma Joy’s just happy to still be along for the ride. “I want everyone to look at the glass as half full and not half empty,” she says, “And don’t regret not doing something you wanted to try.”
Hawaii Five-0
"Hawai'i Volcanoes was actually our 50th US National Park. didn't make the connection until we got here." - Brad Ryan
Discussion Includes the Following:
Grandma Joy and Brad Ryan in front of General Sherman, the world's largest tree, measured by volume. Sequoia National Park, California
From the moment you walk in our doors, you will feel the magic. Our colorful lobby here at Smile Magic de El Paso Zaragoza is a kingdom where kids can play without worries. The adventure continues throughout your visit with gold coins, royal crowns, and treasure. Even our wallpaper is a storybook of the brave adventures of Charlie the Chipmunk!
I've already purchased mine and can't wait to experience the breathtaking magic firsthand. I thought this would be a fun and unique way to spend the weekend, and I believe you would enjoy it too. It's always fascinating to witness seemingly impossible feats performed right before your eyes. Plus, it's a great opportunity to gather with friends or family and create lasting memories. I hope you'll consider joining me at the magic show. It promises to be a captivating and unforgettable evening. If you're interested, let me know, and I can provide you with more details on how to purchase tickets. I think it would be a wonderful way to add some enchantment to our weekend. Looking forward to your response and hopefully seeing you at the magic show! Best regards, [Your Name].
Reviews for "Prepare to be Amazed: Unforgettable Magic Performances this Weekend"
1. John - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with the magic show near me this weekend. The tricks were predictable and the magician seemed disinterested in engaging with the audience. It felt like he was just going through the motions without any passion or excitement. Overall, it lacked the wow factor that I was expecting from a magic show. I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars - The magic show I attended this weekend was a complete waste of time. The magician's tricks were incredibly basic and poorly executed. It was clear that he didn't put much effort into creating an immersive and captivating experience for the audience. The show felt rushed and lacked any sense of wonder or mystery. Save your money and skip this disappointing magic show.
3. David - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for the magic show near me, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The tricks were easily decipherable, and I could see through most of the illusions. The magician's performance lacked charisma and showmanship, leaving me feeling disconnected from the supposed magic happening on stage. It was underwhelming and not worth the price of admission.
4. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - The magic show I attended over the weekend was quite underwhelming. It lacked originality and failed to capture my attention. The tricks were cliché and lacked any sense of surprise or excitement. The magician's stage presence was lacking, making the whole experience feel dull and uninteresting. If you're looking for an engaging and mind-blowing magic show, this is not the one to attend.