"Me time" is important but even the most introverted of us are feeling the strain of social distancing right now. While it is necessary, it sure doesn't seem natural. As an educator, I seriously miss being in my classroom...it is, after all, my chosen profession. As a son, I'm frustrated that I don't feel comfortable making the drive two hours west and visit my dad and Mary Jane. As a father, it sucks that my son can't celebrate his 21st birthday today with his friends...like I'm sure he has envisioned for a long time. (Selfishly, I'm glad he's spending it at home.) And yes, the provider in me is annoyed, and increasingly concerned, that finding toilet paper for my family is like actually finding treasure on Oak Island.
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| Maintaining my social distance and straddling the Cumberland/Adams County line in Michaux State Forest. - March 24, 2020 |
Here, in York County, Pennsylvania, even though the facilities in State Parks are closed, I can still (as of now) access and use the trails. With the world temporarily grinding to a halt...I've been able to find refuge on my bike, in my hiking boots, and at some of the places that I love. I've seen others taking the opportunity to use the trails, too. I can only assume they doing the same thing I am...enjoying the outdoors, soaking in Vitamin N, getting exercise, and doing their best to maintain distance. It's really been a balancing act of doing what I need to feed my desire to be outside and making sure that I, and others, are safe. The six foot rule applies not just in a grocery store...but on the trail as well. I've purposely avoided places and areas of local State Parks and Forests that I know are heavily trafficked. While maintaining social distance I've discovered areas of the forest that I had never been to...ate lunch on a not so frequented vista on top of the mountain...pedaled my road bike down barren back roads...sat alone with my mountain bike on top of Piney Mountain Ridge Road...and relaxed as I watched my grown son skip rocks in Pinchot Lake.
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| As of now...the facilities are closed...but the trails are open. Be smart and be safe. |
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| Chris Keller and I kept our distance from each other while riding the Parkway Trail System in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. -- March 15, 2020 |
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| Chris took this picture of me crossing a dam while riding the Parkway Trail System in Harrisburg. -- March 15, 2020 |
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| Hiking Dead Woman's Hollow Trail. -- March 16, 2020 |
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| Maintaining social distance while hiking Dead Woman's Hollow in Michaux State Forest. -- March 16, 2020 |
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| Socially distant on the back roads of York County, Pennsylvania. -- March 17, 2020 |
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| Riding Rocky Ridge County Park. -- March 21, 2020 |
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| Alex skipping rocks and being socially distant at Gifford Pinchot State Park. -- March 22, 2020 |
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| Hiking (not biking!) Lakeside Trail in Gifford Pinchot State Park. -- March 22, 2020 |
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| I'm so looking forward to being able to enjoy some GROUP THERAPY (like this hike on the Appalachian Trail with family and friends) again. -- March 14, 2020 |
With normal life on hold I've noticed a few silver linings during this time of social distancing. Sidewalks and driveways are covered with the chalk artwork of little kids, families are hanging out together, kids are riding bikes, and the young man next door to me is out shooting hoops in the driveway with his dad. Basically, quality family time. Until we are told otherwise (at least where I live) it is okay to go outside...take a walk...ride a bike...and get some Vitamin N. Just take care to follow basic guidelines, use common decency, and practice common sense. Hopefully soon we will be able to get back together...hug, high-five, shake hands...and enjoy some
GROUP THERAPY. Until then...let's all do our part and remain socially distant.
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| SOCIAL DISTANCING ON PUBLIC TRAILS |
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- March 25, 2020
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| We didn't get to go out to Alex's favorite restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland this evening for his 21st birthday...so he enjoyed some homemade Korean bulgogi and cheese cake. Happy birthday, Son. I love you! |
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Here are the GARMIN maps and data from the rides and hikes feature din this post. #OptOutside2020
and
"WRITE SOMETHING WORTH READING OR DO SOMETHING WORTH WRITING..." Ben Franklin
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