Adventuring Amid the Coronavirus

The coronavirus has proven to be a universal problem around the globe. International travel has been suspended and interstate travel has been greatly impacted. As of April 5th, 2020, travel in and out of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey requires a 14-day quarantine. Due to travel restrictions, most through-hikes of long distance trails have been officially canceled by the organizations and associations responsible. Many of the busier National Parks have closed and the list changes almost every day, meanwhile many state parks and popular trail destinations have closed as well. It’s now important to check the status of a park immediately before attempting a visit. These issues may persist throughout the summer depending on how well we follow state and federal guidelines limiting the virus' spread.

Even with all of the closures and social distancing rules, it’s still very possible to enjoy adventures, although with modifications. Depending on your state, you may be required to be in groups of less than 5. The CDC now recommends wearing face masks while socializing in these small groups and although this is challenging, it’s a necessary precaution to inhibit the spread of the illness. Travel is generally frowned upon, so it’s recommended to adventure locally or as locally as possible. In some locations this may mean traveling an hour or others maybe 15 minutes. Typical group adventures requiring intense breathing such as road cycling, mountain biking and trail running should be disband and now done on a solo basis, unless the group members are all wearing masks. Adventurers are encouraged to find more remote or less visited parks and venues to avoid as much social contact as reasonably possible. Using good judgment is key and remember even if you’re healthy, you may be a carrier of the virus thereby infecting many people you meet.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-face-mask-on-mountain-3943914/

by Anna Shvets

Note to self: “Don’t get hurt.” A trip to the emergency room could become a complete cluster, especially in hard hit areas. Some busy hospitals may have overnight waiting times, so choose your hospital wisely. If you can tolerate a greater commute for medical attention, a hospital an hour away in an area with fewer cases of illness may be able to give you quicker medical attention while possibly providing less exposure to the virus.

Wipe down your gear. The coronavirus is intensely and viciously contagious, so your gear could very well be contaminated by others. You gear is dirty and smelly anyway, so get to it.

Crises creates opportunity and even amid the pandemic, there’re new adventures to be had. The one bright spot are the social-fitness apps and gadgets. We can compete and challenge one another in a very direct and connected way without ever meeting up with them. An example of apps and devices are Fitbit, Garmin, Strava, Apple Watch and Map My Run. Looking for new trails? Apps like All Trails, Hiking Project and Peak Finder AR will get you there. Want to try something different? Apps for Letterboxing and Geocaching will keep you engaged and on a path to adventure with almost unlimited options. Are you a map enthusiast? Make your own maps using apps like Gaia GPS, Map 3D Pro and Cairn. How about adventure photography? Maybe get into blogging about your solo adventures. You can always GoPro your adventures and post to YouTube. If you’re artistic, go old school and take your painting outdoors for traditional landscape studies. Now’s the time to learn how to care for your gear by maybe learning mountain bike mechanics. If you’re truly sheltering in place and can’t go anywhere, get online and adventure through blogs, vlogs, photos and videos. Maybe begin planning an adventure of a lifetime. Lastly, volunteer for trail maintenance by removing trash, cutting fallen trees or by improving the Treadway against erosion.

No matter what your fix is, I’m sure there’s a way to keep the adventure alive. Be safe, have fun and let’s be mindful enough to kill the coronavirus as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, let's remember that droves of people are seeking remote areas that otherwise wouldn't be there. Some of these people are new to the outdoors and haven't yet learned outdoor ethics and care for the environment. So while we're being restricted and while millions of people have lost their jobs, be tolerant and kind for those imposing on your favorite areas. There will be ample time for cleanup and trail repair.