Redefining the term wild during coronavirus and why being outside and social distancing outdoors is a mentally and physically critical part of surviving this pandemic–when done the right way.
One thing should be made clear before you read on. I am not encouraging people to head to crowded trails and parks during this time. That will only exacerbate the coronavirus pandemic because too many people will be concentrated in one area. With the new social distancing measures in place, Patrick and I have been taking this time to rediscover the outdoors and what it means to be in wilderness. We’ve begun to have a new found appreciation for the nature around us and our smaller local parks and trails. What I am recommending echoes what the CDC and other health organizations are saying, that people use the outdoors for necessary relief during this time, but do so wisely. So what does that mean for you and I? How can we still spend time social distancing outdoors, but be safe?
You can still visit parks and trails, if open, just don’t go to popular or crowded trails.
This concept means redefining the idea of what’s ‘wild’ in a way. Take this opportunity to rediscover local trails and parks in your own local backyard. Remember there is wildness everywhere, whether that’s on your block, in your neighborhood, or a 10 minute walk from your house. It’s all about how you define wilderness. If you’re fortunate enough to have State Parks in your own backyard, than take advantage of them. But the term wilderness is not exclusive to untainted nature and State Parks.
Wilderness can be the blooming of flowers and trees in the streets around you, just as it can be hiking in a lesser visited trail in one of your town’s local back country trails. In Manhattan, it can mean finding an empty street with trees blooming and flowers growing. Wilderness is all around you it’s just about finding it and making sure it’s not overcome with people so you are social distancing outdoors and staying six-feet apart from people.
Staying local may surprise you and educate you on things you don’t know about!
Patrick and I spent our last days in a house Pat had rented for the last few months up in Vermont. On a sunny day we found a park nearby that we had never heard about and that was not frequented during this time of year and decided to spend the afternoon outside. During our hike we came across a maple syrup labyrinth. A network of tubes were plugged into maple trees around us forming a labyrinth. There were occasional signs that told us the story of maple syrup production. We eventually found out there was a sap house at the bottom of the mountain. I had no idea that was how maple syrup was made and would have never known had I not come to this park in the middle of Vermont that not many knew about! You may be surprised to uncover surprises in your very own town or backyard as well. You don’t need to travel far to learn something knew.
Only hike alone or with people you are staying at home or sheltering with.
This goes without saying, just because you’re outdoors isn’t an excuse to see other people. Social distancing outdoors is still key here. Hike alone or with the people you are sheltering or staying at home with. Plus isn’t hiking alone that much better? It gives you the opportunity to have the woods to yourself and engage with nature. Hear the birds sing, the sheep beep, and the horses neigh. Especially if you walk by remote farms and mountains.
Keep moving and don’t linger.
I know you may be tempted to picnic out in the park or sit on a bench and enjoy a few hours reading a book in silence, but don’t. You risk bottle-necking the trail or park, spreading coronavirus on the public property, or catching coronavirus from someone who was there before you. Sure you can stop to eat your sandwich or lunch along the way, but don’t linger. Keep moving.
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