We are Travelers
At this point in time in my life, I have become a Traveler. A decade ago, I started putting on a backpack and walking up and down mountains for days, then weeks at a time. We have added to that a Travel Trailer and have been full time RVers for a little over four months now. We rely a lot on our experiences as long-distance hikers time and time again as we learn the ins and outs of living in an RV. Moving from place to place. Usually for a week or two, sometimes for just days, and sometimes a month will pass as we stay for a full turning of the moon or more. Doing this, in a time of Pandemic is not only a challenge, but the extra responsibility of not becoming a vector adds a few levels to that challenge.
Campsite in Georgia
Hikers and RVers Compared
On the Appalachian Trail, a debate has been going on for
almost a year now about the advisability of going on long-distances hikes
usually referred to as a Thru Hike. The
Appalachian Train Conservancy (ATC) is once again recommending hikers postpone
or suspend this kind of hike. The
discourse gets heated at times.
Some say it is better to be outdoors. Away from lots of
indoor people where the virus can be present and persistent. Others say transient people could potentially
spread the virus both on the trail and in the towns they use to resupply, eat
real food, and do other chores that are needed. I think both points of view are
true, at least potentially, but with some changes to the norm and a little
extra care, people can stay safe and healthy out there and still pursue their
dreams.
The things we do as we travel along may also work for a
long-distance hiker. Our mantra is four main things. Wear the mask, keep your
distance, limit exposure to others, and wash your hands.
We wear our masks whenever we feel the need. That means always when in doors and even
outdoors, if the area is crowded with people.
When we are outside and able to keep a respectable distance, we don’t
wear a mask.
Keeping that respectable distance is much easier when you
are outside. Our campsites usually are
large enough so we won’t be close to any neighbors. When we do talk together, we can have a
perfectly respectable conversation staying ten feet or more apart. I don’t shake hands anymore. I don’t even fist bump anymore. Something I picked up on the trail. I might place my palms together, bow, and
Namaste you if I’m in the mood.
Washing your hands often, will help remove anything you pick
up tactilely. Not shaking hands and washing your hands is something most hikers
learn fairly often when on the trail due to the constant threat of Norovirus.
Adding a mask to those behaviors in this time of Covid isn’t a big deal.
Going Into Town
When we have to resupply, (Yep, I still call it resupply),
we have a list, mask up, and move fast.
Exactly how I shopped when we were still at Home Base and needing groceries. I really don’t think it is any different
being in a Walmart in Pasadena, MD or Vidalia, GA. I’m still going to pass people that don’t
live with me or even breath the same air as me.
They are strangers all. Me doing
my part by wearing a mask and limiting my exposure keeps both parties
safe.
I hear the argument that small towns can’t afford to have
their hospitals filled up with transient people. That is a risk, but once again. If you are taking precautions, then you
aren’t part of the problem.
That leads us to another thing to think about. The more
people out there, on the trail or even in the campgrounds, the more likely
someone isn’t following the precautions that common sense dictates.
If/When that happens, then the whole system is put into jeopardy. This is the gist, I believe, of ATC’s
recommendation. They want to limit the
number of people who hike the trail during this pandemic.
Crowds of People
Anyone who has been near Springer Mountain, Georgia in March
and April, can vouch that the shelter areas could become rather crowded as new
hikers start their journey and gravitate to the “amenities” that a shelter
provides. Not only some actual shelter
from overhead, but also a table, fire pit and privy. All these things come with a risk of being
too close for too long which is what the virus wants and needs. Right now isn’t the time to squeeze sixteen
hikers into an eight person shelter or sit around a full picnic table putting
hand to mouth. Hikers should adopt a
more dispersed method of hiking. Yes,
you can stop at these oases in the woods during the day, but try to settle down
for the night is an established but less crowded campsite along the way. Either
before or after the shelter.
Our travel trailer is the perfect place to isolate. It is completely self contained and can last days without having to do things like fill the water or dump the tanks. Our fridge is small, but I have been amazed at how much food we can stuff into it. We live in a constant state of self-isolation. I think that is also possible for a hiker on the trail.
Continued Caution
As long as we can find safe campsites open for use, we will continue on this lifestyle of travel and exploration. For now, we are running from winter, heading south, but not too far south. Next, me may head west for a while before circling back to Home Base for a stay to take care of the things a person has to do when they live in one spot. (Medical, dental, eye exams, the list goes on and on. Maybe even getting a vaccine)
From there, we will head out again. Maybe along the upper part of the country. Seeing what is what. Having our masks handy, keeping our distance, limiting our exposure and washing our hands.
Homeless On Wheels
Hikers hike and RVers RV.
Peace
EarthTone and LoGear
