Traveling in a Time of Covid

 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