Health and Wellness is very important to Adventures of Abby Girl. If we aren’t healthy and well, we don’t travel. If we don’t travel and have adventures, then our readers have nothing to read. A blog about sitting in the house with the sniffles might be a tad boring.
So as we learn different ways to stay healthy and well, we will pass them along to our readers so they too can stay in good health and try some of our adventures and travels too.
There are ever-changing mandates in NY State. In fact, a lot of the mandates seem to become stricter and stricter with options dwindling if you are unvaccinated. If you are vaccinated, there are still mandates to follow, but you can still go anywhere. In no way are we giving an opinion on whether you should become vaccinated or not. However, we want to keep an open list of places that now require a vaccine card or stricter mask rules in case you want to adventure somewhere within the state. Obviously, you should also always check the website or call the place you are visiting no matter the state because rules are constantly changing on both a state and federal level.
NY City-
Pretty much anywhere indoors requires your proof of vaccine whether it is fitness, entertainment, or an indoor food venue. That also includes museums. Many outdoor events and attractions are also requiring vaccinated people over 12 as well including indoor exhibits at the Bronx Zoo.
According to NBC New York,
There are exceptions for children under 12 — who are not yet eligible for vaccination — and athletes, contractors and some performers who don’t live in the city. The policy also excludes church potlucks, community centers, office buildings, house parties (even if they’re catered) and people ducking in somewhere to pick up food or use the bathroom, among other exemptions.
Hudson Buffet in Fishkill NY had a vaccine sign on the door. However, we were not asked at any time to show a card. On their website, there is no mention.
The Pleasant Valley Post Office (I was told all Federal buildings are mask mandated. However, upon further research, in July only hot spots required masks in Federal buildings. So more clarification is needed)
What is Still Vaccine and Mask Free-
The great outdoors! There are plenty of outdoor suggestions of places to go and be one with nature where you can still get away with no mask and no vaccine. Our Youtube channel is one great option to find places to explore. Just remember that masks are still encouraged where you cannot maintain six feet. However, we have done a very good job of going remote. The only thing that can within six feet of us a lot of the time was a chipmunk.
You can also head out of state. We just visited the Gatlinburg area and had an absolute blast.
Final Thoughts-
If you have a place to add to the list, please leave us a comment or send us a message. Please also give supporting proof if you can whether it’s an article or a picture of the sign at the place you adventure. Everyone is trying to figure out how to adventure in this new world. So hopefully, this is a place that can keep people informed of places that require vaccines or masks and can be aware before you go. We don’t want anyone missing out on an excellent adventure!
March 1st, a pretty awesome walk or run challenge begins. The challenge, named the Bombastic Springtastic Challenge is virtual so anyone from anywhere in the world can participate. There is a cost to sign-up. However, you do receive a t-shirt and a medal if you complete 35 tasks. If you complete all fifty tasks before the event ends on April 31st, then you’re entered to win a gift card to fleet feet.
How does it work?
First, you need to head over to the webpage tosignup. They will then send you an email explaining how to log everything and there is even an awesome Facebook Group. Each task completed will gain you a virtual badge. Make sure you are comfortable with completing the tasks before you signup.
What Type of Things Will I have to do while walking or running?
Well, most tasks require a participant to walk or run a mile either with something, on a certain day or going by a certain landmark. All the tasks have now been revealed.
Here is a List of The Tasks From Their Website-
–Bird House Badge: Take a picture of a birdhouse while on a run/walk of at least 1 mile –Super Mario Badge: Take a picture of a mushroom while on a run/walk of at least 1 mile –Fashionista Badge: Run or walk wearing all Spring colors & take a selfie before or after (at least 1 mile) –Farmhouse Badge: Pass a barn during a run/walk of at least 1 mile –Sound of Music Badge: Do a run/walk (at least one mile) that includes running through a field –Luck of the Irish Badge: Run or Walk at least 1 mile wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day (3/17) –Runner’s Choice Badge: Come up with a creative badge; Complete the task and photograph it. The 3 with the most likes on the Facebook post will win $25 Fleet Feet gift cards –Earth Day Badge: Pickup trash before, during and/or after your run/walk (at least 1 mile) –Tulip Badge: Take a picture with tulips during a run/walk of at least 1 mile –Punky Brewster Badge: Complete a run/walk of at least 1 mile wearing mis-matched socks –Wind Spinner Badge: Take a picture during a run/walk with a wind spinner yard decoration (at least 1 mile) –What day is it? Badge: Run or walk the number of miles that matches the date (i.e. on 3/1 you would run 3.1 miles) –Gardener Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile while carrying a piece of garden equipment –Time Warp Badge: Run or walk for an hour on 3/14 (Daylight Savings) –Unseasonably Cold Badge: Run or Walk when the temperature is at least 10 degrees colder than the average monthly temperature for your area –A Horse is a Horse Badge: Take a picture of a horse on a run/walk of at least 1 mile –Millenial Badge: Listen to a podcast about running –Out of Towner Badge: Take a picture with an out of state license plate during a run/walk of at least 1 mile –Muddy Shoes Badge: Go for a trail run/walk/hike of at least 1 mile –Taxman Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile on 4/15 –Lakeview Badge: Do a run/walk of at least 1 mile around or near a lake –2021 Badge: Run/walk a total of 202.1 miles during the challenge –First Responder Badge: Take a selfie with a fire truck, police car or ambulance during a run/walk of at least 1 mile
–Running in the Rain Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile in the rain while carrying an umbrella –Full Moon Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile after dark during a full moon (3/28, 4/26) –Ice Cream Lovers Badge: Stop for ice cream (or dairy free alternative) during a walk/run of at least 1 mile –April Showers Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile in the Rain without an umbrella –Spring Street Badge: Take a picture running on a street that is the same name as a season (run should be at least 1 mile) –Green Acres Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile through or past a farm –Vernal Equinox Badge: Run at least 1 mile on the first day of spring (3/20) –Go Fly A Kite Badge: Complete a run/walk of at least one mile with a kite –Feathered Friends Badge: Take a picture of a bird during a run/walk of at least 1 mile –Looks like Spring Badge: Do a run/walk and take a picture of Easter or Spring decorations –High on Life Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile on 4/20 –Walking on Sunshine Badge: Go for a run/walk of at least 1 mile on a sunny day –Troll Toll Badge: Take a selfie running/walking under a bridge (at least 1 mile) –Park Run Badge: Run/Walk at least 1 mile in a state park –Easter Bunny Badge: Run/walk (at least 1 mile) on Easter (4/4)
–Extra Innings Badge: Complete a 1 mile run/walk that includes a baseball field –Fountain Badge: Run/Walk at least 1 mile that includes running around a fountain
–Perfect Strangers Badge: Run or Walk (at least 1 mile) with someone you’ve never run/walked with before –Cemetery Badge: Do a run/walk of at least 1 mile that includes a cemetery –Right On Time Badge: Take a picture with an outdoor clock during a run/walk of at least 1 mile –Babbling Brook Badge: Run/walk (at least 1 mile) that passes by a stream –Graffiti Badge: Take a picture of graffiti during a run/walk of at least 1 mile –Historic Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile on a historic site –Waterfall Badge: Do a run/walk of at least 1 mile where you pass a waterfall –Moo-ving Badge: Take a picture of a cow on a run/walk of at least 1 mile –April Fools Badge: Run/walk (last least one mile) on April Fools Day (4/1) –How Old Am I? Badge: Take a picture of a house or mailbox with your age on it during a run/walk of at least 1 mile
*You can complete multiple tasks at a time. Some people prefer to spread them out or just get them done as quickly as possible.
Final Thoughts about this Challenge-
So what are you waiting for to go signup? Perhaps we will see you on the trail!
Kindness and respect are forgotten for some in an attempt to keep social distancing practices and follow all these new mandated or suggested rules in a world wrought by the pandemic. Sadly, it is filtering down to our children. However, with some tips and tricks, we can prepare our child for situations that arise making them an awesome member of society!
A Personal Account and Tips to Help Everyone Succeed
*Please keep in mind this is my personal account and feelings about the situation in order to give tips and tricks in case you find yourself in a similar situation.
Recently we went to the playground and there was a little girl there about my daughter’s age and she kept running away from Abby. Abby had talked all the way there about how she can’t wait to make friends so she seemed a little upset that this girl pretty much was running away from her with no explanation besides “this girl won’t stop following me!” The mother turned around to my child and replied, “she’s trying to keep her distance.” Distance from what? My four-year-old child is supposed to understand?
Tip #1
BeClear in your message. Don’t be vague. It just will lead to misconceptions and hurt feelings.
Dialogue example: My daughter is distancing because she is worried about the sickness going around and doesn’t know you. So she would rather play with people she knows.
About ten minutes later, another girl about their age shows up and they run to each other and hug leaving my child more upset and confused than before. The mother never spoke to me or my daughter. I took my child aside and tried to explain to her the situation. Not an easy task with a young child that already suffers from social anxiety. All she could see is that she was being rejected.
Tip # 2
Explain to your child that not every child will want to play with you. Don’t take it to heart.
The Golden Rule
At one point both mothers had their backs turned whispering to each other as I explained the situation to my husband on the phone. They could have just been talking about a new recipe. It just didn’t personally feel as if that was the situation.
Tip #3
Take it with a grain of salt. Gossip, back talking and clicks have been around forever. Try your hardest to ignore it and enjoy time with your child. You could be the issue in making assumptions. Neither party involved knows the other person’s story.
JustRemember that grownups need to be kind and respectful. It starts with us. Children see us being rude and will think it is alright. They see us panicking and scared, often times they will act the same. Children see us judging and they will judge.
Eventually, the situation turned into my daughter sobbing in my arms and the other mom picked up her other child and walked away.
Tip #4
Be prepared to give your child lots of love if they are rejected and remind them that it isn’t them. Even try to redirect them to get their mind off of the current situation. You might end up having to play pretend ice cream stand, but as parents sometimes we have to do what we have to do to make the situation better.
I ended up playing with my child as she still occasionally glanced at the two girls having an awesome time. A great time without her. But was coping better with mom by her side.
I overheard that this was their first play-date in four months. Awesome for them. Had to be great that these two friends were reunited. However, how the beginning happened to set a mood for the rest of the trip.
Another observation was the other girls repeatedly cut my child off without an “excuse me” or a “can I have a turn?” But the main point is how this was all handled and the reactions.
Tip #5
Teach respectful dialogue. Please, thank you, excuse me, can I have a turn? Simple phrases if they are not comfortable around children they do not know to possibly help the other child understand. Be prepared as a parent (on both ends) to step in. As mentioned before, just leaving it as “my child wants to keep her distance” leaves a mixed single for the other child. A safe distance why?
Oh Snap!
.
Three Final Tips-
Everything starts at home. Especially when the children have only been at home since this started. For small children, keep it simple but informative. Teach kindness and respect. Show them the right way to live without being afraid and when they are scared, how to conquer their fears.
Encourage games on the playground that the children can play together while maintaining distance. If children want to play together.
Remember everyone has different views of what is safe right now. This includes social distancing practices. Different people have gone through different situations.
Some might say, why didn’t you just leave? Well just like that family, we are allowed to be there and shouldn’t have to give up our fun time. When we got there, there was a family in masks. They weren’t comfortable. They left. But, we wanted to stay and play.
Final Thoughts on Kindness-
Following simple tips and trips can help your child navigate the playgrounds and that will resonate into all they do in life making them an awesome individual.
Side Thoughts-
It’s a blessing and a curse being a travel and adventure blogger during this new time. We see a lot and the world often seems very upside down and different. We are encountering things we never imagined. But, we also are able to bring our experiences both the good and the ugly back to our readers keeping everyone informed.
Also, for every bad experience, we end up with ten beautiful experiences. For example, we went to a resort overnight recently. At dinner, Abby met another little girl. They hit it off immediately. They played together, held hands, hugged, and even helped each other several times whether it was feeding the horses or breaking into the goat pen. The other little girl just kept her mask on.
Friends always have your back (side)
Onto our next adventure and never forget that golden rule! Remember not to get so wrapped up in the “new normal” that we end up hurting those around us. Children learn through their environment. We need to start at home. This is all new for everyone. But, we can grow and improve.
What if the situation escalates? We are walking a fine line between bullying and rudeness at this point. So if you feel it has gone beyond that line, then there is help. Read below.
There are so many uses for mud. In fact, there is even international Mud Day every June (June 29th 2020)! Sadly, due to the pandemic, most awesome mud events have been canceled. However, people can still learn some awesome uses for mud. Here are our top five!
1. Mud Art
A person cannot go more primitive than creating art with mud. Mud is one of the oldest forms of art. Children also can have a blast creating mud masterpieces.
Make a painting. Yes, that is correct, make a painting out of mud. You can use a canvas or a giant white sheet. Depends how permanent you want the piece of art. If a canvas is used, I would suggest using a protective coating over the creation after it dries. Feel free to explore with different items found in nature for different results on the canvas.
Pottery. It takes a lot to create clay from mud. However, anyone can do it and you don’t need to fire it in a kiln afterward. Let us know either through social media or in the comments if your family tries to make clay. This is an adventure we have not attempted yet. Here is a link to arecipe for clay. Go give it a try!
2. Use as Spa treatments
According to Hometown Station, mud has nutrients and minerals that the body can absorb through the skin. Mud can reduce the signs of aging, clear-up those pores, tighten skin and so much more. Just remember to add a moisturizer afterward as the mud can be drying. Mud masks are available in stores or you can go to a spa or vacation destination that specializes in mud treatments. I went into the woods with my daughter and tried my hand at beautifying with mud.Watch the video!
facial in woods. Also warding off bugs and sun
3. Reduces stress
Face it, there is something so calming about squishing the toes between some really nice mud or kneading it through the fingers. Some people hate it. Us, mud is the best. Ever danced in the mud? It is freeing. We should own stock in laundry detergent.
4. Mud is Fun
There are endless activities that you can do with your children and mud. Splash in a mud puddle. Make roads and drive trucks and cars through the mud. We work on our spelling by drawing letters and words in the mud. There is endless and educational fun with mud or just get in an old fashioned mud fight!
5. Primitive First-aid
According to Farm & Dairy, mud is the last resort but can alleviate the immediate effects of being stung. I have tried this on a couple of occasions. Obviously, if you are allergic, seek medical attention immediately. But, as you are calling for help, slap some mud on there if it is readily available. Face it, stings hurt like a B. No pun intended.
Prevents and soothes sunburns. According to Geeky Prepper,
“You can smear mud overexposed skin for added sun protection and sunburn prevention. Mud acts as a physical barrier sunscreen because it prevents the sun’s UV rays from contacting or penetrating your skin”
In fact, even when mud cracks and falls off, there is still a protective layer there that will protect from some of the sun’s UV Rays.
Already sunburned? Mud can be very soothing.
Keeps away those nasty bugs. There is nothing worse than a million mosquito bites in the woods. According to Bensource, mosquitoes cannot bite through mud.
Again, if you have already been attacked, rub mud on the bite to soothe the reaction.
Fun Fact: Animals enjoy mud too. Many use it to keep cool and keep bugs off!
living the life
Final Rambling Thoughts-
We love mud at Adventures of Abby Girl! So many uses. Rednecks even use it for something called “Mud Bogging.” They literally drive ATVs, trucks, or whatever they imagine through the mud. My husband introduced me to it when we first met. Mud bogging is actually a lot of fun. It’s how he tested me to see if I was able to take it or not. We were bogging and he grabbed an ankle and dropped me head first into the mud. Let’s just say, I sprung up from the mud with a huge mud pie and nailed him in the head. We are now married for almost twelve years and together almost fourteen. Love at first mud pie.
If readers are wondering, there is no week 2 post-only week 1. We only walked about six miles last week. It was the black hole of the social distancing rules. But, week three we hiked about fifteen miles and in those fifteen miles, we came away with some valuable advice. Chalk it up to lessons learned. Now we share these golden nuggets of advice with our readers.
1. Too Crowded-
If the trail you wanted to hike, appears too crowded, then go somewhere else. It’s not the end of the world. The trail will be there when this is all over. We use AllTrails and it has a cool map feature that points out where all the trails are in the area. Word of advice, make sure you write down the extra trails and where they are just in case there’s no GPS Signal. No GPS you SOL.
2. Don’t be a lurker just because you want to practice social distancing-
Picture it. We discussed it in the first week and yet it happened again. We were slightly off the trail away from people enjoying a nice vernal pool (seasonal water source). My dog was cooling off. My kid playing on the trees. A mom and several children walk by us. One child mentioned the water and wanting to play there. She took them a safe twelve plus feet up the trail and said nothing. They just played on the rock and talked about it loud enough so we could hear. I felt as if the eyes were on us. At this point, my child fell off a fallen branch and was crying. I am holding my dog at this point because they have a dog. It was a mess. The takeaway, either come back to the pond later or speak up. Don’t be a lurker from a safe distance away. I have a feeling they were being polite. However, it was just annoying.
So if you thought the six feet rule will protect you, you are incorrect.
3. Don’t smoke the Wacky Tobaccy on the trail-
I was an Arts major in college. My professor used to hold the class at the local Chinese Restaurant when he had the munchies. Trust, me, it might be a shocker but I know what it smells like and wasn’t born yesterday. I know the whole trail-lovin’, free-spirit, go hug a tree vibe too. However, don’t smoke it on the trail and definitely don’t ask for any. It’s a big no-no right now. I don’t want my child to inhale any type of it. It’s also prohibited. You don’t want to start a forest fire and only you can prevent forest fires. However, not to be the lame one at the party, but did mention, it’s ILLEGAL!
Hugging trees-not smoking them
4. Step to the side-
If you do see people, step to the side. It’s that simple. Just give them some space. You feel a sneeze coming on as it is also allergy season, sneeze into your arm. It’s fairly simple.
5. Don’t be stupid-
Know your limitations. If you are hiking with your children don’t rock scramble up something that little Johnny has never done because you think it’s a substitute playground. It’s not. The same rule applies to the grownups. Only do trails you know you can handle. Don’t be a warrior. Don’t pretend this is Ninja Warrior. Abby blazed passed a girl on Breakneck Ridge. There were a few that shouldn’t have been there. You could see them struggling. On something like that, one false move and you fall. You fall and it’s not going to be the Corona Virus that gets you. Being nimble and knowing yourself and whoever you are with takes time. Abby kicked out a rock and I was climbing off-center, but I had to think quick or get nailed in the head with a rock. Those are not the tweety birds I want to see in nature.
Wear proper shoes. Carry the appropriate pack and water according to how far you are traveling. I have seen people with fashion boots.
No Pretty Woman Moment on Mountain. Be sensible.
Let’s talk about bags. I have witnessed people carrying a reusable shopping bag or large Mary Poppins type bag down a mountain. The CVS bag was another classic one. Be prepared.
6. Look Before you go-
There have been trail closures. Make sure you research where you are going first. Always have a Plan B. Like Birth Control, it’s good to have a backup plan.
7. Don’t hike in packs-
This is not the time to go and hike in large groups. It’s dangerous. Even if you are a large family all living together, don’t all go at once. There will be plenty of opportunities to do this as a large group once this is over. However, if you do go as a large group, then you might not have a chance to make these memories later on or you might impact someone else’s future. Remember, you can be a carrier with no symptoms. Rules are in place for a reason right now. This is not spring break. No bringing Corona in the woods. No flashing on the mountain. You won’t get beads.
8. If you don’t feel well STAY THE HECK HOME-
To repeat … This is not spring break. No bringing Corona in the woods. No flashing on the mountain. You won’t get beads. Your selfishness will just harm others and potentially get you in a lot of trouble. Authorities are not taking it lightly if they catch people with this galavanting around. Don’t be the plague. The fresh air will not help you. Stay home if you are sick. Need fresh air, stick your head out the damn window.
9. Don’t Litter-
Don’t drop your trail trash all over the place. Carry out whatever you carried in. If you have to go to the bathroom, then either take the toilet paper with you or do your business off the trail by digging a hole and bury everything. About a month ago, I actually saw human poop right on the side of the trail. How do I know? Well, there was toilet paper as the crowning glory. That is beyond gross. Don’t be the gross kid. Around town people flinging their gloves and masks have been a thing too. The squirrels don’t need to wear gloves and the raccoons don’t need face masks. Even food. It can be harmful to wildlife, water sources and plants growing. Yogi Bear doesn’t need a pic-i-nic.
Final Thoughts-
Don’t be a trail idiot. Use common sense when hiking during this time. It’s alright to still have exercise in the woods. I would go insane if I didn’t and so would Abby Girl!
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