9 Lessons Learned From Social Distancing on Trails

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.

Fun Fact: The Corona Virus Germs can carry up to 27 ft.

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!

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.

Did you see the cool video of our craziest trail to date?

Wear proper shoes. Carry the appropriate pack and water according to how far you are traveling. I have seen people with fashion boots.

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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