April 1, 2020

Like many I am a creature of habit and sometimes resistant to change. Even though I considered myself an agent of change in my professional life. It’s easy to get used to a routine and can be comforting to stick to it. It’s safe to keep things the same. But recently all that has changed due to Covid-19. We are all being asked to change the way we live in an effort to flatten the curve and save lives. We may not like it but it’s better than the alternative.

Our community is one of the many Coastal California tourist destinations. For obvious public health and safety reasons our City and County have closed the door on tourism until the “all clear” has been given from the Covid-19 threat. The City has also asked residents who hike on our looped headland trail to utilize the trail going clockwise only to minimize interaction and maintain social distancing protocols. I am in agreement on both actions and greatly appreciate the precautions. Before the moratorium was passed, tourists were ignoring the shelter-in-place order. Before the clockwise directive was given, on the narrow parts of the trail, we were turning our backs to each other trailside so we could pass one other. It was making me (and others) nervous and causing some stress on the trail. Being a person who prefers to go clockwise over counterclockwise, I’m quietly hoping that this actually becomes the new norm. With everyone going one direction the hike is much more enjoyable. One of the best parts of the experience is finding solitude along the trail. Getting some peace of mind while gaining the health benefits of walking is an additional perk.

The threat of Covid-19 also has me changing how and when I leave the house for groceries and to pick up our mail. I’m donning gloves and carrying disinfectant wipes. I’m washing my hands repeatedly throughout the day. My daily walks are helping me keep my sanity in this unusual time we are in. I hope you can find opportunities to get out and stretch your legs and clear your mind. Staying safe and practicing social distancing of course. #iluvtowalk #walkingmakesmehappy #baxteronthego #nativeplants #trinidadca