Get Outside!

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Even though we’ve been staying home, many of us have pups that need to be walked, and honestly, these little moments of respite are enjoyable each day. Well, sort of. My 4 year old dog, Kitty, likes to plop down in the shade and move exactly ZERO muscles. I think it’s because she still has her winter fur on. I DIGRESS. 

So - is your state opening up? Washington state just reopened national parks and trails, so people are hitting them with gusto but hopefully practicing social distancing. Oregon State Parks has an excellent set of COVID guidelines called Prepare + Care that can apply to everyone nationally: 

Prepare

  • Stay home if you feel sick

  • Check what state parks are open near you

  • Choose a park close to home: Staying local means you won’t impact another community’s resources, like groceries or medical capacity. Plus, you don’t want to spend a few hours driving to a park only to discover it’s closed when you get there.

  • Pack what you need at home

  • Make sure you bring the essentials—water, snacks, face coverings, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, etc.—so you don’t have to stop on the way.

  • Keep your group sizes small (fewer than 10 people)

Care

  • If the park looks very crowded, consider heading elsewhere

  • Choose safe or low-key activities: Don’t try anything new or a difficult hike. There are fewer rangers out.

  • Maintain physical distance from others (6 feet from others that aren’t your group)

  • Wear your face covering around others

  • Know which facilities are open for visitor use

  • Remember that all normal park rules still apply

Full version here.

In addition, I just want to add - keep your dogs leashed while hiking or visiting state parks, if they are even allowed in.  Stay safe and stay sane.

Colleen Williams