And just like that, it’s already 2021. A year into the great pandemic that has put the whole world at a standstill and many of us are still trapped inside our homes, unable to resume our normal activities- school, jobs, passion, and of course, adventure. By the last quarter of last year, it looks like hope is in sight with various vaccines’ development. However, before the year ended, reports of new variants emerging in some parts of the world have the whole sighing yet again. For many whose lives depend on the outdoors, this is a bit disappointing. As the world races to introduce vaccines to people worldwide, all we can do is hope and wait.
Missing the Great Outdoors
A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a travelogue entitled Mike Honeycutt’s World of Hunting and Fishing. Reading Mr. Honeycutt’s adventures worldwide (he has been to most, if not all continents) created a strong nostalgia for wild outdoor adventures. The past few days, I caught myself in the reverie of being able to go hiking, biking, and camping once again. The last time I went camping was the summer of 2019, and it felt like decades ago. As I recall, my family and I were having a grand old time just setting up tents in an open field just 45 minutes drive from our home. We did have the worries that we have now. Even in their wildest dreams, no one thought that a few months after, an outbreak would happen on the other side of the planet and would later grip the whole world. I also imagine how hard it must be for those who depend on travel and other outdoor activities for their livelihood (those in the airline industry, hotel business, tourism, and other “non-essential” activities).
For those who love outdoor adventures, a year away from the forests, mountain trails, rivers, and the open field can be a bit sad as well. As of this writing, many parts of the United States (save for those in Washington and other major cities where citizens seem to have no regard for safety protocols) still choose to strictly ban public gatherings and close establishments, even national parks, beaches, certain forest areas, and other spots known to be venues for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, and even hunting. That said, I think it’s safe to say that our plans of great wild adventures might be on hold for a little longer.
Imagining Outdoors 2021
If there is any consolation, it’s the fact that governments around the world are trying their best to have their people vaccinated. Some reports say that we could immunize the majority of the world’s population by the end of this year. Others say that the safest would be by 2023, and by that time, we could resume our everyday lives. Wishful thinking, some countries could ease up on their restrictions and slowly reopen businesses, including those that are non-essential. While international travel and interstate trips could take a while longer, perhaps some governments might decide to open national parks, forests, beaches, and other natural spots for outdoor activities. Of course, several changes and security protocols are sure to be implemented still. Face mask and shield, temperature checks, and social distancing would have to be part of this new normal. We are also looking at the possibility of fewer outdoor activities with large groups, hotel accommodations might change, and entry to state borders and outdoor landmarks are sure to be subject to security checks.
In short, our great outdoors will have to adapt to these changes as well. Personally, it’s fine by me as long as we get to enjoy the beauty and magnificence of the great outdoors once again. Seriously, I cannot wait to see pictures of people enjoying the waves, going for quick ocean dives, hiking trails, enjoying the river banks, conquering mountains, fishing, hunting (be it recreational or for meat), touring foreign lands, and enjoying a nice campfire beneath the stars. For now, let us hope for the best. See you outdoor pretty soon!
Oliver’s Twist 