Off the Road (for now)

I definitely planned to be off the road before the 4th of July weekend – and it seems I barely squeaked in under the wire. I expected some vacation destinations would pick up a bit for the holidays, which is why I chose to return home … but I had no idea. 😳

Although I totally understand how the extended stay-at-home mandates, the coronavirus itself and the stressed economy have combined to give everyone a bad case of cabin fever (my trip this past week being a prime example) – I am still amazed and appalled to see so many people seemingly throwing caution to the wind to converge on crowded lakes, rivers and campgrounds for the 4th of July weekend – in dense groups.

As I traveled home yesterday and today, I passed more and more places where RVs were converging in large bunches, with central group campfires, multiple vehicles per campsite and people everywhere.

Why in the world did I think Alaskans would exercise more common sense than has been shown to be the case elsewhere in the country? Sigh.

I’m so glad I had my week of quiet, relaxed travel when I did. Businesses in small towns are being cautious and proactive (and with good reason – it’s a long way to any sort of serious health care services) – everywhere I went, store clerks were wearing masks, even at gas stations. Business doors regularly bore signs to the effect; “Thank you for protecting our employees by wearing a face mask.”

I took to keeping a clean mask folded up in my jeans pocket. Even while camping, you never know when you might want to pop into the office/gift shop/cafe, right?

The way things are looking this weekend … I’m feeling bad for those small towns and businesses. It’s a no-win situation. They need the tourist dollars, but at what risk? I was so hoping to see social distancing and more individual families camping.

ANYWAY … enough of that. I did indeed make it home safe and sound. I truly did follow all prudent safety and sanitation mandates while I was on the road; wearing my masks indoors, social distancing, washing my hands a lot and even wearing disposable gloves when filling up at gas stations. Hopefully, I was as safe as I felt. 🤷‍♀️

I arrived home just before noon today and had to smile as I couldn’t help but notice that my own driveway is just as pretty as some of the campgrounds I stayed in.

Today I also realized how filthy my poor “Roada” is … and it’s time to pay the piper. I think my hot, sunny 4th of July celebration is going to include a garden hose and a big tub of soapy water!

I tried calling the Mobile Wash & Detail folks, but it seems they are not providing this service right now. 😢 I’m on my own.

Well, at least I have my new ball cap to keep the sun and soap bubbles off my face.

Since it was a beautiful day today and I’m anticipating being totally wiped out after bathing Roada tomorrow, we celebrated the holiday a day early with burgers on my little camp grill and some fun play time with the two pups – right in our own yard. ❤️ I think Baxter is glad Ronni and I are home, too.

Happy 4th of July, everyone. Please celebrate responsibly!