Our Very Peculiar, Long Spring Break - It's a'Camping We Will Go

Suddenly, all we have is time on our hands. Our kids won’t be reporting to school for at least two weeks. Our college son is home from Bama, likely for the rest of the semester. And both of our jobs will be completely remote for a good little stretch. I’m relieved that governors, college presidents, superintendents, preachers, and Disney Parks execs have responded prudently this week, helping to flatten the epidemiologic curve and save many lives.

And yeah, I’m a little scared too.

I’m nervous about the obvious and worried about the previously-healthy 30-something woman in Georgia who allegedly is in critical condition with COVID-19.

I mourn for our college students who left campus this week on what may be America’s saddest spring break.

And I fret about my nest of eight and how to balance the need for avoiding the virus with some semblance of normalcy.

so i’m thinking camping is a really, really good idea

Well, of course, camping is always a grand idea, in my view. It’s the complete opposite of the confinement of a cruise ship or the overstimulation of Vegas or New York. But now, it’s more apropos than ever.

In hard-struck Japan, campground bookings have doubled, as people seek getaways that provide for easy social distancing. Perhaps it’s time for us to think about making some lemonade out of the lemons that currently surround us, and take a walk on the wild side.

I’m not sure exactly which day we’re going (it’s soon) or which direction we’re headed, but here’s a few thoughts.

disney’s fort wilderness is open . . . for now

fort wilderness coronavirus — Sites in certain loops, such as this one in 1800, are far more secluded than others.

Even though the parks are closed, my favorite campground of all time is still accepting reservations – even during these next two weeks. If we were going here, I’d request a smaller loop with fewer people, like Loop 900, or a more remote one, such as 1800 or 2100. A golf cart would be a must for us to loop around, likely spending far less time in the trading posts, Trail’s End Restaurant, or other people places.

For a quick trip, we would consider renting an RV rather than hauling our own. But I would do a deep, deep dive on the reviews for cleanliness, and ask what the specific sanitation procedures are. For example, at Kissimmee Orlando RV Rentals, Glenda Langford explains that all bedding, blankets and comforters are washed and sanitized between every visit. In addition, carpets and flooring are scrupulously cleaned, and all surfaces, including furniture and door handles are disinfected.

If I were booking for April and May, I would also be especially mindful of cancellation and refund policies.

georgia state parks on my mind

Georgia State Parks are among many that are promoting the continued operations of its campgrounds as a vacation alternative. Unlike Stone Mountain (one of my usual favorites), these parks tend to be more remote with greater space between sites. Among our most-loved are Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, Unicoi State Park, and Cloudland Canyon.

One state park in Georgia that I’m not dying to visit right now is Hard Labor Creek, about 45 minutes east of Atlanta. This is where the state has set up trailers for Georgians infected with COVID-19, who are well enough to not be hospitalized but don’t have good options for home quarantine. It’s actually a really bright idea, but the name Hard Labor Creek conjures up some scary images. Interestingly, the last name of its sole temporary resident is Camp. WSB interviewed Mr. Camp yesterday (worth a watch), and hopefully he will continue to improve.

other state park systems in the south

Desoto Alabama Coronavirus — Secluded creek-lined trails abound in DeSoto Falls State Park, Alabama

Presently, both Alabama and Florida have announced that their state parks remain open, with the caveat that the situation may evolve daily. Florida announced that while campgrounds are open, events and group activities have been canceled. Neither Tennesee nor South Carolina seem to have announced any park cancellations as of yet, either. To me, this all makes sense.

Campgrounds are a place where it’s easy to maintain social distancing of several feet. There’s the natural healing benefits of the outdoors and sunshine. And solo or small-family activities, such as fishing and hiking, abound.

additional precautions we will take

First Aid Camping — Better to have first-aid supplies on hand. My husband patched up our favorite princess with antiseptic and liquid stitches after a fall on the rocks last year.

Obviously, we won’t be attending any campground potlucks. Finger food has never sounded so gross, has it? And we’ll have an abundance of cleaning products, hand sanitizers, and food we’ve bought ahead of time. Almost all of our meals will be home-cooked, and we will purposely miss out on Trivia Night or afternoon Arts and Crafts. I will ramp up our first aid kit – if someone takes a tumble on the trail, I’d like to avoid the already overloaded urgent care facilities. And finally, we’ll be prepared to pack up and go home quickly as circumstances change – or maybe just go deeper into the wilderness.