RV Lifestyle But, as we all work to “flatten the curve” and halt the spread of the coronavirus, finding solace in the freedom of the open road has become difficult. And now we’re all hopeful that the day will come soon when regional and cross-country travel will become normal again. As we head into the summer months of 2020, the aftermath of the stay-at-home orders are affecting the way in which we think about travel plans and how we spend time outside our homes as safely as possible. What will we all do after this pandemic fades and the need to social distance recedes? As we emerge from The Great Indoors once again to The Greater Outdoors, I know that I will approach life with an increased urgency and sense of wonder. I look forward to the moment when I can travel once again and take in the beauty of mountains and deserts, forests and lakes. Like many people, my life lately has been one of increasing government regulation, a search for normalcy, settling in, neighbourhood adventures and wondering how and when it will all end − all rolled into one. From experience, where we are now feels a bit like climbing Picacho Peak’s steep and twisting trail with steel cables anchored into the rock in places where the surface is bare. It’s an uncomfortably temporary place to be. It’s a shaky limbo that lacks the excitement of moving forward and the comfort of being back on solid ground. I’m itching to start moving and doing, not to go back, but to move forward on our way to a new normal. There are many decisions to be made in the coming months about when we can travel and where and how far. These decisions will require our utmost level of critical thinking and risk assessment. But, not today! Today, I’mhere just sitting with it all. Shouting words of hope into the abyss and finding new forms of connection across canyons, across countries and across the street in my own neighbourhood. Will we get through these uncertain times? Yes, yes we can. Sooner than later, the campgrounds and national and provincial parks around the country will be bustling with like-minded folks eager to embrace the sweet relief of fresh air and colourful sights not available on the flat screen in their living room. Social distancing might be a priority for quite some time, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t safely explore open spaces. As we head into the summer months of 2020, the aftermath of the stay-at-home orders is affecting the way in which we think about travel plans and how we spend time outside of our homes as safely as possible. And, as the world begins to return to some semblance of normal, it’s likely that “normal” will look and feel quite different. Our idea of getting away may shift in unexpected ways. Lavish, all-inclusive trips may give way to a minimalist approach in a desert expanse or a quiet forest. More than ever before in recent history, people are cognizant of the safety requirements to maintain their health during the pandemic. The perception of walking into a hotel or restaurant with other people has changed simply because there’s an unseen risk that didn’t cross our minds a fewmonths ago. The roads are clear, fuel is a great bargain and, as places reopen, they’ll be ready for you. Also, it’s easy to maintain social distancing. A great road trip is more than getting from point A to point B. It functions as a restart button; a cruise control for the mind. But it’s also a chance to gain inspiration, connect with a corner of the world different from your own, and make lasting memories. Here we provide suggestions for four road trips that wind through backroads, small towns, natural wonders, historical markers, quirky sites and unforgettable views. Whether you’re searching for rural charm or a history refresher, these trips encourage you to stop along the way and take your time. Or maybe you don’t want anything out of a road trip other than an empty path, a warm breeze and the sweet taste of freedom. Either way − let’s hit the road. Worth Pondering… Do you know why a vehicle’s WINDSHIELD is so large and the rear-view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE! So, look ahead and move on. CSANews | SUMMER 2020 | 25
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