Nature is the Great Escape for Tough Times, Lots of Options in NE

In this time of uncertainty and restrictions on gatherings and instructions to practice social distancing, it may be time to turn to the great outdoors. Tampabaysports.com has some great points on social distance and ways to bring yourself inner calm. Your local restaurant or bar may be closed, you may not be able to visit the mall and your grocery shopping trips should be limited to just getting for the week but most National Parks are open. The Beaches are closed in New Hampshire but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out for a hike and soak up some sunlight and get some good old vitamin D.

Many group hikes have been canceled but you can still take a nice day walk along many trials in the New England area.  I just yesterday took to The Gonic Trails located at 103 Rochester Neck Road in Rochester, New Hampshire near my home. Officials are warning against ambitious hikes due to the strain on the emergency response personnel at this time. Some of New Hampshire’s conservation groups have urged hikers to avoid the most popular spots so that when you hit the trails, you can practice social distancing. I did see hikers on the gonic trail but there is plenty of space to practice social distancing.

That still leaves a lot of space in this beautiful area to explore. Tampabaysports.com says Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks are closed but smaller trails are open.  If you can’t get out, there are some amazing live webcams available to enjoy nature from your computer such as the National Mall Cherry Blossom webcam and Yellowstone offers a virtual tour online. Stay safe out there!