Keep focused on safety
We have a large and diverse group of hikers. Each week I send this note out to 589 people, most of whom live in Kitsap County (we have a few “snowbirds” and folks who have moved but still enjoy hearing about our adventures). In a typical week, somewhere between 300 and 350 of you read my ramblings and a dozen or so take a second to respond. So I was eagerly waiting to see what kind of response you would have to my question about hiking as a group in last week’s note.
It was just by coincidence that Kitsap County moved to Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery last week. In Phase 2 rules regarding outdoor sports are relaxed, with groups of up to 200 allowed as long as masking and distancing protocols are maintained.
But we as a community are NOT ready to return to group hiking. Only 20 people responded to my email. Half were eager to return to the trails as a group immediately. I have sent them a separate email, hoping to help them connect for future adventures. The other half of the respondents want to take a wait and see approach. They hope to get vaccinated soon, believe that will make them safer and infection rates lower and look forward to group hikes again later in the spring. My guess is that the large majority of folks who didn’t respond share this mindset.
So there you go! I will keep dropping you a weekly note. Linda, Pauline & I will hold off on suggesting group hikes for at least a few more months. But fear not! Better times and group hikes will be back soon enough. And no, I didn’t brave snowmageddon 2021 and make it up to Hurricane Ridge this past Monday. My adventures were limited to walks around the block and through the snow with Bella.
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