Going the (Social) Distance: Cross Country Road Trip During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Part 2)
Sunday morning, March 22. Early morning last walk through Heisler Park to say goodbye to the beach. Below the gazebo on the bluff, I caught sight of someone who could teach Master Classes in Social Distancing. Look very closely...that's his black hoodie tucked into the rocks, watching the waves. Now that's the ultimate in enjoying the outdoors by yourself. Bravissima!I'm a hugger, and as such this self-isolation is difficult for me to remember to maintain. The last time I pointed an elbow at someone was during a drinking game where you used your elbow to indicate your partner had to take a drink because it was "rude to point." We had dinner with a family who always offers Grace beforehand. We did it elbow to elbow. You do what you can to stay safe.
We set out soon after the walk for our Great Escape Across the Country. Orange County, CA gave us a stellar send off with amazingly clear skies that showcased snow covered mountains backing verdant green rain-soaked foothills. I grew up there and think I was an adult before I ever realized that we lived in a big valley, because those mountains were quite often entirely invisible behind the smog. What was immediately noticeable is the lack of traffic. Even on a Sunday morning, it is unheard of not to encounter some traffic on the 15 Freeway through San Bernardino County. I was driving and was shocked to find I blew through Barstow at almost 100 mph, not even feeling it. Yikes.
We stopped in Primm on the California/Nevada border for gas, where we got hosed at $4.49/gal. Geez, and I though CA was expensive.
It is unbelievable and surreal to see Las Vegas almost entirely empty.
So we’re pretty much quarantined in the Subaru with our music and books on tape and checking in via intermittent internet access and our travel food (almost none of it healthy or WW-approved). Each time we leave the car, we don gloves and Clorox wipes, for gas pumps and credit card readers, door handles and toilet facilities.
Traveling cross country as we do each year, we rely on Starbucks to keep us caffeinated...but even more importantly, we count on their clean restroom facilities (as well as those of McDonald’s). The COVID-19 shutdown has meant that with rare exceptions, only Starbucks with drive through facilities are open for coffee (no potties). McDonald’s, as a fast food establishment, will serve drive through or take out food only; their dining rooms are cordoned off. One store we visited had painter's tape on the floor before the registers so that patrons stood six feet from the cashiers and called their orders across the divide before stepping in with payment and then stepping back away until fulfilled.
I’m wiping down all handles and surfaces in the hotels we’ve stayed in. Those that generally offer a complimentary breakfast have down scaled back to cold food grab-and-go only, and of course all fitness and pool facilities are closed. Upon check in, receptionists so far have been prepared with lists of local restaurants that offer take out, drive through, or delivery, as no dine-in facilities are open. It’s so far resulted in some pretty crummy dinners, but hey, at least we're self-isolating (Sydney is loving that we hang out in the hotel all night with her and give her leftovers). We tip heavily anyway. People are hurting, with no end in sight.
We're halfway across. We'll be in Missouri this morning and end up somewhere in Indiana tonight.
Onward into the great unknown!
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