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Maine is a big place. We have about 35,000 square miles and just over 1.3 million people. Just to give you some scope this is about the same population of Dallas Texas but the footprint of Dallas 340 square miles.  My point? We have space. It is spring. Unless something changes we should be getting outside and taking a walk or a hike. It is good for the body and soul.

Since so many other things we normally do are not happening right now A LOT of people are out walking and hiking.  Seems like a lot of Mainers have never been for a walk before.  As a result, many of Maine’s lovely natural spots are being closed because there are too many freakin’ people in one place and not social distancing.  This is breaking my heart. 

We can go out, we just need to smart about it? I mean, we are Mainers, we got this.

So with that in mind here are a few tips from me and the Bangor Daily News on how to out in nature and keep that distance.

  1. Pick less popular spots. Many of those spots have been closed off to visitors because they have been so popular. Maybe you have a great yard now is the time to enjoy it. What about a neighborhood? Walk around the neighborhood and wave at your neighbors.
  2. If you are going out for a change of scenery have a few choices in mind. If the first place you are going to has a lot of cars…move along.  Head to the second choice or third if need be. There are plenty of places to walk it just not all of them are the perfect Maine walk or hike but still pleasant.
  3. Plan your walk for earlier or later in the day.  Midday seems to be a busy time in my experience. Weekends are busier than a weekday.
  4. If you are going on a longer walk/hike alone always let someone know where you are and when you are due back and then check-in when you are done.
  5. Keep nature clean. Do not leave any trash or doggie doo.  Take it with you.  ShadowDog had a backpack just for the reason to carry out the poo-bags.
  6. Practice the same health habits on the trail as you do at home.  Keep hands clean, cough into your elbow, don’t share water bottles or snack bags, don’t touch your face.
  7. Keep the open spaces open. Keeping a physical distance is still important in the park or on the trail.  Just wave, smile and say “HI” from 6ft distance or more.
  8. This should go without saying if you are not feeling well or in one of the groups that make you a higher risk for COVID-19 stay at home.

BONUS TIP:  Ticks are still here. They did not runway from the coronavirus. It is spring and the ticks are back and do all the stuff you should do to protect yourself from those little jerks.

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