These sempervivum (also known as “hens and chicks”) are among several plants my mom gave to me, so while we’re separated during the pandemic, I can look at these flowers and think of her.

This post was written in April of 2020 during the first pandemic shutdown. Isolation Ideas for National Park Enthusiasts as written during a time of complete uncertainty. Enter Holly B…

The coronavirus outbreak is causing devastation we’ve never faced before. And given the magnitude of our current situation, I find it trivial to lament the inability to hop on a plane and visit a national park, considering the challenges many are going through. Yet—particularly for those of us who love to travel to new outdoor destinations—it’s only natural to experience some wanderlust and longing for the lifestyle we once knew. Fortunately, online experiences abound, from the National Park Service’s Find Your ‘Virtual’ Park platform to Google Earth’s National Parks project. However, as someone who is behind a computer screen all day, I find it refreshing (and healthy) to step away from the technology from time to time. In addition to taking physically distanced strolls outside, the following are a few ways I’ve been navigating life without hiking, camping, or visiting national parks.

Living in the Moment and Embracing your Space

When exploring our public lands, the sense of awe and discovery is paramount to the experience, from mountain-top vistas to wildlife and plants we don’t see back home. However, if you have a yard or safe access to other outdoor environments, it’s a perfect time for zooming in on your surroundings to examine and learn more about the plants and creatures that hang out there. A few observations from my Indiana backyard:

Our flowers and garden goods are showing up, so I’ve been taking closer looks (and close-up photos) to notice patterns and textures.
April showers are bringing out rounds of robins, who bop around the backyard to get some grub—literally—and lots of earthworms that rise with the rainfall.
Our bird-feeder attracts a slew of hungry patrons. A variety of birds. Chipmunks who climb inside and gorge on the seeds. An acrobatic squirrel I’ve named “Squirrel du Soleil.” Several mallard ducks also visit to dine on the seeds that fall to the ground, and recently, a new guy appeared—a bibbed mallard. I’ve found myself doing more research to identify and learn about bird varieties and the trees that dot the landscape, which makes hiking a bit more interesting, too.
A possum mom stopped by last week, carrying two joeys on her back. That strategy might be a good way to train for a backcountry hike—what do you think?

In addition to focusing on the outdoor flora and fauna that are right under our noses, it’s important to relax, unplug, and live in the moment in other ways. For example, when my husband, Jamie, and I visit national parks, we typically camp. When we’re on the campsite, we spend time reading books, playing cards, then having a beer or a bourbon by the campfire to end the night. If you have the space and ability, these spring evenings are perfect for replicating that feeling, whether it’s sitting around your fire pit or just lighting a candle—like the national parks candles from Parks Project—to foster some outdoorsy vibes.

Recalling Past Park Memories

When the future is uncertain, I’ve found comfort reflecting on the good times I’ve had alongside a heavy dose of gratitude. Here are some ways I’ve been doing that, in more productive ways than scrolling through my Instagram feed.

Some of our favorite photos we’ve taken at U.S. national parks—alpenglow from our backcountry site in Grand Teton National Park, ocotillo at Big Bend, Half Dome at Yosemite and sunset at Joshua Tree.

Taking photos from file to frame. We all likely have great photos that are stuck on our phone or in our digital files—I know I do. A few months ago, I decided to have some of my favorite photos from our favorite national park trips printed on aluminum. Looking at these images brings me a bit of joy each day, and now I’m exploring what other photos I can have printed.
Sending cards and postcards to friends and family. Do you ever find yourself buying several postcards at the Visitor’s Center, then never sending all of them, or is it just me? Just because we’re stuck at home doesn’t mean we can’t send a beautiful photo to someone. We could all use a little unexpected joy right now, and sending “just because” mail to loved ones is a great way to brighten their days. Plus, it feels good for the sender and supports the U.S. Postal Service! If you don’t have postcards, any handwritten note will do the trick.
Stoking your creativity. Contrary to popular belief, we’re all creative in some way. And applying your passion for the outdoors to a creative pursuit is a fun and fulfilling distraction, regardless of skill level. I’ve been working my way through the Anderson Design Group National Parks Coloring book in order of the 44 national parks we’ve visited so far (I’m currently on Carlsbad Caverns). I decided to write this blog. I’m working on an abstract painting of a mountain. And, I just launched a new Instagram page that will feature a national park Bolton ritual—writing haikus about our experiences. Check it out!

National Park Coloring Book from Anderson Design Group.

I’d like to say I’m a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-hiking-pants type of gal, but in reality, I’m a planner. I like to think about what events and trips are coming up and what I need to do to prepare. But the COVID-19 situation has forced me to take things one day at a time, embracing the moment and being grateful for what I’ve been able to experience. Here’s wishing you all the best—stay safe, stay healthy, and I’ll see you on the trail.

Holly B

P.S. – I didn’t receive anything for mentioning these products or services. I just like them.

Learn about amy k's adventure to acadia national park in maine. join her here as she visits the "quieter side" of acadia!

The inaugural Instagram post for @hikeoos!