Surviving the year of COVID: an update on the silent months, the prospect of safely resuming travel, and the announcement of a new direction for Backroad Planet.
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The Year of COVID
Things have been pretty quiet around Backroad Planet the past few months, and I am sure you know why.
No one escaped unscathed in the year of COVID . . . from those who lost their lives, their loved ones, their livelihood, to those who were merely inconvenienced.
Travel came to a screeching halt, and members of our industry were dealt a crushing blow.
Travel writers, bloggers, and influencers watched with dread and disbelief as pageviews plummeted.
I was one of those travel writers, and this is the account of how I survived the year of COVID, both personally and professionally, and how Backroad Planet emerged with a new direction.
2020 Travels Begin . . . and End
In January of 2020, I hopped a flight to New York City to attend the International Media Marketplace, an annual conference for travel writers and PR managers to meet up and discuss potential partnerships.
I did not know then that the flight home would be my last for a long while.
In late February, I embarked on a weeklong journey through the Southeast. I toured historic quail hunt plantations in Thomasville, explored African-American heritage sites in Hattiesburg, and viewed the works of three unconventional artists in Coastal Mississippi.
I had no clue that it would be my last working road trip for more than a year.
My flights were already booked to attend a black tie media event in New Orleans where they would announce the new Viking Mississippi River cruise routes. The event was canceled, and an upcoming trip to Mexico was indefinitely postponed.
If my memory serves me correctly, Saturday, March 14, was the last time I ate inside a restaurant, at Azteca D’Oro in Lakeland, Florida. As I write, I have yet to resume inside dining.
In July, Jerry and I did a sponsored day trip to promote safe outdoor activities in Lake County, Florida.
But for the foreseeable future, travel was put on hold, and life as we knew it would drastically change.
I continued to publish authentic stories from my travels until I literally ran out of content in October of 2020, with the publication of Outdoor and Historical Things to Do in Eufaula, Alabama.
Life in the Times of COVID
I had decided early on that I would follow the science, honor the advice of qualified experts in virology, and abide by recommended safety protocols. I imposed these rules on myself in spite of what so many others in my circles chose to do.
Even while in line to vote in the 2020 General Election.
Melody Pittman, from Wherever I May Roam and Travel the South, is my closest and dearest friend in the travel industry. She continued to travel by her own set of rules during the pandemic. In fact, she showed up in my driveway unannounced one day, and we had a lovely visit over the fence. We are beyond ready to travel together again.
I am not grateful for COVID-19, but thankfully, I personally fell into the “merely inconvenienced” category. In many ways, for me, it produced blessings in disguise.
For five years, growing Backroad Planet had been my mission, traveling relentlessly and working incessantly managing my website and social media.
The pandemic shutdowns forced me to take a much-needed break.
I am grateful that financially I did not suffer like so many of my colleagues. Although Backroad Planet is a business and revenue was reduced to a trickle, other streams of stable income kept me afloat. The positive effects of not traveling nor eating out was reflected in my bank balance. I was able to increase charitable giving and grow my savings, as well.
I developed a new routine, walking an hour every day and listening to audiobooks. In 2015, when I went full time with Backroad Planet, reading for pleasure had been relegated to the back burner. I picked up print books, as well.
As a result of my daily walks and intermittent fasting, I lost nearly 30 pounds. I am still a work in progress, hoping to drop a few more.
With fewer distractions, I tackled things around the house, downsizing and organizing, although not so much deep cleaning.
Estate planning was the task I had avoided and put off for years. Today, minus a few loose ends, the dreaded chore is basically done.
That is not to say that 2020 did not have its challenges. On a personal level, it was one of the most emotionally devastating periods of my life. And that is all I will say about that.
Pinebox
When I said I did not travel for more than a year, that did preclude trips in April and August to Pinebox, my cabin in the North Georgia mountains.
It is true I was able to get away, but I don’t always put trips to Pinebox in the “travel” category. To me, going to my cabin is like going home.
Fall is my favorite time of year at Pinebox, and I typically schedule my stay for the last week of October and first week of November in an attempt to hit leaf season at its peak. But due to a family emergency, that trip had to be canceled.
When I am not at the cabin, it is available for short term rentals. If interested, you can book your PInebox stay on AirBnB.
A New Direction
Approaching the one-year anniversary of a year with no travel, I began to consider ways to safely resume travel, because frankly, the backroads were calling and I was chomping at the bit.
It became increasingly clear that an RV would be the safest and best way for an avid roadtripper like me to get back on the road.
Although RV travel had intrigued me for years, I had only done it once, and even then it was an impulsive decision.
I saw a news story about how unseasonal rains had prompted a California Desert Super Bloom, and the stunning videography set my mental gears in motion. I had to see it in person before it was gone. Without giving it much thought, I booked a flight, rented a camper van, and booked a spot at an RV resort. On day trips, I explored Joshua Tree National Park, chased wildflowers in Anza-Borrego State Park, and hiked up Tahquitz Canyon.
I had an absolute blast, and although I enjoyed my first taste of RV life, the rental camper van was a bit small for me. Next time I would need a rig that would allow me to stand up and stretch out.
After more than a year with no travel, I needed to find a way to safely get back on the road.
And so I did.
I devised a plan. As soon as I was eligible, I would get my COVID vaccine, and I would buy an RV.
As I write, I have received my first Pfizer vaccine, and by the time most readers see this post, I will have received my second dose.
Stay tuned for upcoming posts including my RV purchase story, a tour of the Thor Sequence 20L, essential accessories for outfitting an RV, and my “shakedown” trip to two Florida State Park campgrounds.
I Would Love to Hear From You
I enjoy dialogue with readers, especially when they share personal experiences and useful travel tips. How did you survive the year of COVID? I would love to hear about your experience. I invite you to leave your comments and questions below, and I always respond!
Thanks for the update, and I look forward to hearing about your RV life. As for me, I took the same approach that you did – rely on science and make up my own mind, try to be responsible and make the most of non-traveling, down time. So thankful that my friends and loved ones remained safe with the exception of my daughter who works in a hospital in NYC – she got it twice. Yep, she’s a two timer. The first time she was quite ill and the second, totally asymptomatic – fortunately, no long term effects, though.
My husband and I had to cancel three international trips – a cruise to the Norwegian fjords, a Greek Island cruise and a road trip around Nova Scotia. We managed, however, to change our focus to more “local” travel – meaning around the Southeast where we live. We mainly used Airbnbs with access codes and as little contact with others as possible. My husband travels for work and now he is back to making in person sales calls – and he can’t remember how to pack or get ready 🙂 Hoping to rebook our international trips for 2022 and travel domestically this year – fingers crossed!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Jill! The more I hear from readers I learn how diverse our experiences have been while enduring the same global pandemic. Wonderful to hear that your daughter is okay and that you have plans to reschedule international travel. I have cruised Norway and roadtripped Nova Scotia, and both journeys are definitely worth taking. Cruising the Greek Isles is still on the bucket list. Wishing you safe travels in the days to come . . . .
My friends and I traveled to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas last September. We were very cautious in our travels. My husband and I along with another couple traveled to Texas last year in October visiting Waco, Austin, Luckenbach, and Dallas. We had a wonderful time. I pray that God will continue to bless me, my family, and friends. I am planning a trip to Alaska in September and can’t wait. I pray for those who lost loved ones to Covid. I have been blessed and thank God for his blessings. I can’t wait to read about your future adventures.
Thanks for sharing your “Year of COVID” experience, Delores! I am glad you found a way to travel safely.
Like you, I am a blogger, but mine is the food world. Hubby and I caught Covid back in February of 2020 before anyone really knew what it was. We were denied testing but, with our symptoms, my doctor felt certain in saying we did in fact have it. We got through it with about 3 to 4 weeks of feeling horrible, but seemed to get better. In late June I had a relapse. Symptoms returned, albeit milder, but then things went haywire in my body. I am now one of the thousands of people dealing with Covid long haul. I have spent the past few months going from specialist to specialist trying to figure out the nightmare that is my brain and body now. One of the worst things for a food blogger, one of the symptoms is the loss of taste and smell. It has been rough to keep up with my recipes when I can’t feel certain about what I am tasting. I have enlisted the help of neighbors to help me with this. I also deal with what they call “brain fog” which at times can feel almost like I am suffering from early-onset dementia. It is quite frightening.
I am patiently waiting for my vaccine. Some have had their long-haul symptoms cease after getting it, so I am trying to remain hopeful that will be my experience. I miss people, I miss socializing. I would love to travel! But, we decided to buy a boat. That way we can feel like we are going somewhere, be together, but stay safe and socially distant. We pick it up this Saturday, and I can’t wait!
I am speechless, Bobbi. I am so sorry you have to deal with this, and I cannot imagine why there would be a delay in getting you the vaccine when it is now readily available in so many parts of the country. Like you, I miss people, and mainly, I miss hugs. When it is safe again, I plan to make up for lost time. People may think I’m a freak when they get hugged two and three times, but I don’t care. I am happy you also found a way to get out of the house with your new boat. Thanks for sharing your story! I hope it will encourage everyone who reads it to get vaccinated, and I wish you a speedy recovery.
The sights and views from the backroads are often the ones that keep us grounded and able to keep our eyes on the road ahead of us. This morning on our way home from the weekend, I told Andy to cut off Hwy 50 and go on Spring Lake Highway to Dade City. With a look of “why” my best answer was I might see a field of phlox and sure enough I did. What a beautiful sight of color and inspiration for what is to come when we focus on the beauty around us. Have a great day.
You know I agree with you completely! And Florida’s roadside phlox have made me smile on more than one occasion, I am sure.
It has been a tough year, although like you I fall into the “merely inconvenienced” category. I miss travelling, but not as much as I expected I would. What has been hardest for me is having a granddaughter, now almost a year old living almost 2000 kilometres away, whom I have not yet met in person. I look forward to reading about your RV experiences. Travelling by RV appeals to me and I’d love to try it, even though I think that is unlikely to happen at the moment.
Hi Donna, and thanks for sharing your experience of navigating the past year. I don’t have any grandchildren, but I have a nephew, and I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you never having met your granddaughter. I am holding out hope that you will be able to hold her in your arms before too long. Happy to hear you are curious about RV life. So am I. Adventures and misadventures forthcoming!
Great article–enjoyed reading.
Thanks, Betty!
Howard:
Thank you for the update. As you have so honestly said, the past year has been one of challenges. We are doing well on this end after having Covid, Moderna 1 and 2 . . . and did I mention taking a flu shot. Like you, we are looking at resuming our travel activities in the coming months. Please keep us in the loop on your travels. We enjoy your writing immensely.
God Bless,
Ron and Marsha Pugh
Hi Ron & Marsha! Wonderful to hear from you and learn that you are doing well. I am glad to know you are full vaccinated and hope to resume travel soon. I get my second Pfizer vaccine this morning. Thanks for your kind words, and hopefully our paths will cross in the coming year.
I was wondering about you a few weeks ago when I realized I hadn’t got any blog updates for quite some time. Good to read you are well, and I look forward to reading about your future travels! As I read this post I wonder if you know of the Dear Bob & Sue book series, or listen to their podcast? They are a couple who travel the National & State Parks. I highly recommend their books & podcast. Happy Trails!
Great to hear from you, Tammy! I am so excited to be back and looking forward to getting back on the road with a new mode of travel. You must be psychic! I just finished reading back-to-back audiobooks for Dear Bob & Sue and Season 2. I also discovered their podcast. These books were a wonderful way to travel vicariously while in lockdown. Thanks for checking in, and safe travels to you!