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How are you doing in Coronaville? Hub and I have been self-isolating since February when he came down with what we know was a common cold. After long months hunkering inside, our state’s stay-at-home mandate lifts. We decide it's time to explore.
Escape with me on a photo walk around beautiful Symphony Lake, home of the North Carolina Symphony's summer concerts. Some people have a higher risk tolerance for venturing into a pandemic. Not me. I share five ways to stay safe as you enjoy outdoor public spaces during Covid. 
Photo: Kristen Annunziato
1. Know Before You Go
Keeping it 100 here: I am nervous heading beyond my home during a pandemic,
so I review recommended health precautions and scout nearby locations. 
Hub and I decide on the town park
with a greenway that wraps around Symphony Lake. It's just a 10-minute drive away. 
The park's 1.5-mi/2.4km greenway passes Covid-deserted office parks and the outdoor amphitheater where the North Carolina Symphony normally performs its outdoor summer concerts. But not this pandemic season. 
Hey,
how do you like my Covid Chic style <wink>? We prepare for our trek with ... water bottles masks hats comfy walking shoes a dab of sunscreen tissues 
Living in a metro area of 1.2-million stay-at-home-fatigued people,
we leave early on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and ensure 6 feet of separation. If the parking lot is jumping, we’ll head home.
Score!
No crowds. Just a few other walkers, moms with kids in strollers and a sole fisherman. 2. Get Lost in the Moments
It is beyond wonderful
to walk outside once more in warm sunshine on a beautiful summer day! 
Catch the sweet honeysuckle?
Or delicious scent
of those dainty white Silverberry (Elaeagnus) blooms?
The park's wildlife
miss seeing their humans. 
The Mallard family waddles over to say hello.
Mama turtle waves a flipper as she climbs on her loggy perch.
Even a shy heron lets us get close.
3. Delight in an Ordinary Day
Oops!
Watch your step! 
I hate goose poop,
but I don’t mind it today. Reminds me of when I yelped a few naughty words and hopped around droppings back in olden days BC - Before Corona.
4. Chill
We talk for awhile,
but my sweet introverted Hub needs some quiet time. I don't mind. 
I find my bliss ...
Stopping to capture moments of this glorious day with my phone. Tuning in to sights and sounds of the natural world. Yep, I still hear everything despite earbuds plugged into my John Grisham audiobook. Because I've missed being in nature during quarantine .. Everything is louder. Everything looks more vibrant. See (and hear) for yourself in my Symphony Stroll video
5. Repeat
Wow!
We finish the greenway loop! in no time. Tempted to stay longer, but we want to keep our visit short. Hop into the car and take off your gear. There's hand sani in the unlikely event we touched anything evil. Aren't you more energized? A wee bit lighter in your soul? Feeling like I can return to my writer's den and polish the final manuscript of my middle-grade tale in a heart-beat -:D. Thanks for your company. I'm ready to stroll again soon! 
Your Turn
I cannot wait for the day we can be in our fave outdoor places without fretting about Covid. Have you ventured out of your Coronaville boundaries? Where have you gone? What tips can you offer to make an adventure safe and fun? Please share in the comment section. 
16 Comments
Cat Michaels
6/22/2020 06:37:54 pm
Sara, I understand! I was so nervous when I first walked outside my neighborhood, but after taking precautions, it was worth the effort. I hope you soon find your comfortable space to venture outside, too. 6/22/2020 10:54:42 am
Not much so far. I walk around the neighborhood which is pretty expansive. Looks like you have a great place to walk!
Cat Michaels
6/22/2020 06:42:14 pm
Linda, it sounds as if you already have a great place to stretch out in your own neighborhood. I’m not ready to go into indoors to restaurants or hair salons, but close encounters in nearby parks have lifted my spirits.
Cat Michaels
6/22/2020 06:44:10 pm
Deana, thanks for virtual strolling with me! I revisited the park a few times since writing this post, and each time I leave feeling more refreshed, less stressed. 6/22/2020 06:14:51 pm
It's great to get out and get fresh air these days. Looks like a nice peaceful walk.
Cat Michaels
6/22/2020 06:51:10 pm
It’s THE best, Kim. I feel blessed to have peaceful walking trails and parks in our community. Thanks for joining me in strolling around Symphony Lake. 6/22/2020 09:20:48 pm
We have been really blessed that we had very little restrictions here in Australia. It is good that you can get out and about again.
Cat Michaels
6/22/2020 09:59:29 pm
Blessed, indeed! Whatever your country has done about the pandemic, it has served you well. We are at the starting point of a Covid triathlon here in the States. It will be a challenging summer, so I treasure every opportunity to get out and keep safe. 7/3/2020 02:53:26 pm
I like you are getting out and moving. We were doing so good with that and then it warmed up a lot. We have a treadmill but I have to say, it's collecting dust as I type this.
Cat Michaels
7/3/2020 09:36:42 pm
Rosie, I feel compelled to get outside and move to compensate for being unable to swim laps due to this summer’s pool closings. Audiobooks are perfect exercise motivators that will make your time on the treadmill fly by. Thanks for walking along with me. 7/3/2020 03:04:21 pm
Hot here in the desert, so hard to get out in nature right now. We did visit the nearby mountains last weekend. Went to an isolated spot to avoid people. Was so beautiful and tranquil. I sure loved your photos and video with all the wildlife sounds! I felt calmer afterwards. You are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!
Cat Michaels
7/3/2020 09:32:18 pm
Julie, your trip to the mountains sounds delightful. Cannot imagine living in a place that is not close to nature. Although hot summer days make it more challenging. I guess it is always hot in your desert! Thanks for strolling along on Symphony Lake. 7/3/2020 05:46:24 pm
Love your photos. I'm glad you were able to get out and avoid the crowd. Totally agree with leaving early to avoid crowds. I try to avoid popular trails.
Cat Michaels
7/3/2020 09:27:01 pm
Auden, I am with you. Crowded spaces may not bother some, but I avoid them like the plague (pun intended) in quarantine. Early morning is coolest, too, for summer walks. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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