Misinformation or the Truth?

As the news about the coronavirus seems to get worse, I think it’s important to keep a clear head and try to separate panic & misinformation from the truth. It’s definitely not time to panic or load up on toilet paper and bottled water. As far as I know, we will be able to find toilet paper and our water supply will not be cut off. My water is from a well so I think we’ll be ok.

I understand that many people have been asked to stay home if possible and avoid crowds. This sounds like good advice to stop the spread of this virus. We have my 88-year-old mother living with us, so we are isolating her as much as possible. People can also be “carriers” without showing symptoms, so I have to keep my distance from my Mom. I use Lysol spray and wipes and wash my hands often.

Truths

1. The symptoms of the coronavirus are; a cough, high temperature, and shortness of breath. Simple measures like washing your hands often with soap and water can help stop this virus from spreading. It’s not known exactly how this virus is spread from person to person but like other viruses, it could be by cough droplets.
2. It is spreading quickly across our country and across the world.
3. We have been asked to avoid large gatherings.
4. Large events are being canceled, sporting events, concerts,
5. Schools and churches are being closed
6. Some businesses are asking employees to work from home
7. The stock market is taking a hit
8. We don’t know what the long-term effect will be on our economy
9. A vaccine is being developed
10. It is unknown if the virus doesn’t like the heat of warmer weather and will subside in the summer

UPDATE: We now have answers to these questions. When I first wrote this, it was early in the Pandemic.

There is still a lot of unknowns with the coronavirus and I can certainly understand the urge to panic, I definitely have felt that lately especially in regard to my mother. I am not unsympathetic to those directly affected by this horrible virus, I am praying daily for those who are sick or have no source of income due to closings. I have no doubt that we will all be affected in some way before this is over. I think It’s important to get our news from reliable sources. I tend to listen to what the CDC and doctors have to say.

Travel bans

Many of us had travel plans for this month or one of the next few months. We are faced with trying to get our down payment back and think of alternative ways to travel. It’s definitely disappointing to plan and look forward to these trips for months just to have them canceled by no fault of our own. My son and daughter-in-law had a “once in a lifetime” trip to Italy planned for their 10th anniversary. Even though their trip is planned for late May, I don’t think it will happen. They are still considering it, but the choice may be made for them with mandatory travel bans.

I understand why these bans are in place, and I agree with them, but that doesn’t help with the disappointment we all feel. I would like to present you with a traveling alternative, Camping! I know this will not appeal to everyone but maybe I can convert a few Travelers or Cruisers into Campers.

The good news about going camping is that your camper is kind of like being in isolation. You are away from other people and you are in control of cleaning and sanitizing your camper. Being on a site at a campground is in a wide-open area. When you step outside your camper, you are in fresh air not in a crowded hotel, on an airplane, or on a cruise ship. Don’t get me wrong, I will be first in line when the cruises are rolling again but for now, I believe that camping could be a great alternative for many of us longing for a getaway.

Camp – RV – Rent or Own

I’m going to talk mainly about RV camping, it’s what I know. There’s nothing wrong with tent camping, but I gave it up long ago. I faced too many mornings after a rainy night with soggy sleeping bags! If you’re not sure about the whole camping thing, may I suggest that you rent an RV?

There are 6 main types of RVs(recreational vehicles)

• Class A – Motorhomes – largest self-driven RV, looks like a bus
• Class B – Motorhomes – self-driven RV, looks like a van
• Class C – Motorhomes – also a self-driven RV, looks like a truck in front and camper in back
• Popup Trailers – smallest size, “pull-behind” trailer, pops up and out when camping
• Travel Trailers – several different sizes, “pull-behind” trailer
• Fifth Wheels – trailer that connects to the bed of a pick-up truck

There are several companies that you can rent from;

• Cruise America – class C motorhomes only
• Outdoorsy – all types, rented from the RV owner
• RVshare – all types, rented from the RV owner

Finding the right campground for you and your family

Most campgrounds have a lot to offer, with playgrounds, mini-golf, pools, walking trails, and much more! You have to do some research in picking the right one. Most will allow your pet to come along, I have even seen some dog parks!

There are several websites and/or apps you can look at when choosing. I have the app, “Park Advisor” on my phone which will show you RV Parks and campgrounds throughout the US. We also like to go to KOA or GoodSam campgrounds. You can find locations through their website or with an app.

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Camping is done in wide-open areas with lots of space and fresh air. You control how clean you keep your camper and you control who you come in contact with.

I offer this up as a suggestion to those of us who have been disappointed lately by canceled trips and travel bans. We all understand that the precautions are necessary to contain the coronavirus over the next several months. Why not consider a camping trip? Who knows, you and your family might enjoy it so much, that you will want to do it again and again! Please comment below and share if you like this post. Let me know if you take my suggestion, I would love to hear from you!

UPDATE: This still sounds like a great idea to me! Some parks and campgrounds are slowly opening across the country. I would rather be in my camper(that I cleaned), than on a plane or on a cruise. I hope we will be traveling by ALL means soon, but in the next few months, why not consider taking your family camping.

You may also enjoy these posts:

Mayberry Campground

A Great Place to Camp

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