COVID-19 Q&A with Adventurers

As the spring rain starts to subside here in the Northwest and the days become longer and warmer, the itch to get outdoors is hitting us harder. But we have to remind ourselves that we are still in the middle of COVID-19. We wanted to share some words of advice and encouragement from some of our favorite adventurers out there and see how they are handling the stay-at-home orders and restrictions on the outdoors. 

Grizel Caminas, @_grizel_

Grizel is a backpacking-enthusiast and an advocate of mental health in the outdoors. She has completed the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and plans on completing the Continental Divide Trail next year. She has two of the sweetest rescue pups, Rue and Frida, who go on all her adventures with her and her partner, Eric. Together, they travel in their van full-time, exploring beautiful trails, spending time with their dogs outside, and living life to its fullest. 

First off, how have you been doing with the stay-at-home orders and all things COVID-19, mentally, emotionally, physically? 

I am doing...okay. And that answer has been enough for me. It's hard to see the anguish over so many groups of people, and because of that and the loss of projects and experiences in my life, I've been just that-"okay." I try to stick to some sort of routine, but sometimes I fail at that-My motto for this season is to continue to be kind to myself in whatever state I am in. 

What are some tips for people to still "adventure" or get their dose of outdoors?

It sounds contradictory, but a tip for adventuring during these times is to remain present and in the moment. I have noticed that some of the coolest experiences have come from meditation in the outdoors and being aware of what is right in front of me. My dogs help me stay present as I let them take ME on walks and let me tell ya—we go on pretty cool adventures around the block. 

What are some safety tips you want people to be aware of so they can safely enjoy the outdoors?

Definitely check out @outdooralliance for more information on recreating responsibly, they go over 6 guidelines as we reenter outdoor spaces: "Know Before you go, Plan ahead, practice physical distancing, play it safe, stay close to home, leave no trace." 

For more info, check out their website: outdooralliance.com / Covid-19 Guidelines

Anythings else, words of encouragement, adventure plans for when this lets up? Has anything surprised you from this quarantine so far? 

Keep your head up, kids. It's not over yet, but it will be over soon. 

Logan Dralle, @her.oregon.life

Logan lives and breathes PNW adventure. She lifts up her community with real and positive posts on the outdoors, mental health, and body positivity. Her two dogs, Gouda and Patsy, and her fiancé, Benji, tag along on her hikes. She works with outdoor and lifestyle brands to produce content for their social media platforms about conservation, Leave No Trace, and self-esteem as a woman in the outdoors.

How have you been doing with the stay-at-home orders and all things COVID-19?

One day I’m doing great, staying busy, focused, and the next I’m struggling. I’m an extrovert, so connecting with humans face to face is something I thrive off of. We own a home and have lots of updates we’ve been doing so that has helped me stay busy and feel encouraged to focus on what I have control over. 

What are some tips for people to still "adventure" or get their dose of outdoors?

Take a walk in your neighborhood, or find a local nature area that is open at this time. Houseplants and planting in the garden is a great way to connect with the Earth. Grab your favorite to-go food and have a picnic date night in the park. 

What are some safety tips you want people to be aware of so they can safely enjoy the outdoors?

Always tell a friend or family member where you are going before you go. Pack extra food and water in your car and prepare to get stuck somewhere. An emergency device is helpful but can be expensive. 

Anythings else, words of encouragement, adventure plans for when this lets up? Has anything surprised you from this quarantine so far?

I taught myself how to bake sourdough bread! Turns out the trend of break making was relaxing and rewarding! 

Give yourself and those around you grace when entering public spaces again. Things will be different. I have a road trip planned for the end of May, and where we go will be determined on the rules of public lands and the amount of COVID cases in my state.

Danielle Rodriguez, @dani_the_explorer

Dani is a full-time adventure blogger and photographer based in Arizona. Though she only uses Arizona as a base, as she has traveled the world with her partner, Scott. She runs her adventure blog, Dani the Explorer, and works with brands and helping create content to tell their stories.

First off, how have you been doing with the stay-at-home orders and all things COVID-19, mentally, emotionally, physically?

Emotionally I think I'd be doing fine! I have been occupied with other things like working out and cooking at home. More recently, I've been trying to get more creative with my photography! It's been nice to take a break from adventuring so much. 

What are some tips for people to still "adventure" or get their dose of outdoors?

I think people need to get creative. My best tip is to follow CDC guidelines and get outdoors close to home! You can ride a bike, go on a walk—find new ways to get some vitamin D in your life.

What are some safety tips you want people to be aware of so they can safely enjoy the outdoors?

Just follow social distancing guidelines. I know going to popular trails and adventuring with people is fun, but those things can wait! It's not worth putting yourself and others at risk.

Anythings else, words of encouragement, adventure plans for when this lets up, anything surprise you from this quarantine so far?

Just keep pushing! I have my days where I get so sick of being home and I want nothing more than to go out and see the world, but I know this will pass and we'll all be able to pick up from this. We might even become better people from it. Stay hopeful!

Angela Ligouri, @angelaliggs

Angela is a full-time traveler and freelance digital content creator and photographer. She has always had a love for adventure and left her 9 to 5 job in 2019 to pursue full-time entrepreneurship. She has worked with numerous brands to help tell their story of adventure and the love of the outdoors.

2. What are some tips for people to still "adventure" or get their dose of outdoors?

Go on a daily walk! I've been getting outside 6/7 days of the week and it has kept me sane. Now that some trails and parks are opening, I'd suggest keeping up with the updates on government websites and heading there to get your daily dose of the outdoors.

3. What are some safety tips you want people to be aware of so they can safely enjoy the outdoors?

Don't be afraid to get outside during this time—it's probably the safest place you can go right now. I suggest being respectful of others when you see someone walking down a trail. Step aside and let them go by with 6ft in between you both. Don't forget to smile—it always brightens an interaction up. I personally don't wear a mask while on a trail, but you definitely can if it will make you feel more at ease.