Let’s face it, Covid-19 has impacted us all in many ways. We are not oblivious to the serious economic and health issues that some have experience, and we offer our sincere condolences to all those whose families and loved ones have been affected. It’s been a work in progress for the world to figure out how to go about living, and making a living, under the emerging data about the virus and guidelines for best practices.
In life and on the river we’re following the science and doing our part to reduce the risk of spread. We, and all the outfitters we work with, took great care in enhancing our health protocols this past season. Our plan is to continue doing so until the pandemic is under control.
One take away from this past season is how important it is for people’s physical and mental health to get outdoors and into the wilderness. We felt the melting of stress in our guests and ourselves as we traveled further from “civilization”. In the backcountry we experienced record numbers of people escaping to camp, hike, bike and fish. It reinforced the need for us all to care for and protect wild places (a topic for another post).
We recognize we each have a different approach to how we deal with the risk of potential exposure. Early in the pandemic some courses and trips were cancelled as we waited to see what state and federal health agencies recommended. Once this was clear and we were “trip on”, participation in our offerings was down about 50%.
Until enough of us are protected by vaccination such that the risk is greatly reduced, we go forward into the 2021 season continuing to use masks, social distancing and wash our hands a lot on the trips. If you choose not to join us in the upcoming season we support your decision, and hope to see you in 2022. Until then, we send you a virtual hug.
Be safe and be healthy as we all do our part for the whole of our society,
Mary & Phil