We had a fabulous Covid-fatigue reliever this weekend. With careful planning, we went on a 2 day, 1 night 'venture (adventure) with our daughter and family. The 6 of us have been in the same "Covid bubble" since June, though we wear masks when in close spaces together. We traveled in separate vehicles to 2 rooms in a favorite motel after we assured ourselves of their Covid protocols. We paid for Friday & Saturday nights to be sure the rooms were empty for over 24 hours, and arrived Saturday morning. On arrival we opened doors & windows, removed comforters from the beds & carefully sanitized all touch surfaces in both rooms (including spraying Lysol thoroughly on all fabric & vertical surfaces within reach of our little boys.) Then we spread a clean tablecloth on one bed to serve as our "dining room." We brought all food for the trip except our Saturday night pizza.

Our adventure Saturday included a walk in the North Woods where the leaves are changing, family photos at a traditional spot (our 50th year there!), special snacks, visiting Grandpa's childhood home, a romp in the park, and takeout pizza from a favorite restaurant. Then Grandpa & Grandma took the little boys to settle them down after the excitement while Mom & Dad took the dog for a walk. Sunday we went to watch the "big trucks" in the mine pits, and ended up playing with magnets in ore-laden dirt, seeing which rocks were magnetic and marveling at the soil that stuck to the magnets. (Daddy was as fascinated as the 4 year old.) As we left them, they were covered with red dust, headed for a night & day at Dad's (empty) family cabin, and still smiling.

We're exhausted, but the looks of pure joy, and the giddiness of two little boys at being in a different place and having new things to do was totally worth it! I don't think the 4 year old stopped smiling from the time he recognized the motel until he fell asleep.

I posted this long message as an example that it is entirely possible to travel safely during Covid, though it does require extra thought & preparation. We had no personal contact with anyone except the motel manager (masked) to get the key, and the cashier at the bar (to get the pizza.) This is our fourth overnight or longer trip during Covid, and we have had no negative repercussions on any of them. In addition, we make many day trips to outdoor venues - even a walk at the beach or state park can provide relief; you can sit on a bench if walking isn't your thing. Just keep your mask handy and wash your hands...

Sue