The Ethics of Outdorr Recreation in Times of COVID-19

[schindlerpiste]

Yesterday, the town council of Alta imposed mandatory 14 day quarantine on all non-Utards (i.e. second homeowners). Also, the sheriff stated that on weekends 500-600 cars are being parked in the Collins parking lot each day. That's a lot of hikers.

[hutash]

Did the Utah governor start a stay at home order, or are they just being assholes? There are a lot of people in Utah already with COVID.

[snowaddict91]

Did the Utah governor start a stay at home order, or are they just being assholes? There are a lot of people in Utah already with COVID.

The governor issued a stay at home "directive," but Salt Lake County has a stay at home order, with the standard somewhat-vague exception for recreation and exercise.

[mall walker]

various UT pols are actively encouraging outdoor recreation, so don’t get your panties too twisted about it up on that high horse. don’t worry though all us good citizens are calling our representatives daily begging them to check this thread.

[anotherVTskibum]

Judging from what I'm seeing on Facebook, the number of people who can't understand that skiing (or pick your choice of inherently risky form of exercise) can be done in a minimal-risk manner, in places near your home and thus consistent with the guidance from most states, seems to be matched by the number of people who can't figure out what "near your home" and "low-risk manner" mean, given the overall situation in society. So as usual, this is why we can't have nice things.

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[snowaddict91]

The move here is to shit on BC skiing because it is so dangerous, and tell people to go cycling or MTB instead.

They are right. Everyone should stay down in the valley and ride their bike, right mall walker?

[mall walker]

^ absolutely. since you can bike from your house, and since nobody ever gets hurt biking or running especially on trails near where they live, it’s the socially responsible thing to do. a veterinarian online told me so.

in other news another ~1800 people died of heart disease today. let’s all be responsible and doordash some more mcdonald’s about it.

[skiJ]

Judging from what I'm seeing on Facebook, the number of people who can't understand that skiing (or pick your choice of inherently risky form of exercise) can be done in a minimal-risk manner, in places near your home and thus consistent with the guidance from most states, seems to be matched by the number of people who can't figure out what "near your home" and "low-risk manner" mean, given the overall situation in society. So as usual, this is why we can't have nice things.

maggs --

of the posts on this page,
I believe VT's has the most merit --

I see Patience wearing thin - maggs who in better times . . .
one of the calls I do appreciate is :
we Are all in this together --

as I hear the number of deaths has tripled in a week, and
they are calling for all ventilators in NY state to be transported to NYC...

and then
there are two deaths in three days off Teton Pass from avalanches, leading to responses by Many in SAR --


I believe when we look back at this, the risks and costs associated with " outdoor exercise " is going to be one of the things that missed it's mark :
too many situations led to too many gatherings , and

too many injuries to people who did not effectively manage their Risk - or (just did not care )
( and then there are idiots like me who had a near - fall on ice on Friday that was eerily similar to the fall that broke my leg two years ago ... )

so here is my plea in this thread about the ethics of outdoor recreation during this health crisis :
- try to be Patient - Remember about opinions --
( and even those I don't agree with,
the holder Is entitled to his opinion ) ;
- each has the Right within the [Rules of the day] to make personal choices - and it is very important that my risk not become your risk.

I have great Respect for those who are stepping-up to try to contribute in creative ways and contribute in ways that are outside your normal roles - kudos and Positive vibes to you - and Thank you...

for now,

be well -
Please, be Safe. tj

[PB]

But where would we be without prayer?


Waaaiiit a second...

The Baby Jesus' blood cures all diseases! I'm selling' 2 oz. vials of his precious bodily fluids for $399 (10% discount of ordering over 500 vials); almost as good Bat Blood for ONLY $199 (no volume discount).

[Bunion 2020]

The move here is to shit on BC skiing because it is so dangerous, and tell people to go cycling or MTB instead.

They are right. Everyone should stay down in the valley and ride their bike, right mall walker?

I am not sure how back country skiers or skiing is being shit upon.

[Lone Star]

^^^ i think all are just hoping/wishing that all would throttle it way back.

[Ottime]

This guy’s managing to get some turns in even with the current situation

Ha. I posted that over in the Tahoe thread. Making sure it gets quoted for this page. We caught onto it because my son has been working on making stop motion films over the past three weeks of lock down. Super well done.

[old goat]

We used to make photos of sidewalk crack climbing. Up to 5.18. That was berfore they invented movies.

[snowaddict91]

I am not sure how back country skiers or skiing is being shit upon.

I meant here as in the Wasatch. Reading my post now I think I came off a bit hot. There's a trail advocacy group that's been making really weird posts on facebook and I guess I'm just over it.

[concretejungle]

My partner and I almost wrecked riding bikes around the neighborhood so there's that.

[hutash]

It is not that difficult. Despite what some conservative governors and saying, we should all "stay at home". All the real health experts are saying it. That means essential travel only. Now they are upgrading to minimize even trips to the grocery store. That does not mean driving to go to your local MTB, hike, climb, or ski spot. It's not difficult to comprehend, or at least it shouldn't be, but judging by many responses here it is. Doing this will save lives, period. If you think you are more i.portant then everybody else, then continue doing what you are doing. Sure it sucks being bored stiff, and a short run out our front door doesn't seem like enough, but it won't be forever. Listen to the experts, it is that simple.

[MMMSKI]

Stay in a bubble. Stay close to home...no need to drive hours away in this strange new world we live in. Discover the trails in your own town/city...this is not the time to seek “big adventure”...nature and outdoor recreation can look like a lot of things

[Name Redacted]

Stay in a bubble. Stay close to home...no need to drive hours away in this strange new world we live in. Discover the trails in your own town/city...this is not the time to seek “big adventure”...nature and outdoor recreation can look like a lot of things

Yep, I've been riding the road bike around neighborhoods in my area that I have never been into. It's kinda cool. There's some pretty good climbs and some ridiculously fancy expensive homes to look at.

[Shorty_J]

It is not that difficult. Despite what some conservative governors and saying, we should all "stay at home". All the real health experts are saying it. That means essential travel only. Now they are upgrading to minimize even trips to the grocery store. That does not mean driving to go to your local MTB, hike, climb, or ski spot. It's not difficult to comprehend, or at least it shouldn't be, but judging by many responses here it is. Doing this will save lives, period. If you think you are more i.portant then everybody else, then continue doing what you are doing. Sure it sucks being bored stiff, and a short run out our front door doesn't seem like enough, but it won't be forever. Listen to the experts, it is that simple.

See I don't think it's as cut and dried as you've suggested.

I find the messaging to be inconsistent at best, at least in my area.

I'm 100% sure that on my bike ride today (in the city) I was not closer than 8 feet to anyone, didn't touch one shared surface, and had a great day, safely.

I'm equally certain I could do the same with a short drive to a local trail network by just wiping down the gas pump (if i even need to use it).

I am socially distancing.

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[mall walker]

^ don’t bother, some people here have lost their minds completely and decided that going outside by yourself is the same as injecting everyone in the fetal ICU with a rusty AIDS needle. no time for details when there’s moralizing on the internet to be done.

[ill-advised strategy]

Traffic rebounding to near-normal here.
(I’m “essential”, out driving in it)

Seeing a surprising number of motorcycles. 2 guys were out riding around the other day, I think everyone saw them and boom: intense FOMO.... 2 days later motos left and right. smh

[ill-advised strategy]

Also, my bike commute is totally annoying with pathways choked with walkers and cyclists.

[MakersTeleMark]

Traffic rebounding to near-normal here.
(I’m “essential”, out driving in it)

Seeing a surprising number of motorcycles. 2 guys were out riding around the other day, I think everyone saw them and boom: intense FOMO.... 2 days later motos left and right. smh

That's exactly what I'm going to do.

[fastfred]

in other news another ~1800 people died of heart disease today. let’s all be responsible and doordash some more mcdonald’s about it.

Hey I was one of those people almost and I've got almost 500 miles on the car this week driving around having fun feel free to blow me

[skifishbum]

It is not that difficult. Despite what some conservative governors and saying, we should all "stay at home". All the real health experts are saying it. That means essential travel only. Now they are upgrading to minimize even trips to the grocery store. That does not mean driving to go to your local MTB, hike, climb, or ski spot. It's not difficult to comprehend, or at least it shouldn't be, but judging by many responses here it is. Doing this will save lives, period. If you think you are more i.portant then everybody else, then continue doing what you are doing. Sure it sucks being bored stiff, and a short run out our front door doesn't seem like enough, but it won't be forever. Listen to the experts, it is that simple.

Sheldon wouldn't obey social distancing guidelines and be led into the vet so hes not gitting rabies and dystria shots now
I thought of you and smiled
you know have skied with my personal health expert and spanser and broke bread in the abode bout as "real" as it gets huh? feel free to debate the level of her expertise if it helps your sjw case
im not allowed to shop cept online im still crankin 40's out as an essential with the dog by my side
im still gonna to exercise by rowing and exercising fish as essential to my physical and mental health with my personal health experts blessings.

“My advice is, do not try to inhabit another's soul. You have your own.”
― Jim Harrison, Songs of Unreason

“Wherever we go we do harm, forgiving
ourselves as wheels do cement for wearing
each other out. We set this house
on fire, forgetting that we live within.

(from "To a Meadowlark," for M.L. Smoker)”
― Jim Harrison


essentails and risks are personal choices
I know I made a choice to serve the country to protect the freedoms of such
stay safe
and

“It is easy to forget that in the main we die only seven times more slowly than our dogs.”
― Jim Harrison, The Road Home