I have struggled to find an appropriate topic for this week’s post. All of my fun ideas about Senior Ripper adventures seem trivial and self-indulgent, in light of what is happening in the world, in our country and in our community. Our Senior Ripper generation has lived through a lot. The Viet Nam War, the moon landing, the assassinations of JFK, MLK and RFK, 9/11, war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the great recession, just to name a few. And now Covid 19.
It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced. We were in New York City during 9/11, and that’s the closest I can come up with for what we are going through now. Our world has changed. Simple acts such as going to the grocery store feel different, scary. It seems like every email in my inbox has something to do with Covid 19. Most of them end with “wash your hands”.
Yesterday, virtually ever ski resort in Utah announced they were closing for at least the next week, but in reality, probably for the season. Summit County (where Park City is located) has required all restaurants to close indefinitely, except for call-in orders and curbside delivery. The economic life-blood of our community has been completely shut down.
During 9/11, and other crises, we could always gather with friends and neighbors. Not this time. It’s pretty much Gail, Piper and me. Could be worse, but could be better…a lot better.
Here are some pictures taken by a friend here showing a lonely Park City and Deer Valley.
And the liquor store line yesterday! Some things just don’t stop.
Stay safe. And wash your hands!
All pictures, except for the liquor store line, courtesy of Bob Runge. Thanks Bob!
Wash your hands and Piper’s paws….
We’re all in our own parts of the world, yet we’re interconnected.
Utah…and Vermont…. are far removed from the front lines of the cities, the airports and places where people congregate and intermingle.
Wash early and often.
Things certainly have changed…almost overnight. More to come, I’m afraid. My daily gravel ride is providing my grounding and sense of normalcy in troubled times. Not sure what I’ll do if I have to give it up. May you and yours stay safe, Senior!
In the unlikely event we are unable to ride, we’ll write more posts! Stay safe.
If you’re a senior ripper, does that mean that you’re no longer middle aged??
Here in Cambridge there’s a variety of “social distancing” but there are plenty of people outside going for walks and bike rides. I haven’t gone to a grocery store for four or five days but I’m wondering if there will be anything on the shelf if I do. My strategy in general is to wear gloves, when possible, try not to touch my face, and to wash my hands when I get home before touching anything other than the door knob. Then clean the door knob. But, can one think of everything that one should clean with alcohol or soap?? It’s kind of crazy. But Alison has asthma so we are trying to cover all the bases.
When was I last middle aged? Or maybe we haven’t gotten there yet? We’re still young. We just need to get through this crisis. I’m riding, hiking, doing some alpine touring (no lifts). Mostly with Gail, but sometimes others, and we keep our distance.
Dear Senior Ripper
I just can’t quite wrap my hands around this virus and consequences. One month ago we had just returned from Barbados and planning a trip to the Bahamas in this month. Now, all of a sudden, we are facing virtual hibernation. Naples is in complete shut down, Florida is closing up shop, soon we will see travel restrictions, and on and on. But, in the middle of Winter, Spring is not far behind. The virus will be over, there will be new life spouting, Naples will return with gusto, Florida will come back stronger than ever, travel will explode. We might even get a few ski runs in. We will learn how to combat this virus and others that are not far behind. It’ll take a couple of years for the markets and our personal finances to recover, but they will. We just need to be prudent.
Right now, stay healthy, wash hands, get outside and smile.
Ed
Stay safe and keep cross country skiing for the rest of us!
It April 2nd, a couple weeks after the Senior Ripper missive was shared. Suddenly I must excuse myself – the alpacas are eating on the front lawn – they seem to have no social distancing challenges. Success. The alpacas are back in their space. As are the goats. Lots of social distancing. I’m curious, Senior Rippers, are you noticing the trends of boredom. Aside from the ill – whom we’re praying for – I’m noticing the dynamic how people are occupying themselves, reinventing themselves, stimulating themselves (maybe not) and creating things for themselves. Those who are got at it, seem to be getting better. Now back to the eggs.