You're probably thinking "I can go from Los Angeles to New York in one fell shot." You can do this over several days, stopping overnight in a few places. Perhaps, driving from coast-to-coast is better than being hurtled across the sky in a pressurized metal tube with a mask on. There is no guarantee that in this COVID-19 world that airline service would be completely different than before the world shut down.
Still, being in a vehicle alone could yield various feelings. You could feel lonely, content, relaxed, and even excited. Still, it would be a good idea to take a solo adventure to avoid the pandemic for a few hours.
I keep hearing from those who had to travel for essential purposes. Flights are up to half capacity, now that no one can sit in the middle seat of each row. Masks are being worn – except for a few instances caught on social media. Hotels are mostly open. Rental car agencies are still providing vehicles to the few travelers out there.
Moving is a lot of work. We all know this. We pack what we can into our vehicle – our own or a rental truck – and head off. It takes a high level of effort to ensure that nothing is broken, destroyed or stolen.
Now, I’m not too sure. Perhaps not in the way that is expected for an automotive journalist prior to government "stay-at-home" orders and shutting down of borders to flatten the curve on the COVID-19 virus.
Back in the day, we used to chart our course by using a map – whether it was a folded paper one or a big atlas in our vehicle. We would read it, review it, and drive onward to our destination. Wad it an exact science? It was when it counted the most.
Even as government shutdowns are being enforced, some of us doing so. Risky as it may be, we justify our travels as essential. We need to tend to loved ones who live miles away.
This is a question that we all should be asking our family, friends, enemies, and other human beings during this period of self-quarantine and social distancing because of the COVID-19 situation. It has not been easy for us, as a whole. Some have reached a breaking point. Others have rolled onward the best they can.
COVID-19 has begun to crimp several people’s livelihood. It has become a global pandemic that has taken lives, quarantined others, and caused panic in various places on Earth.
When you think of overlanding, you’re probably thinking off-roading with onboard camping equipment and some extreme equipment made for maximum adventure and exploration. It is a new level of the art of going off the tarmac and finding trouble – maybe.