#16: March 18 — LYFE IN TOW

Greetings from a Target parking lot in New Mexico.

First, I realize I’m a little behind on my blog posts. I have a few entries in the works including more on West Texas, Guadalupe National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park and New Mexico. However, I wanted to insert a quick post regarding my thoughts and reflections on the recent Coronavirus situation and my current status.

I have been laying low in New Mexico since last week when things started getting more serious on a national level with this virus. Simultaneously, I’ve had a few mishaps with the Airstream: 1) Leak in the roof, and 2) Thermostat will not turn on (yes, the same thermostat I successfully replaced last month). These are two things that I don’t want to continue traveling with while not fully functioning.

With the help of Airstream head office, I was able to get a service appointment at Airstream of New Mexico today (typically these Airstream dealerships book out months in advance for service appointments). They are taking a look at it and I’m waiting on a call to understand whether or not they need to keep it overnight. If they need to order a part, it may take a few days to arrive from the head office. I just don’t know.

This all brings me to my current status. I am in the Target parking lot because, well, I really don’t know where else to go. I don’t want to walk around stores, and all restaurants and coffee shops are only doing take-out (plus, I have Addie with me). And my “home” is in the shop. Tonight could go a few different ways:

Pending the Airstream needs to stay overnight:

1) I could stay in a hotel (not ideal given COVID-19).

2) I could ask the Airstream dealer if I could have the trailer back until the part arrives so I can sleep in it.

Pending all is fixed today:

1) I will find a campsite for tonight and figure out tomorrow’s destination.

Regardless of when, the Airstream will get fixed. Then, I need to figure out what I’m doing, exactly. New Mexico state parks have been closed to overnight campers. However, I’ve done all I want to do in New Mexico, so that’s neither here nor there. The next stop will be Arizona.

National Parks remain open however, many visitor centers have been closed, or they are limiting the number of people allowed inside at a time. Specific restrictions vary park by park. I am fully aware that the parks - state or national - could close any day. Like everything else, we just don’t know.

Despite feeling a little unsettled about it, I will continue to camp and explore nature. I am, by default, practicing social distancing, as well as keeping my hands washed, limiting outings to only places necessary and planning to not move around as much. Hopefully, I’ll find a beautiful spot to camp in Arizona and hunker down there for a longer duration of time. If things progressively get worse and I don’t feel safe for any reason, I’ll reevaluate.

At times I feel I’ve chosen the perfect timing to embark on this adventure, but at other times, I feel it’s the worst timing. I will take it day by day, just like everyone else is doing. That’s really all we can do. Please stay safe!

By the way, if anyone has any questions/advice, please let me know!