Leisurely Approach to Capital Quarantine Challenge Leads to Newfound Appreciation
Determined to not let the pandemic stop them from enjoying outdoor activities and fresh air, experienced hikers Sandee Bailey and Jane Taft began a healthy distance walking plan. Excited to engage socially outdoors, they would meet up and walk their local neighborhood streets. However, seeing the same sights repeatedly began to take its toll. Drawn to the woods, fields, rolling hills, flowers, and diverse scenery of the Capital Trail, Sandee and Jane decided to tackle the Capital Trail Quarantine Challenge. This was Jane’s first time visiting the Trail and Sandee’s first time experiencing the Trail on foot.
Sandee and Jane started their trek in Richmond. Their strategy was simple, walk three miles out and back (six miles total) each week. As their routes took them further from home, they steadily increased their mileage. By driving separately, they were able to park one car at the end of their route and then drive back to the starting point after their walk. This enabled them to increase their distance to a straight six-mile course.
Having ridden the Trail many times by bike, Sandee enjoyed the relaxed pace and gained a newfound appreciation as she discovered sites along the Trail she would have missed if traveling at a faster pace. Never knowing what to expect on their weekly walks, the Trail was something they looked forward to with eager anticipation. Each route brought them in contact with new people, sights, and experiences. A master naturalist, Sandee recalled the 30 different species of birds and even a green snake they encountered, sightings that added to the overall natural experience of their outings.
“The Trail is the perfect width for social distancing. On every trip, we were experiencing nature in a new way,” shares Sandee. “I always felt safe even in rural areas. Two women in their early 60s, and we never felt unsafe or not excited to be there. The Trail is a great asset to Virginia, and it’s free!”
Sandee’s favorite part was learning about local history by reading the historical markers along the Trail. Markers that depicted freedom and valor from the civil and revolutionary wars. She also enjoyed the diverse range of people they encountered on each visit to the Trail. Her toughest challenge occurred in Henrico County when they missed a turn resulting in an additional two-mile walk beyond their anticipated route.
“The Trail offers great diversity. Every race, age, and sex. People riding hand-me down bikes to the most expensive types. We even saw two unicyclists,” says Sandee.
Sandee’s recommendation to Trail users, if you have not taken the Jamestown Scotland ferry from the Chippokes Plantation State Park you are missing out. It is an absolute must, add it to your bucket-list experience!
Thank you Sandee and Jane for sharing your story!
If you’d like more information on the Capital Quarantine Challenge, please click here.
