Just returned from a week at a recently re-opened resort. Covid-19 effects were surprisingly minimal. Called ahead to inquire about on-property masking – masking only in effect for inside the check-in building.
Put my mask on at the door to enter. The now ubiquitous plexiglass screening around the check-in counter was the only noticeable change to the check-in process. Took my mask off immediately upon exiting through the doors after check-in.
Pool was open with hours of 10-12, 1-3, 2-5. First come, first serve until capacity (which was never reached, as far as I could tell, but the weather was on the chilly side for most days). It was nice seeing the young kids having a great time in the pool. Masks optional at the pool, of course, and none in sight. Everyone maintained a respectful social distance in and out of the pool (which was always my experience in years past at this pool without Covid-19). I missed soaking in the hot tubs, which are closed for an indefinite period.
Had a chance to speak at length with one of the employees. All but a skeleton crew were furloughed in March. Every one of the furloughed employees returned to their job (no one sought and/or found a different job). The employees were glad to be back at work and collecting a paycheck.
The local grocery store. Put my mask on at the door to enter. Took my mask off immediately departing through the doors. Many other customers were doing the same.
Rocky Mountain National Park is on timed entry similar to the resort pool. Time slots available for $2 at recreation.gov for every two hours from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park guests arrive at the Park entrance with reserved bar code from recreation.gov, the selected entrance pass and photo ID within two hours after the reserved time – stay for the rest of the day. Hundreds of entry passes available for the 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. slots on the day I selected. Chose the 2 p.m. slot and thought there would be no Park entrance line or a short line at 2:45 p.m. I was wrong. The line was just as long as in pre-Covid years.
Encountered maybe a couple dozen hikers. Only one woman was wearing a mask. A father and daughter were fishing in the stream just above Sprague Lake, just off the trail around the lake. No masks; perfectly normal.
It was a great getaway vacation from the insanity city, and such a relief from the tube; I may never tune into a “news” channel again.
I consider my risk of contracting Covid-19 from my vacation next to zero, which is why I am headed back to the same resort next week to use up some more expired credits, enjoy the pool, and take in another hike or two in RMNP.
Next month I am headed to a month of vacationing in newly re-opened Oregon for a reservation booked 13 months in advance.
Vacation On!
Put my mask on at the door to enter. The now ubiquitous plexiglass screening around the check-in counter was the only noticeable change to the check-in process. Took my mask off immediately upon exiting through the doors after check-in.
Pool was open with hours of 10-12, 1-3, 2-5. First come, first serve until capacity (which was never reached, as far as I could tell, but the weather was on the chilly side for most days). It was nice seeing the young kids having a great time in the pool. Masks optional at the pool, of course, and none in sight. Everyone maintained a respectful social distance in and out of the pool (which was always my experience in years past at this pool without Covid-19). I missed soaking in the hot tubs, which are closed for an indefinite period.
Had a chance to speak at length with one of the employees. All but a skeleton crew were furloughed in March. Every one of the furloughed employees returned to their job (no one sought and/or found a different job). The employees were glad to be back at work and collecting a paycheck.
The local grocery store. Put my mask on at the door to enter. Took my mask off immediately departing through the doors. Many other customers were doing the same.
Rocky Mountain National Park is on timed entry similar to the resort pool. Time slots available for $2 at recreation.gov for every two hours from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park guests arrive at the Park entrance with reserved bar code from recreation.gov, the selected entrance pass and photo ID within two hours after the reserved time – stay for the rest of the day. Hundreds of entry passes available for the 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. slots on the day I selected. Chose the 2 p.m. slot and thought there would be no Park entrance line or a short line at 2:45 p.m. I was wrong. The line was just as long as in pre-Covid years.
Encountered maybe a couple dozen hikers. Only one woman was wearing a mask. A father and daughter were fishing in the stream just above Sprague Lake, just off the trail around the lake. No masks; perfectly normal.
It was a great getaway vacation from the insanity city, and such a relief from the tube; I may never tune into a “news” channel again.
I consider my risk of contracting Covid-19 from my vacation next to zero, which is why I am headed back to the same resort next week to use up some more expired credits, enjoy the pool, and take in another hike or two in RMNP.
Next month I am headed to a month of vacationing in newly re-opened Oregon for a reservation booked 13 months in advance.
Vacation On!